Backyard Brawl to Continue Through 2036 as Pitt, WVU Extend Series

Originally posted on Heartland College Sports
By Brian McQuillen | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 3:52 PM ET

The historic Backyard Brawl between West Virginia and Pittsburgh has been extended through 2036, ensuring the rivals will face off yearly from 2029 to 2036, per Brett McMurphy.

With Rich Rodriguez in his second stint as West Virginia’s head coach, the Mountaineers will square off with Pitt on Saturday in the 108th edition of the Backyard Brawl. The Panthers won last year’s matchup, adding fuel to one of college football’s most heated rivalries.

WVU is coming off a disappointing 17-10 loss to Ohio last week, and another defeat at home could leave the fan base even more impatient.

Awesome news: Pitt & West Virginia extend Backyard Brawl thru 2036. Schools will play annually from 2029-2036. At Pitt in odd number years, at WVU even number years
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 12, 2025

After Saturday’s matchup, the rivals won’t meet again until 2029. West Virginia will host Pitt in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036, while the Panthers will play at home in 2029, 2031, 2033, and 2035.

Pitt leads the all-time Backyard Brawl series 63–41–3, and enters this year 2–0 after wins over Duquesne and Central Michigan.

Saturday’s meeting carries added weight with such a long pause ahead. For West Virginia, a win would ease pressure after last week’s setback and provide a signature moment early in Rodriguez’s return. For Pitt, it’s a chance to build on an unbeaten start and keep momentum rolling before ACC play.

With over 100 years of history behind it, the Backyard Brawl remains one of the sport’s most passionate rivalries, and both sides know bragging rights won’t be up for grabs again for another four seasons.

This article first appeared on Heartland College Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: