When the news broke late Tuesday night, the entire college football world seemed to pause for a moment. West Virginia running back Jahiem White, one of the brightest young stars in the Big 12, had just turned down an eye-watering \$68 million NIL deal from a consortium of boosters tied to a major SEC program. In an era defined by player mobility, transfer portal chaos, and skyrocketing endorsement offers, White’s decision was more than a headline — it was a declaration of loyalty rarely seen in modern college football. “I’d rather focus on this season and make sure I’m able to contribute to this team and help this team win,” he told reporters, standing at the podium with a calm confidence that made the moment feel historic.
The offer, according to sources close to the situation, included guaranteed marketing deals, luxury housing, and a multi-year NIL contract that would have made White one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in college football history. For many players, the choice would have been obvious. But for White, who grew up dreaming of wearing the gold and blue, money was never the reason he came to Morgantown. He committed to West Virginia because he believed in the program’s vision and in the leadership of head coach Neal Brown — and that hasn’t changed. “Coach Brown believed in me when a lot of people didn’t,” White said. “That means something. And I want to repay that belief with my play on the field.”
Teammates and fans alike were quick to rally around White after the announcement. Within hours, social media was flooded with messages praising his integrity and love for the program. Senior linebacker Lee Kpogba called it “one of the most selfless moves I’ve seen in my time here,” while quarterback Garrett Greene said White’s choice “lit a fire” in the locker room. For a team looking to make noise in a highly competitive Big 12 race, this kind of unity and shared purpose could be the intangible factor that pushes them over the top. And with White in the backfield, that push looks a lot more realistic.
White’s story is particularly compelling given his rapid rise. A three-star recruit out of York, Pennsylvania, he arrived on campus with little fanfare but quickly became one of the Mountaineers’ most electric offensive weapons. His blend of speed, vision, and toughness turned heads as a freshman, and by the end of last season, he was already drawing comparisons to some of the program’s greatest backs. NFL scouts are watching closely, too. But if you ask White about the future, he doesn’t want to talk about draft projections or potential landing spots. He wants to talk about beating Oklahoma, reclaiming the Black Diamond Trophy, and making a run at the Big 12 title.
For Neal Brown, White’s decision represents more than just a win on the field — it’s a validation of the culture he’s worked tirelessly to build in Morgantown. “In a time when loyalty is rare, Jahiem’s commitment speaks volumes,” Brown said. “He’s the type of player and person we want representing West Virginia football. This is about more than just winning games — it’s about building something that lasts.” Those words echo a broader sentiment around the program: that West Virginia is no longer just a stepping stone but a destination where players can grow, compete, and leave a legacy.
Still, even as the story makes national waves, White remains unfazed by the attention. He’s been spotted staying late after practices, helping younger players with footwork drills, and reviewing game film long after most of the team has gone home. “That’s just who he is,” said running backs coach Chad Scott. “He’s not chasing headlines or dollar signs. He’s chasing wins — and that’s contagious.” For a roster filled with young talent, White’s leadership by example may prove as valuable as his explosive plays on Saturdays.
As kickoff approaches and the Mountaineers set their sights on a pivotal conference stretch, Jahiem White’s decision will continue to resonate far beyond the field. In a sport increasingly dominated by business deals and personal branding, his choice to prioritize loyalty, legacy, and team over money is a refreshing reminder of what college football can still be. For West Virginia, it’s more than a boost — it’s a belief that this love, this bond between player and program, truly won’t fail.
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