Nicco Marchiol Learns Depth Chart Fate Entering Season at Northwestern

As was the case throughout most his time at WVU, Nicco Marchiol will have to find his way to the field after opening a season as a a backup again.

Northwestern head coach named David Braun named Aidan Chiles as his starting quarterback on Monday, sending Marchiol to the sideline following his transfer from West Virginia.

Braun’s reasoning is mostly due to believing Chiles is a better fit for offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s offense.

Marchiol finished his Mountaineer career with 1,462 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He arrived in Morgantown in 2022 and spent four years, including a redshirt freshman season, at WVU.

Marchiol last played for WVU in their 41-10 loss at Kansas. He then disclosed a foot injury to Rodriguez and his staff after the game.

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.

West Virginia’s Nicco Marchiol (8) drops back to pass in Cincinnati during a game in 2024. (WVSN photo by Cody Nespor)

WVU QB Nicco Marchiol celebrates a huge play for the Mountaineers in a 2023 win over Pitt. (WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose)

Marchiol, who decided to stay an play for Rodriguez after spending three years under Neal Brown, had 720 passing yards, 56 yards on the ground, three total touchdowns and two picks in four games in 2025.

Northwestern will kickoff the 2026 season at home on Sept. 5 against San Diego State.

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