In a move that defies the prevailing winds of college football, West Virginia University quarterback Nicco Marchiol has stunned fans and insiders alike by turning down a reported $4.5 million NIL offer from archrival Pitt to remain a Mountaineer.
Multiple sources confirmed late Friday night that Marchiol, 21, was the subject of an aggressive name, image, and likeness (NIL) pitch from the University of Pittsburgh, who aimed to lure the junior signal-caller across state lines ahead of the 2025 season. The deal, said to include luxury housing, endorsement deals with several major brands, and a signing bonus, would have made him one of the highest-paid players in college football.
But Marchiol said no.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Marchiol wrote:
“I came to Morgantown to build something special. I’m not walking away from my teammates, this staff, or this fanbase. Loyalty still matters in this game. Let’s finish what we started. Let’s go Mountaineers.”
The announcement sent shockwaves through the college football world, where NIL-driven transfers have become the norm. Marchiol’s decision bucks the trend of high-profile athletes chasing bigger paydays and highlights a rare instance of school loyalty triumphing over financial gain.
Marchiol, who threw for 2,800 yards and 24 touchdowns last season while leading WVU to a nine-win campaign, was already drawing national attention heading into the 2025 season. His return ensures the Mountaineers remain a serious contender in the new-look Big 12.
WVU head coach Neal Brown praised his quarterback’s decision, calling it “the kind of leadership that defines a legacy.”
“Nicco isn’t just our quarterback — he’s the heartbeat of this team,” Brown said. “He had every reason to walk away, and instead he chose West Virginia. That’s something every Mountaineer fan should be proud of.”
Across social media, WVU fans and alumni flooded timelines with messages of support, using hashtags like #LoyaltyOverMoney and #MountaineerMade.
While the college football landscape continues to be reshaped by massive NIL deals and player movement, Marchiol’s choice offers a rare glimpse of old-school values in a new-era game. And in Morgantown, his legacy just became legendary — not just for the plays he makes on the field, but for the statement he made off of it.
