From West Virgina Mountaineers On SI · · 1m
Mike Hawkins Jr. Breaks WVU Rushing TD Record
Mike Hawkins Jr. breaks West Virginia's single-season rushing TD record with 19 scores.
In brief
Mike Hawkins Jr. breaks West Virginia's single-season rushing TD record with 19 scores. Mike Hawkins Jr. achieved 19 rushing touchdowns in 2026, breaking Pat White's WVU single-season record. Originally reported by West Virgina Mountaineers On SI.
Mike Hawkins Jr. Breaks Record
Mike Hawkins Jr. broke Pat White's record for most rushing touchdowns by a WVU player in a single season.
“On Saturday night, we witnessed a piece of history when he scampered into the end zone for the second time in the game, breaking Pat White's record for the most rushing touchdowns by a WVU player in a single season, and that's including running backs.”
Updated Leaderboard
Mike Hawkins Jr., 19 (2026) Amos Zereoue, 18 (1997) Pat White, 18 (2006).
“Mike Hawkins Jr., 19 (2026) Amos Zereoue, 18 (1997) Pat White, 18 (2006) Avon Cobourne, 17 (2002) Steve Slaton, 17 (2005)”
Hawkins' Potential Impact
Hawkins has 19 rushing scores through nine games and could have most rushing touchdowns by a non-service academy QB since 2011.
“Hawkins has 19 rushing scores through nine games, and with three games plus a potential bowl game, he could have the most rushing touchdowns by a non-service academy QB since Colin Klein recorded 27 with Kansas State in 2011. Northern Illinois' Jordan Lynch had 23 in 2013.”
WVU's Priority
West Virginia must keep Hawkins in Morgantown to secure long-term program success.
“WVU has to do whatever it takes to keep Hawkins in Morgantown”
Program Importance
Hawkins is a special talent West Virginia can't afford to lose for long-term success.
“The success of the program is never dependent on the status of one player, but the types of things you are capable of doing can be, and that's the case here with Hawkins. He is a special talent, and one West Virginia can't afford to let walk out the door.”
Future Opportunity
Locking up Hawkins gives West Virginia a chance to build on current progress.
“Locking up Hawkins is absolutely crucial not just for next season, but for the long-term direction of this program. If Rodriguez can keep Hawkins in Morgantown, it gives West Virginia a chance to build on what we've seen this season rather than starting over at the most important position on the field.”
What Happens Next
West Virginia aims to keep Hawkins for long-term success in 2027.
“The Mountaineers have an opportunity to turn this progress into something sustainable, and keeping Hawkins should be at the top of the offseason priority list.”
In short
Mike Hawkins Jr. achieved 19 rushing touchdowns in 2026, breaking Pat White's WVU single-season record.
