UCLA transfer OL Ty'kieast Crawford flips commitment to West Virginia

On Jan. 6, former Arkansas offensive lineman Ty’kieast Crawford committed to UCLA, via the NCAA Transfer Portal. However, Crawford has now changed his trajectory, flipping his commitment from UCLA to West Virginia.

Crawford spent four seasons at Arkansas, amassing 33 appearances and six starts. While Crawford made significant contributions during his time in Fayetteville, he only played in one game for the Razorbacks this season — the team’s season-opening win against Arkansas Pine-Bluff.

Before coming to Arkansas, Crawford spent one season at Charlotte. While there, he played in six games and made two starts. He only played right tackle for the 49ers and did not allow a sack on 55 pass blocking plays.

Ty’kieast Crawford played high school football at Carthage High School (TX), where he was a four-star prospect. He ranked as the No. 244 overall player and No. 26 offensive tackle in the 2020 recruiting cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Crawford was ranked as the No. 68 offensive tackle to enter the portal, according to On3’s 2025 Player Transfer Portal Rankings. West Virginia has already added over 15 players in the portal this offseason, including standouts such as cornerback Jordan Scruggs and RB Tye Edwards.

West Virginia will not only have new players next season but new coaches too. In December, the program named Rich Rodriguez as its next head coach. Rodriguez served as the Mountaineers’ head coach from 2001 until 2007 and will replace Neal Brown, who held the position for the past six seasons.

The 61-year-old head coach won 60 games compared to 26 losses during his tenure. He led the Mountaineers to three 10-win seasons in a row during his tenure. More than half (34) of those wins came in conference play.

Rodriguez is excited to lead the Mountaineers once again.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head football coach at West Virginia University,” Rodriguez said. “My family and I are filled with gratitude to lead the Mountaineer football program again and look forward to working with the many supporters, fans, and friends to build the best football program in America! Take Me Home!”

West Virginia finished the 2024 campaign with a 6-7 record, falling 42-37 to Memphis in the Frisco Bowl. The Mountaineers will look to take a step forward next season under Rodriguez with talented players like Ty’kieast Crawford leading the way.