Big 12 Honors WVU Defensive Line for Imposing Will on Pitt

West Virginia’s comeback win over Pitt was a collective effort, and one that started in the trenches. After holding their own against the Panthers’ solid offensive line, the WVU defensive line is now being recognized for their strong performance on Saturday.

The Big 12 named the Mountaineers’ defensive line its Defensive Line of the Week on Monday. Led by Eddie Kelly Jr., Eddie Vesterinen, Hammond Russell, the Mountaineers brought pressure to Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein all game long, resulting in six sacks.

Won up front 😤

The Mountaineers are the 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝟭𝟮 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸! pic.twitter.com/ChctK3mkli

— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) September 15, 2025

Holstein, who torched WVU in 2024 and is known for leading a high-powered Panthers’ offense, finished the game only competing 59.5% of his passes in large part due to the lack of time he enjoyed in and out of the pocket.

West Virginia’s defensive line will now be tested again on the road when they face Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels.

At the open of a new week, the Mountaineers are once again predicted to lose in convincing fashion. Both DraftKings and FanDuel have Rich Rodriguez’s team as a double digit underdog to Kansas.

West Virginia is currently +11.5 on DraftKings and +12.5 on FanDuel.

WVU Football Heavy Underdog at Kansas Despite Pitt Win

Through three games, the Jayhawks share WVU’s 2-1 record at the start of Big 12 play. West Virginia has wins over Robert Morris and Pitt and a loss at Ohio.

Kansas, coming off a bye following their loss to Missouri, their out of conference rival, has wins over Fresno State and Wagner.

WVU beat Kansas 32-28 in a back and forth thriller last season. Rodney Gallagher caught the game-winning touchdown for the Mountaineers.

West Virginia and Kansas will air nationally on FS1 and kickoff from Lawrence at 6 pm ET.

Find more coverage of the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez admitted the win over Pitt meant more than just any win.