Cam Cook Among Top Players to Bypass 2026 NFL Draft

West Virginia University (WVU) has received a significant boost as running back Cam Cook has been ranked as the ninth-best returning player in college football for 2026 after opting to skip the NFL Draft. The recognition comes from Cody Nagel of CBS Sports, highlighting Cook’s impressive performance during his time at Jacksonville State, where he established himself as the top rusher in the nation.

In the 2025 season, Cook led the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) with 1,945 yards from scrimmage and 1,659 rushing yards. His ability to break tackles was evident as he forced 100 missed tackles and recorded 53 carries of over 10 yards. These statistics demonstrate Cook’s potential to transform WVU’s struggling ground game, a critical focus for head coach Rich Rodriguez as he seeks to revitalize the team’s offensive strategy.

Cook’s Transition to the Big 12

The Mountaineers faced challenges last season, particularly on the offensive line, which prompted a significant retooling effort. Bringing in Cook from Jacksonville State, where he excelled after transferring from Texas Christian University (TCU), positions WVU to enhance its rushing attack. Despite the optimism, Cook must now adapt to the heightened competition within the Big 12 Conference, which presents a tougher landscape compared to his previous opponents.

Rodriguez has emphasized the importance of managing Cook’s workload effectively. As the only back on the roster with Division I experience, there is a palpable concern over the team’s depth should Cook encounter any setbacks. True freshman Amari Latimer is expected to contribute, but the reliance on Cook remains apparent. The coaching staff will need to strategize carefully regarding when to maximize his carries, ideally keeping him within the range of 25 to 30 carries per game.

Challenges Ahead for WVU

While Cook’s statistics are impressive, replicating such performance in the Big 12 will be a tall order. The level of talent in this conference is notably higher than that faced in previous seasons. Despite this challenge, Cook’s prior experience in the league will serve as an advantage as he aims to elevate WVU’s run game.

CBS Sports has also analyzed the potential impact of Rodriguez’s return to WVU, noting the team’s multifaceted challenges. Questions remain about the overall direction of the program, especially as some speculate on the university’s identity in sports, including references to its basketball prominence.

In the dynamic atmosphere of college football, the upcoming season promises to be pivotal for both Cook and the Mountaineers. As they gear up for a challenging 2026, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on how effectively they can integrate Cook into a revitalized offensive scheme, aiming for a significant turnaround from last season’s struggles.