Rich Rodriguez has returned to Morgantown after an 18-year absence. Following years of mediocrity, West Virginia is banking on its former coach to reignite the spark that once made the Mountaineers a national contender. But can the reunion bring back sustained success?
Predicting West Virginia’s 2025 Season
Rodriguez’s departure from WVU in 2007 left the fanbase divided. Nearly two decades later, some longtime supporters still don’t fully trust him. However, younger donors pushed for his return, valuing his winning record and bowl game appearances. For many, the hire is a wait-and-see situation.
One move that helped unify skeptics and believers alike was adding WVU legend Pat White as quarterbacks coach. White’s presence alone stirs excitement in Morgantown. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers could replace up to 14 starters from 2024 with transfer portal additions.
Expect WVU to win eight regular-season games—decisively. The second-half collapses that plagued Neal Brown’s tenure should become a thing of the past. Offensively, Rodriguez will look to improve upon last year’s 87th-ranked passing attack (210.3 yards per game).
2025 West Virginia Football Schedule
Saturday, August 30 vs. Robert Morris
Kickoff Time: tbd
Saturday, September 6 @ Ohio
Kickoff Time: tbd
Saturday, September 13 vs. Pitt
Kickoff Time: tbd
Last season, WVU led Pitt 34-24 with 4:55 remaining—only to give up 14 unanswered points and lose. That collapse likely sealed Brown’s fate. The last time Rodriguez coached in the Backyard Brawl, Pat McAfee (yes, that Pat McAfee) missed two field goals, costing WVU a shot at the national title. This year, redemption is the theme.
Saturday, September 20 @ Kansas
Kickoff Time: tbd
A perpetual thorn in opponents’ sides, Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels pairs with new offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski to create a dangerous attack. Rodriguez’s first Big 12 road test will be a significant one.
Saturday, September 27 vs. Utah
Kickoff Time: tbd
Armed with a new spread offense, the Utes bring New Mexico transfer quarterback Devon Dampier to attack WVU’s defense both vertically and on the ground.
Friday, October 3 @ BYU
Kickoff Time: tbd
Provo presents a tough road test. BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff accounted for 26 touchdowns last season, making this one of the Mountaineers’ most difficult games away from home.
Saturday, October 11 – BYE
Kickoff Time: tbd
Saturday, October 18 @ UCF
Kickoff Time: tbd
Saturday, October 25 vs. TCU
Kickoff Time: tbd
Saturday, November 1 @ Houston
Kickoff Time: tbd
Saturday, November 8 vs. Colorado
Kickoff Time: tbd
The flashy Buffaloes roll into Milan Puskar Stadium. By this point in the season, Rodriguez’s impact should be clear. Expect an offensive shootout with suspect defense—but plenty of excitement.
Saturday, November 15 @ Arizona State
Kickoff Time: tbd
Sam Leavitt leads the Sun Devils into a home matchup with WVU. Rodriguez knows ASU well, having faced them six times as Arizona’s head coach, winning just twice. This time, he faces an ASU team entering the season with confidence in its young quarterback.
Saturday, November 22 – BYE
Kickoff Time: tbd
Saturday, November 29 vs. Texas Tech
Kickoff Time: tbd
Expect Picks for West Virginia’s Season
Pat McAfee, former WVU punter/kicker, now ESPN show host:
“West Virginia University is a monster. I think Rich Rod, with his hard edge, his toughness, his attention to detail, his command for excellence that he’s going to show to every single player that plays for that West Virginia team going forward.”
Schuyler Callihan, On SI:
“The excitement around the football program feels like it’s at an all-time high because of the return of Rich Rod, and while fans have every right to be extremely optimistic, this group probably won’t have a Curt Cignetti/Indiana type of year one. ”
Clark Johnson, Voices of Motown:
“The return of Rich Rodriguez has rejuvenated the fanbase and given hope for a football program that had become stagnant in recent years. While the roster will look very different, we still expect this to be a successful campaign in Morgantown.”
Final Word on WVU’s 2025 Season
An architect of the run-heavy spread offense, Rodriguez’s return to the school that made him a national name has WVU fans excited—but cautiously optimistic. Can he win the big games? Can he stay committed to the program without outside distractions, the very thing that led to his initial departure?
KEEP READING: How Ryan Day made the right choices for Ohio State
In an era of nonstop media scrutiny, expectations start at seven wins—but if Rodriguez delivers quickly, they will only climb from there.
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