MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — College football’s biggest traveling show could soon be setting up shop in Morgantown. A source tells The Voice of Morgantown that ESPN’s College Gameday is preparing to come to Milan Puskar Stadium if both West Virginia and Pitt take care of business this weekend.
The legendary Backyard Brawl already sells itself. Few rivalries in college football carry the history, hatred, and regional passion of West Virginia–Pitt. Add in the fact that both programs are trending upward and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a national spotlight.
If both teams notch wins this week, Gameday officials see Morgantown as the premier location for Week 3. It would mark one of the rare times the pregame spectacle has chosen West Virginia as its host site. The Voice of Morgantown was informed via screenshots two weeks ago that ESPN plans to come to Morgantown. The vendor who handles the setup for College Gameday has already been in contact with WVU officials and this is the plan, as long as both West Virginia and Pitt win this weekend.
We posted this two weeks ago. Now, of course, the credentialed media and YouTube boys are suddenly catching up. Regardless, the Backyard Brawl WILL be in Morgantown if #WVU and Pitt take care of business on Saturday. https://t.co/nVunN29qUP
— The Voice of Morgantown (@voicemorgantown) September 4, 2025
Why Morgantown Makes Sense
-
Fan Energy: WVU fans are notorious for making Milan Puskar Stadium one of the most intimidating environments in the country. College Gameday thrives on rowdy, passionate atmospheres.
-
National Relevance: The Rodriguez-led Mountaineers and a resurgent Pitt would add fuel to the narrative of the rivalry’s return to national prominence.
-
History: College Gameday hasn’t been to Morgantown in years. The return would be symbolic, spotlighting one of the game’s most bitter and underrated rivalries.
For Rich Rodriguez and the Mountaineers, Gameday’s arrival would be more than hype — it would be a chance to showcase WVU’s brand, culture, and fanbase on the biggest stage in college football media. Morgantown would become the center of the college football universe for a weekend, and that kind of exposure is priceless for recruiting and national perception.
If both WVU and Pitt handle business this week, get ready: College Gameday is coming back to the Mountain State.
