The West Virginia football program decided to head in a different direction after firing former head coach Neal Brown in December and bringing back Rich Rodriguez.
Rodriguez led the Mountaineers from 2001-07, earning Big East Coach of the Year honors in both 2003 and 2005. His return to Morgantown has sparked major excitement, with season ticket sales soaring to new heights.
“Our season ticket numbers as of this morning are 33,208. We expect that number will get somewhere between 33,500 and 34,000,” WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker said.
Baker also added that the team has 9,500 new season ticket holders.
The return of Rodriguez has garnered national attention as the Mountaineers look to build off a 6-7 finish in 2024. WVU has not reached 10 wins since the 2016 campaign.
With premium seating already sold out and fan engagement at a decade high, the energy surrounding Mountaineer football is palpable.
In recent press conferences, Rodriguez has promised a tougher, more disciplined team identity, and that message appears to be resonating.
Rodriguez inherits a roster that returns several key starters on both sides of the ball and has added multiple impact transfers through the portal. This includes quarterback Nicco Marchiol and star running back Jahiem White.
As West Virginia prepares for its 2025 Big 12 slate, expectations are rising both on the field and in the stands.
“Enthusiasm is high. Both of their ticket sales are trending very well, so revenues are good…I’m really excited about where we’re at in those two sports and really hopeful,” Baker said via Gold and Blue Nation. I think the fans are as well, just based on what we’re seeing in terms of trends and ticket sales.”
The Mountaineers will begin the 2025 season at home against Robert Morris on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m.
