Northwestern Wildcats land ex-West Virginia QB from transfer portal

Nicco Marchiol joins the Wildcats after four seasons with the Mountaineers

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:04am

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David Braun and the Northwestern Wildcats have landed an experienced quarterback from the transfer portal, acquiring Nicco Marchiol from West Virginia. Marchiol, a three-star recruit out of high school, has two years of eligibility remaining and will look to make an impact for the Wildcats after starting four games for the Mountaineers last season before suffering a foot injury.

Why it matters

Northwestern is looking to build on a 7-6 season in 2025 and Marchiol's addition provides them with an experienced quarterback who can compete for the starting job and potentially lead the team to greater success in the Big Ten.

The details

Marchiol, a left-handed quarterback from Chandler, Arizona, was a three-star recruit coming out of high school in 2022 and ranked as the 6th best quarterback in the state of Arizona. He spent the last four seasons at West Virginia, where he started the first four games of the 2025 season before suffering a foot injury that sidelined him for the rest of the year. In his career with the Mountaineers, Marchiol completed 62.3% of his passes for 1,462 yards, 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, while also rushing for 341 yards and 4 touchdowns.

  • Marchiol announced his commitment to Northwestern on March 17, 2026.
  • He spent the last four seasons at West Virginia from 2022-2025.

The players

Nicco Marchiol

A left-handed quarterback who spent the last four seasons at West Virginia and is now transferring to Northwestern, where he will have two years of eligibility remaining.

David Braun

The head coach of the Northwestern Wildcats football team, who landed Marchiol from the transfer portal.

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What they’re saying

“'Prototype build and frame. Quick-release left-hander with ability to slide the pocket. Impressive presence and anticipation. Goes through progressions well and shows terrific rhythm to find targets. Steps up when he has to and keeps composure under duress. Quick release with ability to throw on the run. Athletic enough to pick up yards down field. Upside as multi-year starter, All-Conference type performer and NFL Draft Day 3 selection,'”

— Blair Angulo, Scouting analyst

What’s next

Marchiol will look to compete for the starting quarterback job at Northwestern and lead the Wildcats to improved success in the 2026 season and beyond.

The takeaway

Northwestern's addition of experienced quarterback Nicco Marchiol from the transfer portal provides them with a talented signal-caller who can potentially elevate the team's offense and help them build on their 7-6 campaign in 2025.