2024 Recap
Following a surprise 9-4 record in 2023, West Virginia came crashing back down to earth with a 6-7 season in 2024. It was the Mountaineers’ fourth losing campaign in six years under Neal Brown, which ultimately led to his firing in December.
The program replaced him with Rich Rodriguez, who led Jacksonville State to back-to-back nine-win seasons in its first two years as a member of the FBS. That included a Conference USA championship in 2024. Perhaps more importantly, Rodriguez was the head coach at West Virginia for seven seasons and amassed a 32-4 record across his final three years there from 2005 to 2007.
Rich Rod is known for his reliance on the ground game, and that should remain true in 2025 with a star tailback in junior Jahiem White. He’ll need plenty of transfers on defense to improve a unit that ranked second worst in the Power Four in EPA per play last season.
Biggest Strength: A dangerous ground game
Even after losing C.J. Donaldson to Ohio State, West Virginia has a top-10 running back in Jahiem White, as well as a quarterback in Nicco Marchiol who is capable of making plays on the ground.
Biggest Weakness: How much will the defense improve with so many new starters?
The Mountaineers need significant improvement from their defense. They added 25 transfers on that side of the ball, including seven projected starters, but it remains to be seen how much better the unit will be.