The college football world will converge on Frisco, Texas, next week as the 2026 Monster Energy Big 12 Media Days kick off on Tuesday and continue through Wednesday. The event, held at the Dallas Cowboys' practice facility, draws coaches, players and media from across the conference for a whirlwind of interviews, photo shoots and networking opportunities.
Broadcast partners ESPNU and ESPN2 will provide live coverage throughout the two‑day session, ensuring that fans nationwide can follow the action. A highlight on Wednesday afternoon is the press conference featuring West Virginia’s head coach Rich Rodriguez, who will field questions about the upcoming season and his team’s preparations.
West Virginia’s presence at the media days is particularly notable because several key Mountaineer players are slated to participate. Coach Rodriguez will be joined on stage by senior transfer Geimere Latimer II, fifth‑year senior Jaden Bray and junior offensive lineman Nick Krahe, each of whom brings a distinct story to the table.
Latimer, a transfer from Wisconsin who helped Jacksonville State to a 9‑5 record and a Conference‑USA championship in 2024, is expected to bolster the Mountaineer secondary. Bray, a 6‑foot‑2, 209‑pound veteran who previously played at Oklahoma State, returns to the Big 12 after a productive stint in the league, while Krahe, a returning starter from Erie, Pennsylvania, anchors the offensive line.
A busy week for the Mountaineers
Beyond the media obligations, the trip marks an important milestone for the program as it sets the stage for the 2026 season opener. West Virginia will begin its campaign on Saturday, September 5, at Milan Puskar Stadium against Coastal Carolina of the Sun Belt Conference. Tickets for that game and the rest of the season are available through the Mountaineer Ticket Office.
The schedule also includes a slate of non‑conference matchups that will test the Mountaineers early in the year. In addition to Coastal Carolina, the team is slated to face opponents from the Mid‑American and Atlantic Coast conferences, providing a challenging start that could shape the team’s trajectory.
For the coaching staff and players, the media days offer a chance to build momentum and generate excitement among the fan base. As the event approaches, the buzz in Morgantown and across the state continues to grow, with alumni and supporters eager to see how the new roster and coaching strategies will translate onto the field.
The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for West Virginia football, and the media activities in Frisco will be a key indicator of the team’s focus and preparedness as they head into the first game of the year.