In a move that sent waves of excitement through the Mountain State, Malachi Thompson, West Virginia’s top-ranked high school receiver and reigning Randy Moss Award winner, has officially committed to play football for the West Virginia Mountaineers. Thompson chose WVU over other finalists Marshall, Ohio, and Akron, giving the Mountaineers a major in-state recruiting win.

The announcement came during a live press event at Nitro High School, where Thompson was joined by his family, coaches, and teammates. With several hats on the table, Thompson reached for the familiar blue and gold of West Virginia, sparking cheers from the home crowd.

“West Virginia is home,” Thompson said. “I’ve grown up watching this team, dreaming about running out onto Mountaineer Field. Now I get to live that dream. It just feels right.”

Thompson, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound wide receiver, has been a dominant force on the field, posting eye-popping numbers during his junior season—1,456 receiving yards, 18 touchdowns, and an average of 22.1 yards per catch. His physical size, elite hands, and vertical speed make him a nightmare for opposing secondaries and a perfect fit for WVU’s high-octane offensive system.

Beyond his athleticism, Thompson is known for his leadership, work ethic, and love for the game. His standout performances earned him the Randy Moss Award, which honors the top high school receiver in the state of West Virginia—named after the NFL Hall of Famer and WV native.

His decision to commit early is a huge boost for Head Coach Neal Brown and his staff, who have placed a renewed emphasis on keeping top in-state talent within the program.

“Malachi is exactly the kind of player we want representing this state and this program,” said Coach Brown. “He’s got the tools to be great, but more importantly, he’s humble, coachable, and driven. He’s a Mountaineer through and through.”

WVU fans flooded social media with praise, calling Thompson a “program changer” and a “true son of West Virginia.” His commitment also sends a strong message to other in-state recruits that staying home to play for the Mountaineers can lead to big-time opportunities.

Thompson cited several key reasons for choosing WVU: the coaching staff’s belief in him, the family atmosphere in Morgantown, and the chance to represent his state on a national stage.

“I could’ve gone out of state, but I didn’t want to,” Thompson said. “Wearing that Flying WV on my helmet means everything. I want to help bring a championship back to West Virginia.”

Thompson plans to enroll early and get a head start on spring practice in 2026. If his high school success is any indicator, fans in Morgantown may not have to wait long before seeing him make an impact on Saturdays.

For now, the Mountain State celebrates as its brightest star chooses to shine right at home.