West Virginia University (WVU) has bolstered its specialist unit by securing a commitment from kicker Peter Notaro, previously of the University of Alabama. Notaro’s announcement marks an important addition for the Mountaineers as they enhance their roster through the transfer portal. He joins Bryan Hansen, a punter from Colorado State, as WVU’s two specialist acquisitions for this recruitment cycle.
Notaro, who hails from Wexford, Pennsylvania, is a promising talent with only one year of college football experience. Serving primarily as the backup placekicker at Alabama, he competed in just two games last season. Notaro successfully converted all five of his extra point attempts and completed five kickoffs. His background as a former 5-star recruit highlights his potential; he was rated as the No. 4 kicking prospect by the renowned Kohl’s Kicking organization.
In high school, Notaro demonstrated his capabilities by making 17 field goals over his final two seasons, including a school record of 53 yards. Although he was on the radar of WVU during his recruitment, he ultimately chose the Crimson Tide, turning down offers from other notable schools such as Penn State, Ohio State, and Pitt.
WVU’s decision to recruit Notaro comes at a critical time, especially following the departure of their previous kicker. Rich Rodriguez, the head coach, brought in Kade Hensley from Coastal Carolina for a one-year stint. Hensley made 10 out of 13 field goals during his time at WVU but missed one of 32 extra points, indicating the team’s need for a reliable kicker moving forward.
With Notaro’s youth and skill set, he stands a strong chance of becoming the Mountaineers’ primary kicker in 2026 and beyond. His addition brings the total number of commitments for WVU this cycle to 22, less than a week after the transfer portal opened on January 2, 2026.
The Mountaineers are clearly focused on strengthening their team and building for future success. As Notaro transitions to his new role at WVU, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he develops and contributes to the program in the coming seasons.
