Surprise Commitment as Nation’s No. 1 WR Luca Caldarella Flips to WVU Football at Midnight — Calls WVU “The Only Choice That Felt Like Home”
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In a stunning late-night decision that sent shockwaves across the college football world, the nation’s No. 1 wide receiver, Luca Caldarella, announced his commitment to West Virginia University football at the stroke of midnight. The announcement not only changes the recruiting landscape for the upcoming class but also places WVU firmly in the national spotlight as a program capable of landing elite-level talent.
The 6-foot-3 phenom out of Florida had long been linked to powerhouse programs like Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia, with insiders predicting he would ultimately choose one of those perennial national title contenders. Instead, Caldarella shocked recruiting analysts, fans, and even rival coaching staffs by declaring his loyalty to the Mountaineers, calling West Virginia “the only choice that felt like home.”
A Midnight Bombshell
Caldarella made the announcement in a dramatic fashion. In a live social media video streamed just as the clock struck midnight, the highly sought-after wideout appeared in a dark hoodie before removing it to reveal a gold WVU cap and jersey. With a grin, he told viewers:
> “This wasn’t about money, rankings, or pressure. It was about family, culture, and where I see myself growing as a man and a player. WVU is the only choice that felt like home.”
The video immediately went viral, drawing thousands of shares within minutes and igniting jubilation among West Virginia fans who had gone into the night with little expectation of landing such a monumental commitment.
Why WVU?
For many, the question isn’t just why Caldarella committed to West Virginia, but how head coach Neal Brown and his staff managed to pull it off.
Insiders close to the recruitment point to several key factors:
Authenticity of the Program: Caldarella reportedly loved the down-to-earth nature of Morgantown and the genuine culture within the Mountaineer program. Unlike some other schools where NIL deals and flashiness dominated discussions, WVU emphasized development and family.
Relationship With Coaches: Wide receivers coach Bilal Marshall and offensive coordinator Chad Scott were instrumental in building trust with Caldarella. Both reportedly maintained consistent communication and highlighted how he would be used as the centerpiece of WVU’s offense.
Immediate Impact Opportunity: Unlike at an Alabama or Ohio State, Caldarella will likely have the chance to contribute right away. The Mountaineers’ passing attack has been seeking a true game-changer on the perimeter, and Luca’s size, speed, and route-running precision make him the perfect fit.
4. Fan Base and Atmosphere: Caldarella took an unofficial visit to Morgantown earlier in the year and was said to be blown away by the passion of WVU fans. “There’s nothing like Mountaineer Nation,” Caldarella told reporters following that trip. “It’s different it’s raw, it’s real.”
A Program-Changing Commitment
Recruiting analysts are already calling Caldarella’s decision one of the biggest recruiting wins in West Virginia football history. Not since Tavon Austin has the program landed such a high-profile wide receiver, and many are comparing Caldarella’s potential impact to that of Austin’s electrifying legacy.
“Caldarella isn’t just a five-star receiver he’s a program changer,” said Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney. “When you land the No. 1 player at his position, especially when he had options like Georgia and Ohio State, you’re not just getting a great player—you’re sending a message to the rest of the country that WVU is serious.”
WVU Fans React
By early Friday morning, social media platforms were buzzing with excitement. WVU fans flooded Caldarella’s Instagram and Twitter accounts with messages of welcome and support. Local businesses even got in on the celebration, flashing “Welcome to WVU, Luca” on billboards and marquees across Morgantown.
On campus, students reportedly gathered outside Milan Puskar Stadium in celebration, chanting “L-U-C-A” while holding up WVU flags.
“This is the biggest commitment in our lifetime,” said one WVU student. “He chose us over the biggest names in college football. That says everything.”
Looking Ahead
Caldarella’s commitment could have ripple effects beyond just his own arrival in Morgantown. Recruiting experts suggest that other elite prospects, especially those in the 2026 class, may now give WVU a harder look.
“This is the kind of domino effect commitment that can elevate an entire recruiting class,” noted ESPN’s Tom Luginbill. “Players want to play with other great players, and now West Virginia can sell that vision.”
For the Mountaineers, the future suddenly looks brighter than ever. While the program has long been known for its gritty underdog spirit, the addition of the nation’s top wideout signals that WVU is ready to step onto the national stage in a whole new way.
As for Caldarella, his message was clear: he’s not just a recruit, he’s a believer.
“I didn’t just commit to WVU football,” Caldarella said. “I committed to West Virginia, to the people, to the state. This is where I want to be. This is home.”
