A Deep Dive into the WVU vs. Ohio Football Series

A Deep Dive into the WVU vs. Ohio Football Series

 

As college football continues to evolve, historic rivalries and inter-conference matchups remain the backbone of the sport’s enduring appeal. One such intriguing, though less spotlighted, series is the one between the West Virginia Mountaineers (WVU) and the Ohio Bobcats. While not among the most famous rivalries in college football, the meetings between these two programs have produced moments of intensity, pride, and regional bragging rights that are well worth revisiting.

A History Rooted in Proximity

The WVU-Ohio series is steeped in geographic proximity and regional

familiarity. Morgantown, West Virginia, and Athens, Ohio, are just over 100 miles apart, making this matchup a natural regional rivalry. Both programs have drawn from the same recruiting grounds at times and have fan bases that overlap, especially in southeastern Ohio and northern West Virginia.

The Mountaineers and Bobcats first squared off in 1903, in a contest that WVU won convincingly. Over the years, the teams have met 17 times, with West Virginia holding a dominant lead in the all-time series. WVU boasts a 13-1-3 record against Ohio, a testament to their historical strength as a Power Five program compared to Ohio’s Group of Five status.

Notable Games

One of the more memorable meetings came in 2005 when Ohio nearly upset the Mountaineers in Athens. WVU, led by head coach Rich Rodriguez, was in the early stages of building the high-powered spread offense that would soon take the college football world by storm. The Mountaineers eventually escaped with a narrow 10-3 win, but the close score highlighted the competitive fire Ohio brings when facing bigger programs.

Another notable contest came in 1994, when WVU secured a 34-14 win. That game was significant for then-head coach Don Nehlen, as it came during one of the final seasons of his legendary tenure in Morgantown.

While Ohio has only managed one victory in the series—back in 1940—that game remains a proud moment in Bobcats history and a reminder that anything can happen on any given Saturday.

The Current Landscape

As of 2025, the programs have not met on the field since 2010, and no future matchups are currently scheduled. However, both teams have seen their fortunes rise and fall over the past decade. WVU has continued to battle through the competitive Big 12 Conference, while Ohio has become a consistent force in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), often contending for conference titles and bowl game appearances.

In today’s era of expanded conferences and media-driven matchups, regional rivalries like WVU vs. Ohio risk falling by the wayside. Yet, these series are essential threads in the fabric of college football history.

Could the Rivalry Renew?

With the growing popularity of non-conference “throwback” games and regional matchups, there is increasing fan interest in reviving the series. A future game would not only reignite old tensions but also offer fans a chance to celebrate the deep-rooted traditions of Appalachian football.

Until then, the WVU-Ohio football series remains a compelling footnote in college football lore—quiet, but rich with history, pride, and the spirit of competition.