A dynamic addition to the Mountaineers' attack
Cam Cook, the nation's leading rusher in the previous season, announced his move to West Virginia University for the 2026 campaign. The transfer marks a significant bolstering of the Mountaineers' backfield as they look to capitalize on Rich Rodriguez's offensive scheme.
Analyst Greg McElroy has placed Cook ninth among the country's top running backs, praising his ability to generate missed tackles and his versatility as a pass‑catcher. While some question whether Cook qualifies as a top‑10 talent, his star potential and knack for creating big plays have drawn considerable excitement.
Coaches and teammates alike expect Cook's workload to translate into a high‑impact season. His previous campaign featured nearly 300 carries, a testament to his durability and effectiveness. If he can maintain that production in the Big 12, he could become an All‑Big 12 selection and a contender for national awards by season's end.
Despite the buzz, NFL scouts have not yet graded Cook as a first‑round draft prospect, suggesting that his immediate professional outlook remains a development project. Nevertheless, his trajectory from TCU to Jacksonville State, and now to West Virginia, underscores a career built on relentless growth and play‑making ability.