3 Guys Before The Game

Before anyone had finished settling into their seats in Omaha, West Virginia had already announced its arrival.

The Mountaineers made history Friday afternoon by earning the program’s first-ever College World Series victory, defeating a resiliet Troy squad, 7-5, in a game packed with momentum swings, clutch hits and unforgettable moments. 

From a daring steal of home in the opening inning to another display of the lineup’s remarkable depth, WVU once again found contributions from throughout the roster. Big hits came from unexpected places, and Division II transfer Ian Korn delivered the longest outing of his s...

The dream that once seemed distant is now reality.
 
For the first time in program history, West Virginia has arrived in Omaha.
 
The Mountaineers took the field Thursday at Charles Schwab Field to begin preparations for their College World Series debut, a milestone moment decades in the making.
 
Friday afternoon, WVU opens play against Troy in the first game of the 2026 College World Series. It’s the first CWS appearance for both programs and the next chapter in a season that has already rewritten the Mountaineer record book.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” we...

The storybook season for the West Virginia University baseball team is ready for its next chapter.
 
After a historic run through the regular season, NCAA Regional and Super Regional play, the Mountaineers head to Omaha for the first College World Series appearance in school history.
 
WVU opens CWS play Friday afternoon against Troy in a matchup featuring two programs making their College World Series debut.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” break down the remarkable road to Omaha, revisit the defining moments that made history and examine what it will take for the Mountaineers to continu...

June baseball was once a dream in Morgantown. Now, it’s reality.
 
The most remarkable season in West Virginia baseball history added another unforgettable chapter Monday night when the Mountaineers outlasted Kentucky in extra innings to capture the NCAA Regional Championship.
 
The victory capped a four-day test of endurance, resilience, and belief. Facing elimination and mounting pressure, WVU answered every challenge with three consecutive wins in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.
 
Now, the reward is historic.
 
For the first time ever, West Virginia University will host an NCAA Super Regional. Standing between the Mo...

Brodie Kresser’s journey to West Virginia University baseball is proof that big dreams can grow from small-town roots.
 
The Iowa native arrived in Morgantown after a winding path that included a small high school program and junior college baseball, but aggressive recruiting from Mountaineer coach Steve Sabins convinced Kresser that WVU was the perfect fit.
 
Three seasons later, the decision has paid off in a big way. Kresser has become one of the leaders of a Mountaineer team preparing to host an NCAA Regional before what promises to be a sold-out crowd at Kendrick Family Ball...

Updates on the NCAA Golf Regional (WVU finished 8th.) 
Comments from first year WVU FB GM Chuck Lillie. 
Pikeview SB coach Steve Compton as the Lady Panthers have qualified for state for the first time in program history.

College football’s transformation is complete.
 
Today’s major programs operate with an NFL-style structure, where roster management, personnel evaluation, and player retention have become year-round priorities. The role of general manager is no longer optional — it’s essential.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” take you inside the evolving world of college football with WVU General Manager Chuck Lillie. From roster construction and recruiting strategy to the transfer portal and NIL realities, Lillie provides a revealing look at how the Mountaineers are building their program for the 2026 season.
 
It’s an insightful and eye-opening conversation that...

After two injury-filled seasons, the wait is finally over for WVU wide receiver Jaden Bray.
 
Now healthy and fully cleared, Bray says he’s ready to show Mountaineer fans exactly why he was one of the most coveted receivers in the transfer portal.
 
In this episode, Bray joins the “Guys” for an in-depth conversation about the physical and mental grind of battling injuries, the work he’s put in during the offseason, and why he believes WVU’s offense is ready to take a major step forward in 2026.
 
The Oklahoma native also shares insight into the team...

Gavin Kelly has said no to the sophomore slump.
 
In his second season at WVU, the Pittsburgh native has emerged as one of the nation’s top players and a major reason why the Mountaineers have climbed back into the national rankings.
 
Kelly’s versatility speaks to his value. Whether behind the plate or in the infield, his consistency, toughness and production have become a catalyst for WVU’s success.
 
In this episode, Kelly shares his story, his passion for the game and what it means to wear the Flying WV.
 
The “Guys” also b...

If you follow West Virginia Mountaineers football football, you know the name Scotty Fox Jr. — but do you really know the quarterback behind the headlines?
 
In this episode, the “Guys” sit down with Fox for an honest, insightful and surprisingly funny conversation about the whirlwind that became his freshman season. Thrust into action before most expected, the Mentor, Ohio native responded by throwing for 300-plus yards twice and becoming the first true freshman quarterback to start for the Mountaineers in more than 70 years.
 
