West Virginia Reshapes Running Back Position with New Talent

West Virginia University (WVU) is undergoing a significant transformation in its running back room, focusing on youth and potential as it prepares for the upcoming 2026 season. With several key players departing, including leading rusher Diore Hubbard and others who contributed significantly in 2025, the Mountaineers are betting on new talent to revitalize their offense.

During the 2025 season, moments like Tye Edwards scoring an overtime touchdown against Pitt highlighted the team’s running game. However, following the season, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Hubbard has entered the transfer portal and is reportedly heading to Wyoming, while Cyncir Bowers has transferred to UConn, and Jahiem White is now at North Texas. Edwards, too, is seeking new opportunities, leaving the Mountaineers with a starkly altered roster.

WVU head coach Rodney Rodriguez has decided to embrace a strategy emphasizing quality over quantity in rebuilding the running back corps. He made a notable acquisition by signing Cam Cook from Jacksonville State, who is expected to be the lead back for the 2026 season. Cook previously played at TCU and was the leading rusher in the FBS for the 2025 season, finishing with nearly 300 carries and ranking in the top five for rushing touchdowns.

Despite Cook’s impressive credentials, the Mountaineers’ depth chart remains thin. Cook is the only running back added from the transfer portal, with a fullback also signed but not expected to take on traditional running duties. The team faces a challenge in experience, as the next players in line come from the 2026 recruiting class, which includes five new running backs.

Among these recruits is Martavious Boswell, the most experienced of the group, joining from junior college. Nevertheless, he has yet to play at the Division I level. Another standout is Amari Latimer, a 4-star recruit who was a finalist for Georgia’s Gatorade Player of the Year. His strong high school performance positions him as a potential backup to Cook.

Other 3-star recruits joining the ranks include SirPaul Cheeks, known for his speed, along with Lawrence Autry and Chris Talley, the latter being recognized as one of the top running backs in Tennessee. Given the current roster situation, Rodriguez may consider utilizing defensive players such as Matt Sieg in a dual role to bolster the running game.

As the Mountaineers prepare for the new season, there is a pressing need for depth in the running back position. Rodriguez has some time left to potentially add another player through the transfer portal, although the likelihood of that happening seems to diminish with each passing day. With a revamped lineup, WVU will look to blend new talent with the existing framework as it aims for a successful 2026 campaign.