Jalen Thornton Closes Year by Announcing End to His Career at WVU

The end of the year marks the end of one chapter in the life WVU defensive lineman Jalen Thornton. He decided to finish out 2023 by confirming that the rumors about his career as a Mountaineer being over were true.

“Look how he shock the world, look how he put the odds to rest, look how he overcame, look how he show you he the best still thank you to everyone who was a part of the journey,” Thornton posted on Instagram. He then signed off with “97 out” followed by an emoji of hands praying.

Like linebacker Jared Bartlett, who will be playing his final year of college eligibility elsewhere next season, Thornton wanted to put the final exclamation point on his West Virginia journey by playing in the bowl game. Thornton helped WVU beat North Carolina 30-10 and win the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Dec. 27.

Source: Jared Bartlett Departing WVU Football Program on Good Terms

Thornton, a redshirt senior and Cincinnati, Ohio native, recorded 25 tackles and three sacks in 45 games played during his career at WVU.