Can Dual-Threat Jaylen Henderson Win QB Battle? | WVU Football All 105

All 105 is a West Virginia Sports Now series profiling each member of the 2025 WVU Football Roster.

Jaylen Henderson transferred to WVU Football for his final season in college after two years apiece at Fresno State and Texas A&M.

A dual-threat quarterback with ten games (four starts) to his name across four seasons, Henderson has plenty of athletic potential — including a host of relatives who made the NFL — but hasn’t turned it into success on the gridiron.

He and Nicco Marchiol emerged as the top contenders in the Mountaineers’ quarterback battle during spring practices, and head coach Rich Rodriguez even floated the idea of giving major snaps to both of them. Even if the 6-foot-3, 223 pound Henderson can’t cement himself as the runaway starter, expect to see him on the field a significant amount in 2025.

13 • Jaylen Henderson, redshirt senior quarterback

Last year: After starting the last four games for the Aggies in 2023, Henderson seemed like he could lock down the QB1 spot. Instead, he didn’t appear in a single game in 2024, prompting his transfer.

Stats: Henderson threw for 715 yards on 53-of-78 passing in 2023, his only extended look in four seasons of play. He threw six touchdowns to two interceptions and ran for two more scores himself.

Camp outlook: The Mountaineers’ quarterback battle appeared to boil down to Henderson and Nicco Marchiol during spring practices. Marchiol might have a leg up as the incumbent, especially after he decided to stick around at West Virginia, but Henderson’s athleticism makes him an option.

Projected role: Even if Henderson falls into the QB2 slot, don’t rule out his getting significant snaps. During an offseason presser, Rodriguez floated the idea of trotting out multiple quarterbacks. Only time will tell if he meant what he said.

Accolades, highlights: Four of Henderson’s relatives played in the NFL, a testament to his innate athleticism. Playing at California’s Chaminade College Preparatory in high school, Henderson earned a First Team All-State nod.

Coverage Links:

Rich Rodriguez Updates WVU’s QB Competition, Emphasizes Depth of Position

WVU QB Jaylen Henderson Shows Glimpse of What He’s Been Working on Since Spring Ball

Former Texas A&M QB Jaylen Henderson Commits to WVU Football