Under the Lights Again: 2025 Backyard Brawl Kickoff Time Announced as WVU and Pitt Prepare for Rivalry Fireworks
Circle your calendars and prepare for another electric night of college football—the 2025 edition of the Backyard Brawl is officially set for 7:00 p.m. ET on ABC, bringing one of the sport’s most historic rivalries back to primetime.
The announcement, made Wednesday by both universities and the Big 12 and ACC offices, confirmed what fans across Appalachia have hoped for since the matchup was announced: another intense, nationally televised showdown between West Virginia and Pittsburgh, this time under the lights at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
This will be the fourth straight nighttime meeting since the rivalry resumed in 2022, and if recent matchups are any indication, this year’s Brawl could be the most important—and dramatic—yet.
A Rivalry Reignited
The Backyard Brawl, one of college football’s oldest and fiercest rivalries, was renewed in 2022 after an 11-year hiatus. The return was nothing short of spectacular, with massive crowds, high ratings, and a game that came down to the wire. The 2025 matchup will mark the 108th meeting between the Mountaineers and Panthers, a tradition dating back to 1895.
With both programs looking to make statements early in the season—WVU in its Big 12 campaign and Pitt in the ACC—the stakes are high. And with the game scheduled in Week 2, it will be one of the first major rivalry clashes of the season.
Spotlight on Storylines
West Virginia enters 2025 with momentum and rising expectations, led by veteran quarterback Garrett Greene, a strong offensive line, and a defense returning key contributors. Head coach Neal Brown knows the importance of this game—not just for bragging rights, but for shaping the national perception of his program.
“This is more than just a game. It’s personal for our fans, for our players, and for this state,” Brown said. “It’s always special, but when it’s under the lights and on a national stage, it’s next-level.”
Pitt, meanwhile, is retooling but never to be overlooked under head coach Pat Narduzzi. The Panthers will look to reclaim the rivalry crown after falling to WVU in Morgantown last season in a gritty, defensive battle. That loss snapped their two-game win streak since the rivalry resumed.
A Game That Grabs the Nation
The 2022 edition drew more than 3.1 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched opening-week games that season. The intense crowd atmosphere—whether in Morgantown or Pittsburgh—has only heightened the Brawl’s national appeal. The 2025 installment is expected to follow suit, with ESPN/ABC putting it in one of its most visible time slots.
The combination of tradition, emotion, and hard-hitting football makes the Backyard Brawl one of the few rivalries that transcends records and rankings. Whether both teams are undefeated or unranked, it’s a game that matters—and one that rarely disappoints.
So, get ready for fireworks—on the field and in the stands. Saturday, September 6 at 7 p.m. is officially reserved for one of the sport’s great rivalries.
Because in the Backyard Brawl, nightfall only makes the fight burn hotter.
