The West Virginia Mountaineers are gearing up for a challenging 2026 football season, featuring a mix of high-profile non-conference games and a demanding Big 12 schedule. The season kicks off on September 5 with a marquee home game against Alabama, marking the first of a home-and-home series with the Crimson Tide. This matchup is particularly notable as it will be Alabama’s first-ever visit to Morgantown, offering a significant test for the Mountaineers early in the season.
Following the Alabama game, West Virginia hosts UT Martin on September 12. Originally, the Mountaineers were scheduled to play East Carolina on September 19, but they have bought out of this game to accommodate a neutral-site matchup against Virginia in Charlotte, North Carolina. This game rekindles a rivalry that hasn’t seen regular-season action since 1985 and will be played at Bank of America Stadium, providing a unique setting for both teams.
In Big 12 play, West Virginia’s home games include matchups against Arizona, Cincinnati, Houston, Kansas, and Oklahoma State. On the road, the Mountaineers will face Iowa State, TCU, Texas Tech, and Utah. Notably absent from the 2026 schedule is the Backyard Brawl against Pittsburgh. While the rivalry is set to resume in 2028, efforts are ongoing to potentially reinstate the game sooner, reflecting its significance to both programs and their fan bases.
The 2026 season presents a formidable lineup for West Virginia, blending traditional rivalries with new challenges. The early-season games against Alabama and Virginia will set the tone, while the rigorous Big 12 schedule will test the team’s depth and resilience. With a mix of home and away games against competitive opponents, the Mountaineers will need to be at their best to navigate the season successfully.