Huntingtown (Md.), three-star defensive lineman Evan Powell has canceled the obligation West Virginiahe announced on Sunday.

He had been with the Mountaineers since June 25, but is now back on the board following the firing of the WVU head coach Neal Brown.

“Due to recent events today and after careful consideration and consideration with my family, I have decided to withdraw from the University of West Virginia and resume my recruitment.” Powell wrote about. “I would like to thank Coach Brown and Coach Jackson for believing in me and express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of your program. I wish the team all the best for the future.”

According to the Powell is the No. 1,047 overall and No. 107 DL in the 2025 cycle On3 industry rankinga weighted average that takes into account all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 35 player in Maryland.

Entering Sunday, West Virginia held commitments from 22 prospects in the 2025 cycle, putting together a class ranked 48th nationally, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Powell was one of five D-linemen in the class.

Neal Brown was released from West Virginia after six seasons in Morgantown

West Virginia announced the decision to fire Brown on Sunday afternoon.

“The head coach ends his career in Morgantown with a 37-35 record over six seasons, capped by a 52-15 loss on Saturday at Texas Tech,, On3’s Pete Nakos wrote.

“Hired in January 2019 after posting three consecutive 10+ win seasons at TroyBrown struggled in his first four seasons with the Mountaineers, posting a 22-25 record. But West Virginia improved significantly in 2023, posting a 9-4 record and ranking No. 25 in the coaches poll.”

“West Virginia finished with a 5-4 record in the Big 12 and No. 9 in the 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 with 396.0 yards per game.”