Michael Hawkins Jr. Earns PFF's Top QB Grade, Pat McAfee Hails WVU's Revival
Published · Updated
Cited: Yahoo Sports, 247Sports, Sports Illustrated
TL;DR
WVU quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. is the top-graded QB by PFF after three games, leading the Mountaineers to a 3-0 start. Pat McAfee compared him to Pat White and hinted at College GameDay in Morgantown.
Why now
Hawkins' breakout performance against Virginia, where he accounted for five touchdowns, has reignited excitement around WVU football. His dual-threat ability and national recognition put the Mountaineers in the spotlight.
Agree / conflict
Pat McAfee's praise aligns with the stats: Hawkins leads the country in yards per completion and passer rating. However, it's early in the season, and tougher Big 12 opponents will test him.
Takeaway
Hawkins appears to be the real deal. If he maintains this level of play, WVU could contend in the Big 12 and bring meaningful national attention back to Morgantown.
Michael Hawkins Jr. has transformed West Virginia's offense. The Oklahoma transfer is the highest-graded quarterback by Pro Football Focus, posting a 93.5 mark, and leads the country in yards per completion. His five-touchdown performance against Virginia drew comparisons to Pat White and praise from ESPN's Pat McAfee.
McAfee didn't stop at compliments — he floated the idea of College GameDay visiting Morgantown if the Mountaineers keep winning. The buzz around WVU football is real, and Hawkins is the engine driving it. For a program that has craved stability at quarterback, this 3-0 start feels different.
FAQ
Who is Michael Hawkins Jr.?
He is a quarterback transfer from Oklahoma who started the 2026 season for West Virginia. Through three games, he has accounted for 11 total touchdowns and zero interceptions.
How does Hawkins compare to Pat White?
Both are dual-threat QBs who excel at running and passing. Hawkins is the first WVU QB since Pat White (2008) to record three rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns in a single game.
What did Pat McAfee say about WVU and College GameDay?
McAfee said he wished College GameDay was headed to Morgantown instead of Tennessee, hinting that if WVU beats Oklahoma State, the show could visit later this season.
Is Hawkins really PFF's top-graded QB?
Yes. Pro Football Focus grades him at 93.5, the highest among all FBS quarterbacks through Week 3 of the 2026 season.
What are Hawkins' weaknesses?
While he has been nearly perfect, the sample size is small. Tougher Big 12 defenses will test his decision-making and consistency down the stretch.
Sources
Canonical URL: /trend/2026/michael-hawkins-jr-earns-pff-s-top-qb-grade-pat-mcafee-hails-wvu-s-revival
Disclaimer
Digests summarize public sources. They are not advice, forecasts, or a complete record of every trend.
This digest was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.
All content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Yanuki makes no representations or warranties regarding the reliability or completeness of the information.
This digest may include links to external sources for further context. These links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement.
Always do your own research (DYOR) before making any decisions based on the information presented.