Pitt, West Virginia add 4 games to 'Backyard Brawl' series

Field Level Media|published: Sat 13th September, 11:27 2025

Sep 14, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Eli Holstein (10) runs against West Virginia Mountaineers defensive lineman Sean Martin (5) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Image Images

Pitt and West Virginia agreed to extend their "Backyard Brawl" series by four seasons.

The two rivals meet Saturday in Morgantown, W.Va., in what will be their final game until the series picks up again in 2029. The Friday agreement between the schools added four games from 2033-36.

"The Backyard Brawl is more than a game: it's history, passion, and pride passed down through generations," said Allen Greene, Pitt athletic director, in a school statement. "Extending this rivalry ensures that student-athletes and fans alike continue to experience one of college football's greatest traditions, and we couldn't be more excited for what's ahead."

The first game between the schools was played in 1895. Pitt leads the series, 63-41-3. The 107 games between the schools are the most for either program against an opponent.

The two schools are just 75 miles apart, a straight shot on Interstate 79.

"I think it's one of the greatest rivalries in sports," Mountaineers coach Rich Rodriguez said. "Obviously, the location between the two are close. There's a lot of intensity with it, and there never seems to be any love lost between the fanbases. It's always, to me, the biggest game on your schedule when you're at West Virginia."

The upcoming games will be played in a home-and-home format with Pitt hosting in 2029, 2031, 2033 and 2035. The games will be at West Virginia in odd-numbered years.

Entering the Saturday game, Pitt is 2-0. West Virginia is 1-1.

--Field Level Media