OFFICIAL 2026 West Virginia Football PREDICTION | Smoak Break

The newness of Rich Rodriguez’s return to Morgantown has now given way to the usual high-pressure and high expectations of big-time college football. But it shouldn’t come as a surprise given he knows better than anyone that this fanbase knows success, and given he’s the one now trying to reach the bar a younger version of himself set years ago. Veteran OL coach Rick Trickett returns to WVU, along with newcomers like QB Michael Hawkins and RB Cam Cook, hoping to bolster an offense returning the likes of WR Jaden Bray and hoping to be far more reminiscent of the usual explosiveness that accompanies Rodriguez offenses. Defensively, will year two be the charm for DC Zach Alley, as he welcomes in a wave of newcomers? Key Games: Sept. 19 vs. Virginia (in Charlotte) Nov. 7 @ Texas Tech -Nov. 21 vs. Houston Nov. 27 @ Utah (Friday) Las Vegas puts the Mountaineers’ over/under win total at 5.5. Too low? Too high? #WestVirginia #RichRodriguez #MichaelHawkins #WVU #Mountaineers #Big12 #CFB