Mike Hawkins Delivers Motivating Message to WVU Fans

Enjoying a much-needed break at the bye week, West Virginia’s season has been lesser than what many expected, even including the Mountaineers themselves. However, Mike Hawkins has been the brightest part of the season so far, emerging to the point that he would likely be in the Heisman race if the team had a better record.

Hawkins, always the optimist, delivered a motivating message to WVU fans about what’s still to come after the week off.

“I’d say our best ball is ahead of us,” said Hawkins after WVU’s 24-20 win over TCU on Saturday afternoon. “We’re obviously playing pretty good, but I feel like we have a lot of things we could fix. Me personally, too. This bye week is big for us. We’ve been at it for eight weeks, so it’s a good feeling.”

Hawkins then explained what happened to the offense – they suffered through their worst performance of the season despite still being able to get the win.

“I really think the biggest thing for us as a whole was just mental errors. For me, connecting with my receivers. I missed a couple of throws that I shouldn’t have missed. Those are big moments in the game, but you live and learn, and you get back. There’s a bye week, and you can fix it.”

West Virginia quarterback Mike Hawkins runs against Oklahoma State during the 2026 season. (WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose)

But despite one rough outing, the Mountaineer offense still ranks as one of the best in the country. Winning a game thanks to the defense also can show what the overall team is capable of as well.

Through eight games, Hawkins has thrown for 1,598 yards, run for 836 more, thrown 11 touchdown passes, scored 16 on the ground, which leads the nation and has only turned the ball over twice via two interceptions.

Find more coverage of Mike Hawkins and the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.