WVU’s Nicco Marchiol Grades at Top of Big 12 for Week 1 Performance

Even during the show start for the offense, Nicco Marchiol was efficient in his 2025 season debut. So how did West Virginia’s signal caller grade out based on his play in the Mountaineers’ 45-3 win over Robert Morris.

Marchiol received a 93.6 overall grade from PFF for Saturday, placing him as the highest graded Big 12 starting quarterback. Kansas’ Jalon Daniels earned a grade of 90.5.

Ironically enough, Marchiol’s teammates Scotty Fox and Jaylen Henderson are also among the highest graded for the Big 12 overall. Fox actually is in the No. 1 spot for those who got in games at 97.5.

Fox even achieved WVU’s biggest play of the day, running for a 59-yard touchdown.

Marchiol evaluated his own play while revealing news about his preparation after the game.

WVU QB Nicco Marchiol Reveals When He Learned He Won Job, Evaluates Play

He confirmed he learned about his opportunity earlier in the week. And after his first season opening start of his college career, Marchiol said he feels he earned the job, which his head coach made clear as well.

Rich Rodriguez referenced Marchiol’s consistency from spring to fall camp and his competitiveness as why he eventually won WVU’s quarterback commotion.

Marchiol finished the game completing 17-of-20 passes for 224 yards with three total touchdowns, two on the ground and one through the air.

As far as evaluating his own play, Marchiol said there will always be completions in Rodriguez’s offense before complimenting his teammates.

But despite his efficiency, it took until the midway through the second half until the WVU offense was able to find a big play. Marchiol threw up a bomb, connecting with wide receiver Cam Vaughn for a 46-yard touchdown. It was at that point the Mountaineers knew they had the game in the game, something delayed due to a rough first half full of mistakes and turnovers.

Marchiol noted the need for the team to be more disciplined, especially as they head into a tough road environment to face a high-powered offense next week.

“We need to get back to playing disciplined West Virginia football.”

West Virginia (1-0) will now head to Athens, Ohio to take on the Bobcats (0-1) in Week 2.