Odds Show Slim Big 12 Title Hopes for WVU Football

Despite an offseason that instilled hope for WVU football fans, oddsmakers are still saying the Mountaineers are unlikely to win big in 2026.

Even if some are predicting Rich Rodriguez’s team to take a step in the right direction in the second season of his return tenure, a major sportsbook still has West Virginia as a long shot to win the Big 12.

DraftKings has WVU at +6000 as their chances to win the program’s 16th conference title and first since 2011. There are only four schools with worse odds – UCF, Cincinnati, Iowa State and Colorado.

Regardless of the Brendan Sorsby drama, Texas Tech remains the favorite to repeat as Big 12 champions at +100, with BYU and Utah right behind the Red Raiders at +550 and +650, respectively.

However, projections are never in stone and West Virginia did enjoy an historic level of success recruiting wise, both with their 2026 high school class and based on key the transfer additions like Cam Cook.

West Virginia running back Cam Cook carries the ball during the Gold-Blue Festival’s scrimmage. (WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose)

Rodriguez even explained why he’s so confident in his RPO (run, pass, option) offense during a interview with former Penn State and UMass tight end turned college football analyst Adam Breneman.

“If you can throw for 500 yards on somebody, you’re probably going to win the game. But if you can run for 500, you’re guaranteed to win the game and it takes their soul,” said Rodriguez about why he’s always had a run-first mentality.

But of course, talk is cheap and there’s now added pressure on Rodriguez to turn West Virginia into a national contender again.

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For a related story, Rich Rodriguez ranked in the middl of the pack among Big 12 coaches.