West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez confirmed significant changes are coming to Big 12 football, particularly regarding roster sizes. Speaking at a news conference on Thursday following the second spring practice of his second tenure with the Mountaineers, Rodriguez addressed a key development that will impact team management moving forward.
During a recent conference call with Big 12 coaches, Rodriguez and his peers were informed that roster sizes would be capped at 105 players starting in the 2025 season. This confirmation comes after months of speculation and discussion surrounding potential changes to roster regulations. While this adjustment had been widely anticipated, Rodriguez had hoped for a more gradual implementation process.
Rodriguez expressed his preference for a transition period that would allow teams to reduce roster sizes over time. One of his proposed solutions included “grandfathering” veteran players, meaning those already on the team would not count toward the new cap. Another suggestion involved implementing the reduction over multiple seasons, giving programs more flexibility in managing their rosters.
However, it now appears that neither of those options will be available. Instead, teams will be required to comply with the 105-player limit immediately in 2025, creating challenges for coaches who must make difficult personnel decisions. Rodriguez acknowledged the tough position this places him in, as he will have to balance recruiting efforts with retaining existing players under the new restrictions.
In the video accompanying his remarks, Rodriguez elaborated on the complexities of the situation, emphasizing the timing of the change and its potential impact on team dynamics. The head coach noted that cutting roster sizes so abruptly could affect program development, particularly for teams that rely on depth and long-term player development.
Despite his reservations, Rodriguez recognized the necessity of adhering to the new policy and preparing accordingly. He indicated that adjustments in recruiting and roster management strategies would be essential for compliance while ensuring the team remains competitive within the Big 12.
The decision to cap rosters at 105 players aligns with broader efforts across college football to standardize team sizes and streamline operations. While the change may pose short-term challenges for programs, it also aims to create a more level playing field across the conference.
Rodriguez and his staff now face the task of navigating this transition effectively. As the 2025 season approaches, how West Virginia and other Big 12 teams adapt to the new roster cap will be a key storyline to watch.