2026 West Virginia Football Depth Chart
West Virginia enters 2026 under head coach Rich Rodriguez, who returned to Morgantown in December 2024 to lead the program he previously coached from 2001 to 2007. Rodriguez’s return sparked nostalgia among the fanbase, and his aggressive approach to the transfer portal has rapidly reshaped the roster. The quarterback competition is headlined by Maliek Hawkins, an Oklahoma transfer who completed 91-of-147 passes for 950 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions across two seasons with the Sooners, and Scotty Fox Jr., a highly-touted four-star dual-threat quarterback from the 2025 recruiting class who Rivals ranked as the No. 8 dual-threat quarterback nationally. Max Brown provides additional depth in a quarterback room with significant upside but limited proven production at the Power Four level.
The skill positions feature a strong returning foundation supplemented by key portal additions. At running back, Jahiem White returns as the unquestioned bell-cow after rushing for more than 900 yards in each of his first two seasons in Morgantown, with Jaylan Knighton and Diore Hubbard providing experienced depth in the rotation. The wide receiver room was bolstered by two impactful portal additions in TaRon Francis from LSU, who brings SEC experience and four years of remaining eligibility, and John Neider from UConn. Returning options Jaden Bray, Rodney Gallagher III, Preston Fox, and Jordan McCants provide a solid foundation, while Justin Smith-Brown adds depth to a receiving corps with improved talent and depth. The tight end position received a major upgrade through the portal with Josh Sapp from Clemson and Cam Ball from Mississippi State joining the roster. Peter Notaro, a transfer kicker from Alabama, handles place-kicking duties.
For dynasty purposes, West Virginia’s fantasy outlook is anchored by Jahiem White, who is one of the most productive returning running backs in the Big 12 with back-to-back 900-yard seasons. His role as the clear workhorse in Rodriguez’s run-heavy offensive system makes him a legitimate RB1 option in deeper dynasty formats, with 1,000-yard upside if the offensive line improves. The quarterback situation is fascinating but volatile—Maliek Hawkins’s limited production at Oklahoma and Scotty Fox Jr.’s freshman status make both speculative fantasy options best suited for the deepest of leagues. Jaden Bray carries the highest individual receiver ceiling among returning options, while TaRon Francis’s LSU pedigree makes him an intriguing breakout candidate. Rodriguez’s proven offensive system and the talent infusion through the portal suggest West Virginia could be significantly more competitive in 2026, making multiple skill players worth monitoring through fall camp.