West Virginia Prepares to Host Oklahoma State in Pivotal Big 12 Clash

The unbeaten West Virginia Mountaineers (3-0) prepare to host Big 12 foe, the Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-1), in a pivotal Week 4 clash at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium.

A major factor in West Virginia’s early-season success is an elite ability to sustain drives, converting a stellar 53.3% of third-down attempts compared to Oklahoma State’s 35.0% mark. Offensively, senior running back Cam Cook is on the verge of a personal milestone, entering the contest needing just six rushing yards to reach 2,500 for his career. As the conference schedule heats up in Morgantown, this late-night showdown will serve as a crucial early measuring stick for both programs.

West Virginia’s Outlook

The Mountaineers enter Week 4 coming off a 38-27 road victory over the Virginia Cavaliers. West Virginia leaned heavily on a potent ground game, racking up 247 rushing yards in a 437-yard offensive performance. Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. drove the result, finding the end zone with his legs—including a 15-yard touchdown run—and connecting with receiver D. Epps for two passing scores while committing zero turnovers.

Head coach Rich Rodriguez’s offense is humming, averaging 40.3 points and 458.3 total yards per game. While Hawkins orchestrates the attack, the Mountaineers continue leaning on Cook to set a physical tone. Defensively, West Virginia has already tallied 10 sacks. To secure a win, the unit must maintain that disruptive edge, relying on imposing interior presence Nate Gabriel and explosive edge rusher Tobi Haastrup to control the line of scrimmage.

Oklahoma State’s Outlook

The Oklahoma State Cowboys enter fresh off a dominant 59-0 demolition of the Murray State Racers. Head coach Eric Morris oversees a high-scoring offense that racked up 662 total yards in that latest outing. The Cowboys average an impressive 36.0 points and 528.0 total yards per game this season, leaning heavily on a 78.9% red-zone conversion rate. While their balanced offensive attack is flourishing, Oklahoma State’s defense has generated just four sacks through three games, potentially offering the Mountaineers ample time in the pocket.

Quarterback Drew Mestemaker paces the dangerous passing game, having already thrown for 882 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 106 yards and a score on the ground. His primary target, wide receiver Justin Bowick, consistently stretches defenses vertically, hauling in 16 receptions for 281 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Caleb Hawkins provides a reliable physical presence with 261 rushing yards.

Rankings

Neither team is ranked in the current AP Top 25, though both received votes. The 3-0 Mountaineers earned 93 votes. The 2-1 Cowboys garnered 50 votes.

WVU Football Earns Votes in Latest AP Poll After Virginia Win

Gametime

This Week 4 matchup kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Mountaineers will host the Cowboys at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia.

TV

Fans can watch the matchup between the Mountaineers and Cowboys on Fox Sports 1, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.

Spread

The consensus odds have shifted to favor West Virginia by two points, moving from an opening line of Oklahoma State -2.5. The moneyline sits at Mountaineers -124 and Cowboys +105, with the total climbing to 61.5 from 57.5. This elevated number reflects two explosive units, as West Virginia averages 40.3 points per game compared to Oklahoma State’s 36.0.

Notable single-game player props include:
* Michael Hawkins Jr. Rushing Yards: 80.5 (Over -112 / Under -118)
* Michael Hawkins Jr. Passing Yards: 174.5 (Over -115 / Under -114)
* Jaden Bray Anytime Touchdown Scorer: +200

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