Paul Finebaum Supports Rich Rod, Evaluates Michael Hawkins’ SEC Film

With the expectations for WVU football and Rich Rodriguez in 2026 all over the place, one of college football’s most outspoken pundits was asked if an SEC transfer will make a difference for the Mountaineers.

A West Virginia fan called into ESPN host and analyst Paul Finebaum’s show to ask his thoughts on WVU as a whole, the decision to reunite with Rodriguez for a second tenure and if Michael Hawkins Jr. can be the next great Mountaineer quarterback.

“I’m a big fan of Rich Rod,” said Finebaum. “I thought it was a smart decision to go back to him. He had done a fantastic job in his other stops, and I think he will infuse a lot. Michael Hawkins is a little hard for me to get a handle on. What I saw of him last year, was not overly impressive, but it was under duress against SEC defenses.”

So while supportive of Rodriguez as the right fit for WVU, Finebaum doesn’t sound optimistic about Hawkins, and thus the team this fall. But Rodriguez, who expressed needing a year to get going throughout a miserable 4-8 season in 2025, remains confident entering year two. Part of his confidence stems from his success in recruiting made up of a strong freshman class and quality transfers. The rest connects to his continued belief in his system, a system Hawkins could be operating if he wins the quarterback competition over Scotty Fox.

Rodriguez even explained why he’s so confident in his RPO (run, pass, option) offense during a interview with former Penn State and UMass tight end turned college football analyst Adam Breneman.

WVU Football head coach Rich Rodriguez walks on the field the 2026 Gold-Blue Festival. (WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose)

“If you can throw for 500 yards on somebody, you’re probably going to win the game. But if you can run for 500, you’re guaranteed to win the game and it takes their soul,” said Rodriguez about why he’s always had a run-first mentality.

In two seasons with the Sooners, the 6-foot-1, 203-pound Hawkins completed a total of 91-of-147 passes for 950 yards with six touchdown passes to two interceptions. He added 262 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

A four-star recruit from the 2024 class, Hawkins drew offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina, Memphis, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina State, North Texas, Penn State, SMU, TCU, Texas Tech, Virginia Tech and a several others out of high school.

As a dual- threat prospect, Hawkins totaled 4,211 yards and 55 touchdowns to just three interceptions with Emerson High School.