Brett Yormark on WVU’s Role in Big 12: ‘West Virginia Makes a Difference’

Despite being one of the most historic programs in the Big 12, West Virginia has yet to make the type of impact it once made in college football. However, those who know and love the Mountaineers know what WVU as a national contender can mean for the conference. But is the commissioner fully aware?

Brett Yormark was asked directly about the importance of WVU to the conference during the Big 12 Media Days event. His answer sounds like someone very aware and ready for Rich Rodriguez to restore West Virginia to glory again.

“I will say this… There are a couple of our schools that continue to evolve and that truly make a difference. West Virginia makes a difference in this conference. No question about it,” responded Yormark.

“When they’re competitive, their fan engagement is off the charts. I’ve seen it. And I’m excited about what Wren Baker, the AD, is building there. They have a great trajectory going up right now. They’re making a lot of investments and you hear about them quote often.”

The ESPN crew even mentioned Pat McAfee by name as an instrumental ambassador for the WVU brand, something Yormark recognizes as well.

The history of Mountaineer football – WVU stands as the winningest all-time program among current Big 12 schools – and the widespread interest all over the country, documented both in viewership ratings and social media engagement, show a potential sleeping giant.

It’s now up to Rodriguez, who has consistently expressed an increased confidence in being able to win in 2026, to get West Virginia rolling to a level that will allow Yormark to experience the true potential of having WVU in the Big 12.

Note: WVU Football has won 15 conference titles, but has yet to even play for a conference championship since joining the Big 12 in 2012. West Virginia’s best  overall record as a member of the Big 12 came in 2016 when Dana Holgorsen led the Mountaineers to a 10-3 mark. WVU has only reached nine wins on one other occasion in the Big 12 – 2023 under Neal Brown.