By: Justin “Couz” Walker | WV Sports Chat
After a tough 2025 season, the WVU football program is gearing up for what they believe will be a major breakthrough. In year two under head coach Rich Rodriguez, the program is implementing significant changes designed to turn potential into Big 12 wins.
In today’s breakdown, we look at the five key areas (besides the obvious quarterback position) where the Mountaineers have leveled up for the 2026 campaign.
1. The Return of Rick Trickett & Offensive Line Overhaul
It all starts in the trenches. The headline move of the offseason was the rehiring of legendary O-line coach Rick Trickett. With a career spanning back to the 1970s and a National Championship ring from Florida State, Trickett brings a level of discipline that was missing last year. He and Rodriguez have several years of experience coaching together, including at West Virginia from 2001-2007. That should lead to an easy transition with both coaches “speaking the same language.”
- Experienced Transfers: The incoming O-line transfer portal class averages over 1,200 FBS snaps per player at their previous stops. One player, Devin Vass, also has starting experience in the Big 12 at Kansas State.
- Built-in Chemistry: Two transfers, Cameron Griffin and Amare Grayson, are following Rick Trickett from Jacksonville State. This means they already speak Trickett and Rodriguez’s football “language.”
- Returning Core: Starters like Nick Krahe and Landen Livingston are returning to WVU, providing a veteran foundation that doesn’t require a total rebuild.
2. An Elite Run Game Led by Cam Cook
The 2025 season saw the running back room decimated by injuries. For 2026, the Mountaineers have completely flipped the script by landing Cam Cook. The nation’s leading rusher from a year ago is also joining WVU football by way of Jacksonville State. He also spent two seasons at TCU prior to becoming a Gamecock. Cook brings over 1,600 yards and a reputation for durability, as he carried the ball nearly 300 times last season.
Beyond Cook, the room is loaded with young explosive talent:
- Amari Latimer: The highly-touted four-star recruit who flipped from Wisconsin.
- Martavious Boswell: A JUCO transfer whose pure speed has already drawn comparisons to WVU legend Steve Slaton.
3. Coaching Staff Stability & Key Additions
Continuity on a coaching staff is often underrated. Whether it be during his first stint as head coach at WVU from 2001-2007, his three years at Jacksonville State from 2022-2024, or at his other stops along the way, several returning coaches on the WVU football staff have worked with Rodriguez in the past. At the very least, most of Rodriguez’s staff returns for year two in his system. This should allow more time to coach the players and less time “coaching the coaches.”
It hasn’t been all good news on the coach retention front. WVU is losing two veteran assistant coaches. BANDITS Coach Jeff Casteel has moved into retirement, and running backs coach Larry Porter took a job at Auburn. However, their replacements appear to be more than capable.
- Larry Knight: Bringing Power 4 experience to the edge rushers and defensive line.
- Jay Boulware: A veteran running backs coach coming over from Kentucky to maximize the new-look backfield.
4. The “Early Arrival” Advantage
One of the biggest hurdles last season was the roster’s late arrival. In 2025, only approximately 56% of the fall roster participated in spring ball. In 2026, that number has skyrocketed to about 90%.
Having 37 high school/JUCO early enrollees and all 33 transfers on campus for winter workouts and spring practice means the team can hit the ground running in August. They are already in the weight room and learning the playbook, putting them months ahead of last year’s pace.
5. A More Manageable 2026 Schedule
On paper, the 2026 slate is significantly more favorable. The Mountaineers benefit from:
- Seven Home Games: Five of their Big 12 matchups will be played at Milan Puskar Stadium.
- Easier Non-Conference: Instead of a tricky road trip to face the Ohio Bobcats, WVU hosts Coastal Carolina.
- Rebuilding Opponents: Key Big 12 rivals like Iowa State and Oklahoma State are undergoing massive roster turnovers of their own.
The Bottom Line
With better coaching, more experienced players at key positions, and seemingly better talent at several positions as well, WVU football is looking to make a massive turnaround from their 4-8 season in 2025.
You can catch a video version of this story by watching this recent episode of Couz’s Corner on YouTube.
Be on the lookout for part two of this series, where we will take a look at the top five reasons WVU football may not be better in 2026. While this is not what most Mountaineer fans want to hear, it is indeed a possibility that must be discussed.
Photo Credit: WVU Athletics
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