While Rich Rodriguez promised the WVU football roster wouldn’t endure anywhere near as much turnover this offseason as it did last year, the Mountaineers are still expected to experience a number of departures that’s among the most in the country.
As of Dec. 29, WV Sports Now expects 25 West Virginia players to hit the transfer portal when it officially opens on Jan. 2. Most of these players have announced their intentions publicly at this point.
And based on the calculations by 247 Sports, WVU would be tied for the third most in the Power Four. 247 Sports is not including Nicco Marchiol, who WVSN reported will exit West Virginia once the portal opens back in October. The only extra caveat to the Marchiol situation is the severity of his injury and if he will even be able to play in 2026.
But aside from the Marchiol factor, only Oklahoma State (43), Iowa State (33), who both changed coaches, and Florida State (25) have more than West Virginia, per 247. Auburn (23), Florida (23), Kansas State (22) and Mississippi State (22) are right behind the Mountaineers as far as across the Power Four conferences.
It should be noted that many of WVU’s departures are leaving due to being “cut” and instructed to do so by Rodriguez and his staff.
For a related story, WV Sports Now has compiled a complete list of the WVU players who will be entering the transfer portal.
Follow BlueGoldSports for more WVU Football coverage.
This story initially appeared on our parent site WV Sports Now.
