Rich Rodriguez Makes Bold Transfer Portal Prediction About WVU

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Rich Rodriguez has been honest about how he plans to handle the WVU roster, especially with the spring transfer portal window coming up. He knows he needs to add more talent, but he also knows he will have to cut players.

And while it’s often impossible to predict what an athlete will do in this era, Rodriguez also shared that he doesn’t expect to lose any of the top players he plans to keep.

“I hope we don’t lose any… they don’t act like they are half in or half out,” responded Rodriguez to a direct question asking if he’s worried about any players turning on him and deciding to leave West Virginia on their own.

So if he ends up being correct, any player that does enter the portal was directed to do so and was basically cut by Rodriguez and his staff. At the very least, they weren’t a priority for Rodriguez.

No matter what happens, every move Rodriguez makes is done in the interest of helping West Virginia win. Of course, he only wants players who fit his “hard edge” philosophy and doesn’t want anyone only in it for the money. But at the same time, he’s not going to shy away from pursuing talent and is confident WVU will pay to bring those type of players in if necessary.

As far as what WVU will focus on when looking for new transfer players, wide receiver and the defensive secondary stand out as positions of emphasis.

“I still think we got to get a little more depth at wide out. We just don’t have the numbers right now at wide receiver,” said Rodriguez.

Which Position Will Rich Rodriguez Prioritize the Most During Spring Portal?

Despite adding several transfer wide receivers thanks to the winter window and even retaining Rodney Gallagher, West Virginia just needs more depth.

Rodriguez also added that he likes the players he does have, most notably emphasizing liking their effort, but at the same time, it’s clear he doesn’t feel he has enough to ensure success for whoever ends up being his starting quarterback.

“The worst part after spring is to let guys go because after our Big 12 call yesterday, it looks like roster limit is going to go to 105. I don’t like that and probably most coaches don’t. It’s going to cut out a lot of opportunities, especially for walk-ons. We’re going to have to cut some guys to get down to 105 and then are probably going to have to cut a few more because we’re going to need certain positions that are probably thin right now, like wide receiver,” explained Rodriguez as something he noticed right away after a practice during the first week of their spring period.

West Virginia won’t be holding a spring GAME this year. Instead, the WVU football will offer fans a Gold-Blue “Showcase” event to take place on Saturday, April 5.

For a related story, WV Sports Now’s Mike Asti detailed his takeaways from spring ball before the break.

Find more coverage of Rich Rodriguez at WV Sports Now.