By: Justin “Couz” Walker | WV Sports Chat
In part one of this series, we dove into why WVU football has a chance to win a National Championship in the modern era of college football. We specifically looked at the similarities between WVU and the Indiana Hoosiers, who just won their very first national title in school history.
In part two, we explore the other side of the argument and dive into reasons why WVU football may never reach Indiana’s level of success.
The biggest hurdle boils down to one thing: money.
- Conference Revenue Gap: Indiana competes in the Big Ten, which generates significantly more from its media deals (estimated around $75 million or more per school annually). The Big 12, home to West Virginia, provides about $50 million per school. That $25 million difference alone can cover athlete revenue sharing requirements (around $20.5 million). While the Big Ten sponsors more sports (24 vs. WVU’s 18), the gap likely still favors the Hoosiers financially.
- Alumni and Donor Base: Indiana boasts the largest living alumni network in the country, with over 800,000 living alumni. West Virginia has roughly 210,000. That’s a massive difference in potential donors. Even accounting for passionate non-alum fans in West Virginia, the sheer volume at Indiana creates a fundraising advantage.
- Wealthy Donors: Indiana has access to mega-donors like Mark Cuban (net worth over $6 billion). West Virginia’s notable wealthy alum, Ken Kendrick (owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks), has a net worth around $1 billion. While neither may donate billions, the potential giving power is far greater at Indiana.
These financial disparities mean WVU football can’t match Indiana’s resources for NIL deals, facilities, or staff. So expectations for a rapid turnaround under head coach Rich Rodriguez should be tempered.
Despite being close on two occasions, West Virginia football has never won a National Championship. With the financial commitments required to compete in today’s landscape, it may never happen. As Rodriguez rebuilds his roster with upwards of 70 new players again in 2026, it would take nothing short of a miracle for it to happen in year two like Indiana’s.
You can check out a video version of this series by watching this recent episode of Couz’s Corner on YouTube.
Photo Credit: WVU Athletics