Fox opens up about the pressure of leading a Power Four program as a teenag...

The summer run starts with serious heat.
 
The 3 Guys Summer Series opens with one of the fastest-rising names in high school basketball—future Mountaineer Miles Sadler. Fresh off a national championship at Bella Vista College Prep, the explosive point guard turned heads on the global stage with a 29-point, 7-assist performance at the Nike Hoop Summit against a loaded Team USA roster.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” sit down with Sadler to break down his rapid rise, his evolving game, and what WVU fans can expect when he arrives in Morgantown.
 
From national spotlight to Mounta...

Spring ball is in the books…now the real questions begin.
 
West Virginia closed its spring with the Gold-Blue Spring Festival, and the “Guys” break down what they saw—and what it actually means. From roster battles to system tweaks, what’s real and what’s just April optimism?
 
On the hardwood, Brad goes full analytics mode on newcomer Mo Sylla, digging into the numbers to project how his presence could reshape the Mountaineers this season.
 
Plus, WVU baseball keeps stacking wins, and the Backyard Brawl returns Tuesday with plenty of intrigue.
 
Hoppy delivers h...

Roster reconstruction for both the West Virginia men’s and women’s basketball teams is officially underway, and early returns suggest a clear direction.

New men’s head coach Ross Hodge has secured his first two additions — a perimeter shooter to stretch defenses and a physical forward to anchor the frontcourt.

On the women’s side, Mark Kellogg is already active, adding three new Mountaineers as he continues to reshape a championship-caliber roster.

In this episode, the “Guys” dive into the numbers to project what these newcomers could bring, while also hitting on updates from WVU baseb...

There’s new hardware in Morgantown—and it shines.
 
The West Virginia University men’s basketball team closed its season in championship fashion, capturing the College Basketball Crown with a four-day run through elite competition. Wins over ACC, Big East and SEC opponents highlighted a surge that delivered both a title and a $300,000 payday for the Mountaineers.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” break down the dramatic run—featuring double-digit comebacks, late-game execution and two overtime thrillers.
 
Brad dives into the data with Spreads on Stats, Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, and listener questions and comments comple...

Home or away, the Mountaineers are rolling—and they’re having fun doing it.
 
West Virginia has now won each of its first three Big 12 series, capped by Sunday’s 9-5 victory over No. 22 Arizona State. The nationally ranked Mountaineers continue their road swing with a midweek stop at Arizona before returning home for a key weekend series against conference leader UCF.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” are joined by WVU head coach Steve Sabins to discuss the team’s strong start and what’s fueling the momentum.
 
The conversation then shifts to the Crown Basketball...

It’s not over yet.
 
The first season under head coach Ross Hodge gets a second life next week as West Virginia heads to Las Vegas for the Crown Basketball Championship.
 
The extended break between the regular season and postseason has given the Mountaineers a rare chance to reset—mentally and physically—after a demanding 32-game slate.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” are joined by Coach Hodge to reflect on a rollercoaster debut season that ended with a seventh-place finish in the Big 12, but just short of an NCAA Tournament bid. What worked, what didn’t, and w...

A historic run comes to a heartbreaking end.
 
West Virginia’s season closes with a one-point loss to Kentucky, capping a record-setting year that included a Big 12 Tournament championship and a near miss at the program’s single-season wins mark.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” break down the final moments against the Wildcats and examine what this season means for the future of WVU women’s basketball.
 
Attention quickly turns to Las Vegas, where WVU will face Stanford in the quarterfinal round of the College Basketball Crown.
 
Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, and listener q...

It’s a busy and exciting stretch across the world of WVU athletics.
 
The Mountaineer women’s basketball team prepares for the NCAA Tournament, the nationally ranked baseball team returns home for a key weekend series, and spring football is set to ramp back up in Morgantown.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” break down what’s ahead, what to watch, and what it all means for WVU fans.
 
Listener questions and comments close the show with another edition of Textual Healing.

Monday was a record-setting day for the WVU women’s basketball program—and the Mountaineers didn’t even step on the court.
 
More than 11,000 tickets were sold for West Virginia’s opening round NCAA Tournament game at Hope Coliseum, forcing the athletic department to temporarily pause sales. A sellout for Saturday’s matchup with Miami (Ohio) is now within reach.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” welcome two key members of the Mountaineers into the studio. Senior standouts Jordan Harrison and Sydney Shaw reflect on their season, their careers in Morgantown, and what it means to host NCAA Tournament...

The bracket is set. It’s tournament time.
 
The West Virginia men’s basketball team enters the Big 12 Tournament as the No. 7 seed, earning a coveted first-round bye after closing the regular season with a win over UCF and getting a help from TCU’s victory over Cincinnati.
 
