Last week, we expected to see one of WVU football running back Kannon Katzer break out with a big game against Utah in his first contest back since an injury. We ended up being correct that a WVU running back would have a big game against the Utes, but it ended up being a different name.
We'll admit it – redshirt freshman Diore Hubbard had been pushed slightly off our radar. He had seen just four snaps on offense all season after being featured prominently in the 2025 WVU Gold-Blue Spring Showcase, and those few opportunities all game in garbage time against Kansas. We expected he might see more action against Utah, and head coach Rich Rodriguez said as much that week, but whether he was ready to take the next step was uncertain.
"I told him, you’re going to get a chance, you’re going to play. Make the most of it," Rodriguez said on the Rich Rodriguez Show on Monday.
Hubbard ended up defying expectations and being an impact player in his first meaningful action, starting the game at tailback and earning 10 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown on 42 offensive snaps. He was the third-highest graded player by pro Football Focus (PFF) recording ten or more snaps for WVU against the Utes. Rodriguez said he told him after the game he did, in fact, make the most of his opportunity.
“After the game he gave me a hug and said, coach, I just want to thank you for the opportunity," Rodriguez said. "Now we can trust that we can play him."
Hubbard will need to be at the top of his game this week against BYU, as the Cougars enter the game with a defense that ranks among the top ten in FBS football in scoring defense, opponents' third down conversion rate, total defense, and rushing defense. But if he can get something going for a second-consecutive week in a row, and new starting quarterback Khalil Wilkins continues to show the flashes of potential we saw against Utah, it could be a recipe for an upset in Provo.