Steve Slaton to Receive Special Honor at WVU Game Ahead of College Football HOF Induction

WVU fans in attendance when West Virginia takes on Colorado will be asked to participate in a special tribute to Steve Slaton.

The National Football Foundation will be awarding Slaton a special on-campus salute ahead of his upcoming induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

“Steve Slaton’s speed and explosiveness turned West Virginia into one of the nation’s most feared offenses, as he piled up touchdowns, All-America honors, and unforgettable moments during the Mountaineers’ rise to prominence. His Hall of Fame honor reflects how dynamic playmakers elevate programs and captivate fans,” said Steve Hatchell, President and CEO, National Football Foundation & College Football Hall of Fame, Inc.

Excited to welcome @Steve23Slaton home for his NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute this weekend! 🫡

🔗 https://t.co/JXBE5UD5UR pic.twitter.com/DCbasAHbMJ

— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) November 4, 2025

Slaton will be officially inducted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame during the 67thAnnual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. This black-tie affair will feature the induction of the 2025 NFF College Football Hall of Fame.

In addition to Slaton, West Virginia will also honor the 2005 Sugar Bowl champions on Saturday afternoon.

Back in 2005, current head coach Rich Rodriguez was in his fifth season of his first tenure. WVU finished the season 11-1 and won the Big East Conference title. It was during that season that Pat White eventually took over the starting quarterback, emerging on the scene during a fourth quarter comeback of then N0. 19 Louisville.

West Virginia would beat Georgia 38-35 in the Sugar Bowl and ended finished ranked No. 5 in the Associated Press’ poll and No. 6 in the Coaches Poll.

WVU Football to Honor Steve Slaton, 2005 Sugar Bowl Champions

As for Slaton, the WVU legend will finally take his place among college football royalty in December. The National Football Foundation officially announced that Slaton is part of the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame class back in January.

Slaton, widely regarded as the greatest running back in WVU history, totaled 3,923 rushing yards, averaged 5.9 yards per carry and scored 50 touchdowns on the ground during his three years in Morgantown. He also made 65 receptions for 805 yards. Slaton earned consensus All-American status in 2006 and was a key part of some of the most successful teams in program history.

“Show up for ya boy,” said Slaton as his response to the WVU Varsity Club promoting the day of celebration.

More about Slaton’s college career can be found below: 

A unanimous First Team All-American in 2006, Slaton finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting and as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award that year, setting the WVU single-season rushing record with 1,744 yards while accumulating 2,104 all-purpose yards.

Making an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2005, Slaton set a then-Big East record with 1,128 rushing yards, including a memorable six-touchdown performance in a triple-overtime victory against Louisville. His MVP performance in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia included a bowl-record 204 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He was named Big East Rookie of the Year while being named a First Team Freshman All-American. He rushed for 1,051 yards in 2007, adding a third consecutive season of more than 1,000 yards.

Courtesy of WVU Athletics

During his three seasons in Morgantown, WVU went 33-5, winning three consecutive bowls (2006 Sugar, 2007 Gator and the 2008 Fiesta upset of Oklahoma) and boasting final national rankings of No. 5 in 2005, No. 10 in 2006 and No. 6 in 2007. The run included two Big East titles (2005, 2007), the winningest three-year period in WVU history and the second-best record in the nation over the three years.

A three-time All-Big East performer (First Team in 2006, Second Team in 2005, 2007), Slaton finished his college career as WVU’s all-time leader in total touchdowns (55), rushing touchdowns (50), and points scored by a non-kicker (330). He and quarterback Pat White formed one of the most prolific rushing duos in NCAA history, each surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in consecutive seasons as just the third pair to ever do so. He rushed for 3,923 yards during his career, adding another 805 receiving and totaling 4,775 all-purpose yards. He finished his career as the NCAA active leader in points per game (9.4) with multiple spots in the conference and school records books.

Selected in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft by Houston, Slaton played four years with the Texans before concluding his career with the Dolphins in 2011. He played with the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL for one season before retiring from football and pursuing a career in the culinary arts as a personal chef and kitchen consultant in Houston. He was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

Find more coverage of Steve Slaton at WV Sports Now.

For related content, Mike Asti conducted the first interview with Slaton immediately following the College Football Hall of Fame announcement.