GOOD LUCK: WVU Football Announces Geno Smith Returning Next Season as Free Agent Signing….

GOOD LUCK: WVU Football Announces Geno Smith Returning Next Season as Free Agent Signing….

 

MORGANTOWN, W\.Va. — In a surprising and heartwarming twist for Mountaineer fans, West Virginia University (WVU) football has officially announced that former star quarterback Geno Smith will return to the program next season as part of a special free agent signing initiative.

 

The unexpected move was confirmed by WVU Athletics early Saturday, sparking widespread excitement among alumni, fans, and the college football community. Smith, who carved out a memorable career at WVU from 2009 to 2012 before launching a lengthy NFL journey, is coming back to the program that first launched his rise to national prominence.

 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Geno Smith back home,” said WVU Head Coach Neal Brown. “This isn’t just a symbolic gesture—Geno brings invaluable experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of the game that will benefit our team tremendously.”

 

While not returning in a traditional player role due to NCAA eligibility limits, Smith is expected to join the Mountaineers as a mentor and practice participant under a specially designed athlete development clause that allows former professionals to train and assist within collegiate programs. His return is being treated as a “free agent-style” signing in spirit—celebrating his roots and linking his elite experience with the next generation of Mountaineers.

 

Smith’s journey from WVU legend to NFL veteran is well-documented. During his time in Morgantown, he rewrote the record books, throwing for more than 11,000 yards and 98 touchdowns. His performances in high-profile games, including the unforgettable 2012 Orange Bowl victory over Clemson, made him a household name among college football fans nationwide.

 

Following a career that included stints with the New York Jets, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and most notably a Pro Bowl season with the Seattle Seahawks, Smith now returns to West Virginia not just as a former player, but as a seasoned leader and ambassador for the game.

 

“This is where it all started for me,” Smith said in an emotional video shared on WVU Football’s social media channels. “Morgantown is family. Coming back, even in a different role, is my way of giving back to the program that shaped me.”

 

Fans reacted with enthusiasm and nostalgia, flooding social media with highlights from Smith’s college career and messages of support for his return. “Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer,” one tweet read. “Having Geno back is the ultimate full-circle moment.”

 

Smith is expected to assist with quarterback mentoring, film analysis, and practice guidance, particularly for WVU’s rising talents under center. His role may also involve community engagement, NIL education, and appearances at alumni and recruiting events.

 

WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker emphasized the significance of the moment: “Geno’s return symbolizes what this program is all about—legacy, loyalty, and leadership. We’re lucky to have him back.”

 

As the Mountaineers gear up for a pivotal season ahead, the return of Geno Smith adds an emotional and strategic boost to the program. For fans and players alike, it’s not just about football—it’s about coming home.