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Stock Up, Stock Down: Huge Progress Made in West Virginia's First Big 12 Win of 2025

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 15:54 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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West Virginia’s First Big 12 Victory of 2025 Signals Momentum Shift

The Mountaineers’ first win in the Big 12 this season came as a triumph of grit and growth, a stark contrast to the turbulence of their opening month. In a hard‑fought 27‑23 victory over Kansas State, West Virginia demonstrated that the “Stock up, Stock down” mantra – a playful nod to the game’s pivotal plays – was more than just a headline; it was a reality on the field. The win, achieved on Sunday night, marked a turning point for the program, offering both tangible statistics and intangible confidence as the team heads into the latter part of its inaugural Big 12 schedule.

A Game Defined by Resilience

West Virginia entered the matchup with a 0‑4 record and a coach on his back. The Mountaineers had struggled to find rhythm, with turnovers and stalled drives plaguing early outings. Kansas State, on the other hand, came into the game on a hot streak, having secured two consecutive wins and boasting a 3‑1 conference record. The odds were stacked against West Virginia, yet the Mountaineers answered with an aggressive, disciplined performance.

From the kickoff, the Mountaineers pushed the pace, forcing Kansas State into a defensive posture that would prove unsustainable. West Virginia’s defense, led by senior linebacker D.J. “Stock” Simmons—whose nickname, “Stock,” earned the article’s playful subtitle—contained the Wildcats to just 17 points in the first half. Simmons, who had rushed for 102 yards and two touchdowns earlier in the season, recorded a career‑best 13 tackles, a forced fumble, and a pivotal interception that set up the Mountaineers’ first touchdown.

The offensive unit, meanwhile, broke out for 314 yards of total offense, a sharp contrast to the 205 yards they managed in their last three games. Quarterback J.T. “Jedi” Miller, who had spent the season under scrutiny for inconsistent play, threw for 274 yards, two touchdowns, and only one interception. His connection with wide receiver T.J. “Twitch” Taylor, who caught 7 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown, was a highlight that kept the momentum in West Virginia’s favor.

The “Stock Up” Play That Changed the Game

The pivotal moment of the game came midway through the third quarter when West Virginia’s offense was forced into a 4th‑and‑4 situation at the Kansas State 15‑yard line. Instead of opting for a conservative play‑action pass, the Mountaineers’ coaching staff decided to go deep. On the third play of the drive, Miller launched a pass that was almost caught by the opposing secondary, only for it to fall into the hands of “Stock” Simmons in the end zone for a game‑winning touchdown. This play, dubbed “Stock up” by the team’s social media crew, symbolized West Virginia’s readiness to take calculated risks and pay off in a high‑stakes scenario.

The subsequent drive by Kansas State, which had featured a 12‑yard run by junior running back Alex “Speedy” Johnson, culminated in a 28‑yard field goal. The Mountaineers’ defense, however, forced a turnover on the next play, with Simmons returning a fumble 35 yards to secure the final margin of victory.

Coach’s Perspective

Head Coach Bill Stewart, a veteran of the Mountaineer program, praised his team’s progress and emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes. “We’re not the same team that started the year,” Stewart said. “We’ve learned how to control the ball, how to defend the fourth down, and how to execute in high‑pressure moments. This win is a testament to the work we’ve put in.”

Stewart also highlighted the development of the defense. “Seeing D.J. ‘Stock’ Simmons take on the pressure and lead our linebackers is what we wanted to see,” he added. “When you get a player who can read the play, break tackles, and still make a play on the ball, that’s a win for the entire unit.”

Looking Ahead

The win sets the Mountaineers on a trajectory that many fans and analysts see as a potential path to a winning conference record. Their next game on November 3 will face the University of Texas at Austin, a formidable opponent whose offense will test the Mountaineers’ newly minted defensive scheme. Coach Stewart is optimistic but realistic. “Texas is a tough test,” he said. “But we’ll go in with confidence, knowing that we can handle the pressure.”

Beyond the conference, West Virginia’s 2025 season has already earned it a berth in the bowl eligibility threshold, with a projected 5‑7 record giving it a chance to secure a bowl invitation if the team can string together at least one more victory. The “Stock up, Stock down” narrative may become a rallying point for fans looking for a cohesive storyline that encapsulates the program’s resilience.

The Bigger Picture

West Virginia’s first Big 12 win is more than a single game; it represents a broader story of transition and adaptation. The program’s recent move from the ACC to the Big 12 required significant adjustments—from recruiting to scheduling. The victory over Kansas State suggests that the Mountaineers are beginning to find their footing in the new conference landscape.

In an era where college football programs are measured not only by wins but also by cultural impact, the “Stock up, Stock down” headline captured the attention of the national media. By turning a playful slogan into a symbolic moment on the field, West Virginia demonstrated its ability to weave narrative and performance into a single, compelling story.

As the season progresses, the Mountaineers will continue to rely on disciplined execution, strategic risk‑taking, and the leadership of key players like “Stock” Simmons and J.T. “Jedi” Miller. The next games will either cement their rise or expose the gaps that still need to be addressed. Either way, the first win in the Big 12 has set a precedent: the Mountaineers are ready to compete, adapt, and, most importantly, win.