QB MICHAEL HAWKINS to WVU
Hawkins appeared in two games this past fall behind starting QB John Mateer. In his only start vs. Kent State, he accounted for three passing TDs and one rushing score (30.7 points). Keeping in mind the competition, it’s fair to say we still don’t know much about Hawkins’ ability.
That being said, the Big 12 conference has worked wonders for many a reclamation project in the past. And the fit with head coach Rich Rodriguez is snug. We know Rich likes himself a dual-threat QB, and he also likes to move at a brisk pace on offense (something that has become increasingly important with the new clock rules; teams are running fewer plays on average compared to five years ago).
WVU’s WR room is in flux, like most programs. They added former BSU and USC WR Prince Strachan, as well as Troy standout DJ Epps. The Mountaineers also brought in former TCU and JSU RB Cam Cook, who actually led the FBS in rushing yards this offseason. Cook will probably fill in as the starting RB, but I would be surprised if he repeats 295 carries.
My expectation is that most of the offense will run through the QB, whether that’s Hawkins or someone else. From that lens, the WVU QB will be, once again, a popular later-round pick in CFF drafts. Drafters who acquire Hawkins in best balls will be wise to hedge their bets with whoever else is competing for the job, given the lack of starting experience from Hawkins.
Hawkins should have three years of eligibility left, so once again, this may be a player who truly excels in his second year with the program in 2027.
RB MAKHI HUGHES to HOUSTON
Hughes stepped on a landmine this past offseason, seeing his workhorse role at Tulane and NFL draft stock evaporate before his very eyes at Oregon.
Lucky for him, and us as drafters, he had two years of eligibility when he transferred to Oregon, so despite appearing in six games officially, he still has one more ride.
He chose wisely this time, reuniting with his former head coach at Tulane, Willie Fritz. The last time these two were involved in the same club, Hughes ran 258 times for 1378 yards and seven TDs in 2023.
Granted, that was in the G5, and Houston has recently promoted up to the P4. But, as mentioned many times now, the BIG12 is, in my opinion, the conference where G5 promotions can still be productive. And I like the fit under his former coach, who fed him 250+ carries two seasons ago.
I expect Hughes to be the starting RB in 2026 and to see at least 200 touches for the Cougars. Whether he can recapture 250+ touches and over 1,300 yards is another question. But I like the fit and think that he should at least be a solid CFF asset.
This is not a player I want to spend significant draft capital on, but I do like him outside the top 10 rounds in a bestball draft as things currently stand. If we receive some really positive updates in spring camp later this offseason, that valuation could change; likewise, if we hear other players are looking better.
Sophomores DJ Butler and J’Marion Burnette are slated to return and will also seek to win starting duties.
RB DAYLAN “HOLLYWOOD” SMOTHERS to ALABAMA
It’s no secret that Alabama could not run the ball this past season. Yes, that’s right, read that sentence again if needed. The mighty elephants, known for physicality in the Saban years, could not blow a motherfucker off the ball in 2025.
That just can’t happen, as I’m sure many a Tuscaloosa-based booster made clear in a polite and peaceful manner to Kalen DeBoer’s face since the Indiana game.
From my vantage point, the problem was two-fold: the lack of an elite forced miss-tackle-er in the backfield, and a bad offensive line that couldn’t run block. Changing the RB personnel won’t matter much if the second issue is not addressed, which I do believe will be a focus this offseason for the Elephants.
Focusing on RB, the Tide went out and acquired the services of one of the better available runners in the portal via former OU/NCST Smothers, who is coming off a strong year. If not for injury, Smothers easily clears 1,000 rushing yards and probably 10+ total scores.
Which is impressive considering the system he was working with. The play callers at NCST are infamous for not relying on one runner to handle most of the work, so when a system-breaker comes along, you should pay attention.
Smothers is already drawing comparisons to former GT/Tide RB Jahmyr Gibbs. The comparison makes sense because both are elusive backs and strong pass catchers.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer and OC Ryan Grubb have a checkered past when it comes to RB usage, so I’m more in a wait-and-see mode. What is good about this move is that Smothers was already a P4 level player, and—in theory—Alabama should be one of the better teams in the SEC in 2026, thus creating many scoring opportunities for Smothers.
I see a mid-round RB prospect here who will probably settle in somewhere between rounds 5 and 10. I’m assuming he wins the starting role.
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