West Virginia’s first major test of the 2026 season arrives Saturday night in Charlotte.

The 2-0 Mountaineers face No. 25 Virginia, also 2-0, in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 19 on ACC Network. It will be the first meeting between WVU and Virginia since the 2002 Continental Tire Bowl, also played in Charlotte.

Head coach Rich Rodriguez knows the challenge gets significantly tougher against an experienced Cavaliers team. Virginia returns a veteran presence up front and is led at quarterback by Beau Pribula, whose ability as a physical runner gives the WVU defense another dimension to account for. Pribula rushed for 110 yards while completing 9-of-11 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns in Virginia’s season-opening win over NC State.

For West Virginia’s defense, the matchup presents an opportunity to show its progress after allowing only seven points through the first two games. Rodriguez and defensive coordinator Zac Alley have stressed consistency, communication and getting off blocks as the Mountaineers prepare for their toughest offensive challenge yet.

There is also plenty of familiarity between the head coaches. Virginia head coach Tony Elliott played wide receiver at Clemson while Rodriguez served as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator during Elliott’s first two seasons. More than two decades later, the two meet again as opposing head coaches.

WVU enters Charlotte with its first 2-0 start since 2018 after victories over Coastal Carolina and UT Martin. Virginia is coming off an 11-win 2025 season and has opened 2026 with victories over NC State and Norfolk State.

Hear from Rodriguez and the Mountaineer coaching staff as they break down Virginia’s experience, Pribula’s dual-threat ability and what WVU must do to remain unbeaten.

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