West Virginia University has bestowed a high honor upon its former star quarterback, Pat White, by retiring his No. 5 jersey. This significant event took place prior to the Mountaineers' opening game of the season against Coastal Carolina, cementing White's place among the athletic legends of the institution. He becomes only the seventh individual in the program's storied history to have his number permanently taken out of circulation, a testament to his exceptional career and impact on collegiate football.
White's collegiate tenure, spanning from 2005 to 2008, was marked by an unprecedented four consecutive bowl game victories. His remarkable achievements include leading the Mountaineers to triumphs in the 2006 Sugar Bowl against Georgia, the 2007 Gator Bowl against Georgia Tech, the 2008 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma, and the 2008 Meineke Bowl against North Carolina. His ability to consistently perform at a high level in critical postseason games earned him widespread recognition and established his reputation as a formidable leader on the field.
During his time as a starter, White compiled an impressive record of 35 wins and only 8 losses, showcasing his consistent success. He set Big East Conference records for touchdowns responsible for, with a total of 103, and for total offense, accumulating 10,529 yards. Furthermore, his performance against Top 25 opponents was particularly noteworthy, securing 7 wins against just 2 losses, underscoring his capability to excel in high-stakes matchups.
White also holds a distinguished place in college football history as the third all-time leading rusher among quarterbacks, amassing 4,480 rushing yards. Only Keenan Reynolds of Navy (4,559 yards) and Denard Robinson of Michigan (4,495 yards) surpassed his ground game totals. After his illustrious college career, White was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft, though his professional career was brief, including stints with the Virginia Destroyers in the United Football League, a return to the NFL with Washington as a backup, and a period with Edmonton in the Canadian Football League.
Following his retirement from playing in 2015, White transitioned into coaching, returning to his alma mater. He currently serves as the assistant quarterbacks coach and assistant to the head coach under Rich Rodriguez, who was his head coach during his playing days at West Virginia. This return to the Mountaineers' coaching staff further highlights his enduring connection to the program. In tribute to this momentous occasion, the Mountaineers' team wore all-white uniforms for the game, and fans were encouraged to also wear white, creating a unified display of appreciation for the celebrated athlete.
The retirement of Pat White's No. 5 jersey solidifies his legendary status within West Virginia University's athletic lore. His exceptional talent, leadership, and record-setting performances have left an indelible mark on the Mountaineers' football program and college sports history, ensuring his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
