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West Virginia Football Adds Defensive Talent with 2026 Commit Rickey Giles

Originally posted on Heartland College Sports
By Brian McQuillen | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 3:36 PM ET

With Head Coach Rich Rodriguez set to begin his second stint leading WVU Football, the program made a splash, securing the commitment from safety Rickey Giles. The three-star Class of 2026 prospect announced his decision via X.

Giles’ decision came down to WVU, Memphis and Utah, although he also held offers from Purdue, Oregon State, Colorado State, amongst others.

During his junior season at South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, the newest Mountaineer posted 51 tackles and two interceptions, according to West Virginia Rivals.

After years of hard work and dedication, I’m blessed to announce my commitment to West Virginia University!

Big thanks to my parents, auntie, and coaches for the love and support.

Let’s work! Let’s gooooo Mountaineers!#Committed #WVU #MountaineerNation #GrindDontStop pic.twitter.com/ynOYzP14mt
— Rickey Giles (@RickeyGiles13) June 23, 2025

He is listed at 5-feet-11-inches and 185 pounds, as 247Sports ranks him as the 147th-best safety in the nation for the 2026 class.

WVU is coming off a disappointing 6-7 season in 2024, leading to the firing of Former Head Coach Neal Brown. Since replacing Brown, Rodriguez has strung together 22 total recruits, including 15 three-star prospects.

The Mountaineers have finished with at least eight wins just twice since 2017. Several key players from last season’s squad are set to return, highlighted by quarterback Nicco Marchiol and running back Jahiem White, as WVU will look to turn things around in 2025.

Rodriguez and company will kick off the season at home on Aug. 30 against Robert Morris University.

This article first appeared on Heartland College Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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