3 Guys Before The Game

In today’s era of college football, loyalty has become one of the rarest traits in the game.
 
West Virginia linebacker Ben Cutter chose a different path.
 
The North Carolina native arrived in Morgantown as a freshman and never looked back. While countless players chased new opportunities through the transfer portal, Cutter stayed committed to the Mountaineers, growing into one of the leaders of West Virginia’s defense.
 
Now entering the final season of his collegiate career, Cutter hopes years of patience, perseverance and development will produce his best football yet.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” explore Cutter’s journey from highly recruited prospect to veteran leader. It’s an engaging conversation about football, personal growth, academics and the relationships that convinced him West Virginia was always the right place to call home.

College sports no longer have an off-season.

West Virginia’s historic run to the College World Series carried the Mountaineers deep into June, while preparations for the 2026-27 athletic year are already underway. Summer workouts have begun, fall camps open in just a few weeks, and the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve at a breathtaking pace. 

In this episode, the “Guys” sit down with WVU Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of Mountaineer athletics. Baker reflects on an unforgettable year for WVU sports, discusses the momentum being built across multiple programs, and explains how sweeping changes in revenue sharing, roster management and NCAA governance are reshaping the future of college athletics.

It’s an insightful, candid conversation with the man responsible for navigating one of the most transformational periods in the history of college sports.

WVU quarterback Michael Hawkins doesn’t command attention with volume.
 
Instead, he exudes something far more powerful — quiet confidence.
 
The former Oklahoma signal caller arrived in Morgantown carrying the expectations that come with being one of the nation’s most coveted high school recruits. After experiencing the realities and challenges of major college football, Hawkins now finds himself in position to lead the Mountaineers into a new era.
 
As preseason camp approaches, there is a growing belief that Hawkins is prepared to translate potential into production.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” sit down with the Mountaineers’ quarterback candidate for a revealing conversation about his journey, his growth, and the lessons learned along the way. Hawkins discusses his transition to West Virginia, his relationship with Rich Rodriguez, and the mindset he brings into a season filled with opportunity.
 
It’s an insightful and entertaining look at the player entrusted with one of the most important positions in college football and the person behind the helmet.

The greatest season in West Virginia University baseball history has reached its conclusion.

Over the course of four remarkable months, the 2026 Mountaineers accomplished what no team in the previous 134 seasons had ever achieved. They won the program’s first College World Series game, captured the imagination of an entire state and elevated WVU baseball to a level once thought unattainable.

The sting of elimination in Omaha will eventually fade. The memories, milestones and momentum created by this team will not.

In this episode, the “Guys” reflect on a season unlike any other and discuss what this historic run means for the baseball program, the University and West Virginia itself.

Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, Brad brings a season-ending edition of Spreads on Stats, and listener comments and questions complete the show during Textual Healing.

The fellas return next week with a special episode featuring WVU quarterback Michael Hawkins.

The challenge is familiar. The stakes have never been higher.

West Virginia’s quest for a national championship took an unexpected turn Sunday when North Carolina handed the Mountaineers a loss that leaves no margin for error. To reach the College World Series championship series, WVU must now win three consecutive elimination games.

It’s a scenario that feels remarkably familiar.

Just two weeks ago, the Mountaineers found themselves in a similar position after dropping their second game of the NCAA Regional in Morgantown. What followed was one of the most memorable stretches in program history.

Now, another chapter awaits.

In this episode, the “Guys” dissect Sunday’s setback, explain what went wrong and examine what West Virginia must do to keep its season alive when it faces Troy on Tuesday afternoon.

Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, Brad brings another edition of Spreads on Stats, and the crew looks ahead to what could be another remarkable run.

The “Guys” return Wednesday with a complete recap of the elimination showdown against Troy.