WVU’s Running Back Situation Takes an Interesting Turn Ahead of Iowa State
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WVU’s Running Back Situation Takes an Interesting Turn Ahead of Iowa State
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Running back Cam Cook #4 of the West Virginia Mountaineers scores a rushing touchdown during the first quarter of a game against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Milan Puskar Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/Getty Images) Getty
Anthony G Halkias II·HEAVY
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4 min read
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WACO, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 15: NaQuari Rogers #21 of the Utah Utes scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 31: Naquari Rogers #21 of the Utah Utes reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half of the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Utes defeated the Cornhuskers 44-22. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) Getty
The West Virginia Mountaineers are getting some much-needed help at running back, and Rich Rodriguez has another experienced weapon to consider ahead of Saturday's matchup against Iowa State.
Former Utah running back NaQuari Rogers has officially signed with WVU, according to On3's Pete Nakos. With injuries creating concerns in the Mountaineers' backfield, Rogers' arrival comes at an important point in the season.
GettyWACO, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 15: NaQuari Rogers #21 of the Utah Utes scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The signing follows last week's news that Rogers received a preliminary injunction granting him a fifth year of college eligibility. West Virginia had already been linked to the former Utah standout, but his official signing represents another step toward getting him onto the field. His arrival gives Rodriguez additional depth as the Mountaineers attempt to rebound from their disappointing 41-24 loss to Oklahoma State.
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Rogers is hardly an unfamiliar name to West Virginia fans. During Utah's visit to Morgantown last season, the 5-foot-10, 210-pound running back rushed for 61 yards on 13 carries against the Mountaineers. Now, the same player who helped the Utes defeat WVU could have an opportunity to contribute to Rodriguez's offense.
WVU's New Running Back Brings Something Rich Rodriguez Could Use
What makes Rogers particularly interesting is his ability to finish drives. He rushed for 387 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns during the 2025 season, scoring in eight of Utah's 13 games. His touchdown production tied for third in the Big 12, giving West Virginia an experienced option who has already demonstrated his value near the goal line.
Rogers also brings experience from previous stops at Campbell and New Mexico. He has accumulated 1,598 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns throughout his college career, making him considerably more experienced than a typical late-season addition. That background could become valuable if injuries continue to affect West Virginia's running back rotation.
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However, the biggest question is how quickly Rogers can get comfortable in Rodriguez's offense. Learning a new system during the season is difficult, particularly with another conference matchup approaching. His availability against Iowa State has not been confirmed, and WVU fans should not assume he will immediately receive a significant workload.
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 31: Naquari Rogers #21 of the Utah Utes reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half of the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Utes defeated the Cornhuskers 44-22. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
Still, this is an intriguing addition for a team that cannot afford to let injuries derail its season. Cam Cook remains an important part of West Virginia's rushing attack, but adding Rogers gives Rodriguez another potential contributor with proven Big 12 experience.
After watching Rogers produce against WVU last season, Mountaineers fans now have a reason to look forward to seeing what he can accomplish in their own backfield.
