Rich Rodriguez Sheds Light on QB Battle, How Michael Hawkins and Scotty Fox Are Similar

In the midst of discussing why WVU will win in 2026, Rich Rodriguez was asked the most important question of all during his Big 12 Media Days press conference on Wednesday. Who will be West Virginia’s starting quarterback?

As expected, Rodriguez refused to give a definitive answer. What he did do is articulate his mentality at this point in the offseason and what went into pitting Scotty Fox Jr. against Michael Hawkins Jr.

“We wanted to have competition at every position, and legitimate competition. We wanted guys that have production, not potential. So at the quarterback spot, Scotty [Fox] coming back, he played as a really young true freshman last year and competed well and he’s got better. But we wanted a guy we thought could compete for the starting job and take us to another level, and that was Mike Hawkins, who had a great spring. He could run, he could throw,” explained Rodriguez.

To offer an expanded hint compared to what he’s said throughout the offseason, Rodriguez revealed the one attribute both of his top quarterback share.

“The thing that I thought was most impressive about Mike [Hawkins] and Scotty [Fox] both in the spring is their decisiveness.”

However, regardless who ends up taking the field and earning the first snap under center, Rodriguez has also expressed a willingness to play multiple quarterbacks, opening up the door for a package or opportunities for whoever finishes as QB2 on the depth chart.

Most importantly, Rodriguez feels his quarterback(s) will be put in a better position to succeed in 2026. “I feel confident we’re better all the way around.”

WV Sports Now projects Hawkins to be named the starter due to a higher ceiling and potential, but doesn’t expect any official announcement to be made until an hour before kickoff of WVU’s Week 1 game against Coastal Carolina. The quarterback competition will remain fluid throughout fall camp.

Michael Hawkins

In two seasons with the Sooners, the 6-foot-1, 196-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.

WVU quarterback Michael Hawkins takes a snap during the 2026 Gold-Blue Festival’s scrimmage. (WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose)

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 several others out of high school.

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

Scotty Fox

Fox emerged throughout the 2025 season after gaining an opportunity to play due to a depth chart that endured multiple injuries. Fox threw for 1,276 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions. He added 201 more yards and three more scores on the ground.

WVU quarterback Scotty Fox Jr. drops back to throw a pass against Colorado during the 2025 season. (WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose)

For a related story, Paul Finebaum weighed in with his thoughts about Michael Hawkins’ SEC film.