Oklahoma State vs West Virginia brings together two early-season teams with plenty at stake on Saturday, September 26, 2026. West Virginia will host Oklahoma State at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, WV, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. ET. West Virginia enters as a 1.5-point favorite in what is both Oklahoma State's Big 12 opener and West Virginia's conference opener.
The matchup arrives with both programs off to strong starts. Oklahoma State is 2-1 after opening with a 59-0 win over Murray State and then upsetting then-No. 6 Oregon 38-27. West Virginia is 3-0 after a 38-27 win over Virginia. The setting gives the game added weight beyond the records, since the result will help shape the early Big 12 standings.
What Oklahoma State has done so far
Oklahoma State's best early-season moment came in the win over Oregon, when the Cowboys produced 426 total yards and scored three touchdowns in the upset. The offense showed balance in that game, with 317 passing yards and 109 rushing yards helping power the result.
The Cowboys' season to date has also included a 59-0 victory over Murray State, a reminder that the defense and run game can both settle in quickly when the game script goes their way. Against West Virginia, the challenge gets more difficult, especially on the road in a conference opener.
West Virginia's attack has been built around the run
West Virginia has leaned on a run-heavy offense through its 3-0 start. The Mountaineers have averaged 281.3 rushing yards per game while scoring 40.3 points per game. Their defense has allowed 19.3 points per game, giving the team a strong early base on both sides of the ball.
That identity was on display in the 38-27 win over Virginia, when West Virginia used 221.7 rushing yards per game as part of its season-long profile. If that ground game holds up again, the Mountaineers can control pace and keep Oklahoma State from settling into a rhythm.
The quarterbacks to watch
West Virginia quarterback Hawkins has been one of the early standouts in the Big 12. Through three games, he has completed 26 of 38 passes for 477 yards and five touchdowns with zero interceptions. He has also rushed 44 times for 322 yards and six scores, making him a central part of the offense in every phase.
For Oklahoma State, the preview has centered on Mestemaker's dual-threat production. The numbers point to a player who has made an impact both as a passer and a runner, and that balance gives the Cowboys a chance to challenge West Virginia even in a difficult setting.
Saturday night should offer an early read on both teams. West Virginia gets home-field advantage and the betting edge, while Oklahoma State gets its first conference test against a team that has already shown it can win in different ways.
