Cam Cook Named Among Top 10 Players Skipping 2026 NFL Draft

West Virginia University (WVU) has secured a significant asset for the upcoming college football season with the return of Cam Cook, who has been ranked as the ninth-best returning player in college football by Cody Nagel of CBS Sports. Cook, a standout running back, opted to forgo the 2026 NFL Draft to continue his development with the Mountaineers, following a remarkable season at Jacksonville State where he led the nation in rushing yards.

In the 2025 season, WVU’s running game struggled, prompting head coach Rich Rodriguez to take action. Rodriguez, known for his emphasis on the ground game throughout his coaching career, has restructured the offensive line to address last year’s failures. Additionally, he brought in Cook, who recorded an impressive 1,659 rushing yards and 1,945 yards from scrimmage during his time at Jacksonville State, showcasing his capability to perform under pressure.

The statistics are compelling: Cook averaged 5.62 yards per carry and forced 100 missed tackles, making him a dynamic presence on the field. He also had 53 carries of 10-plus yards, illustrating his ability to turn standard plays into significant gains. As WVU looks to improve its offensive strategy, Cook’s experience and talent will be crucial.

Challenges Ahead for WVU

Despite Cook’s impressive track record, the transition back to the Big 12 Conference presents challenges. The level of competition will be notably tougher compared to the teams he faced last year. While Cook’s previous performances set high expectations, replicating those numbers in a more competitive setting may prove difficult. Rodriguez must manage Cook’s workload judiciously, ideally limiting him to between 25-30 carries per game to preserve his health throughout the season.

At present, Cook is the only running back on the roster with Division I experience, raising concerns about WVU’s depth at the position. Freshman Amari Latimer is talented, yet the reliance on Cook remains a point of concern for the coaching staff. If Cook were to be sidelined, it could lead to significant challenges for the Mountaineers.

Looking Forward

Cook’s return is framed as a potential game-changer for a team eager to enhance its offensive capabilities. With Rodriguez at the helm for his first year back at WVU, the anticipation is palpable. The Mountaineers not only need Cook to perform, but they also require him to lead a revitalized offensive strategy that can reinvigorate the program.

As the 2026 season approaches, the focus will be on how well WVU can adapt and implement new strategies to take full advantage of Cook’s skills. With the right adjustments, Cook could very well become a standout player in the Big 12 once again, driving the Mountaineers toward a more successful campaign.