By: Jonathan K. Martin | WV Sports Chat
As the 2025 college football season looms on the horizon, Heartland College Sports, a popular Big 12 media outlet, ranked every head coach in the league ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Heartland College Sports’ rankings blend a coach’s track record, career achievements, and the expectations tied to their current program.
Rodriguez trails Willie Fritz (Houston), Chris Klieman (Kansas State), Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State), Kyle Whittingham (Utah), Lance Leipold (Kansas), and Matt Campbell (Iowa State).
Below is an excerpt from Heartland on why they rank Rodriguez at No. 7.
No. 7, Rich Rodriguez: West Virginia
While he will be forever remembered by casual fans for his bombing out at Michigan, along with a subpar tenure at Arizona, RichRod got WVU to heights it hasn’t come close to since he was there 20 years ago, including a near National Championship trip. He rebuilt himself in recent years, led Jacksonville State to a 27-10 record and now he’s got his second shot at West Virginia.
