Top Running Back Transfer Options for WVU Football

(By Jorden Crews, Blue Gold Sports) – With the calendar now turning to Jan. 2, the transfer portal is officially open and WVU football has multiple areas of need. One position group that will see a complete overhaul at WVU in 2026 is the running back room. With Tye Edwards believed to be out of eligibility plus the rest of the players at the position, save for Andre Devine, entering the portal, West Virginia will employ all-new ball carriers for the upcoming season.

Thanks to the incoming recruits, we know some of the names that may contribute at the running back spot already, however, it is still believed that the Mountaineers will bring in some veteran transfers at the position as well. Listed below are some running backs currently in the portal that could make sense for West Virginia to target as we enter the 2026 transfer portal window.

Cam Cook (5’11 200) [Jax State] – 1 Year of Eligibility Remaining

Cook is a player that will certainly be HIGHLY sought after this off-season as he racked up over 1,600 rushing yards this past season, while earning C-USA MVP honors and also being named an All-American. No stranger to power conference football as he began his career at TCU, the talented ball carrier crossed the century mark in rushing yards in 10 of 13 games this season.

He can also be counted upon to be an every-down back as he averaged over 20 carries per game as well. The competition for Cook’s services will definitely be stiff, however, with WVU hiring former Jax State OL coach Rick Trickett perhaps it would be enticing for him to run behind a Trickett-led offensive line again. Perhaps providing West Virginia with a way-in to one of the most talented running backs in the transfer portal.

Dylan Edwards (5’9 170) [Kansas State] – 2 Years of Eligibility Remaining

Could this be the Jahiem White replacement? The two are certainly similar in both stature and playing styles. Edwards would not only help in the running back room, but he could also provide a potential boost to special teams as he possesses an excellent track record as a return man.

He is no stranger to the Big 12 Conference either, as he has spent time at both Colorado and Kansas State. Having already ran for over 1,000 yards in his career while averaging over five yards per carry, he not only checks the boxes for experience, but he also checks the box for speed which is something that Rich Rod & company really value.

Hunter Patterson (5’11 180) [West Liberty] – 1 Year of Eligibility Remaining

If WVU wants to add a talented Division-II prospect to the room, they won’t have to look far. While he may not carry the cache as some of the other names on this list, he certainly has a proven track record and is already in the state. Patterson ran for over 1200 yards and 17 touchdowns this past season with multiple 200-plus yard rushing performances. He probably won’t come in and compete for the starting job, but as far as depth pieces go, you can’t get much better than this one.

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For a related story, BGS discussed possible transfer quarterback options.