West Virginia University (WVU) has strengthened its football roster by acquiring safety Kamari Wilson from the transfer portal. This marks the 11th addition for the Mountaineers during this transfer cycle, continuing the trend initiated by head coach Rich Rodriguez. Wilson’s experience and skills are expected to provide a significant boost to the team’s defensive lineup.
Wilson’s college football journey has been diverse. He began his career at Florida, where he played for two seasons, participating in a total of 16 games. During his time as a true freshman in 2023, he logged the most snaps among his peers, totaling 311 snaps. His performance included 40 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery.
In 2024, Wilson transferred to Arizona State University, contributing to the Sun Devils’ campaign that led them to the College Football Playoffs. In 13 games, he recorded 11 tackles, with six being solo efforts. After a brief stint at Arizona State, he moved to Memphis, where he played in every game during the 2025 season, including the bowl game against North Carolina State. His statistics for that season included 85 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles (recovering one), two interceptions, and four pass breakups.
Wilson’s recruitment is particularly timely for the Mountaineers, as the team has seen several players from its secondary depart due to transfers or graduation. His veteran presence is anticipated to make an immediate impact on the team’s defense as they prepare for the 2026 season. With the ability to create turnovers, Wilson aligns well with the goals set by defensive coordinator Zac Alley.
Interestingly, Wilson represents a different strategic approach for Rodriguez, who has primarily focused on younger talents for development. His acquisition of Wilson suggests a more immediate focus on results, indicating a “win-now” mindset as the team seeks to enhance its competitive edge.
As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how Wilson integrates into the Mountaineers’ defensive strategies and whether his experience can help elevate the team’s performance on the field.
