The Mountaineers open the season with a home contest against Coastal Carolina, and this team will look much different than last year’s. That is probably a good thing after a 4-8 record in 2025. The season opener is also the stage for Pat White to have his No. 5 retired before the game to kick off the season. This is a much-anticipated contest, primarily because fans are eager to see the team in Rich Rodriguez’s second season. Read more: Keys to the game: WVU opens 2026 season against Coastal Carolina.
Coastal Carolina preview
Ryan Beard, 36, made his name as a defensive mind. He was Missouri State’s defensive coordinator under Bobby Petrino before taking over as head coach in 2023. He led Missouri State’s transition from FCS to FBS, going 7-5 in Conference USA en route to the program’s first-ever bowl game. Coastal Carolina fired Tim Beck after back-to-back mediocre seasons (6-7, 6-6) and brought in Beard.
Related: Pat White on No. 5, proving people wrong, and coming home to West Virginia
The Chanticleers have an overhauled roster in Beard’s first season, and that includes the quarterback room. Thad Hudson transferred to N.C. State, and the projected starter is Deuce Bailey. He transferred from Missouri State, so he is familiar with the playbook because Beard also brought along offensive coordinator Nick Petrino. Trever Jackson is also in the mix for the job.
Jevon Edwards and Dominic Lee-Knicely, both sophomores, head the backfield for the Chanticleers. Edwards had 368 rushing yards and one touchdown on 65 attempts last season at Coastal Carolina. Lee-Knicely rushed for 388 yards and three touchdowns on 68 attempts as a true freshman. He also added 12 receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown.
Coastal Carolina has 50 newcomers, including 21 freshmen. The team has an uphill battle, and Beard has to build a cohesive unit quickly. Although WVU struggled last season, it is still a tough test for Beard and the Chanticleers.
Attack and disrupt
The Chanticleers have a lot of new players, which typically means they need to build chemistry. The Mountaineers must attack and disrupt the offense’s rhythm. There is no need to play conservatively against this offense. Until they prove otherwise, WVU must create chaos and confusion to force turnovers.
Establish the run early
Cam Cook is extremely talented and has already proven he can dominate at this level. Most want to see Cook do what he did last season against Big 12 defenses, but he should handle this defense well. The offensive line should produce more holes than last season, especially under Rick Trickett’s leadership.
Related: How WVU’s revamped o-line and backfield silences the 2026 doubters
I wrote an article on WVU’s revamped rushing attack, and it applies here. Lean on Cook early and often, and do not be afraid to give Amari Latimer a chance. The true freshman showed a lot of explosiveness and pop in the spring showcase. He earned the right to be the backup running back, so let him gain some confidence while keeping Cook fresh.
Control the ball and clock
Beard’s teams have shown they can put up points. Coastal Carolina is not a team to take lightly. West Virginia cannot let this game turn into a track meet. They must control the tempo, which they can do by leaning on the rushing attack. Beard has a track record of overperforming, but it may be difficult given the sheer scale of Coastal Carolina’s turnover issues. This game is a good opening matchup for WVU and a chance for them to build confidence as the schedule gets tougher.
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