by: Justin Walker
In this week’s edition of the Gold & Blue Breakdown Show over at Couz’s Corner on YouTube, Couz and Jonathan answered several WVU sports related questions from their audience. Below is a summary of their answers to some of those questions. They talk about the football team and a possible March run by men’s basketball.
Can Ross Hodge Deliver a Sweet 16 Run in Year One?
The question on one Mountaineer fan’s mind is whether Ross Hodge can guide WVU to the Sweet 16 in his debut season. The answer? It’s a bold prediction, but one Jonathan cautiously optimistic about. Here’s why.
Hodge brings a winning pedigree to Morgantown. His track record at North Texas, where he posted a 46-24 record and led the team to rank third nationally in scoring defense (59.5 points per game), speaks volumes. He’s also proven adept at quick turnarounds, having transformed programs at both the junior college level and North Texas in short order. In his second year at North Texas, Hodge improved the team’s win total by nine games, despite working with an almost entirely new roster.
At WVU, Hodge faces a significant challenge with a roster overhaul. With only one player returning and none having scored points last season, he’s rebuilding through the transfer portal. Key additions like Brenen Lorient and Jasper Floyd from North Texas, along with the versatile Chance Moore, provide hope. Moore, a 6 foot 8 inch forward from St. Bonaventure, brings veteran presence, athleticism, and defensive prowess. His ability to rebound, defend, and occasionally score could be a game-changer, especially alongside Lorient’s versatility down low.
Hodge’s defensive mentality, combined with his knack for recruiting scorers and players familiar with his system, fuels optimism. However, as Couz pointed out, the Big 12 is a gauntlet, with teams like Houston, Kansas, Iowa State, and Baylor posing stiff competition. A Sweet 16 run in year one, while possible, is a tall order given the roster turnover and the conference’s depth. Couz believes a more realistic goal is making the NCAA Tournament—a feat that would mark a successful season. If the roster stays healthy and eligible, and Hodge’s system clicks, the Mountaineers could surprise. For now, the guys are split. Jonathan is calling it: True, while Couz sees it as unlikely and voted False. WVU has a shot at the Sweet 16, but it’s a bold early-June hot take.
Football: What’s a Reasonable Expectation for Rich Rodriguez’s First Year?
Shifting to football, fans are curious about what to expect from Rich Rodriguez in his return to WVU. With a roster rebuild and a challenging Big 12 schedule, what’s a reasonable win-loss record for the 2025 season?
The guys believe a 7-5 regular-season record is achievable. The schedule sets up favorably early, with a realistic chance to start 3-0 against non-conference opponents. Finding four more wins in Big 12 play will be tougher, given the presence of powerhouses like BYU, Kansas, and Iowa State. Rodriguez’s track record of quick turnarounds gives them confidence, but the roster overhaul means there’s uncertainty. A 6-6 record with a bowl game appearance would satisfy many fans, though some might expect seven or eight wins given the program’s hunger for success after inconsistent years.
The fan base’s expectations are high, especially after investing heavily to move on from Neal Brown. A 6-6 season might feel like “more of the same” for some, but seven to eight wins could signal a promising start under Rodriguez. The key will be how quickly the new roster gels and whether the team can capitalize on the early-season schedule.
Football Standouts: Diamonds in the Rough
Who might emerge as a breakout star for WVU football? The guys are eyeing two players who could surprise in 2025.
First, Zae Jennings, a defensive player who earned praise from Neal Brown last season, could thrive in Rodriguez’s culture and defensive coordinator Zac Alley’s system. Jennings saw snaps last year and has the potential to become a key contributor.
On offense, Jaden Bray is a name to watch. A wide receiver with size, strength, and speed, Bray showed flashes of brilliance last year before injuries sidelined him. His one-handed catches in camp last season generated buzz, and he’s poised to benefit from Rodriguez’s offensive scheme. If Bray stays healthy, he could be a dynamic weapon in the passing game, especially in a crowded receiver room where he might fly under the radar.
Nico or No Nico? The Quarterback Question
The quarterback situation is another hot topic, with many assuming Nico Marchiol will start. But what if he struggles, particularly in the high-stakes rivalry game against Pitt? Would Rodriguez pull him?
One person asked If WVU starts 5-0 with Marchiol at the helm, would a single poor performance against BYU likely lead to a quarterback change. As Couz and Jonathan point out, a 5-0 record would make Marchiol 9-0 as a starter in his career, and winning football games is the ultimate goal. However, the Pitt game carries extra weight for Rodriguez, who has mentioned it multiple times in interviews. If any player—quarterback or otherwise—struggles in that game, Rodriguez will have all options on the table to secure a win. The leash might be shorter against Pitt than in other games, especially if a backup like Jalen Henderson or Max Brown shows promise.
The quarterback competition remains open, with Henderson not to be counted out. If Marchiol starts but falters, Rodriguez’s decision will hinge on the backup’s readiness and the game’s context. A spark from a backup could shift the momentum, but a 5-0 start would likely buy the starter some grace.
Final Thoughts
WVU fans have plenty to be excited about in 2025. Ross Hodge’s basketball team has the potential to surprise, though a Sweet 16 run might be a stretch in year one. A tournament appearance would be a strong foundation. On the football side, Rich Rodriguez’s return brings hope, with 6-8 wins a reasonable target and players like Zae Jennings and Jaden Bray poised to shine. The quarterback situation will be a storyline to watch, especially in the Backyard Brawl rivalry game.
As we head toward the season, one thing is clear: Mountaineer Nation is hungry for success, and both Hodge and Rodriguez have the chance to deliver. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to tip-off and kickoff!
You can see the full episode of the show and hear the full answers to these questions and more by clicking here.
