New Information Makes WVU QB Nicco Marchiol ‘Questionable’ for Utah Game

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – While most of West Virginia’s injuries were expected, Rich Rodriguez revealed new information about the status of one key player that makes seeing him against Utah unlikely.

During his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Rodriguez said quarterback Nicco Marchiol informed the coaching staff about pain in his foot and that has resulted in him getting tested and evaluated away from the team in Colorado.

Rodriguez also added that Marchiol’s absence means more reps for the other quarterbacks. As expected, Rodriguez wouldn’t fully rule Marchiol out or name anyone else the starter this week.

However, Rodriguez did admit that being behind rep wise could impact the depth chart even if Marchiol gets a green light health wise.

My take on what Rich Rodriguez said about Nicco Marchiol's status is that he won't even play, let alone start this week. https://t.co/ne6EQXpyah

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) September 23, 2025

Timing wise, Marchiol’s injury comes also on the heels of his rough outing in WVU’s 41-10 loss at Kansas.

A week after being crowned West Virginia’s hero for leading the Mountaineers to a comeback win over Pitt, Marchiol was only 15-of-27 for 127 yards as WVU struggled to find a rhythm on offense throughout most of the game in Lawrence. He also threw a pick and ran for -4 yards on six attempts on the ground.

Some could argue the offensive line failed to protect and the play calling didn’t seem to cater to his skillset, what happened when Marchiol was replaced by Jaylen Henderson puts his status as West Virginia’s QB1 in question.

Henderson, who entered the game in the third quarter with the outcome decided, provided the spark WVU fans thought would never come. Henderson led the Mountaineers on their only touchdown drive, accounting for 95 yards when out there. He also showed more of an ability to run Rich Rodriguez’s spread offense by running for an average of 11.3 yards per touch on seven carries.

Henderson, a former top recruit out of high school and a transfer from Texas A&M, ran for 79 yards, including a 32-yard burst up the middle through a Kansas defense that had previously shut down big plays.

WV Sports Now now expects Henderson to start against Utah. The Mountaineers and Utes will kickoff from Milan Puskar Stadium at 3:30 pm ET on Saturday.

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

For related content, Mike Asti discussed what went wrong for WVU and the options moving forward on a postgame show immediately after the game.