Is it too early to start talking about football? At my house we really don’t ever stop talking about football. We either talk about what’s coming up or bask in the past glory days. So, when I heard about Quincy Wilson taking the helm at Weir, I knew he would ignite a tidal wave of excitement as he looks to lead the Red Raiders back to championship glory. There are few moments in high school sports that feel like destiny. Quincy Wilsons’ return to Weir High School as head coach of the AA Red Riders is one of them.

The name Quincy Wilson still echoes through the Ohio Valley like a Friday night under the lights. His performances were explosive and unforgettable. In 1998, Wilson was more than just a football player. He was a force to be reckoned with. That year, he led Weir to a perfect 14-0 record and the AA state championship, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest to ever wear the red and black. He capped that dream season by winning the Kennedy Award, West Virginia’s top individual honor, before going on to a storied college career at WVU and a stint in the NFL.

Now, nearly three decades later, he’s back. This time Quincy will be wearing a headset instead of a helmet.

In a state like West Virginia, where football is religion and heroes are immortalized on the fields they once roamed, Wilsons’ return has sparked a wildfire of excitement. In fact, the buzz in Weirton might just be rivaling the fervor surrounding Coach Neal Brown’s successor, Coach Rod, in Morgantown. Yes, that Rich Rod. And yes, the energy really is that high.

But make no mistake. This isn’t just nostalgia. It’s about belief. Wilson brings more than just a legacy to the Red Riders. He brings experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of what it takes to win. Not just games, but hearts. His résumé speaks for itself. Over 2,600 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns at West Virginia University, leadership roles in locker rooms at the highest level, and now, the vision to build something lasting in the very place that built him.

For the kids in Weirton, this isn’t just a coaching hire. It’s a living dream. It’s proof that greatness can come from their own backyards and, just maybe, that it can return home to stay.

Wilson inherits a program hungry to reclaim its place among the state’s elite. With him at the helm, expectations will rise but so will standards. He knows what it means to wear that jersey, to bleed for that town, and to lift a championship trophy with “Weir” stitched across his chest. He’s been there. He is that tradition.

In a football-rich state that reveres its legends, Quincy Wilson’s homecoming is more than symbolic. And if his past is any indication, the next chapter for Weir football could be one for the history books. I plan on making the trek north to see them play in person.

So, buckle up, Red Rider Nation. Your champion has returned. And he’s not coming back to relive the past. He’s here to build a new future.

There is a lot of chatter in Morgantown and online following the reported retirement of Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione, a longtime figure in college athletics. Wren Baker, current Vice President and Director of Athletics at WVU, is a native Oklahoman who attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma State University and is now being floated as a potential successor. His deep ties to the state and its athletic culture could make him a natural fit for the position.

Though Baker has publicly expressed his commitment to West Virginia, some observers question whether the emotional pull of returning home might outweigh his current role in Morgantown.

Since arriving at WVU, Baker has made significant moves in the athletic department, overseeing key coaching changes and helping to stabilize several programs. His leadership has earned praise, and his departure would certainly leave a notable gap in the Mountaineers’ athletic operations.

While Baker may be a strong contender, he is likely not the only name under consideration for the high-profile role in Norman. For now, West Virginia fans are left in a state of uncertainty, awaiting clarity on whether their athletic director will stay or be called home.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain. WVU will face a pivotal moment if Baker decides to move on, and the university must be prepared to navigate the potential transition.