WVU's Michael Hawkins Jr. (3) leaps into the endzone against UVA. Photo courtesy of David Pennock - HD Media
WVU Football is following a familiar blueprint
September 21, 2026
For almost eight years, West Virginia football fans have been waiting for this. We’ve had bowl games, celebrated six-win seasons and enjoyed a few September victories that made us feel good for a couple days. There have been moments when we convinced ourselves the program might finally be turning the corner. But something has been missing through all of it — a game that truly mattered beyond Morgantown....
I woke up feeling a little different about WVU Football this morning. The Mountaineers pulled off two big wins despite finishing 4-8 last year, but none had the pull Saturday's does. Last night's win over Virginia feels like the catalyst for what could be a special season. With that, the attention turns to Week 4 and what's now become a marquee matchup. I'll say it now, WVU vs. Oklahoma State has a "big fight feel" that hasn't come around Morgantown in quite some time.
The Duke's Mayo Classic truly was a classic. WVU Football (3-0) defeated No. 25 Virginia (2-1) in Charlotte, North Carolina, Saturday night, 38-27. Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. had an explosive game, throwing and rushing for five touchdowns. Overall, WVU had 437 total offensive yards against Virginia’s 354. The rush game was alive, with Virginia allowing triple digits in rushing for the first time this season.
