West Virginia football to retire legendary Alabama native’s number

West Virginia football is set to immortalize one of its greatest icons. The university announced on Friday that Alabama native Pat White will have his No. 5 jersey retired during a ceremony this fall.

A Mountaineer Legend

A standout talent from Daphne, Alabama, White served as the face of the Mountaineers from 2004 to 2008. During his tenure, he commanded the offense to a stellar 35-8 record as a starter. His dominance was recognized across the Big East, where he earned first-team All-Big East honors three times and secured Big East Offensive Player of the Year awards in 2006 and 2007.

West Virginia athletics director Wren Baker hailed White as a generational athlete. "Pat White was a generational player for West Virginia football and led our program through perhaps the greatest era in our history," Baker said. "Everywhere I go, I hear stories about the way Pat elevated our program and his teammates to greatness."

Statistical Dominance

White’s career was defined by his dual-threat prowess. He guided the team to four bowl victories and consistently garnered national recognition, finishing in the Top 10 of the Heisman Trophy voting twice. By the end of his collegiate career, he had passed for 6,049 yards and 56 touchdowns while rushing for 4,480 yards and 47 scores. His rushing yardage remains the second-highest total for a quarterback in NCAA Division I history.

Returning to the Roots

Following a career that included a selection by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft and stints in the Canadian Football League, White returned to Morgantown. He is entering his second season as the assistant quarterbacks coach and assistant to head coach Rich Rodriguez, his former college mentor.

"Pat was a great player and a great leader in our program, and he was a dominant force in college football for four years," Rodriguez noted. "He is very deserving of the honor of having his number retired."

Honored History

The specific date for the jersey retirement ceremony is expected to be released later this summer. Once retired, White’s No. 5 will join an elite group of Mountaineers history, including Major Harris (9), Ira Rodgers (21), Chuck Howley (66), Sam Huff (75), Bruce Bosley (77), and Darryl Talley (90).

Before his collegiate stardom, the Daphne native was an all-state performer and a two-time state baseball champion. In recognition of his enduring athletic legacy, White was inducted into the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame in 2024.