Cam Cook Tagged as Top Newcomer for WVU Football in 2026

If Rich Rodriguez is going to turn WVU football around in 2026, it’s going to be transfer running back Cam Cook carries the offense. That’s why Cook has been labeled West Virginias’s top newcomer.

ESPN’s Billy Tucker explained why Cook will be so essential to what the Mountaineers can achieve this fall.

Why: Cook is a complete back who led all of FBS in rushing yards despite being overlooked in the portal. At 5-foot-9, 202 pounds, he brings explosiveness, power and big-play ability that perfectly fit Rich Rodriguez’s run-heavy attack. In 2025, after transferring to Jacksonville State from TCU, he rushed for 1,659 yards and 16 touchdowns with 10 separate 100-yard games, forcing 100 missed tackles and recording 53 rushing attempts over yards. He also caught 30 passes for almost 10 yards per reception. He should stay on the field full time for the Mountaineers. Cook plays much bigger than his frame would indicate and has every-down physical traits.

What to expect: Cook really needs to stay healthy, because West Virginia lost virtually all of its ground production from 2025 because of a subpar offensive line and beat-up running back room. Rodriguez put significant resources into revamping the offensive line while landing the nation’s leading rusher, showing his confidence in Cook to be a top-tier back in the Big 12. With only JUCO product Martavious Boswell and freshmen behind him, Cook will be the clear workhorse who can single-handedly transform this ground game. His aggressive running style, ability to hit holes quickly and reach the second level make him the perfect veteran addition to lead West Virginia’s offensive turnaround in 2026.

What they’re saying: “We went after him, because we wanted an experienced guy. We knew that we were going to have almost a whole new running back room anyway, and I’m glad he’s here. … This guy was making people miss. He’s a really smart football player. He’s got a great feel for it. He can block, he can catch. So he’s got all the stuff that you want in the backfield,” said Rodriguez.

Cook officially became a Mountaineer and among the headliners of the transfer class in mid January. The nation’s leading rusher committed to WVU after finishing up an official visit on Jan. 6.

Cook (5-foot-11 and 200 pounds) will now bring his talents to West Virginia after an historic 2025 season with Jacksonville State.

He ran for 1,659 yards on 295 carries for an average of 5.6 yards per touch. Cook scored 16 touchdowns and also added 30 receptions and 296 yards as a receiver. His total came without even playing in the Gamecocks’ bowl game. Cook was named Conference USA Player of the Year and to multiple major All-American teams.

Helping his transition from Conference USA, Cook is already familiar with the Big 12. Prior to transferring to Jacksonville State, Cook spent two years at TCU and totaled 608 yards and nine touchdowns off 135 rushing attempts with the Horned Frogs.

Find more coverage of Cam Cook at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, Cook cracked a major list of highest graded transfers.