Michael Hawkins Jr. is putting up ridiculous numbers at West Virginia right now. And the crazy part is, WVU’s record doesn’t even tell you how good this kid has been.

Through six games, Hawkins has thrown for 1,055 yards and seven touchdowns while throwing only one interception. He has added another 672 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

Do the math.

That’s 1,727 yards of offense and 19 total touchdowns in six games. At quarterback.

West Virginia has lost games because its defense couldn’t stop a nosebleed, but don’t let that distract you from what Hawkins is doing. This kid is flourishing.

And to me, his story should be a lesson for every high school recruit and every college player entering the transfer portal: Stop choosing schools based only on NIL money and the name on the front of the jersey.

Find the right fit.

 

Oklahoma Wasn’t the Right Fit

This isn’t a knock on Oklahoma. And it isn’t a knock on Michael Hawkins Jr.

Sometimes a talented player and a good program simply aren’t the right match.

Hawkins was a highly regarded quarterback coming out of Texas. He was rated as a four-star prospect by multiple recruiting services and had offers from programs like Alabama and Michigan before choosing Oklahoma.

The talent was always there.

But when I watched him at Oklahoma, there were times he looked like a deer in headlights. He looked uncomfortable. He looked like he was thinking instead of playing.

During two seasons at Oklahoma, Hawkins threw for 950 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 262 yards and two touchdowns.

Now look at what has happened since he arrived in Morgantown.

In only six games at WVU, Hawkins has already thrown for more yards than he did during his entire Oklahoma career. And his rushing production has exploded.

Same player. Same talent. Different environment. Different system. Different results.

That’s what fit can do.

 

Rich Rodriguez Found the Quarterback He Needed

If you’ve followed Rich Rodriguez’s career, none of this should be surprising.

Coach Rod’s offense has always been dangerous when he has a quarterback who can stress a defense with his legs.

And Hawkins looks built for this offense. He doesn’t have to stand in the pocket and try to become somebody he isn’t.

Rod is taking what Hawkins does well and building around it.

That’s coaching.

Hawkins can throw it downfield. He can hurt you with his legs. He can make something happen when a play breaks down. And when defenses start worrying about him running, everything else opens up.

There are moments watching him where you can’t help but think about the type of numbers Pat White produced in Morgantown.

I’m not saying Hawkins is Pat White. Pat White is one of the greatest players in WVU history.

I’m saying this system allows Hawkins to use his skill set in a similar way — and we’re seeing what happens when talent meets the right offense.

 

So What Uniform Will He Wear Next Year?

I already hear people asking it.

“What uniform is Michael Hawkins Jr. going to have on next season?”

That’s college football in 2026. Have a breakout season and everybody immediately starts wondering which bigger program is going to throw NIL money at you.

And Hawkins will have opportunities. Of course he will. He’s young, talented and putting up huge numbers at quarterback. Programs are going to come calling.

But if I’m Michael Hawkins Jr.? I’m staying my ass in Morgantown.

Why leave something that’s working? Why chase another logo? Why take the chance of entering another system where the offense might not maximize what you do best?

He’s already experienced what that can look like.

At Oklahoma, he was a talented quarterback trying to find his way. At West Virginia, he’s becoming a star.

Sometimes the grass isn’t greener.

Sometimes you’re already standing exactly where you’re supposed to be.

 

NIL Money Can’t Buy Playing Time

This is the message I hope young athletes understand.

NIL has changed college sports, and I’m all for players getting paid. Get every dollar you’ve earned.

But money can’t be the only reason you choose a school.

Because that NIL check isn’t going to mean much when you’re standing on the sideline on Saturdays passing out Gatorade.

I’ve watched kids chase the biggest school. Chase the biggest brand. Chase the biggest NIL opportunity.

Then they get there and discover there are four other dudes at their position who were four- and five-star recruits too.

Now you’re not playing. You’re not developing. Nobody is seeing you. And a year later you’re right back in the portal looking for another school.

Ask yourself better questions.

Does the system fit me? Does the coach believe in me? Can I play early? Does their offense showcase what I do best? Can this staff develop me? Can I maximize my future here?

Because if you’re good enough, the money will eventually find you.

 

Michael Hawkins Jr. Found His Fit

Hawkins’ season should be bigger than a conversation about stats.

It’s a lesson.

Sometimes going from Oklahoma to West Virginia might look like a step down to people who only see logos and recruiting rankings.

But what exactly is a “bigger” opportunity? The school with the bigger brand? Or the school that puts you in position to become the best version of yourself?

Because Michael Hawkins Jr. looks like a completely different quarterback in Morgantown.

Not because he suddenly became talented. He was always talented. He finally landed somewhere that knows exactly how to use him.

That’s why if I’m advising a young athlete today, I’m telling him the same thing: Don’t chase the logo. Don’t chase the hype. And don’t make the biggest NIL offer the deciding factor.

Chase the fit.

Because the right fit can eventually make you more money than the biggest offer ever could.

Michael Hawkins Jr. might be one of the best examples in college football right now.

And if I’m him? I’m not looking for my next uniform. I’m looking at what Rich Rodriguez is building in Morgantown and thinking about what these numbers could look like after another full year in this offense.

Sometimes you don’t need another opportunity.

Sometimes you need to recognize the great one you already have.