The Northwestern Wildcats football program received pledges from 17 transfer portal players this offseason including an intriguing commitment from former West Virginia quarterback Nicco Marchiol.

Marchiol joined former Michigan State and Oregon State quarterback Aidan Chiles in the Wildcats' suddenly strong quarterback room in hopes of competing for a starting job.

While Chiles resembles a whole different prototype for a Wildcats quarterback with his at-times high risk, high octane style, Marchiol's talents and playing style harken back to last season's starter, Preston Stone, and a host of other Wildcats QBs. 

On Tuesday, Marchiol spoke about his time in Evanston, Ill. so far during which he used two words to describe his playing style while also speaking confidently about his team's chances to succeed this season. 

The Wildcats quarterback called himself a "game manager" when asked to describe his playing style, adding that he can also push the ball down the field when necessary.

The former West Virginia Mountaineer has confidence in his playing style to get the job done this season should he get the call as the team's quarterback.

"My playing style is, I'm a game manager, I would say," Marchiol said to the Wildcats' official X account.  

"We can push the ball down the field when we need to and we can keep it in the box when we need to, but I'm going to go out there and manage the game and make sure everyone's doing the right thing, and I'm out with the wind," he added. 

Marchiol worked hard to improve his passing efficiency in the last few years with the Mountaineers, going from 56.6% in 2024 to 67.3% last season in Morgantown. 

He is also a solid rushing quarterback with 341 yards rushing to his name in limited action during his time with the Mountaineers. 

Marchiol said that he has been impressed and delighted with the people he's coming across in Evanston so far. 

His love for football has been restored to previously unseen heights as he prepares for his redshirt junior college football season with the Wildcats. 

"So far it's just been awesome here," Marchiol said. "I think the people make the place and these teammates have really taken me in and brought me in to be one of my own. 

"Like I said the coaching staff has really just reinstilled what it means to love football for me and they've really changed my life here.

"Just all glory to God for giving me this chance...And I'm just going to finish the race first guys and thank you for all the support." 

Northwestern has not named a starting quarterback yet, giving Marchiol hope to wrest the position away from Chiles. 

At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Marchiol has the size and toughness necessary to withstand a full season of Big Ten play, and fits the profile of quarterbacks the Wildcats have had success with in the last decade-plus. 

Expect to see Marchiol on the field this season, whether as a starter, spot starter, or backup and goal line or short yardage runner.

Coach David Braun brought him in for myriad reasons, many of which will likely be on display at some point this season.