WVU QB Nicco Marchiol Mentions Familiar Mountaineer He Expects to Have Big Year

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – As Nicco Marchiol hopes to enter the season as WVU’s starting quarterback, he has the comfort of one familiar face as a key offensive weapon. Marchiol expects big things for wide receiver Rodney Gallagher in his third year as a Mountaineer.

“He’s been awesome. He had a huge offseason. I see his commitment level, obviously his connection to this school and this team,” said Marchiol when asked directly about Gallagher after fall camp practice on Monday.

“He’s a great locker room guy, great teammate, super, super hard working and has really grasped the offense really well. Rodney Gallagher’s had a really good offseason,” Marchiol added to further emphasize the work Gallagher has put in and his fit in the new offense.

I asked WVU QB Nicco Marchiol about the progression of WR Rodney Gallagher, one of the few familiar faces he has from 2024.

"He's been awesome. He had a huge offseason. I see his commitment level, obviously his connection to this school and this team. He's a great locker room…

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) August 5, 2025

While speaking with the media in the spring, Gallagher said he believes Rodriguez’s tough way of coaching will make him better and help him reach his true potential.

“He really cares about us being better to get us to the next level,” said the third year wide receiver out nearby Western Pennsylvania.

As a player who embraces being coached, Gallagher admits Rodriguez works his players harder than most coaches, but that’s exactly why he believes West Virginia will win. Gallagher even pointed to Rodriguez’s mentality as what could allow the Mountaineers to contend right away in the Big 12 and beyond.

Rodney Gallagher Offers Honest Thoughts About Rich Rodriguez’s ‘Hard Edge’ Style

Gallagher joined the WVU football program as the sixth-highest rated recruit in program history, a 4-star prospect with two-way potential at both wide receiver and cornerback. College programs also recruited him as a point guard, a testament to his athletic ability.

Gallagher spent most of his snaps at wide receiver during his first two seasons with West Virginia, playing in all 26 games with ten starts. Now under the tutelage of new head coach Rich Rodriguez, he’ll devote his time and energy exclusively to the offensive side of the ball.

At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Gallagher fits the Mountaineers’ offense best as a slot receiver, although he does have the ability to line up outside.

Production wise, Gallagher took a big step during his sophomore year in 2024, making 26 receptions for 288 yards and scoring three touchdowns. He had only 10 catches for 74 yards in limited time as a freshman.

Find more coverage of Rodney Gallagher at WV Sports Now.