2025 DL Evan Powell decommits from West Virginia
Huntingtown (Md.) three-star defensive lineman Evan Powell has decommitted from West Virginia, he announced on Sunday.
He was pledged to the Mountaineers since June 25, but is now back on the board following the firing of WVU head coach Neal Brown.
“Based on recent events today and after careful thought and consideration with my family, I have decided to decommit from the University of West Virginia and open back up my recruitment,” Powell wrote on X. “I want to thank Coach Brown and Coach Jackson for believing in me and want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of your program. I wish the team all the best in the future.”
Powell is the No. 1,047 overall prospect and No. 107 DL in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 35 player in Maryland.
Entering Sunday, West Virginia held commitments from 22 prospects in the 2025 cycle, compiling a class that ranked No. 48 in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Powell was one of five D-linemen in the class.
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Neal Brown fired from West Virginia after six seasons in Morgantown
West Virginia announced the decision to fire Brown on Sunday afternoon.
“The head coach closes his career in Morgantown with a 37–35 record over six seasons, capped off by a 52-15 loss on Saturday at Texas Tech,” On3’s Pete Nakos wrote.
“Hired in January 2019 after posting three consecutive 10-plus win seasons at Troy, Brown struggled in his first four seasons with the Mountaineers, posting a 22-25 mark. But West Virginia significantly improved in 2023, posting a 9-4 record with a No. 25 final ranking in the Coaches Poll.”
“West Virginia finished with a 5-4 record in the Big 12 and No. 9 in league standings. Brown fired defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley, who had been with him since his time at Troy, in early November. West Virginia finished the season allowing 396.0 yards per game.”