Ex-Utah RB NaQuari Rogers transfers to Big 12 rival following court ruling

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NaQuari Rogers is making another jump in his football career. This time to a Big 12 rival.

The former Utah Utes running back entered the transfer portal as a fifth-year player with little traction. That was until Wednesday when he announced he would be joining the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Rogers is the latest to make a comeback after benefiting from a court ruling. His football career has been less than conventional. He made his way to Utah after starting his career at a Football Championship Subdivision program before entering the 2026 NFL Draft. He went undrafted and is now taking another chance in Morgantown to prove he's ready for the next level.

Rogers joined Utah ahead of the 2025 football season and was a solid option out of the backfield with Wayshawn Parker. In total, Rogers had 1,879 scrimmage yards and 23 total touchdowns across 40 games. He led the Utes with 11 rushing touchdowns last year.

The news of Rogers to West Virginia comes after he reportedly tried to rejoin Utah's roster. However, the team is capped out in space with 111 players listed on the roster, according to Utah Athletics. Also, Parker has assumed the full-time starting role out of the backfield and Rogers wouldn't be featured as the primary go-to rusher. Both players are looking to grab the spotlight ahead of a major year in their respective careers.

Rogers is getting a second chance to be in the NFL. He'll be a reliable power back for Rich Rodriguez's team. Another solid attribute to his game is pass protection. The 5'10", 190-pounder was solid in pass protection for the Utes last year, allowing just three pressures and one sack, proving that he can be an every-down option.

An Indiana judge issued a temporary restraining order against the NCAA on Wednesday, allowing dozens of players, including Rogers, a fifth year of eligibility. He was one of 37 players trying to secure a spot with a new team via the transfer portal.

With the amount of lawsuits nationwide, the NCAA is fighting on nearly a daily basis to block fifth-year players from returning. But the college oversight body may not have a choice, as courts are mostly siding with the players. There have been a few who have ruled on a stay, but this will likely be settled at the US Supreme Court, if they hear the case.

Rogers could be available next week against Iowa State. West Virginia opens up Big 12 play against Oklahoma State on Saturday.