As we turn the page on this frigid winter, it’s time to start setting our sights on football season in Morgantown. Read more: Spring forward: It’s time to start thinking about WVU Football.
This week, West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez announced a shift away from the traditional spring game format. Instead, the program will host a new event called the Gold and Blue Spring Festival, a fan-focused showcase designed to highlight the Mountaineers’ roster in a different way.
Rather than a full scrimmage, the event will feature one-on-one drills, skill competitions and other opportunities for fans to get an up-close look at the team.
The festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at Milan Puskar Stadium. And it’s shaping up to be more than just a spring practice.
Country music star Jake Owen will perform a free concert following the event, giving Mountaineer fans an extra reason to make the trip. The festival itself is also free. Fans simply need to visit the WVU football website to claim their tickets.
While the new format should create a fun atmosphere for fans, the real intrigue lies with the football team itself.
Let’s get physical
One of the most noticeable differences between this year’s Mountaineers and last year’s roster is size. Across multiple position groups, this team appears physically bigger than the squad that took the field last fall. There were stretches during the previous season when West Virginia struggled to match the physicality of its opponents. That made it difficult for Rodriguez’s offensive system to function the way it was designed.
His offense depends on tempo, spacing and a strong rushing attack. For that to work, the offensive line must consistently control the line of scrimmage. That’s why the offensive line could be one of the biggest storylines heading into the 2026 season.
Offensive line will be a strength
With WVU snagging FBS’s leading rusher Cam Cook from Jacksonville State – the running game will be much improved.
Related: Cam Cook poised to make immediate impact for WVU
Early indications suggest the Mountaineers should be stronger up front this year. West Virginia now has more size along the offensive line, with 11 linemen listed over 300 pounds. Players such as Josh Aisosa and freshman Camden Goforth highlight the added physical presence, while four-star recruit Kevin Brown brings long-term upside to the unit.
Rodriguez and his staff have clearly made size and physicality a priority during roster construction. If the offensive line improves even marginally, it could allow the Mountaineers to operate their offense far more effectively.
That development alone could change the trajectory of the season.
Edge rushers will be key
The defensive line also appears to have promising pieces, particularly at edge rusher.
Several players have the ability to create pressure off the edge, which is critical in the high-scoring environment of the Big 12. Returning linemen like Corey McIntyre Jr. and Nate Gabriel provide experience, while transfers such as Noah Tishendorf and David Afogho add athleticism and pass-rush potential off the edge. Freshman Tobi Haastrup will turn some heads as well.
Quarterback pressure can completely change games in this conference. If West Virginia consistently disrupts opposing offenses, the defense could take a meaningful step forward this season.
Quarterback battle to watch
The most intriguing storyline entering spring practice will be the quarterback competition.
While nothing will be decided until the team moves through spring practice and fall camp, Michael Hawkins appears to be the early favorite to win the starting job.
The Oklahoma native was a highly sought-after recruit coming out of high school, and his skill set fits naturally into Rodriguez’s offensive system. At this point, it would not be surprising to see Hawkins emerge as the Mountaineers’ starter when the season begins.
He will face competition from Scotty Fox Jr., who already has experience in the program and understands the system. Fox’s familiarity with the offense could make the battle closer than many expect. Regardless of who ultimately wins the job, the quarterback position will play a central role in determining how far this team can go in 2026.
Spring football marks the beginning
Rodriguez acknowledged during his spring press conference that the program still has work to do as it continues building toward the future.
“I think we have a better football team than we had a year ago, although we won’t know for sure until we start practicing,” said Rodriguez. “We should get better every year. If we’re doing our job as coaches, we should be better than we were last year. And we’ll be better in two years than we will be this year.”
For now, the focus remains on development, evaluation and continuing to strengthen the roster.
This column is only the start of the conversation.
In the coming weeks, we’ll take a deeper look at the projected WVU football roster – including position battles, newcomers who could make an immediate impact and which returning players are poised for breakout seasons.
But one thing is already clear.
Spring football has arrived in Morgantown. The roster looks bigger and deeper than it did a year ago, and Rodriguez’s rebuild is beginning to take shape.
