West Virginia Mountaineers 2025 Football Preview

The West Virginia Mountaineers enter the 2025 season with a renewed sense of optimism as Rich Rodriguez returns to Morgantown for his second stint as head coach. After leading the program to three top-10 finishes from 2005-07, Rodriguez is back to revive a program that hasn’t reached those heights since his departure. With a revamped roster featuring over 70 newcomers, a dynamic offensive scheme, and a bolstered defensive staff, the question looms: Can Rodriguez make the Mountaineers instant Big 12 contenders in 2025? This article breaks down the 2025 roster, evaluates key position groups, and assesses West Virginia’s prospects, fan base, and game-day experience at Milan Puskar Stadium.

Rodriguez inherited a transition program and wasted no time reshaping the roster. They pushed 50 players into the transfer portal and added a mix of Power Five transfers, Group of Five standouts, and freshmen. The result is a roster with immense potential but limited chemistry, as only a handful of players return from the 2024 squad. The Mountaineers’ success will hinge on how quickly this group gels under Rodriguez’s high-tempo, spread-option system and new defensive coordinator Zac Alley’s aggressive scheme.

The quarterback position is the biggest question mark heading into fall camp. Nicco Marchiol, Jaylen Henderson, and Max Brown are vying for the starting role, with no clear favorite. Marchiol, a junior with two starts in 2024, is the presumed front-runner due to his familiarity with the program. His dual-threat potential aligns with Rodriguez’s offensive philosophy. Henderson, a transfer from Texas A&M and Fresno State, offers the most mobility. Brown, who transferred from Charlotte and Florida, brings experience but less dynamic running ability. Rodriguez is unlikely to name a starter early, letting the competition play out to identify the best fit for his run-heavy spread attack. Fans should expect at least two quarterbacks to see significant snaps, especially early in the season, as Rodriguez evaluates his options.

The running back room is West Virginia’s deepest and most talented unit. It is led by junior Jahiem White, who is poised for a breakout year. White, named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team, brings explosive speed and elusiveness. This makes him a perfect fit for Rodriguez’s scheme. In 2024, he showcased his game-breaking ability, and with Rodriguez’s run-heavy offense, he could eclipse 1,000 yards and earn All-Big 12 honors. Complementing White is SMU transfer Jaylan Knighton, a proven Power Five back with over 1,000 career rushing yards. Northern Iowa transfer Tye Edwards, Diore Hubbard, Kannon Katzer, and Cyncir Bowers add depth, giving WVU five backs with collegiate experience. This group’s versatility and star power should carry the offense, especially given concerns elsewhere.

The passing game is a work in progress after losing key receivers to the transfer portal. Coach Rodriguez has rebuilt the wideout corps with transfers like Cam Vaughn (Jacksonville State), Michael Coats (Nevada), and Jordan McCants (Jackson State). Vaughn, who led Jacksonville State with 48 catches for 803 yards. He is the likely WR1, bringing deep-threat ability. Oran Singleton (Eastern Michigan) and Cyrus Traugh (Youngstown State) add experience, but the group lacks elite speed. At tight end, Grayson Barnes (Northern Illinois) is a pass-catching threat who can stretch the field, while Jacob Barrick (Jacksonville State) excels as a blocker, and Greg Genross (6’6”) is a red-zone mismatch. The passing game will likely be a complementary piece to the run-heavy offense, with Vaughn and Barnes as the primary targets.

The offensive line is the roster’s biggest concern, with zero returning starters from 2024.  Coach Rodriguez addressed this through the transfer portal, adding experienced players like Carson Lee (Mississippi State), Walter Young Bear (Tulsa), Josh Aisosa (Oklahoma), Malik Agbo (Texas), and Ty’kieast Crawford (Arkansas). Lee, a versatile lineman with starts at multiple positions, is a cornerstone addition. However, with six seniors in the room but limited Power Five experience, the unit’s cohesion and performance against Big 12 defenses remain uncertain. The mobile quarterbacks (Marchiol and Henderson) should help mask deficiencies, but the line’s ability to protect and open running lanes will be critical.

The defense, which ranked last in the Big 12 in 2024 (415 yards and 32 points allowed per game), is undergoing a major overhaul under new coordinator Zac Alley, formerly of Oklahoma. Alley’s aggressive, attacking scheme should maximize the talent Rodriguez brought in via the transfer portal. The unit returns more production than the offense, giving Alley a foundation to build upon.

