Rich Rodriguez Defends Size of WVU’s 2026 Class: ‘We Don’t Recruit Anybody to Be Backups’

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Rich Rodriguez recruited the highest ranked class in WVU football program history on December’s Early National Signing Day. However, despite the national recognition, some have still criticized the class for its massive size (49 players deep), but Rodriguez doesn’t recruit anyone with the intention of only using them as a depth piece.

When defending his class, mostly made up of three-stars behind a few four-star headliners, Rodriguez said he didn’t sign anyone to be a backup. The West Virginia staff believes every player they recruit can start for the Mountaineers.

“I don’t ever guarantee a guy as soon as you come on campus, you’re going to start,” Rodriguez said. “That wouldn’t be fair to you or the guys on the team. Yet, we don’t recruit anybody to be backups,” he clarified.

“How would we be better if we recruited a guy and said, ‘You’re probably going to be a backup and play in a year or two,'” Rodriguez questioned.

And for a peek behind the curtain, Rodriguez also revealed what he tells his staff when recruiting any player no matter what rank they may hold.

“I tell our coaches to recruit guys who they think are as good, or better, than what we’ve got. You don’t know for sure until you get them, but you’d better have a decent idea of it.”

Find more coverage of Rich Rodriguez and WVU football recruiting on WV Sports Now.

For a related story, WV Sports Now compiled a comprehensive list of West Virginia’s entire 2026 class.