Pitt and West Virginia’s storied football rivalry will continue well into the next decade. On Friday, both schools confirmed a new four-year series that will run through 2036, preserving one of college football’s most celebrated showdowns.
Pitt football | Panthers, West Virginia add 4 more years to Backyard Brawl through 2036

Key Takeaways:
- Pitt and West Virginia will continue their annual “Backyard Brawl” through 2036.
- The agreement includes a four-year extension covering 2033-36.
- The longstanding rivalry is significant to both programs and their fan bases.
- The announcement was made public on a Friday.
- The story originally appeared in Sharonherald on September 12, 2025.
New Four-Game Series
Pitt and West Virginia officially announced on Friday that they have agreed to extend their storied football rivalry. This extension adds four more years to the matchup, ensuring the teams will face each other annually between 2033 and 2036. The “Backyard Brawl,” as the rivalry is known, has been a cornerstone of both programs’ schedules for decades.
Significance of the Rivalry
The Backyard Brawl has long captured the attention of fans on both sides. It is celebrated for its intensity and the close geographic proximity of the two schools. By committing to these additional matchups through 2036, Pitt and West Virginia underscore the continued importance of this game to their respective fan bases, athletic departments, and the broader college football community.
Looking Ahead
With this new four-game series in place, the excitement surrounding the Backyard Brawl will carry on well into the 2030s. Both teams can look forward to the passionate crowd support and spirited competition that define this rivalry. Although specific dates and venues have not been detailed in the initial announcement, the confirmation of more matchups ensures that followers of college football will have plenty to anticipate in the years to come.