WVU Football Head Coach Rich Rodriguez’s first season back at West Virginia laid the foundation. Now, entering Year 2, the Mountaineers face heightened expectations as they aim to take the next step with one month remaining before kickoff. Read more: One month out: WVU Football aims to take next step under Rodriguez.
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The biggest story: who starts at QB?
For every football team, the quarterback position is the center of the offense. For West Virginia, it remains the biggest question entering the 2026 season.
As previously detailed, the competition will likely come down to which quarterback can protect the football, consistently move the offense and create plays beyond just his arm.
Related: More than an arm: what Rich Rodriguez is looking for in WVU’s next quarterback
Both quarterbacks, Scotty Fox Jr. and Michael Hawkins Jr., bring a dynamic rushing element to the position, but each offers a different skill set. Their ability to make plays with their legs adds another dimension to Rodriguez’s offense, which has historically relied on quarterback mobility and decision-making.
Rodriguez has made it clear that if two quarterbacks separate themselves, both could see the field.
With fall camp kicking off Wednesday, the biggest question surrounding the Mountaineers remains unanswered; Who will take the first snap when WVU opens the season?
Reasons for optimism
One of the biggest advantages West Virginia has entering Year 2 under Rich Rodriguez is familiarity. After a full season in the system, players now have a better understanding of the expectations, terminology and style of play.
For an offense built around tempo and physicality, the offensive line will be one of the most important position groups on the field. The Mountaineers need consistency up front to establish the run game and give the quarterback time to make plays.
With veterans like Landen Livingston and Nick Krahe returning, West Virginia enters the season with experience at a position where chemistry and communication are critical. After spending another offseason in Rodriguez’s system, the offensive line has the opportunity to take a major step forward.
Top transfer additions
West Virginia made several key additions through the transfer portal this offseason, including one of the most productive running backs in college football last season.
Cam Cook, who arrives from Jacksonville State, enters Morgantown after leading the country in rushing in 2025. Cook totaled 1,659 yards and 16 touchdowns on 295 carries, giving the Mountaineers an experienced option at a position that enters the season with questions following the departure of Jaheim White.
White, who dealt with injuries last season, left West Virginia to reunite with former Mountaineers head coach Neal Brown at North Texas. With his departure, Cook will have an opportunity to take over as the lead option in Rich Rodriguez’s offense.
His production has already earned national recognition, as Cook was named to the Maxwell Award watch list, an honor given annually to the top player in college football.
Related: WVU Athletics, Antero Resources seal deal on jersey patch
West Virginia also added experience on the defensive side of the ball with senior defensive lineman Zeke Durham-Campbell. The Coastal Carolina transfer spent the previous season with the Chanticleers after beginning his career at Louisiana Tech. Durham-Campbell gets to start his tenure with the Mountaineers when CCU comes to town in the season opener September 5.
Durham-Campbell recorded 39 total tackles, including 22 solo tackles and 5.5 sacks last season. His ability to create pressure up front gives Zach Alley’s defense another veteran presence entering the 2026 season.
One glaring concern
The biggest concern entering the 2026 season may not be a specific position group, but the amount of roster turnover West Virginia experienced during the offseason.
In the current landscape of college athletics, roster movement has become a yearly challenge for every program. The Mountaineers added 35 new players through the transfer portal while seeing 74 players depart from last season’s roster.
For a program entering Year 2 under Rich Rodriguez, the ability to quickly develop chemistry could be the difference between taking the next step and falling short of expectations.
One month from kickoff
With one month remaining before the 2026 season begins, West Virginia enters a pivotal second year under Rodriguez. The questions are clear; Who will lead the offense, how quickly will the new additions adjust, and can this roster turn potential into production?
The Mountaineers have reasons for optimism, including a deeper understanding of the system, veteran leadership and impact additions through the transfer portal. However, the amount of roster turnover means chemistry will be just as important as talent.
As fall camp begins, WVU has the pieces to take the next step, but how quickly those pieces come together will determine what the 2026 season ultimately becomes.
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