WVU football fans can rest a bit more easy in their offensive talents entering the 2026 season after securing a pair of dangerous offensive weapons out of the transfer portal on Tuesday.
The transfer portal haul began with a commitment from Troy wide receiver DJ Epps – Epps, who will have one season of eligibility remaining, was a dual-threat weapon in both the passing game and the return game. He tallied 512 receiving yards and five touchdown receptions, and 554 kick return yards for the Trojans in 2025. He was also targeted by Cincinnati, Iowa State, and Kansas, but decided to commit to the Mountaineers after making Morgantown his first and only visit.
Troy wide receiver DJ Epps has committed to West Virginia, his rep @IanJohnsonAce tells @On3sports. https://t.co/wMrfFrdlE6 https://t.co/K3eE9tJz8I
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) January 6, 2026
The portal haul was capped later in the afternoon as the Mountaineers secured a commitment from Cam Cook of Jacksonville State, who was the leading rusher at the FBS level in 2025 with 1,649 yards. He also scored 16 touchdowns with his legs, and forced over 100 missed tackles on the season. He was named the Conference USA Player of the Year and an All-America selection for his efforts.
Cook shocked the college football world on Monday as he went on a previously unannounced visit to WVU before quickly making his decision within 24 hours. A previously scheduled visit to Tennessee was reportedly cancelled, per Mike Asti of WV Sports Now. Houston was also in serious contention for Cook as well.
#HailWV pic.twitter.com/5eBe5629V3
— Cam “The Chef” Cook (@CamCook_4) January 6, 2026
Combined with the addition of former starting Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. and 6-foot-5 former Boise State and USC wideout Prince Strachan, a picture is beginning to be painted for a much more dangerous West Virginia offense next year. Either Hawkins will demonstrate why he was a 4-star recruit and SEC signee and win the starting role, or Scotty Fox Jr. will prove his flashes of greatness as a freshman were not a fluke.
But whoever earns that role, they now have one of the best running backs in the nation with them in the backfield, and both a shifty slot receiver with elusive ability and a physically imposing outside receiver with College Football Playoff experience as targets. While the offensive line remains a top concern and more holes need filled, things are looking like they're off to a good start for Rich Rodriguez and company.