For a team projected to finish 11th in the preseason, the Mountaineers have positioned themselves for a meaningful week in Kansas City. Their tournament run begins Wednesday against the winner of Tuesday’s matchup between Kansas State and BYU.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” recap the regular-season...

The final game of the regular season will have a significant impact on what lies ahead for the WVU basketball team. 

A win on Friday against UCF will give the Mountaineers an opening round bye in next week’s Big 12 Championship in Kansas City. 

A victory would also give the Mountaineers the school’s second non-losing Big 12 record in the last five years. 

In this episode, the “Guys” recap Tuesday’s loss at Kansas State and preview the second regular season encounter with UCF. 

Hoppy Kercheval presents his Obvious Observations and listeners contribute wit...

Momentum matters this time of year, and the Mountaineer basketball team suddenly has it.
 
Fresh off Saturday’s upset victory over No. 19 BYU, West Virginia enters the final week of the regular season with an opportunity to build postseason positioning. The Mountaineers travel to Kansas State on Tuesday before closing the regular season Friday night at home against UCF.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” break down what fueled WVU’s win over the Cougars and preview the critical matchup with the Wildcats.
 
Hoppy Kercheval delivers his Obvious Observations, Brad Howe dives into Spreads on Stats, and...

The Mountaineers return home searching for traction.

West Virginia hosts No. 19 BYU on Saturday inside Hope Coliseum in a matchup between two programs trying to steady themselves in the rugged Big 12. WVU has dropped three straight, while the Cougars have lost six of their last nine.

Even with an injury to standout Richie Saunders, BYU arrives with likely No. 1 NBA Draft pick AJ Dybantsa, who’s pouring in more than 25 points per game. The Cougars rank second in the league in scoring.

Can West Virginia slow the tempo, defend at a high level, and pr...

OUCH.

That one stung.

West Virginia’s shocking home loss to Utah delivered a painful hit to the Mountaineers’ postseason hopes.

With five regular-season games remaining — including three on the road — WVU now faces a steep climb to stay in the NCAA Tournament conversation.

In this episode, the “Guys” dissect what went wrong against the Utes and preview Saturday’s road test at TCU.

Hoppy provides Obvious Observations with a football update, and listener questions and comments wrap up the show with Textual Healing.

The bubble talk is no longer hypothetical.
 
With six Big 12 games remaining, West Virginia has officially entered the NCAA Tournament at-large conversation. The path is there — but so is the pressure.
 
Saturday’s gritty, come-from-behind win at UCF may have changed the tone of the season. The Mountaineers showed toughness, late-game execution and the kind of resilience that the selection committee notices. Now comes another opportunity Wednesday night against Utah.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” break down what flipped the switch in Orlando, analyze the remaining schedule and explain exactly what WVU must do to secure i...

It’s a special edition of 3 Guys Before The Game.
 
West Virginia football player Nick Krahe joins the show to discuss off-season workouts, leadership, and the mindset inside the Mountaineer program.
 
The “Guys” also preview this weekend’s matchup between WVU and UCF, as the Mountaineers and Knights—along with No. 22 BYU—enter the weekend tied for sixth place in the Big 12. With a crowded middle of the standings, the stretch run will determine who rises from the logjam.
 
Hoppy goes full “Show and Tell” with Obvious Observations, and listener questions and comments complete the episode with Te...

It’s a pivotal pause in the Big 12 grind for the West Virginia basketball team. Coach Ross Hodge’s Mountaineers finally get their first extended break of conference play—and it couldn’t come at a better time.
 
WVU may have been showing some wear after a punishing stretch of six games in 18 days, capped by a four-thousand-mile roundtrip swing to Arizona.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” look back at Sunday’s loss to No. 16 Texas Tech and take a hard look at what lies ahead in the Big 12 stretch run.
 
Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observati...

A season sweep is on the line as the Mountaineer basketball team heads to Cincinnati on Thursday night.
 
West Virginia edged the Bearcats 62–60 in Morgantown earlier this season, but Cincinnati has been formidable at home, posting an 11–2 record inside Fifth Third Arena, including a win over nationally ranked Iowa State.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” dive into the numbers, break down matchups, and identify the keys to victory.
 
Hoppy delivers Obvious Observations, and listener questions and comments complete the episode with Textual Healing.

Reality hits hard in the Big 12.

West Virginia learned that lesson over the weekend as its perfect home-court run came to an end against a talented — and deceptive — Baylor team that arrived with just one league win. In this conference, it doesn’t matter who you play or where you play. Anyone can get you.

So… what now?

