West Virginia Coach Rodriguez Starts Fall Camp with Over 70 New Players

Rich Rodriguez, in his second stint as West Virginia's head coach, is facing a significant roster overhaul with over 70 new players and a total of 115 to learn and evaluate during the 2025 fall camp. Drawing from lessons learned at Jacksonville State, where a lack of live quarterback evaluation contributed to a slow start, Rodriguez plans to increase live practice sessions to better assess his players early on. He emphasizes building relationships through "fireside chats," informal evening meetings with players and staff, to better understand the diverse backgrounds and stories of his team. Rodriguez's extensive coaching experience helps him manage the offensive strategy, while defensive coordinator Zac Alley oversees defense, as they work to develop cohesion among a largely inexperienced squad. The Mountaineers will ease into the season with a non-Power Four opener against an FCS opponent, providing some breathing room as the team gels. Rodriguez is focusing on both personnel evaluation and team camaraderie to prepare his team for a competitive season.