Jacob Barrick Around WVU Football Team to Pursue New Career Path

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – For the latest development in WVU football potentially adding players with renewed eligibility, one is around in an effort to pursue a different career path.

A day after West Virginia revealed that former players Jacob Barrack and Jason Chambers were participating in team activities, head coach Rich Rodriguez confirmed that only one of them is actually looking to play. Barrick, who spent the 2025 season as a Mountaineer, has made the decision to work towards a career in coaching instead of trying to extend his time as a player.

To that end, Barrick is learning from WVU tight ends coach Michael Nysewander and the rest of the staff to help develop the 2026 West Virginia team.

In what was his final college season as a player, Barrick caught 18 passes for 171 yards. Prior to transferring to West Virginia, he played under Rodriguez at Jacksonville State, serving as mostly a blocking tight end.

Barrick will now hope to incorporate his familiarity with what Rodriguez expects and his recent experience on the field as his main tools early in his coaching career.

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