In a season marked by departures, the West Virginia football program has found renewed hope as several key players have reaffirmed their commitment. As the transfer window closed at the start of 2025, a wave of returning athletes has provided stability and excitement for fans. Notably, backup quarterback Nicco Marchiol, running back Jahiem White, wide receiver Rodney Gallagher III, and defensive lineman Edward Vesterinen have all announced their intentions to stay with the Mountaineers. This influx of talent will be instrumental as new head coach Rich Rodriguez builds his roster for the upcoming year.

A New Year Brings Promising Returns

The beginning of the new year brought a wave of positive news for the West Virginia football team. On January 1st, Nicco Marchiol, who served as the backup quarterback over the past two seasons, declared his return. With an impressive record of 3-0 as a starter, Marchiol has demonstrated his value on the field. His career statistics include 742 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Just days later, the momentum continued as three more significant players announced their decisions to remain in Morgantown.

Jahiem White, a standout running back, has been a crucial part of the team’s offense since joining in 2023. Over two seasons, he has accumulated 1,687 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, along with 247 receiving yards and 3 additional touchdowns. Joining White is wide receiver Rodney Gallagher III, a highly-touted recruit from Uniontown, PA. Despite only being in his second year, Gallagher has already made a mark, catching 36 passes for 362 yards and 3 touchdowns, while also contributing 138 rushing yards. Lastly, defensive lineman Edward Vesterinen, who was sidelined due to injury this past season, has opted to return using a medical redshirt. With 47 tackles and 4.5 sacks over his four-year career, Vesterinen’s experience will be invaluable.

This quartet of returning veterans will play a pivotal role as Coach Rodriguez shapes the team for the 2025 season. Their presence not only strengthens the squad but also boosts morale among both players and fans.

From a journalist's perspective, the return of these seasoned athletes signals a promising future for the Mountaineers. It demonstrates the loyalty and dedication of the players, which can inspire younger members of the team. Moreover, it reflects positively on the leadership of Coach Rodriguez, who is tasked with rebuilding the program. The continuity provided by these returning players offers a solid foundation upon which the team can build success in the coming year.