MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — ESPN believes the future of West Virginia’s offense may already be on campus.
In a recent projection by Eli Lederman, Max Olson, and Adam Rittenberg of ESPN, the Mountaineers’ quarterback situation for the 2026 season centers on one name above the rest: Michael Hawkins Jr.
According to ESPN’s analysis, West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez made one of the more intriguing portal additions of the offseason by landing Hawkins, a dynamic dual threat quarterback who transferred in from Oklahoma.
Here’s what ESPN had to say about Hawkins and the competition heading into 2026:
“Starter: West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez secured a dynamic, dual-threat portal talent in Hawkins, who arrives from Oklahoma with three seasons of remaining eligibility. A former four-star recruit, Hawkins made four starts for the Sooners as a freshman in 2024 and has accounted for 950 passing yards, 262 rushing yards and 8 total touchdowns across nine total college games. Alongside 2025 FBS rushing leader Cam Cook, who transferred in from Jacksonville State, Hawkins has the potential to charge an intriguing run game with the Mountaineers in 2026 if he can beat out incumbent Scotty Fox Jr. for the starting job.
Competition: Fox, who started each of West Virginia’s final six games in 2025, completed 59% of his passes for 1,276 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions in his true freshman season. Fifth-year passer Max Brown, the former Florida and Charlotte quarterback, provides needed experience to a young quarterback room in his second season with the program. The Mountaineers also added three quarterbacks in the program’s latest recruiting class, led by three-star Jyron Hughley, the No. 36 athlete prospect in the 2026 ESPN 300.”
Why ESPN Is High on Hawkins
Hawkins arrives in Morgantown with three seasons of eligibility remaining and a resume that already includes meaningful experience at the Power Five level. A former four star recruit, Hawkins made four starts for the Sooners as a true freshman in 2024 and appeared in nine total games.
Across those appearances, Hawkins accounted for:
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950 passing yards
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262 rushing yards
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8 total touchdowns
That blend of athleticism and production is exactly what Rodriguez values at the quarterback position. ESPN notes that Hawkins’ ability to threaten defenses with both his arm and his legs could make him the engine of an exciting offense in 2026.
Pairing With Cam Cook
One of the biggest reasons Hawkins is viewed as such a strong fit is his potential partnership with running back Cam Cook. Cook, the 2025 FBS rushing leader who transferred from Jacksonville State, gives West Virginia a proven workhorse in the backfield.
ESPN believes that if Hawkins wins the job, the combination of his mobility and Cook’s production could power a dangerous run game that becomes the identity of the Mountaineers under Rodriguez.
The Competition Is Real
Hawkins will not be handed the job.
Scotty Fox Jr. returns after starting each of West Virginia’s final six games in 2025. As a true freshman, Fox completed 59 percent of his passes for 1,276 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions. His late season experience gives him a legitimate case to retain the role.
Also in the mix is Max Brown, a fifth year quarterback who previously played at Florida and Charlotte. Brown provides experience and depth in what is still a young quarterback room entering his second season with the program.
West Virginia also added three quarterbacks in its latest recruiting class, highlighted by three star Jyron Hughley, the No. 36 athlete prospect in the 2026 ESPN 300. While Hughley is more of a long term piece, his presence adds to the competition and depth.
ESPN’s Bottom Line
ESPN stops short of officially naming Hawkins the starter, but the tone of the projection is clear. If Hawkins can beat out Fox and separate himself in camp, he has the tools to be West Virginia’s quarterback of the future.
With Rodriguez’s history of maximizing dual threat quarterbacks and a backfield built to support them, Hawkins appears to have the inside track to leading the Mountaineers in 2026.
The battle will be one of the most important storylines in Morgantown over the next year.
