By: Justin Walker | WV Sports Chat
Per NCAA metrics, via Phile Steele, WVU football will have the 8th hardest schedule in the country in 2026. This does not seem ideal for a team going through another roster overhaul.
There has been a lot of buzz and optimism among Mountaineer fans for the upcoming season. Most of this stems from the work Rich Rodriguez and his staff did in the transfer portal and recruiting trail. Per 247 Sports, WVU had the 25th ranked high school/JUCO recruiting class in the country. The outlet did not rate the transfer class as high (54), but West Virginia brought in a lot of players with experience at the FBS level, especially on the offensive line.
Another common conversation about West Virginia football has been how the schedule lays out. Many fans and podcast hosts (myself included) have talked about how much easier the Mountaineers’ schedule appears in 2026 versus 2025. Per the NCAA strength of schedule metrics, that may not be the case.
Per a blog by Phil Steele, WVU football’s opponents in 2026 had a total win percentage of 61.7% last season. That is tied with Baylor for number eight nationally. WVU also faces nine opponents who made the postseason in 2025, and play eight teams who finished with winning records. Finally, five of WVU’s 2026 opponents finished last season ranked in the AP Top 25.
All of this may sound daunting. However, it comes with a caveat. It’s based on last season. In this new age of the transfer portal, what teams did a year ago is no longer a valid way of predicting what they will do the next year. It can be one part of the equation, but the players obtained via the transfer portal and recruiting should also be considered. That was not part of the NCAA’s ranking.
After spending time with Rodriguez and hearing his remarks at a recent Mountaineer Coaches Caravan stop, I can vouch for the fact the vibe around the program is much higher going into 2026. Rodriguez is very confident with what he has on his roster and likes what they were able to do in the offseason.
Phil Steele will release his own strength of schedule rankings as part of his annual magazine. That should be published this summer.
Photo Credit: WVU Athletics
