West Virginia fans are buzzing about Rich Rodriguez’s transfer class, but is the excitement justified? In a deep dive on Couz’s Corner, the focus was on comparing WVU’s 2025 defensive secondary transfers to the 2024 class under Neal Brown. The goal? To see if the new coaching staff is actually bringing in better talent or if fans are getting ahead of themselves.
On Paper: How Do The Transfers Stack Up?
Using On3 transfer ratings and PFF grades, Couz compared the cornerbacks and safeties that both coaches brought in.
📌 Cornerbacks
- Neal Brown’s 2024 group: Average PFF grade 77.8, coverage grade 77.6
- Rich Rod’s 2025 group: Average PFF grade 73.3, coverage grade 74.8
- ⭐ Michael Coach Jr. (Nevada) stands out as WVU’s best transfer DB, with an 87 PFF coverage grade.
📌 Safeties
- Neal Brown’s 2024 group: Average PFF grade 78.4, coverage grade 79
- Rich Rod’s 2025 group: Average PFF grade 71.0, coverage grade 66.9
- Justin Harrington (Oklahoma/Washington) could be a key piece—when healthy, his 2023 coverage grade (76.3) was solid.
Should WVU Fans Be Concerned?
On paper, Neal Brown’s 2024 transfers graded higher, which raises a big question: Is WVU actually upgrading? Couz pointed out that many of Brown’s transfers regressed once they got to Morgantown, suggesting coaching and scheme may have been a bigger problem than talent.
Rich Rod’s recruits may not be elite on paper, but his staff is prioritizing speed over length—a major shift in defensive philosophy. If these players are used correctly, the results could be much better.
The Real Test: On-Field Performance
At the end of the day, PFF grades and transfer ratings mean little until these players take the field. The biggest takeaway from the episode? West Virginia fans should stay optimistic but not overhype the class just yet.
What do you think? Is Rich Rod truly upgrading WVU’s secondary, or should fans temper expectations?
🎥 Watch the full breakdown on Couz’s Corner: YouTube Video
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