The first betting line for the 2025 Backyard Brawl is in, and West Virginia opened as a 2.5-point underdog to Pittsburgh, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
The Mountaineers will play host to Pitt at Milan Puskar Stadium for this heated rivalry matchup, which resumes annually after conference realignment separated the two teams in 2012.
Despite the difficulty of playing on the road, Pitt has earned the edge in the betting market. The over/under is currently set at 57.5 points, signaling expectations for a competitive and moderately high-scoring showdown.
Oddsmakers appear to favor quarterback Eli Holstein and the Panthers, even though West Virginia has claimed victory in four of the last six games played.
West Virginia’s underdog status reflects lingering questions about its roster stability and readiness. The Mountaineers are dealing with extensive turnover, including a significant influx of transfers, including more than 70 new faces added this offseason. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh offers continuity, with Holstein returning under center and a more seasoned supporting cast around him.
The 2.5-point spread sends a clear message: oddsmakers view Pitt as the slight favorite, despite the traditional edge typically given to the home team in rivalry games. For West Virginia, beating the spread could become a benchmark for measuring progress under the new roster construction.
That benchmark will arrive when the teams clash on September 13. The spread and total could shift as the season begins, but the first line already sets strong expectations for an intense, close contest.
Mountaineer fans will be watching closely to see if their squad can defy odds or if Pittsburgh will maintain its recent upper hand.
