MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia turned in a dominant performance on both sides of the football Saturday, overwhelming UT Martin 52-7 in the Mountaineers’ second game of the 2026 season.
Under sunny skies and temperatures reaching 85 degrees, West Virginia controlled the game from the opening quarter, forcing turnovers, blocking a punt and repeatedly finding the end zone.
The Mountaineers opened the scoring on their second offensive play when quarterback Mike Hawkins Jr. connected with wide receiver DJ Epps on a 53-yard touchdown strike. The play came shortly after a miscommunication between a running back and a receiver in motion caused a collision on West Virginia’s first snap.
West Virginia quickly added to its lead when safety Andrew Powdrell blocked a UT Martin punt following a three-and-out. Four plays later, senior running back Cam Cook powered into the end zone from 2 yards out to put the Mountaineers ahead 14-0.
UT Martin mounted its best drive of the opening half on its next possession, moving deep into West Virginia territory and threatening inside the Mountaineers’ 5-yard line. But West Virginia’s defense came up with another huge play.
Safety Geimere Latimer II punched the ball loose from the UT Martin ball carrier, and linebacker Ben Cutter recovered the fumble to end the scoring threat.
West Virginia then turned defense into offense.
Hawkins broke free on a quarterback keeper, juking a linebacker before racing 71 yards untouched for a touchdown. The explosive run pushed the Mountaineers’ advantage to 21-0.
UT Martin struggled to respond, with its next three possessions ending in two punts and a missed field goal.
West Virginia capitalized once again.
The Mountaineers marched 74 yards in just five plays, with Hawkins finishing the drive himself on a 5-yard touchdown run. It was his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon and gave West Virginia a commanding 28-0 lead at halftime.
West Virginia picked up where it left off after intermission.
The Mountaineers opened the third quarter with a six-play, 75-yard scoring drive. Hawkins connected with tight end Ryan Ward for a 32-yard touchdown, and kicker Jack Cassidy added the extra point to make it 35-0.
The defense continued to make life difficult for the Skyhawks on their ensuing possession. Linebacker Ashton Woods intercepted a pass, giving West Virginia another short field.
Two plays later, running back Amari Lattimer broke loose for a 29-yard touchdown run, stretching the Mountaineers’ lead to 42-0.
Cassidy added to the advantage later in the third quarter, converting a 35-yard field goal as West Virginia carried a 45-0 lead into the final period.
The Mountaineers continued to pour it on in the fourth quarter.
Backup quarterback Jyron Hughley led a 10-play, 68-yard drive before connecting with wide receiver Kedrick Triplett for a 27-yard touchdown. Cassidy’s extra point pushed the score to 52-0.
UT Martin finally found the scoreboard late in the fourth quarter when the Skyhawks returned a fumble 1 yard for a touchdown. The successful extra point cut West Virginia’s lead to 52-7 with 3:35 remaining.
It was far too little, far too late.
West Virginia’s defense had already established control, while the Mountaineers’ offense produced big plays throughout the afternoon.
The 52-7 victory gives West Virginia momentum as it continues through the early portion of the 2026 season.
Final: West Virginia 52, UT Martin 7
