Breaking: Three Teams WVU Football Should Not Play in the Future Alongside the Ohio State Buckeyes..

Breaking: Three Teams WVU Football Should Not Play in the Future Alongside the Ohio State Buckeyes..

 

 

West Virginia University (WVU) has a proud football tradition rooted in toughness, grit, and passionate fans. However, as the Mountaineers navigate the ever-evolving landscape of college football, strategic scheduling becomes more important than ever. With Ohio State already standing out as a juggernaut WVU would be wise to avoid, there are three other programs the Mountaineers should consider steering clear of in the future—for the sake of competitiveness, recruiting, and program morale.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

The reigning powerhouse of the SEC, Georgia is currently a juggernaut in both talent and depth. Kirby Smart has turned the Bulldogs into a machine, churning out top NFL prospects year after year while rarely losing at home or on the road. A matchup with Georgia wouldn’t just be a tough test—it could be a confidence crusher for WVU, especially in a rebuilding or transitional year. Unless it’s a New Year’s Six bowl or College Football Playoff appearance, scheduling Georgia does little to benefit the Mountaineers in the short term.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

Even as Nick Saban steps away from the sidelines, the legacy and recruiting power of Alabama remain top-tier. The Tide continue to reload rather than rebuild, consistently fielding teams that can outmatch most opponents in every phase of the game. For WVU, a game against Alabama is a high-risk, low-reward scenario. An early-season blowout could derail momentum and morale, and the recruiting advantage leans heavily toward Bama. Until WVU reaches a consistent Top-15 status, it’s best to admire the Tide from afar.

3. Michigan Wolverines

With a recent national championship under their belt and a resurgent program identity, Michigan poses another uphill battle for WVU. Like Ohio State, Michigan blends elite athleticism, deep coaching experience, and big-game mentality. WVU would gain little from facing Michigan outside of a paycheck and potential primetime exposure. The Wolverines also have a bruising, physical style that could lead to injury risk—particularly tough for a Big 12 team not accustomed to that grind week-to-week.

Why Avoid These Matchups?

Some might argue that these types of high-profile games put WVU on the national map, but the reality is more nuanced. In today’s era of conference realignment, NIL deals, and expanded playoffs, the Mountaineers need to prioritize smart scheduling—balancing exposure with competitive parity. Facing elite teams like Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, or Michigan should only happen under the right circumstances: postseason, neutral-site showcase games, or if WVU is fielding a roster that can legitimately compete.

There’s no shame in playing to your strengths, especially when trying to build momentum, climb the rankings, and return to national relevance. West Virginia’s program deserves respect and smart management. That means knowing when to take on giants—and when to focus on winning battles that actually move the program forward.

In short, Ohio State isn’t the only team WVU should be wary of. Until the Mountaineers reestablish themselves as perennial contenders, sidestepping a few goliaths might just be the smartest play.