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The WireBreaking coverage · Big 12UPDATED AUG 29, 2026
The Pate State / The Wire
The WireStatus · ConfirmedImpact · lowWest Virginia · Big 12

West Virginia expects to start Michael Hawkins in season opener

The Oklahoma transfer is set to lead the Mountaineers against Coastal Carolina on Sept. 5, though West Virginia hasn't confirmed he'll hold the job beyond it.

WD
The Pate State Wire DeskVerified reporting · full source list below · monitored by an editor
● Confirmed
AUG 29, 2026
The Pate State · Wire Graphic

West Virginia is expected to hand the starting job to Oklahoma transfer Michael Hawkins for the Sept. 5 opener against Coastal Carolina, according to On3's Pete Nakos, days before the Mountaineers open a season that follows a 4-8 finish in 2025.

The school hasn't confirmed it. Nakos' report covers the opener — not whether Hawkins holds the job past it.

Hawkins completed 62% of his passes for 950 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions across two seasons at Oklahoma before transferring in the offseason. He's listed at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds.

West Virginia kicks off against Coastal Carolina at noon ET on Sept. 5 in Morgantown. Whether Hawkins is still running the offense after that remains open.

Sourcing & standards: Reporting via On3. Produced by the Pate State Wire Desk under the site's verification rules, monitored by an editor. Corrections are timestamped, never silent.

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