West Virginia University (WVU) football fans have a lot to be excited about as the team heads into the 2025 season with head coach Rich Rodriguez at the helm. The roster’s seen plenty of changes—new recruits, transfers, and a handful of position shuffles—so it should be an interesting year.
This post takes a look at the latest from the WVU football depth chart. We’ll hit the highlights: key players, position changes, and what might be in store as the Mountaineers get ready for fall camp.
The Latest Roster Updates and Position Changes
WVU’s roster for 2025 looks pretty different compared to last year. New faces are coming in, and a few familiar names have switched positions.
If you’re tracking the team or just trying to keep up, these updates matter. They’ll shape how the Mountaineers look this season and maybe even who ends up starting.
Key Additions and Transfers
Transfers and new recruits have brought a nice boost of talent to the team. Here are some of the most notable new arrivals:
- JUCO S Kaleb Gray: Gray joined July 21 and brings both experience and depth to safety.
- RB Cyncir Bowers: Bowers came on board May 10 and should add some versatility at running back.
- EDGE Devin Grant: Grant, added May 6, gives the defense more punch off the edge.
- OT Donovan Haslam: Haslam transferred in from Austin Peay on May 4 and looks like a big addition to the O-line.
- RB Kannon Katzer: Katzer, from Ferris State, joined May 2 and adds more depth in the backfield.
- LB Ben Bogle: Bogle, who played mostly Mike at Southern Illinois, signed on April 23 and brings some versatility to linebacker.
Position Adjustments and Weight Changes
It’s not just about new players—some returning Mountaineers have changed positions or bulked up for the new season. Here’s what’s new:
- WR Cyrus Traugh: He moved from slot to outside receiver, which should give the offense more options.
- John Lewis and Ben Bogle: These two swapped roles—Lewis is now the second-string off-ball linebacker, while Bogle is at MIKE.
- Freshman DT Taylor Brown: Brown put on weight, now up to 290 pounds, making him a bigger presence on the line.
- CB Jayden Bell: Bell recently joined the roster, filling a spot that needed attention.
Impact Players to Watch
With all the changes, a few names stand out as ones to watch in 2025. These are the folks who could really move the needle this season.
Quarterbacks
Quarterback is always the hot topic, right? WVU’s got some real competition for the starting job:
- Nicco Marchiol: Marchiol, a redshirt junior, brings experience and a solid skill set. He’s definitely in the mix for QB1.
- Jaylen Henderson: Henderson, a redshirt senior, adds leadership and poise to the quarterback group.
- Max Brown: Brown, also a redshirt junior, gives the team depth and keeps the competition interesting.
Running Backs
The running back room looks stacked this year. Several guys could break out:
- Jahiem White: White, a junior, is quick and shifty—he’s a threat every time he touches the ball.
- Jaylan Knighton: Knighton, a redshirt senior, brings experience and can do a bit of everything.
- Tye Edwards: Edwards, another redshirt senior, is the guy you want for tough, short-yardage situations.
Wide Receivers
The Mountaineers have plenty of talent at receiver. Here are a few to keep an eye on:
- Cam Vaughn: Vaughn, a redshirt sophomore, has the size and hops to be a favorite target.
- Jaden Bray: Bray, a redshirt senior, runs crisp routes and brings a veteran presence.
- Rodney Gallagher III: Gallagher, a junior, is fast and slippery—he’ll be dangerous in the slot.
Defensive Standouts
The defense has gone through some changes too. A few players are set to play big roles this year.
Defensive Line
The D-line has a nice mix of experience and youth. These guys anchor the front:
- Eddie Kelly Jr.: Kelly, a senior, is tough and physical. He’s a leader up front.
- Taylor Brown: Brown, a freshman, has put on size and is already making some noise.
- Hammond Russell IV: Russell, a redshirt senior, is a big body at nose tackle and tough to move.
Linebackers
Linebacker looks like a real strength for WVU this season. Here’s who’s leading the charge:
- Reid Carrico: Carrico, a redshirt senior, is steady and brings a ton of leadership.
- Chase Wilson: Wilson, also a redshirt senior, is versatile and always seems to be around the ball.
- Ben Bogle: Bogle, a redshirt junior, can play Mike or off-ball, giving the defense more options.
Secondary
The secondary has speed and some hard hitters. Here are a few standouts:
- Michael Coats Jr.: Coats, a senior, is a ball hawk at corner and brings a lot of experience.
- Kekoura Tarnue: Tarnue, a senior, is physical and handles high safety duties well.
- Justin Harrington: Harrington, a redshirt senior, is versatile and isn’t afraid to make a tackle at box safety.
Special Teams
Special teams don’t always get the spotlight, but they matter. WVU’s group looks solid this year:
- Oliver Straw: Straw, a senior, handles punting duties and helps with field position.
- Kade Hensley: Hensley, a senior, is a reliable kicker with a strong leg.
- Preston Fox: Fox, a redshirt senior, adds excitement as a punt returner.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
The WVU football team has a revamped roster and some fresh faces for 2025. There’s a real buzz about the key additions this year.
The depth chart looks deeper than it has in a while. It’s got a mix of veteran players and young talent itching to prove themselves.
Fans are curious to see how these changes play out on the field. Coach Rich Rodriguez has a lot to work with, and there’s a sense of cautious optimism around the program.
For more details on the latest roster updates and depth chart moves, check out the official 247Sports article.
We’ll keep an eye out for more updates as the season approaches. Let’s go Mountaineers!
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