FAIRMONT, W.Va. - The University of Charleston and West Liberty University were named 2026 Mountain East Conference Football Co-Champions following victories in their final contests of the regular season on Saturday.

Charleston earned the MEC’s automatic qualifier (AQ) bid to the 2026 NCAA Division II Football Championship based on its 41-35 head-to-head victory over West Liberty on Nov. 7.

West Liberty defeated Wheeling, 56-21, at Bishop Schmitt Field in Wheeling, West Virginia. The Hilltoppers finished with 586 yards of total offense, including 367 yards on the ground. 

Senior running back Hunter Patterson led the Hilltoppers with 267 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 33 carries. Patterson's five rushing touchdowns were the most scored in a game this season. He also surpassed four additional program records in Saturday's contest.

West Liberty concluded the regular season with an 8-3 overall record and a 6-2 mark in conference play.

Charleston defeated West Virginia State, 34-19, at University of Charleston Stadium in Charleston, W.Va. The Golden Eagles totaled 381 yards of offense, including 217 rushing yards. Redshirt freshman Jamal Wallace Jr. recorded 109 rushing yards on 17 carries and scored two touchdowns.

The Golden Eagles finished the regular season with a 6-5 overall record and a 6-2 mark in conference play. UC will await the NCAA's announcement of the field for the 2026 NCAA Division II Football Championship.

Wheeling finished the season with a 5-6 overall record and a 4-4 mark in conference play, while Concord finished 8-3 overall and 5-3 in league play.

The 2026 NCAA Division II Football Championship selection show is scheduled for Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. ET and will stream live on NCAA.com.