Coastal Carolina enters the season with no returning QB from 2025. Four candidates (Deuce Bailey, Trever Jackson, Tre Guerra, Osiris Lopez) are competing, and none has been named starter. This uncertainty could lead to inconsistency in the offense, especially against a Power 4 opponent on the road.

Head coach Ryan Beard and his entire staff are in their first season at Coastal Carolina, with over 56 new players including 38 transfers. The team is still building chemistry and installing new systems on both sides of the ball, which may result in early-season growing pains.

Defensive coordinator L.D. Scott believes the defensive line, led by transfers Chandavian Bradley (Oklahoma State) and Donovan Grayson (Samford) along with senior Ibrahim Diawara, will be the unit's strength. This group could pressure West Virginia's quarterback and disrupt the run game.

Coastal Carolina travels 407 miles to face West Virginia, a Power 4 team with a significant home-field advantage (2.6). The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies, 58°F, and 10 mph wind, which could affect passing and kicking. The Chanticleers must adapt to a hostile environment and cooler conditions.

Both kickers (Nico Cavanillas Alti, Daniel Porto) were all-conference at the FCS level, and punter Emile Sebafundi returns with a strong average. Return specialists like Robby Washington and Krosse Johnson offer big-play potential. In a potentially low-scoring game, special teams may be decisive.

West Virginia's offensive line was a major weakness last season, but the team added five transfers with 91 combined starts and brought in renowned line coach Rick Trickett. Combined with the addition of Division I leading rusher Cam Cook (1,659 yards, 16 TDs), the Mountaineers are expected to feature a powerful run game. Against Coastal Carolina, the revamped line and Cook's production will be critical to controlling the game and setting up play-action for the quarterback.

Sophomore Scotty Fox Jr. and Oklahoma transfer Michael Hawkins Jr. are competing for the starting job. The offense under Rich Rodriguez relies on speed at quarterback, running back, and receiver. The team has added several transfer receivers (DJ Epps, John Neider, Prince Strachan, TaRon Francis) to improve speed and versatility. The quarterback decision will impact the offense's ability to execute the gun-run and create explosive plays.

Defensive coordinator Zac Alley has integrated many new players via the transfer portal and a top-20 recruiting class, aiming for a longer, more athletic defense with better depth. Key additions include edge rusher Harper Holloman (WKU) and end Zeke Durham-Campbell (Coastal Carolina). The defense's ability to generate pressure and hold up against Coastal Carolina's offense will be a key factor, especially early in the season as chemistry develops.

West Virginia opens at home with a venue HFA of 2.6, a significant advantage. The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies, 58°F, and 10 mph wind, which could affect passing and kicking. The Mountaineers' run-heavy approach may be well-suited to these conditions, while Coastal Carolina's passing game could be hindered. The team's experienced specialists (punter Bryan Hansen, kickers Jack Cassidy and Peter Notaro) will need to handle the wind effectively.

Coastal Carolina is a familiar opponent for West Virginia's defensive end Zeke Durham-Campbell, who transferred from Coastal Carolina. His knowledge of their schemes could provide an edge. Additionally, an opposing Big 12 coach noted that West Virginia lacked team speed last year but is addressing it through the portal. The Mountaineers' new speed on offense and defense will be tested against a Coastal Carolina team that is also in transition.