In just less than 24 hours, RMU Football will kickoff their 2025 season against West Virginia in Morgantown. The game serves not only as their season opener, but as their first big game against a big opponent in quite some time.
The last time RMU faced an FBS opponent was in their season opener last season against Utah State, a game which served as a thrilling opener for the Colonials’ campaign. In the game, cornerback Rob Carter Jr. went viral for his insane one-handed interception, a moment any team would hope to replicate in any game this season.
Now, the team takes a step up to face their sixth FBS opponent ever and their first ever Big-12 conference team in the Mountaineers.
The Colonials have undergone a season of change since their devastating losses Duquesne and Central Connecticut State ended their season early, missing out on the NEC playoffs.
Key losses will likely be felt on both sides of the ball, including starting quarterback Anthony Chiccitt who graduated and is now at Temple. Another notable offensive transfer is Noah Robinson, the star wide-receiver and program record-breaker. The Virginia native transferred to Tennessee Tech in the offseason, meaning his 57 catches for 876 yards and 5 touchdowns will leave a ton of volume open for someone else to take.
Starting running back Tyvon Edmunds Jr. also graduated last year. The running back made the All-NEC second team last season, rushing for 623 yards and 5 touchdowns.
On the defensive side, RMU lost other key contributors. Besides Carter, the Colonials lost both of their star linebackers in Jamar Shegog and Keon Freeman. The pair were both recognized by the conference last season, with Shegog making the All-NEC first team and Freeman the second.
Someone the Colonials will have to lean on is returner and starting quarterback Zach Tanner. Tanner got reps in last season, playing in 12 matches and throwing for 453 yards and 4 TDs. The Florida native now gets his first chance starting since he was a freshman, and will have to play smart against a very difficult Mountaineers defense.
West Virginia also underwent changes of their own, most notably at the position of head coach. Last season head coach Neal Brown was fired after 5 years in charge of the program. Chad Scott would take in place in the interim, but WVU would turn to former coach and fan favorite Rich Rodriguez to fill the role.
A native of the state, Rodriguez had previously led the Mountaineers for six years, including his final season which WVU ranked #1 in the coaches poll, their highest position ever. The season would end in heartbreaking fashion, with the team losing in the backyard brawl to Pitt, eliminating them from National Championship contention. Rodriguez would then leave to coach Michigan, where he’d only last three, turbulent years.
Rodriguez also served head coaching roles at Arizona and Jacksonville State before returning to his hometown in December.
An interesting story to watch will be who will be lining up under center for the Mountaineers come Sunday afternoon. Currently Nicco Marchiol is projected to be the starter, but Texas A&M transfer Jaylen Henderson will also likely see snaps against the Colonials. Currently there are 5 listed starters on WVU’s depth chart, but the Colonials will hope to keep it close, meaning less opportunities for those deeper on the chart.
The Colonials’ season kickoffs at 2 p.m. tomorrow, August 30 in Morgantown. The game will be streamed on ESPN+, but you can catch more coverage including post-game recap here on Sentry Sports.
