We recently did similar preseason coverage of the two soccer squads, which brings us to WVU Football. With 12 opponents standing between the Mountaineers and success this year, here is how they have fared in the past. Read more: How WVU Football has fared against its 2026 opponents in the past.
WVU has played all but one of its opponents (UT Martin) at least once over the years, finding success in several all-time series. The Mountaineers lead in five series, trail in four, and are knotted up in two.
If you would like to read more about the matchup history of each game, head to the Tale of the Tape 2.0 catalog by clicking here.
Non-conference slate
The season kicks off Saturday against Coastal Carolina in the White Out for 5 game at Milan Puskar Stadium. It will be one day past the 16-year mark since the Chanticleers paid their first visit to Morgantown. WVU shut out the Chants, 31-0, in the only previous meeting of the series.
Of course, WVU has never played UT Martin.
As for Virginia, the Cavaliers have the upper hand in what should be a more prominent regional rivalry than it actually is. The two squads pair up in the Duke’s Mayo Classic September 19 in Charlotte, North Carolina. UVA leads the series, 12-10-1.
WVU vs. 2026 non-conference opponents: 11-12-1
Big 12 foes
It all gets started September 26 when Oklahoma State comes to town. It is the first of a nine-game slate to complete the regular season. Here is how WVU has stacked up over the years;
- Oklahoma State (OSU leads, 10-6)
- Iowa State (series split, 6-6)
- Arizona (WVU leads, 1-0)
- Cincinnati (WVU leads, 18-3-1)
- TCU (WVU leads, 8-6)
- Texas Tech (TTU leads, 8-7)
- Kansas (WVU leads, 11-3)
- Houston (series split, 1-1)
- Utah (UU leads, 3-0)
The Mountaineers have at least one win against eight of their nine Big 12 opponents, but the Utes have always had WVU’s number. The old gold and blue lead four of the series, trail in three, and are split in two.
WVU vs. 2026 Big 12 opponents: 58-40-1
Overall
Throwing the numbers together, WVU has combined to play opponents on its 2026 schedule 123 times. The Mountaineers are 69-52-2 across those past matchups.
Luckily, history goes out the door alongside preseason speculation Saturday.
Kickoff between WVU and Coastal Carolina is set for 12 p.m. and is airing on TNT. Be sure to tune into the first official edition of The Mountaineer Tailgate pregame show across the John Fredericks Media Network from 10 a.m. until game time.
Related: Introducing The Mountaineer Tailgate, coming soon to JFMN
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