WVU Football

WVU RB Jahiem White to Wear Iconic Number in 2024

Published

5 months ago

July 30, 2024

WVU running back Jahiem White celebrates his touchdown against UNC in the Duke's Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 27, 2023. (Mitchell Northam / WV Sports Now)

A new season means a new number for WVU star running back Jahiem White. Just a couple hours after posting a picture wearing his usual No. 22, White revealed he’s actually changing numbers for the 2024 season.

So instead of watching No. 22 run out of the backfield, WVU fans will have a new No. 1 to enjoy. In fact, news of White switching to No. 1 instantly made fans think of a Mountaineer legend who wore that number in the past.

New Season = New Number @WVUfootball ✈️🧳 pic.twitter.com/quIOHTXhZi

— Jahiem White (@JahiemWhite_305) July 31, 2024

“You know who wore that at WVU, right,” replied a fan to White’s post on X (formerly Twitter). White simply responded with “respect” back, fully aware that West Virginia fans associate No. 1 with Tavon Austin. The fan then told White that it’s clear he understands the assignment.

Of course, more important than what number White wears is how he performs on the field.

A big reason for West Virginia’s successful 2023 season was the emergence of Jahiem White. And now a big reason some believe the Mountaineers can take another step in 2024 is also Jahiem White.

Can White transition from freshman sensation to one of the best running backs in the entire country? At least one national outlet believes that’s a very real possibility. PFF has White ranked as the highest graded running back in the Big 12. White has a 89.1 grade, just a bit behind Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks at 90.1.

Where Does WVU’s Jahiem White Rank Among Big 12 Running Backs?

After starting the season behind CJ Donaldson, White eventually emerged as West Virginia’s leading rusher. White’s first big game came against BYU, running for 146 yards on only 16 carries. He then really caught everyone’s attention (including a former NFL MVP) after putting up monster numbers in a win over Cincinnati. White averaged 9.7 yards per touch, totaling 204 yards on the ground and then another 75 yards receiving.

Fortunately for WVU fans, White’s time as a Mountaineer is far from over. He pledged to be back for the 2024 season and build off last season.

While White should be even better with a college season under his belt, he won’t be able to surprise anyone this year. But if White does live up the hype, the Mountaineer offense should be more potent than it’s been in years.

Below are some images of White from his freshman No. 22 season.

WVU running back Jahiem White celebrates his touchdown against UNC in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 27, 2023. (Mitchell Northam / WV Sports Now)

WVU running back Jahiem White rushes against UNC in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 27, 2023. (Mitchell Northam / WV Sports Now)