Another National Outlet Doubts Rich Rodriguez in Big 12 Coach Rankings

To pile on the doubt about WVU, and even Rich Rodriguez himself, headed into the 2026 season, another national outlet released a ranking of the Big 12 coaches.

CBS Sports’ Cody Nagel may have moved Rodriguez up one spot from last year, but still placed the accomplished veteran coach outside his top 10.

Below is what Nagel had to say about Rodriguez as he prepares for year two of his second tenure as leader of the Mountaineers.

“Rich Rod’s return to West Virginia got off to a shaky start with a 4-8 finish in 2025. But some growing pains were to be expected with 70 newcomers on the roster. The roster overhaul continued this offseason, with 84 (!!) additions creating another challenge. Last season was just the second losing record Rodriguez had experienced over his past 11 years as a coach. Last year: No. 12 in Big 12“

Despite his career track record, Rodriguez is being panelized for his most recent 2025 season, WVU’s miserable 4-8 campaign. There’s even a fair national hesitation to fully buy Rodriguez stock since the last time he experienced major conference success was at Arizona back in 2014.

However, Rodriguez doesn’t career about the perception or noise circulating. He even reiterated that he doesn’t care what people outside the program have to say about his team when he opened fall camp in early August. He knows it doesn’t really matter, and many of the greatest teams in school history were viewed as a surprise success by the rest of the country.

What Did Rich Rodriguez Tell His WVU Team About the National Projections?

So what exactly did Rodriguez tell his 2026 group about what’s being said – those predicting West Virginia to finish towards the bottom of the Big 12? Well, he’s hoping they use it as extra motivation.

“I told the team there’s not a lot of people predicting us to not do very well, and I hope that’s motivation. It should be motivation when people are picking last or next to last,” responded Rodriguez during his first when faced with a question about the offseason projections.

Rodriguez has continuously expressed a belief in the 2026 West Virginia Mountaineers, pointing to the talent and experience he acquired. He feels this year’s team has a legitimate shot at being a Cinderella story and contending, not only just in the Big 12, but nationally.

Only time will tell if Rodriguez is right or if the doubters are vindicated.

Find more coverage of Rich Rodriguez and the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.