MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Another Saturday, another embarrassing showing for West Virginia football. The Mountaineers were dominated at home by Utah, falling 48–14 in front of a restless Milan Puskar Stadium crowd. The loss drops WVU to 2–3 overall and 0–2 in Big 12 play, with bowl hopes already fading fast.
With Nicco Marchiol sidelined by a foot injury, the offense started the game in the hands of transfer quarterback Jaylen Henderson. The results were as bleak as they’ve been all season. Henderson finished the first half just 3-of-7 for 22 yards, generating zero rhythm and leaving WVU scoreless heading into the break. The offense once again looked predictable, conservative, and hopeless.
In the second half, fans finally got a look at redshirt freshman quarterback Khalil Wilkins — and he delivered. While the game was already out of reach, Wilkins provided energy and production that had been absent all day. He completed 3-of-7 passes for 63 yards and a touchdown, while also adding 9 rushes for 39 yards on the ground.
Most importantly, Wilkins led the Mountaineers to their only two scoring drives of the game, accounting for all 14 of WVU’s points.
West Virginia gets on the board for the first time today 🙌 @WVUfootball pic.twitter.com/HVvlVvX53Y
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 27, 2025
It’s clear that Henderson is not the answer. Wilkins, though still raw, showed poise, athleticism, and flashes of playmaking ability that WVU desperately needs. If Marchiol remains sidelined with his foot injury, Wilkins should be the starter the rest of the season. Playing Henderson again would only waste more possessions and further frustrate fans.
As for the opponent, Utah played to its identity — physical in the trenches, efficient on offense, and relentless on defense. The Utes bullied WVU from the opening whistle, pushing around the Mountaineers’ weak offensive line and controlling every aspect of the game.
West Virginia is now 2–3 overall and 0–2 in Big 12 play, with no clear signs of improvement. The offensive line is a disaster, the playmakers are small and slow, and the defense is wearing down under constant pressure.
But there was one silver lining: Khalil Wilkins. If Rich Rodriguez wants to salvage anything from this season, it begins with handing the keys to the freshman and building around him while Marchiol heals. Anything less, and the Mountaineers are headed for a complete collapse.
