Rich Rodriguez talks transfers, coming home, and Big 12 challenges
West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez took the podium at Big 12 Media Day 2025 in Arlington, Texas, answering questions on everything from the transfer portal to his return to Morgantown. He discussed the challenges and excitement of leading WVU in the modern college football landscape.
On Transfer Portal and Roster Turnover
Rodriguez didn’t sugarcoat how wild his first year back in Morgantown has been, admitting the roster turnover was bigger than he’d planned. WVU brought in over 70 new players, but Rodriguez stressed the culture can’t change, no matter how many new faces arrive. He’s hoping future offseasons don’t require the same overhaul, though he’s been through similar big rebuilds before at places like Jacksonville State.
Familiar Faces in the Big 12
Rodriguez reflected on being back in a league that now includes many programs he used to see in the Pac-12 days. He said it’s almost funny how often his career path has crossed with schools like Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. Though WVU doesn’t face Arizona this season, he expects that matchup to be emotional whenever it comes around.
Returning Home to WVU
Coming back to West Virginia felt natural for Rodriguez. Instead of needing months to learn the ropes like at past jobs, he said it only took “six to nine minutes.” He praised the $57 million in football facility upgrades since his first stint and emphasized how important football is in West Virginia, a state with no other Power Four programs.
College Football’s Changing Landscape
Rodriguez was honest about the chaos in college football, describing the last few years as a “cluster.” He’s encouraged by the new revenue-sharing model and other changes bringing better “guardrails,” but he believes there’s still work ahead, especially around governance and keeping things fair for schools without the same financial resources.
Why He Keeps Coaching
Asked why he keeps coming back amid the craziness of modern college football, Rodriguez joked it’s still better than “digging ditches or working in coal mines.” He loves coaching, especially watching players grow and experiencing the electric energy of a winning locker room.
Quarterbacks and Offensive Philosophy
Rodriguez admitted the Big 12 might have the country’s deepest group of returning quarterbacks, which he called “not very pleasing” for defensive-minded coaches. Still, he’s excited about WVU’s quarterback room, calling it a competitive group with both experience and promising young talent.
Offensively, he said WVU still runs plenty of the concepts from his early years, like the spread and tempo, but focuses now on executing simpler schemes and demanding relentless effort and physicality.
Looking Ahead
Overall, Rodriguez had a confident but realistic tone. He’s embracing the challenge of guiding WVU through college football’s shifting landscape, while staying true to the identity and expectations of Mountaineer football.
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