For the third time in as many games, West Virginia will have a new starting quarterback come 10:30 p.m. Friday when the Mountaineers play at No. 23 BYU.
In an update to the Big 12 Conference player availability report Wednesday night, the Mountaineers ruled out Jaylen Henderson, the starting signal-caller in last week’s 48-14 home loss to Utah.
Henderson, a Texas A&M transfer, played throughout the first half against the Utes before being replaced by redshirt freshman Khalil Wilkins.
The Mountaineers did not score on five full first-half possessions with Henderson behind center, and on Tuesday, WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez confirmed Henderson and Max Brown were battling injuries that would limit both in a short week of practice leading up to the matchup with the Cougars.
Brown is listed as questionable for the contest with the Cougars. If he can play, it leaves the Mountaineers with three available quarterbacks — Wilkins, Brown and true freshman Scotty Fox — with game experience, albeit in a limited role, this season.
Nicco Marchiol was the starting quarterback for each of West Virginia’s first four games in 2025, but has been away from the program since a 41-10 loss at Kansas on September 20. Marchiol is not expected to return this year as he seeks a medical redshirt for a foot injury and potentially a new program down the line.
Henderson is WVU’s leading rusher through five games with 146 yards and one touchdown on 29 attempts. He’s completed only 7-of-18 passes for 50 yards.
Wilkins is 3-of-6 for 63 yards with a touchdown, all of which came against the Utes. A left-hander like both Henderson and Marchiol, Wilkins has 106 rushing yards on 16 attempts.
In a positive development, WVU has running back Tye Edwards listed as probable for the matchup with BYU after Edwards had previously been labeled questionable.
Edwards has not played since rushing for 141 yards and three touchdowns back on September 13 in an overtime win against Pitt. That’s the only contest Edwards has logged a carry in to this point.
Offensive lineman Kimo Makane’ole, who suffered an injury against Utah, is also listed as probable.
Wide receiver Oran Singleton has been ruled out for the matchup with BYU. Singleton did not play last Saturday after appearing in each of the first four games.