West Virginia Football’s 2026 Schedule: A Fan-Friendly Slate Loaded With Opportunity
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Seven home games. Five of the first seven at Milan Puskar Stadium.
A rekindled rivalry in Charlotte. And a Big 12 slate that’s as balanced as it is intriguing.
West Virginia’s 2026 football schedule is officially out, and there’s a lot for Mountaineer fans to sink their teeth into.
Let’s break it down.
A Front-Loaded Home Stretch
For just the fifth time since joining the Big 12 in 2012, West Virginia will host seven games in Morgantown - a welcome sight for fans and a potential early-season advantage for the Mountaineers. The home-heavy start includes five of the first seven contests at Milan Puskar Stadium, giving WVU a chance to build momentum before the heart of conference play.
The nonconference slate opens with back-to-back home games: Coastal Carolina on Sept. 5 and UT Martin on Sept. 12. Both matchups offer WVU a chance to establish rhythm, test depth, and fine-tune the offense before a marquee early-season showdown.
That showdown comes in Week 3 when the Mountaineers head to Charlotte to face Virginia on Sept. 19.
It’s the 24th meeting in a series that stretches all the way back to 1898, but the first time these two programs have squared off since the 2002 Continental Tire Bowl - also held in Charlotte. The neutral-site clash brings a nostalgic rivalry back into the fold and gives Mountaineer Nation a destination trip to circle on the calendar.
Big 12 Matchups: Familiar Foes, New Challenges
Conference play kicks off at home on Sept. 26 against Oklahoma State, a team WVU has faced 16 times previously. The Cowboys always bring physicality and offensive creativity, and this one could set the tone for how West Virginia navigates the Big 12 gauntlet.
The Mountaineers then hit the road to Iowa State on Oct. 3, before returning home for back-to-back matchups against Arizona (Oct. 10) and Cincinnati (Oct. 17).
The Arizona game marks the Wildcats’ first-ever trip to Morgantown - a rare but intriguing cross-divisional battle. Cincinnati, meanwhile, brings a familiar rivalry vibe, with this being the 23rd meeting between the two programs.
After that, it’s a trip to Fort Worth to face TCU on Oct. 24, a series that’s often produced tightly contested games. Then it’s a much-needed breather with a bye week on Oct. 31, just ahead of the season’s final stretch.
Finishing Strong: Road Tests and Home Farewells
The final month of the season offers a mix of travel and celebration. WVU travels to Lubbock to face Texas Tech on Nov. 7, the only team they’ve faced every season since entering the Big 12.
Then it’s back to Morgantown for two key home games: Kansas on Nov. 14 and Houston on Nov. 21.
Kansas marks the 14th meeting between the two schools and will serve as part of Mountaineer Week festivities. Houston’s visit is a notable one - it’s the first time the Cougars will play in Morgantown, and just the third meeting overall.
The regular season wraps with a first-ever trip to Salt Lake City, where WVU will face Utah on Nov. 28. It’s only the third meeting between the two programs, but Utah’s recent success in the Pac-12 turned Big 12 makes this a compelling finale with potential postseason implications.
Should the Mountaineers make a run, the Big 12 Championship Game is set for Dec. 4 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
What It Means for the Program and the Fans
There’s a lot to like about this schedule from both a competitive and fan experience standpoint. Seven home games mean more opportunities to pack Milan Puskar Stadium and create that signature Morgantown atmosphere. The reduced travel load - especially early in the season - could be a quiet advantage in terms of player recovery and preparation.
Athletic Director Wren Baker emphasized the benefits, noting that the home-heavy schedule not only helps the team but also boosts the local economy. That’s not just lip service - seven Saturdays of Mountaineer football bring real energy to Morgantown’s hotels, restaurants, and businesses.
Head coach Rich Rodriguez echoed the excitement, pointing out the challenge and depth of the Big 12 while highlighting how the team is already grinding to be ready for what lies ahead.
Ticket Info and Fan Perks
Season tickets are officially on sale, with renewal and purchase options now open. Prices are set at $399 for the full seven-game slate - a discount of more than 10% off single-game tickets. Fans can renew or purchase online, and for the first time, premium seat holders can complete the process digitally as well.
There are also new perks: fans who renew by March 1 - either in full or through a payment plan - will receive 20 MAC bonus priority points, equivalent to a $2,000 contribution. Those points play a big role in determining access to parking, postseason tickets, and other exclusive benefits.
The renewal deadline is April 1, and statements for current season ticket holders with outstanding balances will be mailed in late February.
2026 West Virginia Football Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|
| Sept. 5 | Coastal Carolina | Milan Puskar Stadium |
| Sept. 12 | UT Martin | Milan Puskar Stadium |
| Sept. 19 | Virginia | Charlotte, NC |
| Sept. 26 | Oklahoma State* | Milan Puskar Stadium |
| Oct. 3 | at Iowa State* | Ames, IA | | Oct.
10 | Arizona* | Milan Puskar Stadium | | Oct.
17 | Cincinnati* (Homecoming) | Milan Puskar Stadium | | Oct. 24 | at TCU* | Fort Worth, TX |
| Oct. 31 | Open Week | |
| Nov. 7 | at Texas Tech* | Lubbock, TX | | Nov.
14 | Kansas* (Mountaineer Week) | Milan Puskar Stadium | | Nov.
21 | Houston* | Milan Puskar Stadium | | Nov. 28 | at Utah* | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Dec. 4 | Big 12 Championship!
| Arlington, TX |
* Big 12 Conference Game
! Championship Game at AT&T Stadium
Final Thoughts
The 2026 slate is built for excitement - a strong home base, a few fresh matchups, and enough rivalry and road challenges to keep things interesting deep into November. Whether you're a die-hard season ticket holder or a fan planning a road trip to Charlotte or Salt Lake, there’s plenty to look forward to this fall in Mountaineer Country.
Get your gear ready. Football season in Morgantown is shaping up to be something special.