UTSA transfer Jimmori Robinson is the 2024 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He is a game-changer. With 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss last season, Robinson could be one of the Big 12’s top defensive linemen. Edward Vesterinen, Eddie Kelly (Missouri), and Hammond Russell provide depth. Freshmen like Wilnerson Telemaque and Brandon Caesar add potential. This group should generate a consistent pass rush, a major upgrade from 2024.

The linebacker corps lost Josiah Trotter and Trey Lathan to the portal. However, returners Reid Carrico and Ben Cutter are joined by transfers like Chase Wilson (Colorado State) and Ashton Woods (North Carolina). Wilson, with his tackling prowess, is a name to watch as a potential breakout star. The group has experience but lacks the speed to handle spread offenses, which could be a liability in the Big 12.

The secondary, led by Jacksonville State transfer Fred Perry, is a focal point for improvement. Perry recorded 110 tackles and 10 tackles for loss in 2024. He is a plug-and-play safety alongside Kekoura Tarnue, another Rodriguez recruit from Jacksonville State. Cornerbacks Michael Coats (Nevada) and Derek Carter (Jacksonville State) are expected to start. Depth from transfers like Jordan Scruggs (South Alabama) and Devonte Golden-Nelson (Akron) will help. While the secondary has experience, its ability to handle the Big 12’s high-powered passing attacks remains unproven.

West Virginia returns one of the nation’s top punters in Oliver Straw and added transfer kickers Ethan Head (Tulane) and Kade Hensley (Coastal Carolina), who will compete for the place-kicking role. The special teams unit should be a strength, providing stability in close games.

Coach Rodriguez’s first tenure at West Virginia (2001-07) was defined by a high-octane spread-option offense. He had a 60-26 record, including a near-miss at the 2007 national championship. His return has sparked optimism. Rodriguez himself stated that anything short of contending for the Big 12 title in November is unacceptable. However, the roster’s lack of continuity and the offensive line’s inexperience temper expectations.

The Big 12 is wide open in 2025, with no dominant team after the departure of key players across the conference. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) reflect fan confidence, with some predicting a 9-3 record and a Big 12 Championship appearance. They cite Rodriguez’s track record and the talent at running back. Others are more cautious, noting the challenges of integrating 72 new players.

The best-case scenario sees WVU starting 3-0 against Robert Morris, Ohio, and Pitt, then navigating a tough Big 12 slate to finish 9-3 (6-3 in conference), potentially earning a championship game berth. A worst-case scenario with early offensive struggles and defensive growing pains. It could result in a 2-10 record (0-9 in Big 12 play), as predicted by some analysts. A realistic projection is 6-6 or 7-5, with bowl eligibility as a baseline for success.

Rodriguez’s ability to develop quarterbacks and maximize the running game gives WVU a chance to exceed expectations if the offensive line holds up. Alley’s defense improves third-down stops (a 2024 weakness, with opponents converting 49% of attempts). The schedule, featuring winnable non-conference games but tough road trips to Kansas, BYU, and Arizona State, is challenging but manageable.

The West Virginia program is at a crossroads. After six years under Neal Brown, who delivered consistent but unspectacular results, Rodriguez’s return has reinvigorated the fan base. Posts on X highlight the belief that WVU can return to the top 25 and contend for titles. The fan base, known for its passion, is among the most dedicated in college football. Milan Puskar Stadium’s game-day experience with its raucous atmosphere and “Sweet Caroline” sing-alongs. It is considered elite, ranking among the best in the Big 12. The “Backyard Brawl” against Pitt and home games like Texas Tech add to the electric environment. It makes Morgantown a tough place to play.

Jahiem White and Jaylan Knighton will drive a potent running game, but the quarterback battle and offensive line cohesion are critical. The passing game, led by Cam Vaughn and Grayson Barnes, will play a supporting role.

Zac Alley’s scheme and Jimmori Robinson’s pass-rushing prowess should improve a unit that struggled in 2024. Chase Wilson and Fred Perry are players to watch, but the secondary’s inexperience could be exposed.

Rodriguez’s return brings excitement, but 2025 is likely a building year. A 6-6 or 7-5 record is realistic, with an outside shot at Big 12 contention if the roster gels quickly. West Virginia’s fans are a cornerstone of the program, creating one of the nation’s top game-day experiences at Milan Puskar Stadium.

Rodriguez’s magic touch and the talent at skill positions give West Virginia a foundation to compete. But the lack of roster continuity and a tough Big 12 schedule suggest a full return to prominence may take another year. For now, Mountaineer fans can revel in the hope of a new era and the unmatched energy of Morgantown on game day.