Jan. 9—MORGANTOWN — West Virginia’s wide receiver room is coming together through the transfer portal.
UConn wide receiver John Neider announced on social media that he’s transferring to the Mountaineers. He becomes the fourth receiver WVU has added in the portal since it opened on Jan. 2.
Neider, who is from Milford, Connecticut, walked on to his local school in 2023 after converting from a quarterback to receiver. He didn’t see any action in 2023 and redshirted. Neider had a bigger season in 2024, playing on special teams in all 13 games. He had 12 tackles and forced one fumble on special teams. Neider helped a blocked punt to win over Merrimack in 2024.
In 2025, Neider got his shot at receiver. He made an impact on a successful Huskies season that ended in a 9-4 season with a bowl game loss to Army. Neider had 27 catches for 422 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a long 45-yard grab against FIU earlier in the year. Rich Rodriguez likes his versatile players, who can play multiple positions, and Neider played on special teams, receiver and threw for a touchdown against Syracuse for 15 yards.
Rodriguez needed to add a lot of pass catchers in the portal. The Mountaineers’ leading receiver Cam Vaughn, entered the portal, Jeff Weimer most likely won’t get another year of eligibility and Rodney Gallagher entered the portal. All seven of WVU’s receiving leaders won’t be back in 2026. Rodriguez got to work and added two Power Four receivers and two Group of 5 receivers to fill the room. There’s also a couple coming in through the 2026 recruiting class, including two top-five JUCO receivers.
Neider is the second player WVU has added from the successful UConn roster. The Mountaineers reportedly added offensive lineman Carsten Casady on Thursday night. WVU’s transfer count is now up to 19.
