RODNEY GALLAGHER III RETURNS TO NO. 2 AS TWO-WAY POTENTIAL EMERGES. In a move that has caught the attention of Mountaineer fans, sophomore wide receiver Rodney Gallagher III is switching his jersey number from 24 back to No. 2 — the same number he wore in high school and during his freshman season at West Virginia University. According to the official team site, the decision is more than just symbolic; it signals a new chapter in Gallagher’s development and possibly a broader role within the Mountaineers’ scheme….

RODNEY GALLAGHER III RETURNS TO NO. 2 AS TWO-WAY POTENTIAL EMERGES. In a move that has caught the attention of Mountaineer fans, sophomore wide receiver Rodney Gallagher III is switching his jersey number from 24 back to No. 2 — the same number he wore in high school and during his freshman season at West Virginia University. According to the official team site, the decision is more than just symbolic; it signals a new chapter in Gallagher’s development and possibly a broader role within the Mountaineers’ scheme….

 

Why the change? It goes beyond personal preference. This spring, the coaching staff began experimenting with Gallagher as part of a “Receiving Opportunity on Defense,” giving him reps on the defensive side of the ball. It’s a strategic pivot that suggests the coaching staff sees untapped versatility in the dynamic athlete.

 

Gallagher arrived in Morgantown as one of the most electric playmakers in the 2023 recruiting class. A four-star recruit from Laurel Highlands High School in Pennsylvania, he was known for his explosive agility, field vision, and ability to shift the momentum of a game in a single play. His high school resume included standout performances as a quarterback, receiver, and defensive back — a true Swiss Army knife on the field.

 

Last season, Gallagher primarily saw action at wide receiver, showcasing flashes of his athleticism in limited opportunities. However, as the Mountaineers look to deepen their roster and maximize playmaking potential on both sides of the ball, Gallagher’s background in defense makes him a compelling option for a hybrid role. Sources indicate that during spring practices, Gallagher worked with the defensive backs and special teams units — hinting at a possible role as a nickel corner or safety in situational packages.

 

The return to No. 2 might seem like a cosmetic shift, but in the world of college football, numbers often carry deeper meaning. For Gallagher, No. 2 represents confidence, comfort, and identity — a nod to his roots and the player he’s always aspired to be. It’s the number he wore while dazzling high school crowds and again as a freshman when he first stepped onto the field at Milan Puskar Stadium.

 

From a team-building perspective, Gallagher’s move signals West Virginia’s willingness to innovate. In an era where positionless football is gaining traction, especially at the collegiate level, deploying a player like Gallagher in multiple roles could create matchup nightmares for opponents and give the Mountaineers much-needed flexibility.

 

Head coach Neal Brown has not publicly detailed how extensive Gallagher’s defensive duties will be, but insiders say the staff is excited about his potential. “He’s got the instincts, the speed, and the toughness,” said one assistant coach. “When you have an athlete like Rodney, you don’t want him standing on the sideline when he could be making plays.”

 

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on No. 2 — once again. Whether he’s catching passes, locking down receivers, or returning punts, Rodney Gallagher III is poised to be a centerpiece in West Virginia’s evolving game plan.