Nicco Marchiol Credits Staying Level-Headed During Backyard Brawl Comeback

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Redshirt junior quarterback Nicco Marchiol saved the day for WVU in the 108th Backyard Brawl. The team’s only returning quarterback played the entire first half before being substituted out for freshman Scotty Fox Jr.

While this decision may have come as a surprise to WVU fans, Marchiol conformed he knew that was a possibility earlier in the week during his postgame press conference.

“Coach talked to her earlier in the week about multiple guys playing this week. And, I mean, it’s something that hasnot been a part of my future as a college quarterback up until now… They got their time in and then, you know, when my number was called again there was just one goal in mind,” Marchiol said.

“It’s just go win the football game some way, somehow.”

Marchiol ended the first half 9-12 passing for 76 yards as WVU had a 7-3 lead. He didn’t see the field until there was 9:23 remaining in the game when the Mountaineers were down 24-14.

Despite being taken out, Marchiol emphasized keeping a level head en route to finishing 19-25 with 176 yards and one touchdown. His two-yard touchdown pass to senior tight end Grayson Barnes sent the game to overtime.

NICCO TO GRAYSON FOR THE TIE 💥💥💥

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/G8sKlzSvOv

— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) September 13, 2025

“The minute you get distracted and you start feeling sorry for yourself, start feeling bad for yourself, that’s when you got no chance,” Marchiol said.

His mindset carried over into being a leader for Fox and redshirt senior quarterback Jaylen Henderson, who also received playing time in the second half.

“You don’t pick and choose when you wanna pick up being a leader and when you don’t wanna be a leader,” Marchiol said. “You know, when Scotty was going in, I was a big supporter. Just like when Jaylen was going in. When I was in, they were doing the same for me just like defense does to me when I’m in, just like I do with defense. I mean, it goes both ways.”

Rodriguez had high praise for Marchiol in his postgame press conference as well as the rest of the team.

“Our quarterback, Nicco, this kid’s got a lot of heart. You know, we were going back and forth trying to get a spark here and there then right at the end, he played some great football, made some great passes,” Rodriguez said.

“And I’m just really proud for our players. You know, it’s hard when you have so many new guys and try to get them to gel as one. And we’re still gonna have moments, and it’s gonna be tough spots. But to come back after a tough week and to focus and to beat your rival when it looked like what you weren’t gonna beat him, just really, really proud of them.”

Even with the “tough spots” as Rodriguez mentioned, Marchiol believes this year’s Mountaineer squad is close to reaching its potential.

“This team is so dang close,” Marchiol said. “And there was there was no doubt there was no doubt that we were gonna get it done. And it’s just unwavering faith in each other. It’s awesome.”

Up next, WVU will play again at 6 p.m. ET Saturday, Sept. 20 against Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.

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