Rich Rodriguez’s second tenure as head coach of the West Virginia football program is set to begin at home on Saturday, Aug. 30 against Robert Morris. WVU is 22-0 all time in matchups against FCS opponents, with the Colonials looking for their first ever win against an FBS team. The Mountaineers struggled last season, finishing 6-7 which ultimately led to the firing of former head coach Neal Brown. Meanwhile, Robert Morris finished third in the Northeast Conference at 7-5.
With a completely new coaching staff and roster that consists of over 70 new players, WVU begins the 2025 season Saturday at 2 p.m. on ESPN plus. The Mountaineers are slated as 38.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 55.5 total points. Here are two key players to watch in this game, followed by the top storylines for each team, and a prediction from Heartland College Sports.
Two Key Players to Watch
Jahiem White (RB, WVU)
Jahiem White came onto the scene for the Mountaineers during his freshman campaign in 2023, where he finished with four 100-yard rushing performances. Heading into his third season with WVU, White is the clear No. 1 back and enters the 2025 campaign with breakout potential, following CJ Donaldson’s transfer to Ohio State. Despite splitting carries last season, White still finished with 845 yards and if he finds his rhythm in the first quarter, it could set the tone for a monster performance on Saturday.
Zach Tanner (QB, Robert Morris)
Zach Tanner, a redshirt junior quarterback, appears to be the frontrunner to start in the Colonials’ season opener. Tanner brings some in-game experience, having thrown for 453 yards and four touchdowns last season. Against a high-level Big 12 defense, his ability to handle pressure, protect the football, and extend drives will be critical if Robert Morris hopes to stay competitive. He led the program to a 31-13 victory over Stonehill after tallying 268 passing yards and two touchdowns to close out the 2024 campaign.
Two Key Storylines
West Virginia’s QB Battle
WVU’s quarterback situation is as wide open with no clear frontrunner named. Rodriguez is poised to lean heavily on in-game evaluation. The opening depth chart lists Nicco Marchiol, Jaylen Henderson, Max Brown, Scotty Fox, and Khalil Wilkins all as options under center. After backing up Garrett Greene the last two seasons, Marchiol enters 2025 with a perfect 3-0 record as a starter. While either he or Henderson is likely to open under center, WVU could give all five quarterbacks a look if the game gets out of hand early.
Can Robert Morris Capitalize on WVU’s Overhauled Roster?
While there is a gap when it comes to talent on the field, the Colonials may find opportunities if WVU struggles with communication or execution out of the gate. With Rich Rodriguez emphasizing immediate results in his return to Morgantown, any early miscues will be watched closely. If Robert Morris can capitalize on mistakes or create a turnover, things could get interesting.
Prediction: West Virginia 45, Robert Morris 10
Despite the roster overhaul, West Virginia still holds every advantage in its season opener. Rodriguez’s system is designed to create chaos for less-equipped defenses, and even with new personnel, the tempo and physicality alone should overwhelm the Colonials. Rodriguez may be undecided at quarterback, but WVU’s rushing attack is loaded, and it’s more than capable of carrying the offense to a convincing win. Add in a home-field advantage and a coaching staff eager to make a statement in Week 1, and it’s hard to envision anything but a decisive WVU victory.
