MORGANTOWN, WV — The West Virginia football team capped off its spring slate with the annual Gold-Blue Showcase on Saturday afternoon at Mountaineer Field, offering fans an early look at the 2025 Mountaineers and a glimpse into the talent emerging from this year’s roster.
Honoring Dedication and Grit
Before the on-field action began, sophomore running back Clay Ash was presented with the 2025 Tommy Nickolich Memorial Award, honoring a standout walk-on who demonstrates exceptional effort and dedication.
In the weight room, three Mountaineers earned recognition as Warriors of Winter for their offseason training efforts:
- Reid Carrico, senior linebacker
- Kimo Makane’ole, senior offensive lineman
- Keke Tarnue, senior safety
Kickers Start the Action
The event kicked off with a field goal competition featuring Ethan Head, RJ Kocan, and Nate Flower, all of whom successfully booted field goals up to 58 yards before the scrimmage began.
Quarterback Carousel on Display
The abbreviated scrimmage featured a rotating quarterback lineup, with each signal caller getting a chance to lead various units down the field:
- Nicco Marchiol opened the scrimmage with a deep connection to Cam Vaughn, leading to a 38-yard field goal by Ethan Head.
- Jaylen Henderson took the next series, though the drive stalled at midfield.
- Max Brown, notably not in a no-contact jersey, impressed by using both his arm and legs to lead a touchdown drive.
- Henderson returned and completed 3-of-5 passes on a penalty-aided drive, capped off by a 2-yard touchdown run by Tye Edwards.
- Freshman Scotty Fox mixed the run and pass effectively, but the drive ended on a fourth-down stop.
- Scott Kean and Abe Fenwick each had short stints, with Fenwick moving the ball to midfield before the drive fizzled.
- Brown later returned, connecting again with Vaughn, and set up Diore Hubbard for a 10-yard touchdown run.
- Henderson followed with a deep attempt picked off by Jason Chambers, showing the defense was ready to make a statement too.
- Marchiol came back strong with a tight throw to Jarel Williams, followed by another Hubbard rushing touchdown.
- Brown finished a later drive with a key pass to TJ Johnson, setting up a 1-yard score by Trae’von Dunbar.
The quarterbacks continued to rotate in and out, giving fans a comprehensive look at the depth and versatility in the Mountaineers’ offensive room.
Fan Engagement and a Familiar Face
In a fun twist, former WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez, seated in the stands, invited fans to help call two-point conversion plays using a play chart—earning cheers and laughs from the crowd.
With a mix of playmaking, strong showings from new and returning players, and interactive moments for the fans, the 2025 Gold-Blue Showcase closed out WVU’s spring football season on a high note.
The Mountaineers now shift focus to fall camp as they prepare for what promises to be an exciting 2025 season.
