Chams Diagne brings size and physicality to West Virginia football

West Virginia University cornerback Chams Diagne is preparing for the 2026 season following his transfer from Georgia State. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 208 pounds, Diagne brings significant size to the Mountaineers' secondary, a strategic addition requested by head coach Rich Rodriguez to address previous struggles with smaller defensive backs in the Big 12.

Diagne, a redshirt senior, described his playing style as “very physical” and expressed alignment with Rodriguez’s “Hard Edge” culture. His career path included a stint at Independence Community College after leaving Georgia State, a move he noted was a mental challenge that ultimately helped him earn his way back to the Division I level.

During his previous tenure at Georgia State, Diagne recorded 25 tackles and an interception against Ole Miss. While concerns exist regarding whether his larger frame might impact agility against fast receivers, Diagne maintains that his size allows him to shadow receivers more effectively than smaller counterparts.