MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia University and the University of Alabama have mutually agreed to cancel the two-game football series scheduled for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
The Crimson Tide were set to visit Milan Puskar Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026, while the Mountaineers were scheduled to play in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 4, 2027.
According to WVU, the cancellation allows West Virginia to adjust its nonconference schedule to align with modern college football practices, resulting in an additional home game in 2027 and greater stability for future seasons.
West Virginia has been one of the few major conference programs to schedule more than one nonconference Power opponent in a season over the past seven years.
The new scheduling approach—playing one Power team, one Group of Six team, and one FCS opponent—is designed to improve postseason opportunities under the College Football Playoff format.
“This scheduling philosophy has proven to be successful across college football. It aligns our football program with its competition in terms of potential postseason opportunities and advancement,” WVU Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said.
“I am also aware of the importance of a seventh home game in 2027 for our fans and the huge economic impact it brings to our state, city and tourism division. Visitors coming to West Virginia are not only critical for state tourism, but also to our local economy.”
Coastal Carolina will replace Alabama on WVU’s 2026 schedule, visiting Milan Puskar Stadium on Sept. 5, while Southern Miss will play at WVU on Sept. 4, 2027.
West Virginia last played Coastal Carolina in 2010, holding a 1-0 series advantage, and will face Southern Miss for the first time.
