7 Shocking Ways West Virginia State Football Dominated The 2025 MEC Season (And What's Next)

The West Virginia State University Yellow Jackets football program has officially concluded its 2025 campaign, marking a season of significant growth, major conference awards, and a renewed competitive edge within the rigorous Mountain East Conference (MEC). Despite finishing with a 5-6 overall record (4-4 in conference play), the team demonstrated a clear upward trajectory, fueled by a potent offense and standout individual performances that shattered program records and earned national attention.

The 2025 season, which saw the Yellow Jackets secure decisive victories against rivals like West Virginia Wesleyan and Fairmont State, has laid a strong foundation for future success under veteran Head Coach John Pennington. The program's momentum is undeniable, especially with a massive 2025 recruiting class and a core group of award-winning players ready to push for a conference title.

Head Coach John Pennington: The Architect of WVSU Football's Resurgence

The stability and recent success of the West Virginia State Yellow Jackets football team are intrinsically linked to the tenure of Head Coach John Pennington, a highly respected figure in the NCAA Division II landscape.

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• Full Name: John Pennington
• Born: December 5, 1981
• Current Position: Head Football Coach, West Virginia State University
• Tenure at WVSU: Hired in Spring 2017
• Previous Coaching Roles: Pennington served in various capacities, including time as the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the semi-pro West Virginia Lighting.
• Key Achievement: He has been instrumental in raising the program's profile, consistently developing All-Conference talent and improving the team's competitiveness within the tough Mountain East Conference (MEC).

Pennington, now entering his ninth season with the program, has built a reputation for developing explosive offenses and fostering a culture of academic and athletic excellence. His leadership has been critical in attracting top-tier talent, as evidenced by the high-impact 2025 recruiting class and the numerous all-conference honors his players received this year.

1. Devin Cox's Historic Freshman Campaign: MEC Offensive Player of the Year

The biggest headline of the 2025 season was the meteoric rise of freshman running back Devin Cox. Cox didn't just play well; he dominated, earning the prestigious title of Mountain East Conference Offensive Freshman Player of the Year.

This major individual award is a testament to the freshman's immediate impact on the Yellow Jackets' ground game, providing a dynamic rushing threat that immediately elevated the entire offense. Cox's performance places him among the elite young talents in NCAA Division II football and serves as a massive building block for the team's future success.

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2. WVSU's Record-Breaking All-MEC Selections

The Yellow Jackets proved they were more than a one-man team by earning one of their largest-ever hauls of all-conference awards. The program celebrated a total of 12 All-MEC selections for the 2025 season.

This impressive number included four First Team All-MEC honorees. While the full list of First Teamers is extensive, this concentration of elite talent across multiple positions—offense, defense, and special teams—shows the depth and quality that Coach Pennington has established. Players like quarterback Kaleb Jackson also stood out, continuing the trend of high-caliber playmaking.

3. The Explosive Offensive Showdowns of 2025

The Yellow Jackets proved they could light up the scoreboard, particularly in their conference victories. The 2025 season featured two high-octane offensive explosions that showcased the team's potential:

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• 60-39 Victory over Fairmont State University: A massive conference win where the offense seemed unstoppable, putting up 60 points in a statement performance.
• 45-16 Victory over West Virginia Wesleyan College: Another dominant showing that demonstrated the team’s ability to control a game from start to finish.

These results highlight the effectiveness of Offensive Coordinator Matt Cavallaro's scheme and the execution of key players like Devin Cox and the veteran offensive line.

4. The Battle of the Capital City: A Fierce Rivalry

Topical authority in college football requires acknowledging the rivalries, and for WVSU, that means the intense clash with the University of Charleston Golden Eagles. This rivalry, often dubbed the "Battle of the Capital City," is a highlight of the MEC schedule.

The Yellow Jackets closed their 2025 season with a loss to Charleston (21-38), but the competitive nature of this game, which is often nationally broadcasted as an NCAA Division II Showcase Game, underscores the importance of this matchup. This rivalry remains a critical benchmark for the program’s success and is a must-watch for WVSU fans.

5. The Historic Home Turf: Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium

All the action happens at the historic Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium, the home of the Yellow Jackets. This venue is a cornerstone of the WVSU athletic experience and a key entity for topical authority.

• Stadium Name: Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium
• Capacity: 5,000 spectators
• Surface: Shaw Sports Turf (Artificial Turf)
• History: The stadium was built in 1963 and has undergone recent renovations. The naming honors the Dickerson family, recognizing their significant support of the university and its history.

6. The Legacy of Bill Nunn: WVSU's NFL Connection

The West Virginia State football program boasts a rich history of producing talent, most notably the legendary Bill Nunn. Nunn, a WVSU alum, became one of the most influential figures in NFL history as a scout for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Nunn was instrumental in finding and signing top Black college football players during a crucial period of integration in the league, effectively building the foundation of the Steelers' 1970s dynasty. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the program’s historical significance and its deep roots in the professional game.

7. The Future is Now: Key 2025 Recruiting Commits

Looking ahead, the program has secured a robust 2025 recruiting class, a vital step in maintaining momentum. The new class includes promising talent like offensive lineman/long snapper Jotun Amburgey from South Charleston High School, WV, and tight end Marcus Brumfield from Boyd County High School, KY.

These new additions, combined with the returning All-MEC talent like Devin Cox, signal a strong commitment to building a championship-caliber team. The Yellow Jackets are clearly focused on leveraging their 2025 success to make a serious run at the Mountain East Conference title in the upcoming seasons.