THE SMOKING MUSKET STAFF TAKES OUR SHOT AT PREDICTING THE 2025 SEASON
The 2025 college football season is on the horizon, and with it comes a wave of excitement, speculation, and hope for Mountaineer Nation. As always, The Smoking Musket staff has gathered to do what fans love most during the preseason — make bold predictions, crunch scenarios, and dream about what could unfold for West Virginia this fall.
This season feels different. Head coach Neal Brown, entering his make-or-break year, has retooled the roster with transfer portal additions, a maturing quarterback, and a defense stacked with speed at all levels. The schedule, while daunting, presents intriguing opportunities. Home games against traditional rivals and nationally ranked contenders will test not only WVU’s talent but also its resilience.
Our staff sees a wide range of possibilities. The optimists point to an offense that could finally break through with consistency. With an experienced offensive line and a deep running back room, WVU could control the pace of games, especially in the grind-it-out Big 12 matchups. The receivers, led by breakout candidates, are poised to stretch the field and give fans the explosive plays they’ve been craving.
Defensively, the Musket crew predicts a turnaround. The addition of seasoned transfers in the secondary and a defensive line anchored by veterans could make the Mountaineers stingy once again. If the defense can generate turnovers, it may tilt close games in WVU’s favor — something that has been missing in recent years.
Predictions varied, but the consensus landed between 7–5 and 9–3, with a realistic shot at a bowl victory. Some even dared to whisper “dark horse” contender if everything clicks. The toughest stretch will likely come in October, where back-to-back road games could define the season.
Ultimately, these predictions aren’t just about wins and losses — they’re about belief. Belief that WVU football is ready to rise again, belief that Morgantown will roar louder than ever, and belief that the gold and blue will fight for every yard. The Smoking Musket staff may not have all the answers, but one thing is certain: the 2025 season has the potential to be one Mountaineer fans will never forget.
