A Potential Roster Revamp
West Virginia University coach Ross Hodge is exploring the possibility of re‑engaging two former seniors, Treysen Eaglestaff and Brenen Lorient, for the 2026‑27 campaign, contingent on roster limits expanding and eligibility rules allowing an extra year of play.
The Mountaineers currently hold a single open scholarship spot after Boise State transfer Javan Buchanan becomes eligible, a vacancy that could be filled if a recent legal decision by Judge Charlotte Sweeney grants the 2022 class a fifth year of eligibility, potentially freeing additional slots.
Eaglestaff, who previously appeared in the New York Knicks’ NBA Summer League but remained unsigned, posted a 9.8‑point, 4.6‑rebound, 1.4‑assist line last season while shooting 39 % from the floor and 34 % from three‑point range. Lorient, by contrast, did not participate in the NBA Summer League or sign any professional contract, yet is viewed as a versatile power forward who could add athleticism and perimeter shooting.
Coach Hodge has repeatedly emphasized a preference for retaining players who already know the program, a stance that makes the return of Eaglestaff and Lorient more likely if roster expansion occurs. Joson Sanon and Seydou Traore are slated for major minutes at small forward, while Butler transfer Finley Bizjack is expected to dominate at shooting guard, with Eaglestaff potentially backing up Bizjack though his playing time may be limited.
Eligibility Rulings and Roster Dynamics
A pending ruling could not only open up scholarship spots but also influence the late‑summer transfer market, which Hodge anticipates will become saturated with talent. The prospect of a deeper bench aligns with a projected need at power forward, a position that Lorient could help fill.
If roster expansion does not materialize, the likelihood of Eaglestaff returning to Morgantown diminishes, underscoring the strategic importance of the upcoming eligibility decision for the program’s short‑term outlook and long‑term planning.