West Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh absolutely hate each other. Their football rivalry dates back more than 100 years to 1895.
It is one of the most visceral rivalries in all of collegiate athletics.
If you are not familiar with the ‘Eat S— Pitt’ chant, let this be your introduction!
Mountaineers offensive lineman Ja’Quay Hubbard made his feelings on the Panthers very clear. The sixth-year senior took a vicious shot at Pitt during a press conference at spring practice on Friday. His comments were out of absolutely nowhere!
Hubbard, a former three-star recruit, grew up in Hermatige, Pennsylvania. Located about 75 miles north of Pittsburgh proper, it is a suburb with a population of approximately 17,000. By nature of his upbringing, the Panthers’ coaching staff was overtly aware of his existence.
Pitt was one of 14 schools to offer Hubbard a scholarship out of high school. They wanted him to stay home but he ultimately committed to Virginia.
Interestingly enough, Hubbard actually played the first game of his collegiate career against the Panthers!
And then he entered the transfer portal after just one season with the Cavaliers. Just as it did one year prior, Pitt offered him the opportunity to join its program.
Hubbard declined and landed at the school’s biggest rival — West Virginia. He has been there ever since!
Now, entering his third year as the team’s starting tackle, Hubbard continues to throw shade at the Panthers.
I could’ve went to Pitt out of high school. I could’ve went to Pitt in the portal. I just never wanted to go to Pitt.
— Ja’Quay Hubbard
Pow pow! Shots fired!
Hubbard will return home to Pennsylvania on Sept. 14. Pitt will host West Virginia at formerly-known-as Heinz Field for the 107th all-time meeting of the Backyard Brawl.
If the Panthers’ defensive line didn’t already want to blow past Ja’Quay Hubbard en route to the Mountaineers’ quarterback, they will be extra motivated to show him who is boss after his unprompted jab earlier this week. The college football rivalry was already heated before. It is even more spicy now!