Nicco Marchiol Reflects on WVU Career to Confirm Departure

Making what’s been known official, Nicco Marchiol started the new year off by announcing he’s going to enter the transfer portal as a grad transfer.

“Over the past few months, I’ve spent a lot of time in prayer and honest reflection, looking back on a four-year journey that changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. West Virginia University became more than a place where I played football — it became a place where I was tested, refined, and taught to lean fully on my faith.

My time in Morgantown showed me how to persevere when the path wasn’t clear, how to stay rooted when things were difficult, and how to trust God in seasons of uncertainty. I learned to appreciate every moment — the highs, the lows, and everything in between — knowing each one was shaping me for something greater,” Marchiol said in a statement.

“Whether it was my first touchdown pass to Preston Fox in Milan Puskar Stadium — hearing the crowd erupt and realizing a dream had become reality — or the closing moments against Pitt this year. With the stadium holding its breath, I trusted my preparation and my faith, let the ball go, and watched it find the end zone, setting the stage for an overtime win. Being a part of two wins over Pitt are moments I’ll carry with me forever. Memories that reflect the belief, fight, and togetherness of this program.

I am deeply grateful for the teammates who became brothers and the people in this community who welcomed me and supported me along the way. The relationships, memories, and lessons formed here will stay with me forever. Wearing the Flying WV was an honor I carried with pride, and it’s something I will always respect.

“After much prayer, reflection, and conversations with those closest to me, I’ve decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal as a graduate transfer with two years of eligibility to pursue the next chapter of my career. This decision comes with peace in my heart and complete trust in God’s timing and direction for my life.

“Thank you, Morgantown, for the growth, the challenges, and the moments that shaped me. All glory to God. Forever a Mountaineer.”

Marchiol finish his Mountaineer career with 1,462 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

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.

WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose

According to a trusted source who prefers to remain anonymous, Marchiol’s injury is far more serve than has been reported. Based on what WVSN learned months ago, Marchiol has a torn ligament in his foot that may require surgery.

If it does require surgery, something Marchiol and his family are trying to avoid, it will likely mean he will be unable to play in 2026. And to clarify, if Marchiol has surgery, that would then put his next season in serious jeopardy no matter where he ends up.

This same source confirmed Marchiol’s plans to transfer after the 2025 season, but also wanted to emphasize that was not his intention until it became clear that his departure would be in the best interest of the WVU program and own his personal career.

Also according to the source, Marchiol first noticed his injury early in the Pitt game. However, he was not taken out that game due to the injury. Marchiol did not disclose his injury at that time. His exit from the game was based on performance, something he rectified by returning and leading the Mountaineers to an emotional comeback victory.

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.

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