RADIO
Michael Hawkins Jr. a Potential Quarterback Sleeper with Change of Scenery
Former Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. is viewed as the favorite to emerge as the starter at West Virginia, as the camp battle with Scotty Fox Jr. is set to kick off. Hawkins showed some flashes in two seasons with the Sooners as the primary backup to Jackson Arnold (2024) and John Mateer (2025), totaling 950 passing yards, 262 rushing yards, and eight touchdowns in limited action. Hawkins has legitimate rushing upside, but his development as a passer is a big question as he potentially enters his first season as a starter. There have been plenty of examples of quarterbacks breaking out with a change of scenery later in their careers, and Hawkins could fit that bill in 2026. The Mountaineers open their schedule with home games against Coastal Carolina and UT-Martin, which should give him time to get his feet wet before Power 4 competition begins.
Source: On3
Source: On3