The challenges only ramp up with a Thursday night trip to Cincinnati, followed by a Super Bowl Sunday showdown at home against nationally ranked Texas Tech.

In this episode, the “Guys” break down what went wrong i...

An important weekend looms for the Mountaineer basketball team.

WVU, undefeated at home this season, welcomes Baylor to Hope Coliseum Saturday afternoon with a chance to gain ground in the Big 12 race. The Mountaineers enter the weekend at 14-7 overall and 5-3 in league play, currently tied for seventh with UCF.

Baylor arrives in Morgantown with a completely rebuilt roster, returning no players from last season’s team. Even for veteran head coach Scott Drew, it’s unfamiliar territory, as the Bears sit tied for last place in the conference.

In this episode, the “Guys”...

It’s a pivotal week for the Mountaineer basketball team.

Undefeated at home this season, WVU returns to Morgantown to host Kansas State on Tuesday and Baylor on Saturday. The week presents an opportunity to respond after Saturday’s loss at No. 1 Arizona.

The Mountaineers begin the week tied for seventh in the Big 12 alongside UCF. With eight of WVU’s final 11 regular-season games coming against teams currently below them in the league standings, the path to strengthening the postseason résumé is clearly defined.

In this episode, the “Guys” recap the two-game swing through Ariz...

It’s time to head west for the Mountaineer basketball team.
 
WVU opens a two-game road swing Wednesday at Arizona State before meeting No. 1 Arizona on Saturday afternoon. Coach Ross Hodge’s squad carries momentum into the week following Saturday’s victory over Colorado.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” break down the win over the Buffaloes and preview Wednesday night’s matchup with the Wildcats.
 
Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, and listener questions and comments round out the show with Textual Healing.

It’s early in the Big 12 season, but one truth is already clear: protecting your homecourt is non-negotiable.
 
On Saturday, the West Virginia Mountaineers look to stay perfect at home when they host the Colorado Buffaloes—it's the Buffaloes’ first-ever appearance inside Hope Coliseum. 

WVU needs the win after a road loss at Houston and with a challenging two-game trip to Arizona looming.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” recap the loss to the Cougars and preview Saturday’s matchup with Colorado.
 
Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, and listener questions and comments wrap up the show on T...

It was a memorable weekend for both West Virginia basketball teams.

The WVU men delivered a double-digit victory over No. 22 Kansas, while the West Virginia women earned an impressive road win by knocking off No. 11 Iowa State in Ames.

In this episode, the “Guys” look back at the weekend’s results. What went right in West Virginia’s win over the Jayhawks—and what does it mean moving forward?

The crew also previews Tuesday night’s challenge at nationally ranked Houston. The No. 7 Cougars enter the game 15–1 overall and 3–1 in Big 12 play.

Listener questio...

A significant opportunity awaits the Mountaineer basketball team Saturday afternoon.
 
West Virginia hosts the Kansas Jayhawks inside Hope Coliseum, with a chance to secure its first victory over a nationally ranked opponent this season—and a third straight win over Kansas.
 
While the names on the jerseys may be familiar, the rosters are not. Both teams have been almost entirely rebuilt since last season’s meeting, with just one player—Kansas forward Flory Bidunga—appearing in that game.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” preview the matchup with the Jayhawks, review Tuesday’s important win over Cincinnati...

It may be only the second Big 12 game of the season, but Tuesday night’s matchup between West Virginia and the Cincinnati Bearcats inside Hope Coliseum carries real weight.
 
With games against Kansas and Houston looming, the Mountaineers need a win over the Bearcats to stabilize the early conference slate and build momentum.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” take a deep dive into what went wrong at Iowa State, preview the matchup with Cincinnati, and explain where adjustments must be made.
 
The crew also discusses the latest football transfer portal movement and what it mean...

The dress rehearsals are over for the Mountaineer basketball team.
 
West Virginia opens its 14th season of Big 12 Conference play Friday night on the road against No. 3 Iowa State. The undefeated Cyclones represent one of three nationally ranked opponents WVU will face in its first four league games, making the opening stretch of conference play as demanding as any in the country.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” dig deep into what makes Iowa State so difficult to play, examine the early contours of the Big 12 race, and share thoughts on the return of veteran offensive line coach...

It’s Christmas break time for the Mountaineer basketball team—and a rare chance to pause.

The four-day layoff marks West Virginia’s final significant break of the season, offering a valuable window for both mental and physical recovery before diving into the grind of an 18-game Big 12 schedule.

In this episode, the “Guys” recap Monday’s comfortable win over Mississippi Valley State and look ahead to the challenges that await once conference play begins.

Listener questions and comments wrap up the show.