Mark Your Calendars: Projecting When Mountaineer Nation Will Watch Each WVU Football Game Kick Off in 2025
As the countdown to the 2025 college football season continues, anticipation is building across Mountaineer Nation. With a schedule full of marquee matchups, heated rivalries, and potential primetime showdowns, West Virginia football fans are already looking ahead—not just to who the Mountaineers will play, but when they’ll be watching them take the field.
While official kickoff times won’t be finalized until the networks make their picks closer to the season, we can project likely time slots based on historical trends, opponent profiles, and broadcast considerations. Here’s an early look at when you might want to clear your Saturdays for WVU football in 2025.
Week 1 – vs. Kent State
Projected Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET (ESPN+/Big 12 Now)
WVU opens the season at home against Kent State, a Group of Five opponent. Expect this one to be a mid-afternoon kickoff, likely streamed on ESPN+ or Big 12 Now.
Week 2 – at Pitt (Backyard Brawl)
Projected Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET (ABC/ESPN Primetime)
Circle this one in red. The Backyard Brawl returns to Pittsburgh and, like recent editions, will be a prime candidate for ABC or ESPN’s Saturday night feature game. A raucous crowd, national interest, and history? Primetime is calling.
Week 3 – vs. Miami (FL)
Projected Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET (ABC/ESPN)
This non-conference matchup against a recognizable brand like Miami could be one of the weekend’s more intriguing games. Afternoon kickoff on a major network is a solid bet unless the primetime slate is weak.
Week 4 – at UCF
Projected Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET (ESPN2/FS1)
Trips to Florida often get early kickoffs to avoid late-afternoon heat. With both teams likely in the mid-tier of the Big 12 at this point in the season, expect an early national cable slot.
Week 5 – vs. Cincinnati
Projected Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET (FS1)
This rivalry has quietly grown in recent seasons, and a night game in Morgantown would deliver plenty of energy. FS1 or ESPN2 could grab this one for their evening slate.
Week 6 – at Kansas State
Projected Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET (FOX/ESPN)
This could have serious Big 12 implications. If both teams are contending, it could even land in FOX’s “Big Noon Saturday” or ESPN’s featured window.
Week 7 – vs. Baylor
Projected Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET (FS1/ESPN2)
Depending on Baylor’s trajectory, this is likely a noon game. It could shift if storylines develop, but early slot seems safest.
Week 8 – at Iowa State
Projected Kickoff: 2:30 PM CT / 3:30 PM ET (ESPN+)
Mid-afternoon in Ames is typical for games that aren’t headliners. Streaming remains a possibility here.
Week 9 – vs. Oklahoma State
Projected Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET (ESPN2)
This one has the makings of a night game in Morgantown. If both teams are in the mix for the Big 12 title, expect a rowdy evening crowd under the lights.
Week 10 – vs. BYU
Projected Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET (ABC/FOX)
BYU’s national following and WVU’s home-field atmosphere could warrant a national network afternoon slot.
Week 11 – at Arizona
Projected Kickoff: 10:30 PM ET (FS1/Late-Night FOX)
West Coast game? Get your coffee ready. This will likely be a late-night kickoff for East Coast fans, perfect for FOX’s after-dark coverage.
Week 12 – Big 12 Championship (if applicable)
Projected Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET (ABC)
Here’s hoping WVU is playing for a title. This one’s locked in at noon in Arlington, Texas.
