West Virginia University Stuns No. 25 Virginia in Duke’s Mayo Classic Upset
West Virginia University (WVU) football achieved an upset victory against No. 25 Virginia in the Duke's Mayo Classic held in Charlotte, North Carolina. Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. was instrumental in the win, scoring five total touchdowns.

Wheeling Steubenville, WV, September 20, 2026 — In a significant upset, the West Virginia University (WVU) football team secured a victory over the No. 25 ranked Virginia Cavaliers during the Duke’s Mayo Classic. The game took place in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Mountaineers’ triumph marks a notable achievement against a nationally ranked opponent. The decisive performance was largely fueled by the exceptional play of WVU quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. He was instrumental in leading the team’s offense, contributing five total touchdowns throughout the contest. This offensive output proved critical in WVU’s ability to overcome the Cavaliers and secure the win in this prominent season-opening event.
The Duke’s Mayo Classic is a neutral-site game that draws attention from college football fans across the region and nationally. For WVU, this victory represents a strong start to their season, particularly given the caliber of their opponent. The specifics of the game’s scoring plays beyond Hawkins Jr.’s five touchdowns were not detailed in the provided summary. Similarly, the final score, specific date of the game, or any subsequent reactions from coaches or players were not made available.
Michael Hawkins Jr.’s five total touchdowns highlight his critical role in the game’s outcome. Such a performance from a quarterback is often a key factor in determining the success of a team in a competitive matchup. The win for West Virginia University provides an early season boost and a significant victory to build upon as their schedule progresses. Further details regarding the game’s attendance, other key contributors, or future implications for either team were not included in the information provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Derek Redd on www.theintelligencer.net, see more information here.