WVU’s first official quarterback will enter the transfer portal.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Khalil Wilkins announced on social media that he plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2. It was reported in the middle of the season that quarterback Nicco Marchiol would do the same, but there’s been no confirmation from him.

Wilkins was WVU’s third option after Marchiol went down with a season-ending foot injury early in the year, and Jaylen Henderson was also banged up. Wilkins started against BYU and came in during the second half against UCF the following week. During the UCF game, Wilkins was hurt, giving true freshman Scotty Fox the opportunity to win the starting job. Fox played well and started the last six games of the season.

During his time on the field, Wilkins threw for 185 yards, one touchdown and had two interceptions. Wilkins did more work on the ground and ran 58 times for 243 yards and two touchdowns.

“Khalil can make all the throws,” Rodriguez said, leading up to his first start at BYU. “Obviously, he’s a dynamic runner.”

His best game was against BYU, where he almost played the entire game. He was expected to play the following week against UCF, but Rich Rodriguez made the switch to Fox instead. Wilkins came in at the end of the game against Texas Tech, when the game was out of hand, and couldn’t do much there either.

The Mountaineers were expected to lose some quarterbacks in the portal. WVU had three new signees in the class of 2026, and Rodriguez plans to add another experienced passer in the portal. Fox, who showed flashes in 2025, was also anticipated to return, too.

Rodriguez did a great job retaining all seven quarterbacks through the spring, but that’s when the room wasn’t clear. After a year, the quarterbacks learned their place in the program, and for Wilkins, it was best to look elsewhere.