Sam Hamilton, a Cincinnati native, put pen to paper in December 2025, officially joining the West Virginia University football program as a tight end. The signing marks the latest addition to the Mountaineers' recruiting class and signals the staff's confidence in the young player's potential.
A promising addition to the tight end room
During his senior season at Cincinnati's St. Xavier High School, Hamilton caught 15 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns, earning All‑Conference honors and a spot on the Greater Catholic League All‑League Second Team. The previous year he recorded 22 receptions for 272 yards and five scores, establishing himself as a reliable target in the passing game.
His performance earned him a three‑star rating from 247 Sports, placing him as the No. 44 tight end prospect in the nation. Power‑Four programs such as Duke, Houston, Kentucky and Washington all extended offers, but Hamilton ultimately chose to commit to West Virginia after a series of campus visits, including a Junior Day in February and an official trip to Morgantown in June.
Neal Brown's initial offer was later reinforced by coach Michael Nysewander, who re‑offered Hamilton after seeing his film and meeting him in person. Both coaches highlighted his size, route‑running precision and willingness to block, traits they believe will translate well to the collegiate level.
As a true freshman, Hamilton is expected to redshirt, giving him an extra year to develop physically and learn the playbook. Early reports from spring practices suggest he has already impressed the coaching staff with his work ethic and ability to absorb complex assignments.
The addition of Hamilton bolsters a tight end corps that has seen limited depth in recent seasons. With the program's emphasis on a balanced offense, his versatility could provide the Mountaineers with more flexible formations and a stronger red‑zone threat.