By: Clark Johnson | WV Sports Chat
Morgantown, WV – Spring practice is now underway for the WVU Football program. Over the next month, Coach Rodriguez and company will put in tireless work in preparation for the 2026 season. Fans and analysts alike will spend this time debating and analyzing the most important questions surrounding the Mountaineers heading into the fall.
Today, I am going to take a look at arguably the most important subject within the team’s facilities at the moment – the quarterback competition. According to Rodriguez, Scotty Fox, Michael Hawkins, and Max Brown will battle it out over the next several months for the honor of taking the first offensive snaps on September 5th.
I will address, analyze, and project where each candidate will ultimately land on the two-deep come kickoff.
- Scotty Fox Jr. (So) – True sophomore Scotty Fox comes into the spring as the favorite to emerge as the starting quarterback for the Mountaineers. A native of Ohio, Fox originally committed to the Mountaineers under previous head coach Neal Brown. After deciding to stay committed following Brown’s dismissal, the talented signal-caller worked his way up the depth chart. With experience in the system, as well as the dual-threat ability to be a problem for defenses, it would be a shock for Fox to not get the first chance to start in 2026.
- Michael Hawkins Jr. (R-So.) – Redshirt sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. comes to WVU from Oklahoma via the NCAA Transfer Portal. As the quarterback with the most experience on the roster, fans are eager to witness just how his game will translate to Rich Rodriguez’s spread offense. After reviewing his film, Hawkins has all of the attributes to make him a serious threat as the starting quarterback. While his passing still needs work, Hawkins possesses the elite speed that Rodriguez’s quarterbacks have become known for. However, his lack of experience will likely land him at the number two spot to begin the 2026 season. While he may not start, Hawkins will have the opportunity to see the field sooner rather than later. Expect Fox and Hawkins to rotate at quarterback early in the season.
- Max Brown (R-Sr.) – Out of the five quarterbacks to see the field for WVU in 2025, Brown was utilized the least. After transferring to Morgantown from Charlotte, the Oklahoma native only made two appearances for the Mountaineers. Tallying only 7 passing yards and 1 interception, the coaches just never seemed comfortable with Brown in the game. There is a reason for that. At this time, Brown is not viewed as a serious contender to become starting quarterback for WVU. Expect him to serve as an “emergency” third string signal-caller.
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
