Rich Rodriguez is still actively determining what his West Virginia football squad possesses for the 2025-26 season.
The off-season has seen significant changes, with numerous players both joining and leaving the program, as more than 70 new players have been incorporated into the roster. This may result in certain clear modifications.
“There are mornings, such as today’s practice, when I think, wow, I anticipated we’d be more advanced,” Rodriguez shared with The Triple Option podcast. “Nonetheless, I tend to be quite critical.” Observing each of their practices, I’m attempting to refrain from forming any judgments at this moment.
Nonetheless, the experienced head coach has been struck by the mindset his players have displayed and the way they’ve embraced the culture and message he aims to convey.
“They’re on board.” “They don’t have an option, but I believe they’re putting in a lot of effort,” he stated.
Rodriguez acknowledged that although he would prefer to claim that his roster is finalized for 2025, that isn’t true since some players have not arrived and the coaches are still exploring alternatives.
“Too many uncertainties remain for me to understand our situation, and numerous players have yet to participate,” he stated.
The Mountaineers lineup has lost most of their starting players from last year’s squad, creating a new dynamic in figuring out what the team is capable of.
Nonetheless, Rodriguez feels confident that his coaching team and the resources are set up for success. Add to that the school’s commitment to revenue sharing, and the foundations are laid for Rodriguez to develop the Mountaineers football program.
“We’re set to have sufficient resources to complete a roster and adequately compensate our players who deserve it at a decent rate,” he stated.
At this moment, the main factor is time, and although Rodriguez is enthusiastic about the program’s future, the current priority is to secure victories in football games this upcoming season.
“I believe we can reach that point faster than in the past, when it would take a couple, two, or three years.” But now, will everything take place in this initial year? “That will be the toughest challenge,” he stated.
