Kellogg Believes This Year’s Squad Could Be His Deepest Yet at West Virginia — Just as He Planned.

Kellogg Believes This Year’s Squad Could Be His Deepest Yet at West Virginia — Just as He Planned.

 

As the West Virginia Mountaineers gear up for the 2025-26 basketball season, head coach Darin Kellogg is not shying away from setting expectations. In just his second year at the helm, Kellogg believes he’s finally assembled the kind of team he envisioned when he took over the program — one with depth, experience, and competitive fire.

“This could be the deepest squad I’ve ever coached — not just here at West Virginia, but in my career,” Kellogg said during a recent media session following team workouts. “And it’s no accident. This is exactly the kind of roster we set out to build.”

When Kellogg arrived in Morgantown in 2024, the program was coming off a turbulent season. The team struggled through coaching changes and a lack of continuity, leading to a disappointing campaign in the highly competitive Big 12. But rather than focus on short-term fixes, Kellogg and his staff laid a strategic foundation — one centered on player development, targeted recruiting, and roster balance.

That plan seems to be paying off.

The 2025-26 Mountaineers feature a deep mix of returning veterans, talented freshmen, and experienced transfers. Key returners like guard Kobe Johnson and forward Akok Akok provide leadership and Big 12 toughness, while the arrival of freshman standout Elijah Morris and UMass transfer Marcus Whitaker injects new energy and versatility.

“We’ve got multiple guys who can play multiple positions. That gives us options we didn’t have last year,” Kellogg said. “We’re not just deeper — we’re smarter, tougher, and more connected.”

Johnson echoed that sentiment, pointing to the team’s summer workouts as a sign of progress. “Every day in practice is a battle,” he said. “There’s no let-up. That’s what makes a great team. Coach said he wanted depth and competition, and that’s exactly what we’ve got now.”

The Mountaineers’ newfound depth means they’ll be able to match up with a variety of opponents. Whether it’s going small and fast or big and physical, Kellogg has the tools to adjust on the fly — a crucial asset in a Big 12 schedule filled with powerhouse programs.

“Having depth isn’t just about having bodies,” Kellogg added. “It’s about having guys you trust in different situations — late-game scenarios, foul trouble, different matchups. This group gives us that.”

While the coach is optimistic, he’s not letting his team skip steps. Defense, discipline, and chemistry remain the daily focus. “We’re still building,” he said. “But we’re building the right way — and with the right guys.”

For a fanbase hungry to return to the NCAA Tournament, Kellogg’s belief in this year’s squad offers a welcome dose of optimism. And if his plan continues unfolding as intended, the Mountaineers could be poised to make noise in March once again.

“This team feels different,” Akok said. “We’ve got the depth. Now it’s time to prove it.”