The West Virginia Mountaineers were able to load up with some serious talent in both their high school recruiting class and the transfer portal this past offseason. But it's possible they landed no better player than Cam Cook.
Cook began his career at TCU without much fanfare, but after transferring to Jackosnville State, he was among the premier running backs in Division 1 football last season, leading the FBS with 1,659 rushing yards while also adding 16 touchdowns. Now, he returns to the Big 12 as he joins the Mountaineers, and the hype surrounding him entering the season is off the charts.
WVU football's Cam Cook named one of ESPN's Top 100 college players for 2026
ESPN released their annual list of the Top 100 players in college football ahead of the season, and Cam Cook found himself representing the West Virginia Mountaineers on the list at No. 84 overall. He was the only WVU football player on the list.
WVU RB Cam Cook comes in at No. 84 in @espn’s top 100 college football players before the 2026 season.https://t.co/fCTb8izjuJ pic.twitter.com/Ul08LhV0Z8
— Spencer Ripchik (@RipchikSpencer) August 26, 2026
"Cook was one of the top transfer portal running backs this offseason after he finished as the nation's rushing leader at Jacksonville State, and the 5-9, 203-pound senior should provide an immediate jolt to coach Rich Rodriquez's Mountaineers offense," wrote ESPN's Eli Lederman.
Seeing his name on the ESPN list is far from the only accolade thrown at Cook in the lead up to this coming season. He has also been named a Preseason All-American, as well as a Preseason All-Big 12 selection. And his name has appeared on multiple preseason award watch lists.
This latest honor only adds to the palpable excitement surrounding Cook, and the pressure continues to build as we get closer to West Virginia kicking off their season against Coastal Carolina on September 5. And if Cook lives up to it, it could mean special things will happen for the Mountaineers.
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