West Virginia Legend Receives Rare Honor During Season Opener

The West Virginia Mountaineers kick off their college football season on Saturday, facing Coastal Carolina with a 12:00 p.m. ET kickoff at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown. This marks a pivotal opportunity for Rich Rodriguez's team to bounce back after a disappointing 4-8 record last season. The Mountaineers entered the offseason with a bolstered roster after making several transfers, setting the stage for a manageable early-season schedule.

Beyond the opening match's strategic importance, it also presents a momentous occasion to honor one of the program's most iconic figures: former quarterback Pat White. West Virginia will retire White's legendary No. 5 jersey, a distinction that only the second quarterback in program history to achieve this accolade, joining Major Harris with the No. 9 jersey.

This rare honor underscores White's remarkable legacy as one of the best players to ever wear a West Virginia jersey. During his tenure from 2005 to 2008, White guided the Mountaineers to an impressive 35-8 record as a starter, showcasing his prowess with 6,049 yards passing and 56 touchdowns, while also amassing 4,480 yards rushing and 47 more scores.

White's achievements are nothing short of extraordinary; he remains the NCAA's all-time leading rushing quarterback, a title he held until recently surpassed by others. His record includes an NCAA-record four consecutive bowl game victories and multiple accolades, including being named Big East Offensive Player of the Year twice and finishing sixth and seventh in consecutive Heisman Trophy voting.

White's induction into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 further solidified his place in football history. Now, the Mountaineers will etch his name even deeper into their storied legacy by retiring his iconic jersey number, an honor befitting a player who embodied excellence both on and off the field.