Unexpected Announcement: West Virginia confirm departure of two key players including Running back Jahiem White due to….

Unexpected Announcement: West Virginia confirm departure of two key players including Running back Jahiem White due to disciplinary issues

The West Virginia Mountaineers were rocked on Friday morning by unexpected news that two key players, including standout running back Jahiem White, will no longer be part of the team. Head coach Neal Brown confirmed the departures during a hastily arranged press conference, citing “disciplinary issues that violate the program’s core values.” The decision comes just weeks before a critical stretch of conference play, leaving the Mountaineers scrambling to adjust their offensive strategy.

White’s exit is particularly shocking given his growing influence on the team’s offense. The sophomore running back had been one of West Virginia’s most promising talents, rushing for over 1,100 yards last season and emerging as a cornerstone of their ground attack. His combination of speed, vision, and versatility made him a fan favorite and a vital part of Brown’s game plan. However, sources within the program suggest that a series of internal violations had placed White under scrutiny for several weeks before the final decision was made.

Joining White on the departure list is veteran defensive lineman Malik Carter, a senior who had anchored the Mountaineers’ defensive front since his freshman year. Carter was known for his leadership on and off the field and was expected to serve as a captain this season. His absence leaves a significant hole in the team’s pass rush and leadership structure. Team insiders indicate that Carter’s situation stemmed from repeated breaches of team conduct, though details remain scarce.

The timing of the announcement could not be worse for West Virginia, which is entering a pivotal part of its schedule against several ranked opponents. The Mountaineers are currently sitting at 3-1, and their offense had shown signs of building momentum. Losing White, their most dynamic offensive weapon, threatens to derail that progress, while Carter’s absence weakens a defense that had been among the conference’s most improved units. Brown acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized the team’s commitment to discipline and accountability.

For many fans and analysts, the departures raise deeper questions about the internal culture of the program. While West Virginia has made steady strides under Brown’s leadership, this is not the first time off-field issues have overshadowed on-field progress. The coaching staff has faced criticism in the past for inconsistent discipline policies, and this latest incident is likely to reignite those conversations. Athletic department officials, however, have expressed full support for Brown’s decision, stressing that maintaining team standards must always take priority over short-term success.

The focus now shifts to how the Mountaineers will fill the void left by White and Carter. Sophomore running back Tyrell Benson is expected to see an expanded role in the backfield, while defensive ends Jacob Fields and freshman phenom Elijah King could rotate into Carter’s spot. Both positions will require significant adjustments, and Brown has already hinted at changes to the team’s play-calling and defensive schemes to compensate for the losses.

Despite the setback, there remains a sense of determination within the locker room. Several players have publicly expressed their commitment to staying united and pushing forward, viewing the situation as an opportunity for others to step up. As West Virginia prepares for its next matchup, the program faces one of its biggest tests in recent years—proving that discipline, resilience, and team identity can prevail even when star power walks out the door.