Rich Rodriguez Reveals Most Frustrating Part of WVU’s 2025 Season

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Rich Rodriguez isn’t one to hide frustration. It’s just not in his DNA to hold back, something that’s been evident throughout the 2025 season.

A list of what frustrates Rodriguez about how the season has unfolded knows no limit. West Virginia’s 2-6 record and 0-4 mark in Big 12 play is frustrating. The fact his team has been blown out by several conference opponents is beyond frustrating. The injuries he’s had to endure is, of course, frustrating, even though Rodriguez won’t let the injuries be an excuse for poor play. Watching his team make fundamental mistakes during games after more buttoned up all week in practice is crazy frustrating.

However, there’s something else that’s brought his frustration to another level at times. A lack of effort. Loafing. These are the things that are the most frustrating part of the season for Rodriguez.

“That’s probably the most frustrating part because that’s supposed to be a given from day one. If there’s one time a guy is not playing as hard as he possibly could, that’s one time way too many,” said a clearly frustrated Rodriguez during his weekly press conference ahead of his team’s trip to Houston.

The “Hard Edge” mentality demands bringing a max effort every day, every week, and obviously every single game. Rodriguez’s Mountaineers just haven’t done that.

WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez looks on after winning the 2025 season opener – his first win as West Virginia’s head coach since 2007. (WVSN photo by William Wotring)

Just from recent weeks, Rodriguez praised his team’s effort in a tough environment at BYU despite the loss. He then blasted his players for failing to bring the necessary effort after a 45-13 defeat to UCF, especially since they only trailed 14-7 at halftime and enjoyed an extra week off leading up to the game thanks to the bye.

And while he saw a better effort in a closer game – WVU only lost 23-17 to TCU, Rodriguez isn’t willing to say he’s confident that will be the case every week yet.

“Uh, but, you know, played harder, that was good. Guys didn’t quit. You know, probably is going to be mad after we watch the film. We left a lot of stuff out there. They had chances to win the game, but, you know, we gotta… Yeah, a lot of things to clean up,” said a still frustrated Rodriguez on Saturday after the game before eventually acknowledging the improved play.

Find more coverage of Rich Rodriguez and the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, Rich Rodriguez has no time for any talk of a “moral win” in the loss to TCU.