College football news: Rich Rodriguez bans WVU players from TikTok dancing

West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez said this week that he’s issued somewhat of a ban on social media, but the new policy won’t prevent players from using it – just dancing. 

Speaking to reporters during the team’s spring training program on Monday, Rodriguez was asked about his stance on social media and if he’s implemented a ban for his players. 

Jacksonville State head coach Rich Rodriguez talks on his headset during college football action at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama, Nov. 16, 2024. (Dave Hyatt/Hyatt Media LLC)

Rodriguez said there’s not a social media policy the football team has to follow, but there is one thing he is banning his players from taking part in. 

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“They’re going to be on it, so I’m not banning them from it. I’m just banning them from dancing on it,” he said. “It’s like, look, we try to have a hard edge or whatever, and you’re in there in your tights dancing on TikTok.

“Ain’t quite the image of our program that I want,” he continued. 

Rodriguez said when he spoke to the team he expressed the importance of a group mindset – something he believes social media doesn’t prioritize. 

Jacksonville State coach Rich Rodriguez walks on the sideline during the Southern Mississippi game at Burgess-Snow Field AmFirst Stadium in December 2024. (IMAGN)

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“Everything today is about trying to make everybody individual – it’s all about the individual… football is one of the last things that’s gotta be more about the team than the individual. So I banned dancing on TikTok, I guess I did that.” 

Rodriguez seemed indifferent about his players wanting to “watch their TikTok” long after their football careers are over. 

“I hope our focus can be on winning football games. How about let’s win the football game and not worry about winning the TikTok?”

West Virginia Mountaineers head football coach Rich Rodriguez speaks to the crowd during a timeout during the first half against the Cincinnati Bearcats at WVU Coliseum in February 2025. (Ben Queen-Imagn Images)

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The social media platform has grown in popularity with college athletes over the years, many of whom have posted dance videos. 

But the trend will stop with Rodriguez, 61, who returns for his second stint as the Mountaineers head coach nearly two decades after he first left the program. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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