Rich Rodriguez is gearing up for his second season as head coach of West Virginia, a program that endured a disappointing 2025 campaign and is now focused on a swift rebound.
Analysts project the Mountaineers to finish 10th in the 2026 Big 12, while BYU is expected to claim the regular‑season title and Iowa State to finish last in the conference.
The offensive side of the ball is slated to receive a boost, with the coaching staff confident that the unit can climb into the upper half of the league, even though defensive shortcomings are likely to keep the team from a higher finish.
Key Players to Watch
Among the standout returning players is Cam Cook, who enters the year as the nation’s leading rusher, and quarterback Mike Hawkins Jr., who is expected to take a significant step forward under Rodriguez’s system.
Other key contributors highlighted include running back LJ Martin, regarded as one of the best in the league, and quarterback Bear Bachmeier, projected to be among the conference’s top signal‑callers.
BYU’s advantage stems from a deep senior class — 12 seniors among their 22 projected starters — and the experience of head coach Kalani Sitake, while Iowa State’s recent exodus of more than 50 players to the transfer portal after Matt Campbell’s move to Penn State leaves the Cyclones with a depleted roster and a tough early schedule that includes matchups against Utah, BYU, Arizona and Oklahoma State.