The SEC has announced a shift to a nine-game conference schedule beginning in 2026, marking a significant change to its league format moving forward.
Following the change, West Virginia’s non-conference matchup with Alabama next season could be affected.
WVU and Alabama agreed to a home-and-home series with the Mountaineers hosting the first matchup on Sept. 5, 2026.
While nothing has officially changed regarding the series, West Virginia Athletic Director Wren Baker was not surprised by the changes made in the SEC and said he is hoping to have it figured out soon.
“We don’t want any instability in our non-conference schedule, so I think it would be really important for us to try to solidify that sooner rather than later,” he said via On3.
If the Alabama series gets cancelled, the $2 million buyout creates an opening on the 2026 and 2027 schedule.
At the same time, WVU is making moves to extend its home-and-home rivalry with Pitt, which is currently on pause after this year’s game, returning in 2029. Baker has already reached out to Pitt’s AD, Allen Greene, about resuming the rivalry earlier.
Looking ahead, West Virginia’s scheduling decisions will carry major implications not only for ticket sales and fan engagement but also for the program’s positioning in an expanded College Football Playoff era.
Whether Alabama remains on the slate or not, Baker and the Mountaineers appear committed to securing meaningful non-conference games that balance prestige and opportunity.
