If you've been following West Virginia High School sports lately, you've probably heard the name Travis Owens popping up in local box scores and regional highlights. Honestly, it’s hard to miss. Whether he’s stretching the field on a Friday night or grabbing boards in a crowded gym, Owens has become one of those "must-watch" athletes at Pendleton County High School.
But here’s the thing: it isn't just about a few lucky plays. We're looking at a sophomore—Class of 2028—who is putting up numbers that most seniors would kill for. As of early 2026, Owens has firmly established himself as a dual-sport threat in Franklin, West Virginia, and the recruitment radars are starting to hum.
Breaking Down the Football Stats
Let’s talk gridiron. During the 2025 season, Owens didn't just play wide receiver; he basically owned the secondary. Standing about 6’2” and weighing in around 175 to 180 pounds, he has that rangy, athletic build that makes him a nightmare for Class A cornerbacks.
During that 10-3 campaign for the Wildcats, he was the go-to target for sophomore quarterback Colton Roberson. The chemistry between those two is something else. Owens finished the season with roughly 1,189 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. Think about that for a second. That's nearly 100 yards a game from a kid who still has two more years of high school left.
His biggest performance arguably came in the postseason. Even when Pendleton County hit a wall against Wheeling Central Catholic in the state semifinals (a tough 43-20 loss), Owens was the bright spot. He hauled in six catches for 126 yards and a touchdown. While the team couldn’t quite punch their ticket to the championship, Owens proved he could perform when the lights were the brightest.
Why the Scouting Reports Like Him
- Vertical Threat: He isn't just a possession receiver. He averages over 100 yards per game because he can get behind the safety.
- Ball Skills: His Hudl highlights show a lot of "high-pointing" the ball. He uses that 6’2” frame to take away 50/50 balls.
- Defensive Versatility: He’s listed as a WR/CB, and while his offensive stats get the headlines, he’s a physical tackler on the edge.
The Transition to the Hardwood
Once the pads come off, Owens doesn't exactly take a break. He moves right into the Pendleton County varsity basketball rotation. As of January 2026, he’s already putting up solid numbers as a guard.
Just a few days ago, in a high-scoring 93-86 loss to Frankfort, Owens hit a new milestone. He recorded five steals in a single game to go along with ten points. It shows he’s got that defensive "nose" for the ball that coaches love. In a win against Pocahontas County earlier this month, he put up 12 points and 8 rebounds, showing he isn’t afraid to mix it up in the paint despite being a guard.
He’s currently averaging about 6 points and nearly 3 rebounds a game. Sure, those aren't the "17 touchdowns" type of numbers yet, but he’s playing a vital role in a balanced Wildcats offense alongside Chase Owens. It's clear that his athletic IQ translates across sports.
What Most People Get Wrong
Sometimes when a kid gets this much hype early on, people think he’s a "one-trick pony." They see the receiving yards and assume he’s just fast. But if you watch the tape or sit in the stands in Franklin, you see the small stuff. It’s the blocking on the perimeter. It's the way he tracks a kickoff.
There’s also a misconception about the level of competition. People say, "Oh, it's just West Virginia Class A." Well, tell that to the scouts at Prep Redzone who already have him ranked as a top prospect in the state for the 2028 class. The speed he shows on the field is objective—it doesn't matter who you're playing against when you're 6’2” and running away from people.
The "Owens Connection" at Pendleton County
You can't really talk about Travis without mentioning the depth of talent on this current Wildcats roster. He’s often sharing the field with Chase Owens, a standout senior who has been a mentor and a primary playmaker himself. Having that kind of family or veteran presence around definitely helps a sophomore keep his head on straight while the media starts circling.
The coaching staff, led by Zac Smith in football, has done a great job of not overworking him too early. They’ve put him in positions to succeed, often using him as a decoy to open up the run game for Colton Roberson or Braylon Willis, only to let him loose on a deep post when the defense creeps up.
Key Stats at a Glance (2025-2026 Season)
- Receiving Yards: 1,189
- Touchdowns: 17 (Football)
- Basketball Career High Steals: 5 (vs. Frankfort, Jan 2026)
- Height/Weight: 6’2”, 180 lbs
What’s Next for Travis?
If you're a fan or a scout, the next 12 months are going to be interesting. Now that the 2025 football season is in the books, the focus shifts to how he develops his frame. If he adds another 15 pounds of muscle without losing that top-end speed, he moves from a "great local player" to a "regional D1 prospect."
He’s already a Prep Redzone featured athlete, and you can expect his name to start appearing on more "All-State" lists as the 2026 honors are finalized. For now, he’s a key piece of a Pendleton County basketball team that is looking to make a deep run in the Potomac Valley region.
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If you want to keep an eye on his progress, the best way is to follow the MaxPreps updates or check out his Hudl for the latest film. The Wildcats have a young core, and with Owens and Roberson both being sophomores, the next two years could be the most successful stretch in recent school history.
To get the most out of following a prospect like this, keep an eye on his summer camp circuit. That's usually when the bigger college offers start to materialize for West Virginia athletes who have dominated the small-school level. Watching how he performs against Triple-A competition in 7-on-7 drills will be the real litmus test for his ceiling.