Pat McAfee, the charismatic former West Virginia star, recently stepped onto the baseball diamond alongside head coach Rich Rodriguez, where the two exchanged thoughts on the Mountaineers’ multi‑sport momentum.
During the outing, McAfee took the opportunity to assess the football squad, noting a palpable rise in confidence and a noticeable uptick in physicality across the roster.
A Revitalized Offensive Line
McAfee highlighted the expected improvement of the offensive line, citing the return of Rick Trickett as a key factor that should make the unit much stronger in 2026.
Mike Hawkins Jr. Leads a Dynamic Attack
The team’s new dual‑threat quarterback, Mike Hawkins Jr., is already drawing attention for his poise and versatility. Complementing him are several dynamic receivers — including Prince Strachan, Jaden Bray, DJ Epps, TaRon Francis, Keon Hutchins, Kedrick Triplett and John Neider — who give the offense depth and explosiveness.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With Cam Cook, the nation’s leading rusher in 2025, anchoring the backfield and the Mountaineers trending upward, the program is poised to perform strongly in the upcoming season. The blend of seasoned leadership and fresh talent suggests a promising future for West Virginia football.