BREAKING: No. 1 American Player Dylan Gooden from Colorado Commits to WVU — “It Was Bigger Than Football”
MORGANTOWN, WV — In a seismic shift on the college football landscape, Dylan Gooden — the consensus No. 1 overall player in the nation out of Boulder, Colorado — has officially announced his commitment to West Virginia University, stunning programs coast to coast.
Gooden, a 6’5”, 230-pound hybrid linebacker and edge rusher, had offers from every major football powerhouse, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, and USC. But on Thursday evening, the elite athlete shocked the sports world during a live national interview on ESPN2 by donning the iconic Old Gold and Blue cap.
“This wasn’t just about football,” Gooden stated, his voice steady but emotional. “West Virginia felt like home. They believed in me before the rankings, before the media, and before the fame. I’m going somewhere I can grow as a man, not just an athlete.”
Sources close to Gooden say the decision was heavily influenced by a late-night call from WVU defensive coordinator Tre Neal, who laid out a compelling vision that combined defensive freedom, NFL preparation, and character development. WVU Head Coach Neal Brown also made a personal visit to Boulder just last week, accompanied by former WVU great Pat White, who played a surprise role in closing the deal.
Insiders also report that the state’s embrace of blue-collar values and its “Mountaineer Tough” culture deeply resonated with Gooden and his family.
Social media erupted moments after the announcement. #Gooden2WVU trended within minutes, and West Virginia fans flooded Twitter and Instagram with celebratory videos, chants, and memes.
With this commitment, West Virginia rockets into the Top 5 of the 2026 recruiting class rankings and sends a clear message to the nation: WVU is not just competing — it’s coming.
Stay tuned as Dylan Gooden prepares to visit Morgantown next month for his official welcome and the start of what many are calling “The New Era of Mountaineer Football.”
