Basketball season is a wrap, baseball season rages on, and WVU Football is on its way.
WVU Football’s annual Gold-Blue Spring Showcase returns to Milan Puskar Stadium on Saturday, about three weeks earlier than fans are used to.
The change in date comes with a change in personnel and culture in the program, marked by the return of Rich Rodriguez at head coach. Rodriguez replaces now assistant Texas coach Neal Brown, who led the Mountaineers for the last six seasons.
Regardless of the coaching change, the showcase’s goal remains the same: to highlight the roster that will take the field in the fall. The scrimmage is open to the public with advance free ticket claiming.
Fan experience remains a primary feature of the event, with Almost Heaven Village opening three hours ahead of game time, including the usual festivities and tailgating opportunities.
On the field, though, the experience may differ. Rodriguez emphasized at the start of WVU’s spring season that his concerns regarding tampering will likely prevent him from showing a traditional football game this year.
“I want our fans to watch our players, but a true spring game where you’re going to really see a guy show out and all that- probably not going to have that,” Rodriguez said.
“We’ll have a little bit of scrimmaging and play a little football, but I am worried about it because there’s not as much structure to keep the tampering away.”
Despite the limited format, WVU fans will have plenty to look out for in the season preview. Over 30 transfers, including an all-new receiving core, will play alongside fan favorite returners, such as junior Rodney Gallagher III, who Rodriguez said will not be expected to play both sides of the ball this season, as well as quarterback Nicco Marchiol and 2023 Freshman All-American running back Jahiem White.
Rich Rodriguez puts on the WVU headset for the first time in over 17 years on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET. Gates open at noon at Milan Puskar Stadium but will not be broadcast on radio or television.
