Kansas Jayhawks vs. West Virginia football: Game prediction, betting odds, TV info

After a long week of preparation for KU football, the start of Big 12 play is nearly here.

The Jayhawks will host West Virginia on Saturday. WVU leads the all-time series 11-2, most recently defeating Kansas in 2024.

Here’s a closer look at Saturday’s showdown in Lawrence.

KU football vs. West Virginia game details

Kickoff: 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20

Where: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence

TV: FS1

Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City, Wichita 92.3

Betting line: Kansas is a 13.5-point favorite.

Kansas-West Virginia game prediction

The Jayhawks are heavily favorites, but this matchup may be more even than it appears. Firstly, Kansas will have to limit the high-tempo offense of West Virginia. The Mountaineers play at the second-quickest pace in the country.

KU struggled to control the time of possession against Missouri; now the challenge will be to ensure Kansas is prepared for the tempo. Otherwise, Kansas could be quickly off balance and give up big plays.

KU’s defense should give WVU quarterback Nicco Marchiol some issues. Marchiol has struggled at various points this season and was even benched in two consecutive games.

Still, he was instrumental in WVU’s comeback against Pitt. For the season, Marchiol has 594 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

West Virginia will also be without star running back Jaheim White. He is expected to be out for the season after suffering a knee injury vs. Ohio. White was a preseason All-Big 12 selection, so his absence is a huge blow for WVU. In his place, Tye Edwards had a great day vs. Pitt. He ran for 141 yards and three touchdowns.

Meanwhile, KU’s defense will look to bounce back after an abysmal showing vs. Missouri. Kansas allowed the Tigers more than 250 rushing yards. Although WVU is allowing a meager 2.4 yards per carry, KU’s rushing attack should fare much better than it did against MU.

I expect KU star quarterback Jalon Daniels to continue his stellar start to the season against the Mountaineers. I like the Jayhawks to win and cover. The game will likely be competitive early, but I do expect KU to pull away in the second half.

Prediction: Kansas 31, West Virginia 17

Shreyas’ pick to cover: Kansas (+13.5)

Season record: 3-0

Season record (ATS): 2-1.

This story was originally published September 19, 2025 at 9:56 AM.

Shreyas Laddha

The Kansas City Star

Shreyas Laddha covers KU hoops and football for The Star. He’s a Georgia native and graduated from the University of Georgia.