WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – A new era of West Liberty football is officially underway as first-year head coach Chad Salisbury and the Hilltoppers have announced their 2026 schedule.

The slate features 11 games, including five home contests at West Family Stadium and a full Mountain East Conference schedule, as West Liberty prepares for its first season under Salisbury's leadership.

The Hilltoppers will open the season in late August against Walsh before hitting the road for back-to-back matchups at Seton Hill and Post (Conn.) to round out non-conference play.

West Liberty opens MEC action at home on September 19 against Frostburg State, kicking off a stretch that includes back-to-back home games with Concord visiting the following week.

After a road trip to West Virginia State on October 3 and an open week, the Hilltoppers return home for Homecoming on October 17 against West Virginia Wesleyan.

The final month of the season features key conference matchups, including road trips to Glenville State and Fairmont State before returning home to face Charleston on November 7.

West Liberty will close out the regular season on the road at Wheeling on November 14.

The Hilltoppers are already laying the foundation for the Salisbury era, as spring practice is currently underway. The team will wrap up the spring slate with the annual Spring Game on April 24 at 5 p.m. at West Family Stadium, giving fans their first look at the 2026 squad.

2026 West Liberty Football Schedule

• Aug. 27/29 – vs. Walsh

• Sept. 5 – at Seton Hill

• Sept. 12 – at Post (Conn.)

• Sept. 19 – vs. Frostburg State *

• Sept. 26 – vs. Concord *

• Oct. 3 – at West Virginia State *

• Oct. 10 – Open

• Oct. 17 – vs. West Virginia Wesleyan (Homecoming) *

• Oct. 24 – at Glenville State *

• Oct. 31 – at Fairmont State *

• Nov. 7 – vs. Charleston *

• Nov. 14 – at Wheeling *

* Mountain East Conference 



West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.