MORGANTOWN- The West Virginia Mountaineers will be breaking in a brand-new coaching staff and over 70 brand-new players in 2025 and as of right now, how things will go is a complete unknown.
Even though the national media is down on WVU’s chances this season, there is some secret optimism behind closed doors that is offering hope to all the fans.
We will do a short, but informative preview-by-position based on insider knowledge and credible sources and what they are saying, hearing, and seeing so far in fall camp in Morgantown.
Up first, the Quarterbacks.
The quarterback position, especially under Rich Rodriguez, is typically the most important spot on the team and this upcoming season, that stance will hold true–although I would argue the offensive line holds the keys this year.
There are four signal callers that are vying for playing time. The top two are reportedly Nicco Marchiol and Jaylen Henderson, with most saying that at this very second, Marchiol holds a slim advantage to be named the starter. A lefty from Arizona, Marchiol is entering his fourth year in the program and has paid his dues and waited his turn to run the offense in Morgantown. And even though Rodriguez really likes Marchiol, he does not care one bit about who has been on the roster three days or 10 years. For the former and now new coach, it is about winning games and playing the best guy to help do that, and Marchiol could very well be that guy. In his career, Nicco is 71-of-122 for 742 yards and eight touchdowns. He has rushed for an additional 285 yards and three scores. Marchiol is 4-0 as a starter in his career and has a winner’s mentality and is a great leader.
Henderson, a transfer from Texas A&M and Fresno State was injured all last season and did not play, but was the starter for the Aggies in the SEC for the final four games of the 2023 season and he took advantage of that opportunity. In those four games, he was 53-78 for 715 yards and six TD passes. He ran for 104 yards and two TDs. His best game that year came at no. 14 LSU when he completed 25-of-35 passes for 294 yards and two scores. He battled current Washington Commanders star QB Jayden Daniels head-to-head that day and held his own. Sources say that Rodriguez loves Henderson and it would not be a total shock to see the former A&M project be the main guy when the season begins. Go watch his highlights on YouTube and you can see what kind of potential there is here.
Another name to keep an eye out for is true freshman Scotty Fox. Right now, Fox is considered the future at WVU. A four-star recruit out of high school last year, Fox is the one player that the coaching staff will make sure stays in Morgantown during this crazy transfer portal era. One source close to the team said “he is the quarterback Rich will win the Big 12 with.” There is a good chance Fox will see game time this season as he reportedly has solidified at least the no. 3 spot on the depth chart so keep an eye and ear open for him when he does get on the field.
Charlotte transfer Max Brown is another capable option if injuries or other factors decimate the quarterback room. Brown may be the best runner of all the QBs on the roster, but he still has to work on his passing game as he completed just 46 percent of his passes with three TDs and six interceptions a year ago. Still, if Brown gets called into action, he has the division-1 experience to get the job done.
NEXT UP: Running Backs
