A Boost for the Secondary
Makhi Boone, a 6‑foot, 171‑pound freshman cornerback, has officially joined the 2026 West Virginia Mountaineers roster, arriving on campus ahead of schedule as an early enrollee.
The Mountaineers' defense faced a tough season a year ago, surrendering 28 passing touchdowns and ranking eighth in the nation for passing yards allowed among Division I‑FBS teams. Boone's arrival is timed to address those gaps.
During his senior year at his high school, Boone recorded 27 solo tackles and five interceptions, earning a three‑star rating from 247Sports. His knack for reading routes and delivering hard hits has already drawn praise from position coaches.
While defensive back is widely regarded as one of the most demanding positions on the gridiron, Boone is expected to contribute early, possibly on special teams and as a reserve in the secondary, giving the Mountaineers a versatile option.
The coaching staff sees his blend of size, speed, and playmaking ability as a potential catalyst for a unit that struggled to limit big passes, and his early presence could accelerate the learning curve for younger teammates.