If you’re looking for a wvu football game today, you won't find one on the field at Milan Puskar Stadium. It’s January 14, 2026. The pads are in storage. The tailgates are just memories of cold beer and Pepperoni Rolls. Honestly, the Mountaineers finished their first season under the return of Rich Rodriguez with a 4-8 record, which means there was no bowl game to bridge the gap into the new year.
But don't let the empty stadium fool you. Today is arguably the most important day of the year for the future of West Virginia football.
While there isn't a kickoff, the "game" being played right now is happening in the NCAA Transfer Portal and on the recruiting trail. Just today, the university officially put 2026 season tickets on sale, and the coaching staff is moving pieces like a high-stakes chess match.
The Portal is the Real WVU Football Game Today
In the modern era, the offseason is a myth.
Rich Rodriguez isn't sitting in an office watching old film; he’s rebuilding a roster that saw significant turnover after a disappointing 2025 campaign. If you’ve been following the tracker, you know it’s been a wild ride lately. Just yesterday, offensive linemen Brandon Homady and Mickel Clay entered the portal. That hurts. Losing depth on the line is never the goal, but the staff has been aggressive in bringing in replacements.
Basically, the "game" is about net gains.
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West Virginia recently secured commitments from a haul of talent that should make fans feel a bit better about that 4-8 finish. We’re talking about guys like:
- Michael Hawkins Jr., a quarterback transfer from Oklahoma who actually saw time as a starter for the Sooners. He’s got three years of eligibility left.
- Cam Cook, the nation’s leading rusher from Jacksonville State, who decided to follow his coach to Morgantown.
- Josh Sapp, a tight end from Clemson who adds some serious Power-4 pedigree to the room.
It’s a different kind of scoreboard. Instead of touchdowns, the Mountaineers are counting "LOIs" and "Commitment" graphics on X (formerly Twitter).
Coaching Changes and the New Defense
You can't talk about West Virginia football right now without mentioning the staff overhaul.
On Monday, Rodriguez officially brought in Larry Knight as the edges/pass rush specialist. He also named Trickett as the Director of Player Evaluation. These aren't just administrative moves. They represent a fundamental shift in how the Mountaineers are going to hunt quarterbacks in the Big 12 next season.
The 2025 season was rough. We lost five straight conference games at one point.
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The defense struggled to get off the field in crucial moments, specifically in that heartbreaking 25-23 loss to Arizona State back in November. By bringing in specialists like Knight, Rich Rod is clearly signaling that the "prevent" style is out and a more aggressive, attacking front is in.
The 2026 Schedule: A Glimmer of Hope
One reason people are searching for a wvu football game today is the looming excitement for the 2026 schedule. It actually looks... doable?
The Mountaineers open on September 5 against Coastal Carolina. That’s a game WVU should win, especially with Ryan Beard entering his first year as the Chanticleers' head coach. Then you look at the Big 12 slate.
Three of West Virginia’s conference opponents—Iowa State, Utah, and Oklahoma State—will have new head coaches in 2026.
- Iowa State lost Matt Campbell to Penn State.
- Utah’s legendary Kyle Whittingham finally stepped down, leaving Morgan Scalley to take the reins.
- Oklahoma State fired Mike Gundy mid-season and replaced him with Eric Morris.
Having a veteran coach like Rodriguez in "Year 2" of his second stint gives WVU a massive stability advantage against teams going through an identity crisis.
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What Fans Are Actually Watching Today
If you’re a die-hard Mountaineer and you absolutely need to watch a game with the "WVU" logo on it today, you’re heading to the WVU Coliseum or tuning into ESPN+.
The #10 TCU Horned Frogs are in town to face the West Virginia women's basketball team at 7:00 PM. It’s a massive midweek battle against a top-ten opponent. Mark Kellogg’s squad has been a bright spot for the athletic department, sitting at 14-3 while the football team recalibrates.
Also, if you're keeping tabs on the men's side, they just had a rough outing against Houston, losing 77-48. It’s a tough week for Mountaineer hoops, which is probably why everyone is already wishing it was football season again.
Actionable Steps for Mountaineer Fans
Since there isn't a wvu football game today, here is how you can actually stay involved and prepare for the 2026 kickoff:
- Renew your Season Tickets: They went on sale today. If you want to be there for the Coastal Carolina opener, now is the time to secure your spot in the stands.
- Follow the Transfer Portal Tracker: Sites like 247Sports and EerSports are updating the roster daily. Keep an eye on the "Bandit" position; with players like Keenan Eck and Curtis Jones Jr. leaving, that’s a huge spot to fill.
- Check out the Recruiting Class: Matt Sieg, the National High School Player of the Year, is a name you need to know. He’s a "gadget" player who could be the next versatile weapon in Rodriguez's system.
- Support the Spring Game: While the date hasn't been finalized, the Gold-Blue game in April will be your first chance to see Michael Hawkins Jr. throw the ball in a WVU uniform.
The 2025 season was a transition year. It was messy. It was frustrating. But the moves being made in the dark days of January are usually the ones that lead to Saturday celebrations in October.