MORGANTOWN — West Virginia University’s leading receiver from 2024 will reportedly play in the Big Ten in 2025.
According to On3.com, Martinsburg native Hudson Clement has decided upon the University of Illinois after entering the transfer portal following the season. Clement’s X.com account also acknowledges the move in his bio.
Clement, a former walk-on who earned a scholarship early in his freshman year of 2023, finished 2024 with team highs in catches (51), yards (741) and touchdowns (five). He saved his best for last, an 11-catch, 166-yard, two-touchdown performance in his final WVU game, the Mountaineers’ 42-37 Frisco Bowl loss to Memphis.
New WVU coach Rich Rodriguez could be searching for several players to replace leading receivers for next season. Tight end Kole Taylor, second on the team in catches and yards, has graduated, receiver Traylon Ray has entered the transfer portal and EerSports.com has reported that receiver Preston Fox will not return to the team.
Jacksonville State wide receiver Jarod Bowie – a Martinsburg native who caught 13 passes for 207 yards for the Gamecocks last season and was a Division II All-American at Concord in 2022 – has committed to WVU.
The Fighting Illini wrapped up their 2024 season with a 10-3 record and a Citrus Bowl win over South Carolina. It was Illinois’ first 10-win season since 2001.
Marchiol to remain at WVU
One WVU player who won’t be going anywhere is quarterback Nicco Marchiol, who went on social media Wednesday to announce he would return to Morgantown this season.
“I’m honored to be back for 2025,” Marchiol wrote. “Ready to finish what I came here to do – win games and help restore the pride and glory that this incredible community deserves.”
Marchiol started two games this season in place of the injured Garrett Greene, leading the Mountaineers to wins over Arizona and Cincinnati. Against the Wildcats, he completed 18 of 22 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns, while gaining 39 yards on 11 carries. Against the Bearcats, he threw for 156 yards, a touchdown and an interception on 9-of-15 passing, while gaining 18 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.
On the season, Marchiol completed 37 of 56 passes for 434 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions, while rushing for 120 yards and two touchdowns on 40 carries. His return will give WVU’s quarterback room some needed experience. Greene graduated and no other quarterback on WVU’s roster attempted a pass last season.
Garrett joins coaching staff
The Mountaineers announced another addition to its coaching staff Thursday, as Ryan Garrett will coach wide receivers.
“I’m excited that Ryan will be joining the Mountaineer football program as the wide receivers coach,” Rodriguez said. “I have had the opportunity to work with him for several years and have seen his growth as a coach on and off the field. He brings a lot of energy and knowledge to the position, having worked closely with our receivers over the last three years. He is a great addition to our on-field coaching staff.”
Garrett has coached wide receivers at JSU since 2022 and was a graduate assistant at Louisiana-Monroe in 2021. He joins new defensive coordinator Zac Alley among WVU’s new hires and running backs coach Chad Scott and inside receivers coach Blaine Stewart, both of whom were retained from Neal Brown’s staff.
— Story by Derek Redd
