Rich Rodriguez returns for his second season after West Virginia finished 4-8 overall and 2-7 in Big 12 play in 2025. The Mountaineers enter 2026 with competition at quarterback between Oklahoma transfer Michael Hawkins Jr. and Scotty Fox Jr. Jacksonville State transfer Cam Cook joins the backfield, while freshman Amari Latimer also joins the running back group. West Virginia will feature considerable turnover at receiver, with Jaden Bray the only returning player who caught a pass for the Mountaineers last season. Bray returns after recording seven receptions in just three games during an injury-shortened 2025 season, while Troy transfer D.J. Epps joins the receiving corps after making 46 catches last season. The offensive line returns full-time starters Nick Krahe and Landen Livingston, who combined for 23 starts last season, while Kansas State transfer Devin Vass adds significant Power Conference experience after making seven starts in 2025. West Virginia will feature several new starters elsewhere in the group.
Zac Alley returns for his second season as defensive coordinator, but West Virginia must rebuild much of the unit after losing 10 of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including its top five. Linebacker Ben Cutter is the lone returning member of that group after making one start in 2025, while Illinois transfer Malachi Hood joins the linebacker corps after making eight starts last season. The defensive line and secondary will feature several new starters as the Mountaineers replace the majority of their defensive production from 2025.
Pat Kirkland returns as special teams coordinator with Alabama transfer Peter Notaro, Western Kentucky transfer Jack Cassidy, and Nate Flower competing at placekicker. Colorado State transfer Bryan Hansen joins the program at punter, while D.J. Epps, Andre Devine, Armoni Weaver-Bomar, and freshman Matt Sieg are among the options in a rebuilt return game. The Mountaineers enter 2026 with considerable turnover throughout the roster, including at quarterback, receiver, throughout the defense, and on special teams, while the offensive line provides some stability with two returning full-time starters and an experienced Power Conference transfer.