REPORT: WVU football earns commitment from Utah transfer running back after recent eligibility ruling
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MORGANTOWN -- West Virginia reportedly earned a commitment from Utah transfer running back NaQuari Rogers late Wednesday night, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. The Virginia native entered the portal in late August and recently chose his transfer destination after he was granted a preliminary injunction from Judge Kara Krothe of the Monroe County Circuit Court in Indiana.
WVU and former Georgia safety JaCorey Thomas was also part of the Indiana ruling. Rogers and Thomas were players from the 2022 class, who the NCAA didn’t grant an extra year of eligibility with under its new 5-for-5 ruling.
Rogers has played at three different schools since entering college. WVU is his fourth stop.
He started at Campbell, where he played for two seasons. Rogers carried the ball 185 times for 829 yards and 10 touchdowns over two seasons. He also had 100 yards receiving in both years.
Rogers transferred to New Mexico before the 2024 season. He had 74 carries for 382 yards and five touchdowns in his first season at the FBS level. Rogers only caught three passes out of the backfield.
He landed on his first Power Four roster at Utah, joining the Big 12. Rogers was the backup to Wayshawn Parker in a run-heavy offense. As the second back, Rogers still had 98 rushes for 387 yards and led the team with 11 rushing touchdowns. The 11 rushing touchdowns were tied for the third-most in the conference. Rogers played for Utah in its blowout win against the Mountaineers and had 61 yards.
After being on opposite sidelines, Rogers will join WVU’s roster three games into the season for his final year. However, the NCAA is appealing the ruling in Indiana, so in what capacity is still yet to be seen.
The Mountaineers have already had running back injuries through the first three games. True freshman Chris Talley had been dealing with a hamstring injury through the first three games. Rich Rodriguez talked in the offseason that he could add some running back depth behind leading rusher Cam Cook and true freshman Amari Latimer, and Rogers could be that guy as an experienced back.