UTSA's Jimmori Robinson celebrates a sack during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kennesaw State, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate, File)

With all the negativity around the program, regarding injuries and the loss to Ohio, West Virginia received some good news Tuesday afternoon.

Rich Rodriguez confirmed that highly anticipated UTSA pass rusher Jimmori Robinson will be cleared to play this season.

Robinson has been in a long dispute over his eligibility this fall and was denied a waiver this summer. Robinson, along with three other transfers, sued the NCAA and had a hearing just a couple of days before the first game in August. The court, ultimately, ruled in favor of the players, granting them eligibility. Idaho State transfer Jeff Weimer and Washington transfer Justin Harrington have already played a couple of snaps.

During the court case, the NCAA attorney stated Robinson wasn’t academically eligible to play this fall because he hadn’t completed coursework at his previous school, so his status was still up in the air.

Rodriguez said he’s finally going to be cleared, but probably won’t play in the Backyard Brawl this weekend against Pitt.

“He’s going to be cleared,” Rodriguez said. “I thought he’d be cleared for this weekend, but there’s still a question about that.”

Robinson was one of WVU’s top transfer adds and was one of the best pass rushers in the country. He had 10.5 sacks last season, which was the 10th-most in college football. Most of the players ahead of him were highly drafted in the NFL Draft last year.

While battling the eligibility dispute, Robinson wasn’t allowed to practice with the team, so most of the work has been on his own. Defensive coordinator Zac Alley emphasized this offseason that increasing the sack numbers would be a crucial part of his scheme. WVU hasn’t struggled so far getting to the quarterback with seven sacks, but Robinson will definitely provide a boost.

Alley said Tuesday will be his first day practicing with Robinson since he transferred in January, and hopes he’ll bring the team a spark.

“I haven’t seen him in the live fire because it’s been like a battle going back and forth since he’s got here,” Alley said. “But what I’ve seen, he looks pretty dynamic and looks like a really good player. I’m excited.”