Rich Rodriguez Pushes to Retain Star Mike Hawkins Jr.
The head coach is working to secure his quarterback as the university plans for a championship run.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Football
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West Virginia University football head coach Rich Rodriguez has publicly advocated for the retention of star quarterback Mike Hawkins Jr. amid ongoing contract discussions. The program is prioritizing the move as a cornerstone of their strategy to reach the Big 12 title and College Football Playoff in 2027.
Why it matters
Securing the quarterback is essential for West Virginia's long-term competitive goals as the school expects to return most of its offensive roster. Maintaining stability in this position is viewed as the primary factor in the team's planned progression toward a 2027 conference title.
Mike Hawkins Jr. has logged 1,598 passing yards and maintains a passer rating of 161.7, placing him 24th nationally in that metric. Additionally, he holds the 45th spot in national passing yards after completing eight games this season.
The players
Rich Rodriguez
He serves as the head coach for the West Virginia University football program.
Mike Hawkins Jr.
He is the starting quarterback for the West Virginia University football team who currently has two years of eligibility remaining.
The details
Rich Rodriguez expressed his intent to keep Hawkins in Morgantown during an October press conference following recent games. Talks between the university and the Hawkins family regarding the quarterback's future have been active for several weeks.
Timeline
Rich Rodriguez discussed the retention of Mike Hawkins Jr. during a press conference in October 2026.
The university is aiming for a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2027.
Season Trajectory
The effort to secure Hawkins reflects the necessity of roster retention in an era defined by the NCAA Transfer Portal. By locking down a dual-threat quarterback, West Virginia aims to maintain continuity and sustain its competitive momentum into the 2027 season.
Retaining Hawkins guarantees the team will have a signal-caller with 16 rushing touchdowns and 1,598 passing yards heading into the 2027 campaign. His continued presence provides a clear statistical foundation for the team's upcoming bid for the Big 12 conference title.
The takeaway
Building a championship-caliber team requires early engagement and proactive contract management with key offensive leaders. Fans and stakeholders should watch for official confirmation of the extension to finalize expectations for the 2027 season.
Further reading
For more on the current team outlook, see Morgantown Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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