MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WCHS) — West Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh have announced they are extending their storied Backyard Brawl rivalry through the 2036 college football season.

The rivalry was renewed in 2022 after an 11-year hiatus, but is set to go on another break after Saturday's game for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 seasons. The game will then return for the 2029 season.

WVU and Pitt had been already previously scheduled to play from 2029 through 2032, but this newest extension beginning in 2033 will give fans four more games of the intense rivalry that dates back to 1895.

"It's always a great day when you can extend one of the best rivalries in all of college sports," WVU Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said in a WVU press release. "I want to thank Pitt Athletic Director Allan Greene for his help in extending the Backyard Brawl, and there is no doubt that today's announcement is a win for not only fans of the two Universities but for all of college football."

"The Backyard Brawl is more than a game," Greene said in a Pitt press release. "It's history, passion and pride passed down through generations. Extending this rivalry ensures that student-athletes and fans alike continue to experience one of college football's greatest traditions, and we couldn't be more excited for what's ahead."

With Saturday's game being played at Milan-Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, the series will resume in 2029 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The series will continue to alternate between Pittsburgh and Morgantown, with the final scheduled game in 2036 set to take place in Morgantown.

Pitt currently leads the all-time series against WVU 63-41-3.

"I think it's one of the greatest rivalries in sports," WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez said. "Obviously, the location between the two are close. There's a lot of intensity with it, and there never seems to be any love lost between the fanbases.

"It's always, to me, the biggest game on your schedule when you're at West Virginia."

"I couldn't be more thrilled for what this means for both Pitt and West Virginia," added Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi. "But this goes far beyond four more games and the 75 miles separating us. This paves the way for future Panthers to carry on the history of this rivalry, while current ones get to forge new legacies for years to come.

"This extension isn't just for Pitt and West Virginia, but for college football fans everywhere."

The WVU Mountaineers are set to host the Pitt Panthers for the 108th edition of their historic rivalry Saturday at Milan-Puskar Stadium. The game will kick off at approximately 3:30 p.m., with television coverage on ESPN.