West Virginia just added some serious muscle to its backfield.
Kayden Luke, a 5-foot-11, 250-pound fullback out of Arizona, has committed to the Mountaineers via the transfer portal. And if his announcement - “Beer truck loading” - didn’t already paint the picture, let’s just say WVU is getting a throwback-style bruiser built for the trenches.
Luke arrives in Morgantown with two seasons of eligibility left and a resume that’s as intriguing as it is versatile. Though he didn’t rack up eye-popping stats during his time at Arizona, his high school career tells a different story - one of a dominant, do-it-all athlete.
At Canyon del Oro High School, Luke was a force. He ran for over 3,600 yards and 52 touchdowns in his prep career, including a monster senior season in 2023 when he led the state with 2,307 rushing yards and 29 scores. And he wasn’t just a workhorse on offense - he logged 66 tackles on defense and even flashed some special teams juice, averaging 40.4 yards on five career kickoff returns.
Oh, and he was a state champion wrestler at 215 pounds. That matters. Wrestling builds leverage, balance, and toughness - all traits that translate directly to the kind of blocking role Luke is expected to fill at WVU.
At Arizona, Luke’s role shifted. He was a walk-on who earned his stripes through special teams and spot duty on offense.
He played in all 25 games over the past two seasons, seeing time on the kick return unit every week and appearing in nine games as a freshman running back, then 10 more last season. In 2024, he logged five carries for 20 yards, including an 11-yard run and one first down.
He didn’t record an offensive touch last season, but his presence was felt in the third phase of the game - the kind of dirty work that often goes unnoticed but earns the respect of coaches and teammates.
Luke’s nickname in Tucson was “Big Red,” a nod to his red hair and rugged playing style. Now, he brings that same edge to a Mountaineers program that’s quietly been reshaping its roster through the portal. He’s the 33rd commitment since the window opened on January 2, the third since it closed Friday, and the second of the day.
But among that group, Luke stands out. He’s one of only two offensive backfield additions so far - the other being former Jacksonville State standout Cam Cook, a more traditional running back.
Luke, by contrast, is a pure blocker. He’s not a hybrid tight end, and he’s not a gadget guy.
He’s a fullback - a role that’s been largely phased out in modern college football but could be a sneaky weapon in the right system.
WVU has already brought in tight ends Josh Sapp and Cam Ball, but Luke offers something different. He’s a downhill lead blocker with a wrestling background, special teams chops, and just enough offensive experience to keep defenses honest. He’s not the flashiest name in the portal, and he’s not ranked by 247Sports, but make no mistake - this is a football player.
West Virginia’s offense under Rich Rodriguez has always been known for creativity and physicality. Luke might not fit the mold of past Rodriguez backs, but that’s exactly the point. He brings a new dimension - one that could open up fresh looks in short-yardage and goal-line packages, or help spring Cook and the rest of the backs with key blocks at the second level.
There’s still a lot to shake out before the Mountaineers take the field in 2026, but with Luke now in the fold, one thing’s clear: the beer truck is loaded, and it’s heading downhill.