The Big 12 Football Media Days, set for July 8-9, 2025, at The Star in Frisco, Texas, will bring together all 16 head coaches and Commissioner Brett Yormark for two days of press conferences. For West Virginia University (WVU), the spotlight arrives on the second day, July 9, when the Mountaineers’ contingent, led by head coach Rich Rodriguez, takes the stage. Read more: WVU Football Gears Up For Big 12 Media Days
A Wide-Open Race for the Big 12 Crown
The Big 12 championship race promises to be as unpredictable as ever in 2025, and West Virginia is poised to make noise. Last season, the Mountaineers were in contention for a championship berth until late in the regular season, showcasing their potential in a tightly contested conference.Â
With no clear favorite emerging, the 2025 race could see another underdog rise, much like Arizona State’s surprising title run in 2024. Five teams—Kansas State, Arizona State, Baylor, Texas Tech, and Utah—share the top spot in preseason betting odds.
For WVU, this open field presents an opportunity. The Mountaineers tied for fourth in 2023 with a 9-4 record, defying a last-place preseason prediction. Could 2025 be the year WVU capitalizes on the chaos and claims the Big 12 crown?
Quarterback Battles
The Big 12 boasts a talented pool of quarterbacks, but the departure of Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders to the NFL leaves the title of the conference’s top passer up for grabs. WVU’s quarterback situation will be a focal point at Media Days, with fans eager to hear Coach Rodriguez’s plans.Â
Across the conference, returning starters like Baylor’s Sawyer Robinson (3,071 yards, 28 TDs), TCU’s Josh Hoover (3,749 yards, 27 TDs), and Iowa State’s Rocco Becht (3,505 yards, 25 TDs) set a high bar.
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Transfers like Utah’s Devon Dampier, Houston’s Conner Weigman, and Colorado’s Kaidon Salter add intrigue, each bringing unique skills to the field.
For West Virginia, the quarterback position will be critical to their success. Rodriguez’s track record of developing dynamic offenses suggests the Mountaineers could have a dark horse contender under center, ready to compete with the conference’s elite.
West Virginia’s Key Players to Watch
WVU’s Media Days appearance will highlight key players like redshirt senior receiver Traylon Bray and defensive lineman Edward Vesterinen. Bray, a transfer from Oklahoma State, was limited by injury in 2024, recording just two catches for 88 yards.Â
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However, his 382-yard performance with the Cowboys in 2023 hints at his potential to be a game-changer for WVU’s offense. Vesterinen, a fifth-year senior from Finland, showed promise with 28 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks in 2023 before an injury sidelined him last season.Â
His return could bolster the Mountaineers’ defensive front, providing the grit needed to compete in the Big 12’s physical battles. Coach Rodriguez is expected to discuss how these players, among others, will shape WVU’s 2025 campaign.
Texas Tech’s Transfer Haul: A Threat To WVU?
Texas Tech is making waves with a transfer class ranked among the nation’s best, featuring stars like Stanford pass rusher David Bailey and USC running back Quinten Joyner. With deep-pocketed donors backing coach Joey McGuire, the Red Raiders are aiming to end a terrible drought and contend for their first Big 12 title since 1998.
For WVU, this poses a challenge, as Texas Tech’s revamped roster could shift the conference’s balance of power. The Mountaineers will need to lean on their resilience and Rodriguez’s strategic prowess to counter such competition.
Oklahoma State’s Fall
Oklahoma State’s stunning 3-9 collapse in 2024, including a 38-14 loss to WVU, serves as a cautionary tale. The Cowboys, once a Big 12 powerhouse, plummeted from a 10-win season in 2023 to their worst record under coach Mike Gundy. For West Virginia, this underscores the importance of consistency. The Mountaineers’ ability to avoid the pitfalls that derailed OSU will be critical to their success in 2025.
No More Preseason Poll: A Boost for WVU?
The Big 12’s decision to eliminate its preseason media poll could benefit teams like West Virginia.
In 2023, the Mountaineers were picked last but finished with a 9-4 record, proving the poll’s inaccuracy. Last season’s champion, Arizona State, was also picked 16th, highlighting the unpredictability of the conference.
Without the burden of preseason expectations, WVU can focus on building momentum and letting their on-field performance do the talking.
West Virginia’s Time to Shine?
As Big 12 Football Media Days approach, West Virginia stands at a crossroads. With a competitive quarterback race, key players returning from injury, and a wide-open conference, the Mountaineers have a chance to make a statement in 2025. Coach Rodriguez and his squad will take the stage on July 9. The team is ready to share their vision for a season that could see WVU climb the Big 12 ranks. In a conference full of surprises, don’t count out the Mountaineers as they aim for the top.
