In the ever-unpredictable world of college football, there's one thing we can lean on: change. With the transfer portal shaking things up and a significant turnover in the West Virginia University (WVU) squad, making any firm predictions is a bit like trying to predict the weather a month out. But let's dive into some aspects that seem as close to certain as you can get in this wild sport.
First up, Rick Trickett and the offensive line. If there's one thing you can count on, it's Trickett whipping those linemen into shape.
It's as predictable as a Mountaineer tailgate in the blue lot. Give Trickett the reins, and he'll have those guys operating like a well-oiled machine in no time.
Sure, there's always some concern when you have turnover, but it's more about finding the right mix of players than wondering if they'll ever get it together. Look for Carsten Casady, Nick Krahe, Landen Livingston, Amare Grayson, and Kevin Brown to be key figures, but don't sleep on Malik Agbo, Devin Vass, Cam Griffin, and Wes King, who could also step up.
Consider this: last year's starting unit had 1,948 combined snaps. This year's projected starters boast a hefty 4,197 snaps, even with true freshman Kevin Brown yet to play a down. That's a significant leap in experience, and it bodes well for the Mountaineers.
Now, let's talk quarterbacks. Injuries plagued the Mountaineers' signal-callers in 2025, leading to a revolving door under center.
Scotty Fox Jr. showed promise as he gained experience, but it was a rocky start. Enter Oklahoma transfer Mike Hawkins Jr., who has quickly become the apple of the coaching staff's eye.
With endorsements from Mountaineer legends like Pat White and Rasheed Marshall, Hawkins Jr. is set to be a game-changer. His skill set and football IQ suggest a bright future, and while he might not become a superstar overnight, he's the guy WVU is banking on for 2026.
Reflecting on 2025, it was a tough season with eight losses, including blowouts against BYU, Utah, UCF, and Texas Tech. Those losses stung, averaging a 36.5-point deficit.
But here's the silver lining: 2026 promises to be different. While blowouts might still happen, expect a more competitive Mountaineer squad.
Texas Tech remains a formidable opponent, but with more experience and production, WVU is poised to surprise on any given Saturday.
Rich Rodriguez, WVU's head coach, had a challenging 2025, but this offseason, there's a palpable sense of optimism. With a roster brimming with talent and experience, WVU is set to be in the thick of things in nearly every game.
It might not translate into a perfect season, but a 6-6 or 7-5 record is within reach. More importantly, Mountaineer fans can look forward to more exciting Saturdays this fall, as their team battles with grit and determination.
In Other News...
Mike Hawkins Jr. Just Put Two WVU Defenders On Notice
Quarterback Mike Hawkins Jr. already has a feel for which West Virginia defensive backs could shape the coming season, and two names he singled out stand out for different reasons. Chams Diagne brings the kind of length and coverage ability that can change how an offense attacks, while Geimere Latimer has the reputation of a disciplined piece who should be steady in the back end.
For WVU, the intrigue is in how much more each player can add beyond the basics. Diagne still has to prove he can finish plays better in space and hold up against the run, while Latimer is being counted on to bring more pressure and handle a bigger share of the dirty work near the line. With the defense still sorting out its identity for 2026, those two may end up mattering as much for what they can prevent as for what they can create. [Read more 🡒]
WVU Finally Landed The In-State Addition Fans Have Been Waiting For
West Virginia has added a familiar name with real upside in Alexis Bordas, the Wheeling native who is coming home after one season at Duquesne. Bordas made an immediate impact as a freshman, averaging 15.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while earning a spot on the A-10 All-Rookie Team, giving the Mountaineers a local player who already arrives with proven production.
For a fan base that has been waiting to see a West Virginia-born player in the womens basketball program again, Bordas checks a box that goes beyond the numbers. She brings four years of eligibility under the new rules, which gives WVU a chance to build around her for more than just the short term, and it adds another layer of intrigue to how the roster will take shape moving forward. [Read more 🡒]
West Virginia Still Has One Running Back Problem It Did Not Fix
West Virginia spent the summer trying to stir some movement in its running back recruiting board, hosting several official visitors and hoping to chip away at a depth chart that needed attention. The visits brought plenty of activity, but the end result was more mixed than transformational, with the Mountaineers cycling through the usual recruiting churn without truly changing the shape of the room.
One prospect ended up at Houston, another came to West Virginia but fit more as a receiver than a true back, and a third briefly pledged to the Mountaineers before moving on to Auburn. Tylek Lewis is still out there as an uncommitted option, but for now the bigger takeaway is simple enough for West Virginia: after all those visits, the running back situation looks the same as it did before the June official period began. [Read more 🡒]