Rich Rodriguez Provides Jimmori Robinson Update, Calls Ohio Game ‘Long Shot’

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The 2025 WVU football season is fully underway, yet there’s still one major question left unanswered from the offseason. Will West Virginia ever be able to benefit from adding Jimmori Robinson as a transfer star?

WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez was asked directly about Robinson’s status, one left up in the air by recent conflicting rulings, during his weekly press conference on Tuesday. And Rodriguez offered an answer that leaves some hope, granted not for this week.

Rodriguez revealed he’s expecting to hear an update, and possible even a resolution, later in the week. However, it’s “a long shot” to get Robinson ready to play for their upcoming road game against Ohio.

WVU HC Rich Rodriguez called Jimmori Robinson being able to play against Ohio "a long shot" even if they get positive news about his eligibility this week. Just not enough days left in the week.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) September 2, 2025

While Rodriguez has previously stated that Robinson is talented enough and plays a position that could warrant a limited role without much practice, Robinson playing in only a few days isn’t likely no matter what. Rodriguez emphasized he would need a decision in a hurry and they are running out days to get Robinson for Week 2.

Robinson was one of four Mountaineers forced to file a lawsuit against the NCAA to earn eligibility. As of last week, all four players were all officially placed on West Virginia’s current 2025 roster.

But unlike the others, Robinson has been unable to join the team due to a discrepancy about his academics.

In the middle of the hearing about the four WVU players fighting for eligibility, an NCAA lawyer dropped a bomb that may make the whole process pointless for the headliner.

No final ruling has been made at this time, but the NCAA claims Robinson is academically ineligible. Justin Harrington, Tye Edwards and Jeffrey Weimer are the other players involved in the lawsuit.

Robinson is viewed as the most important player among the group, with some believing he could become a star pass rusher in the Big 12.

On July 22, ex West Virginia and current Nevada wide receiver Cortez Braham learned he’s been granted a preliminary injunction that will allow him to play a seventh year of college football.

Braham, who transferred to Nevada after his WVU exit during the 2023 season, has been pursuing an extra season since filing a lawsuit against the NCAA in May.

Brahma’s case stems from the new rules concerning eligibility for players who spent time at a junior college. Prior to transferring up to the FBS level and joining WVU, Braham played at Hutchinson C.C., in Kansas.

It was believed that Braham’s legal win opened up the door for Robinson and the other West Virginia transfers with junior college years to take the field as Mountaineers in 2025.

Find more coverage of WVU Football at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, West Virginia has been put on upset alert by oddsmakers.