Ross Hodge Locked In His Final Roster Spot—And It’s a Reclass

Ross Hodge and the West Virginia Mountaineers have finalized their 2025-26 roster with the addition of forward Evans Barning Jr., who will reclassify from the 2026 class and join the team this winter.

Barning, a 6-foot-7 prospect from Team Durant, averaged 8.8 points and 4.3 rebounds this summer on the EYBL circuit. He showed flashes of high-level upside, including a 29-point performance against Brad Beal Elite during Peach Jam. Originally viewed as a long-term piece in the 2026 class, Barning will now arrive early and begin his development in Morgantown this season.

With his commitment, Hodge now has a full 15-man roster for the upcoming year. Barning becomes the latest addition to a frontcourt that includes redshirt freshman Abraham Oyeadier and several transfer pieces expected to play early roles. While Barning is unlikely to see significant minutes out of the gate, his length and shooting touch give West Virginia a developmental asset to build around long-term.

This addition wraps up what has been a calculated offseason for Hodge in his first year leading the Mountaineers. The roster includes a balance of veteran transfers, returning depth, and two reclassifying freshmen in Barning and point guard Amir Jenkins, who committed earlier this summer. Hodge’s blend of experience and youth signals a clear intention to compete now while building sustainable talent into future rotations.

For West Virginia, Barning represents the final piece, but not just a number. His early arrival reflects trust in Hodge’s plan and belief in the staff’s ability to accelerate development. The Mountaineers are set for 2025-26, both on paper and in structure.