Rich Rodriguez is back with West Virginia Mountaineers for his second stint as head coach, and he’s wasted no time in retooling the team for the 2025 season.
After the first two months, much of his focus has been on building a capable staff and reshaping the roster. With a break in the action, Rodriguez shared his thoughts on the current state of the team and what’s to come.
Rich Rodriguez Is All Set To Rebuild and Reload for 2025
Rodriguez has made significant strides since returning to WVU. His staff is now in place, featuring familiar faces like Blaine Stewart and Chad Scott in new roles, along with Zac Alley, who he brought over from Oklahoma.
On top of that, Rodriguez has focused on strengthening the roster, adding 30 transfer players from all levels of college football. These players are key to replacing key departures and bolstering the team for the future, including the 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes.
Rodriguez emphasized the importance of continual roster evaluation.
“We’re constantly looking at our roster. We look at it every day and are prepared to bring the next guy in to win games and coach them up,” he told Adam Gorney of Rivals and Yahoo Sports.
He is fully aware of the pressure to restore WVU to prominence after his departure in 2007, a time when the Mountaineers were on the cusp of a national championship appearance. While Rodriguez’s time at Michigan and Arizona brought its own successes, his heart has always remained in West Virginia.
Key Players to Watch in 2025 from WVU
The 2025 college football season may still be months away, but Rodriguez is already positioning WVU for success. The new staff and revamped roster have the Mountaineers looking strong, with plenty of talent to keep an eye on. Several players could be on the radar of NFL scouts by the end of next season.
Running back Tye Edwards, a transfer from Northern Illinois, stands out with his imposing size. At 6’2” and 237 pounds, Edwards draws comparisons to NFL star Derrick Henry. Offensive lineman Ty’Kieast Crawford, once a highly-rated recruit, is expected to take on a starting role and could make a name for himself if he lives up to his potential.
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Defensive lineman Jimmori Robinson, a 2024 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year, will bring a playmaking presence to the defense. Cornerback Michael Coats Jr. and safety Fred Perry round out the list of top talent that could be headed for the NFL.
As Rodriguez builds his team for the 2025 season, WVU fans have plenty to look forward to with a promising mix of fresh transfers and rising stars.
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