West Virginia continues to strengthen its football roster, landing two key additions from the NCAA transfer portal. Former SMU running back Jaylan Knighton and Jacksonville State wide receiver Jordan McCant are set to join the Mountaineers for the 2025 season, bringing the program’s total spring portal additions to 12.
Knighton, a Florida native, brings five years of college experience to WVU, including three seasons at Miami and two at SMU. Though an injury sidelined him for most of last season, he redshirted and retained a final year of eligibility.
Despite limited action in 2023, he still rushed for 745 yards and seven touchdowns on 136 carries. Across his college career, he’s totaled over 1,700 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.
Rated a three-star transfer by 247Sports, Knighton was a four-star high school recruit and ranked the 12th-best running back in the class of 2020.
Known as a dual-threat, he also has over 300 receiving yards and five touchdowns through the air. His arrival comes at a key time for West Virginia, especially with current starter Jahiem White limited this spring due to injury and missing the Gold-Blue Spring Showcase.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Jordan McCant reunites with head coach Rich Rodriguez, his former coach at Jacksonville State. McCant spent three seasons with the Gamecocks, making 29 receptions and contributing heavily on special teams.
Though he didn’t see major offensive snaps, his familiarity with Rodriguez’s system and ability to add depth make him a valuable asset.
McCant, listed at 5-foot-11, may not be the go-to “1-on-1” receiver Rodriguez mentioned earlier this spring, but his addition addresses a clear positional need.
The Mountaineers have been aggressive in finding new receiving talent, and McCant becomes the third receiver added via the portal this spring. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
With these two latest commitments, Rodriguez continues to build a deeper, more experienced roster for the 2025 campaign — adding 12 new players this spring alone through the portal, including three wideouts.
Both Knighton and McCant bring not just talent, but much-needed experience and versatility to a team looking to make noise in the coming season.
