WVU’s Cam Cook Included on List of CFB’s Best Returning Players

The nation’s leading rusher decided to transfer to West Virginia instead of try to enter the NFL. That decision by Cam Cook could be what allows the Mountaineers to have success in 2026 and that’s why he’s being included on a list of college football’s best returning players that skipped the NFL Draft.

Below is what CBS Sports’ Cody Nagel said about Cook and why he’s on his recent list:

“The FBS leader in yards from scrimmage (1,945) and rushing yards (1,659), Cam Cook dominated at Jacksonville State after transferring from TCU and now returns to the Big 12 with West Virginia. Cook averaged 5.62 yards per carry — 11th-best among players with at least 200 attempts this season — while consistently breaking tackles (100 missed tackles forced) and turning routine runs into explosive gains (53 carries of 10-plus yards.) With West Virginia counting on him to anchor the run game, Cook enters 2026 as one of college football’s most dynamic and productive backs.”

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 score 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.

A source also told WV Sports Now that his previously scheduled visit with Tennessee was canceled. The reports that he visited Tennessee are inaccurate. No Tennessee visit took place and he’s going to be a Mountaineer. 

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.