MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — This is the kind of day West Virginia fans have been waiting for.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. and his younger brother, freshman cornerback Maliek Hawkins, have officially committed to the West Virginia Mountaineers after transferring from Oklahoma.
The brothers were expected to move together — and now it’s official.
This isn’t just a portal win.
This is a statement.
Sources: Former Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. and defensive back Maliek Hawkins have committed to West Virginia. Hawkins Jr. played in 9 games over two seasons at OU, accounting for eight touchdowns and throwing for 950 yards. He has three seasons remaining. pic.twitter.com/duOlMMvsA7
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 5, 2026
Michael Hawkins Jr.: Dynamic, Explosive, and Built for This Offense
Michael Hawkins Jr. arrives in Morgantown as one of the most exciting quarterback additions West Virginia has landed in years.
A former four-star recruit, Hawkins brings elite athleticism, confidence, and creativity — traits that fit perfectly in a Rich Rodriguez offense built around tempo, spacing, and quarterback mobility.
Hawkins is an exceptional runner, capable of stressing defenses on every snap and turning broken plays into explosive gains.
Michael Hawkins Jr. – 2025 Season (Oklahoma)
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Games played: 9
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Passing yards: 950
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Total touchdowns: 8
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Eligibility remaining: 3 seasons (redshirt in 2025)
While his opportunities at Oklahoma were limited, the flashes were undeniable — especially when he was given the chance to run the offense.
For those unsure about Michael Hawkins, Jr., watch below. This is against an SEC defense.
Now imagine this in Rich Rod’s offense! #WVU pic.twitter.com/Fu1X7sDXvW
— The Voice of Morgantown (@voicemorgantown) January 3, 2026
QB Competition: Hawkins vs. Scotty Fox
Hawkins will immediately compete with returning starter Scotty Fox, who held down the job during a turbulent season and showed clear growth.
Fox earned respect for his toughness and poise, but Hawkins raises the ceiling of the room — and competition is exactly what WVU needs.
Maliek Hawkins: A Major Addition to the Secondary
While Michael headlines the day, Maliek Hawkins is a huge pickup in his own right.
The freshman cornerback brings:
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Power-program pedigree
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Length and athleticism
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Multiple years of eligibility
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Immediate depth to a depleted secondary
West Virginia has lost significant defensive back talent to the portal, and adding a young, high-upside corner who played at Oklahoma is a massive win.
Why This Is a Huge Day for WVU Football
Let’s be clear about what just happened.
West Virginia:
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Won a Power-program portal battle
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Added a four-star quarterback with three years of eligibility
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Landed two players as a package deal
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Injected excitement into the most important position on the field
This is the kind of move that changes perception — nationally and within the locker room.
The Bigger Picture
This commitment signals that:
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West Virginia can attract elite talent again
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Rich Rodriguez’s vision is resonating
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NIL and opportunity are aligning in Morgantown
The Mountaineers didn’t just add players today.
They added belief.
Final Word
Michael Hawkins Jr. gives West Virginia electric upside at quarterback.
Maliek Hawkins strengthens a secondary in transition.
Together, they represent one of the most important portal wins of the offseason.
This is how programs turn the corner.
Huge day. Huge momentum. And a future that suddenly looks a lot brighter in Morgantown.
