MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — West Virginia will be without one of its most important young playmakers for the final game of the season. Head coach Rich Rodriguez announced on The Rich Rodriguez Show tonight that starting running back Diore Hubbard will miss this week’s season finale against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, officially ending his freshman campaign.
“Diore Hubbard is out this week. His season is done,” Rodriguez confirmed, delivering tough news for a Mountaineer offense already dealing with depth concerns as they prepare to face the Big 12’s top team.
A Promising Freshman Season Cut Short
Hubbard, a true freshman from Gahanna, Ohio, showed flashes of future stardom throughout the year. In his debut season, he rushed:
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96 times
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335 yards
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4 touchdowns
While he shared touches with fellow backs Jahiem White and others early in the season, Hubbard grew into a reliable option who brought physicality between the tackles and steady production in key moments. His development was one of the bright spots in a challenging 4–7 season for West Virginia.
Losing him for the finale is a significant blow, especially against a Texas Tech team with elite speed and one of the most aggressive fronts in the Big 12.
Next Man Up: Bowers and Jones to Carry the Load
With Hubbard sidelined, Rodriguez made it clear who will step into larger roles.
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Cyncir Bowers will be the primary back to step up. The versatile sophomore has shown flashes of explosiveness and will now get the bulk of the early-down work.
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Curtis Jones will also see increased reps, giving the Mountaineers another option who can make plays in space and keep the offense balanced.
The finale will give both backs a chance to prove themselves heading into the offseason and spring practices.
A Difficult Finale Ahead
West Virginia already faces an uphill battle against 10–1 Texas Tech, the Big 12’s top team, and now must do so without its starting running back. Hubbard’s downhill running style and ability to pick up tough yards have been key in helping WVU sustain drives this season—something the Mountaineers will now have to replicate by committee.
As WVU prepares to close the book on a tough year, the finale becomes an opportunity for young players like Bowers and Jones to make a statement and build momentum for 2026.
Looking Ahead
While Hubbard’s season ends earlier than hoped, his freshman year showed more than enough to project him as a future cornerstone of Rich Rodriguez’s offense. Expect him to return fully healthy next season and take on an even larger role in what should be one of the more exciting young backfields in the conference.
For now, the Mountaineers will try to finish strong without him, but the loss of Hubbard is undoubtedly a significant setback heading into Saturday’s showdown with the Red Raiders.
