WVU Makes History Retiring Will Grier’s Iconic Number 5

Updated September 5, 2026 9 min read

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WVU Retires Pat White’s Iconic Number 5 Jersey in Historic Ceremony

TL;DR: West Virginia University honored one of its greatest quarterbacks by retiring Pat White’s No. 5 jersey during a ceremony that celebrated his record-setting career and lasting impact on Mountaineer football. White remains the only four-time bowl game winning quarterback in college football history, and his number now joins an elite group of retired jerseys at WVU.

West Virginia University officially retired record-setting quarterback Pat White’s No. 5 jersey number, cementing his legacy as one of the most dynamic players to ever wear the Gold and Blue. The ceremony marked only the second jersey retirement in program history, underscoring just how special White’s contributions were to Mountaineer football.

Quick Answer

WVU retired Pat White’s No. 5 jersey to honor his historic career as the program’s all-time winningest quarterback. White led the Mountaineers to four consecutive bowl victories from 2005 to 2008, a feat unmatched in college football history. He finished his career with a 42-9 record as a starter and set numerous school and Big East Conference records during his tenure in Morgantown.

Who Is Pat White and Why Does His Number 5 Matter?

Pat White is the most decorated quarterback in West Virginia University football history. He wore the No. 5 jersey from 2004 to 2008, compiling a record that few college quarterbacks have ever approached. His dual-threat ability as both a passer and runner made him one of the most exciting players in the nation during his time at WVU.

According to WVU’s official athletics records, White finished his career with 11,183 total yards of offense, a school record that stood for years. He threw for 6,248 yards and rushed for 4,480 yards during his five seasons with the Mountaineers, demonstrating a versatility that redefined the quarterback position in the Big East Conference.

What Records Did Pat White Set at WVU?

Pat White’s career accomplishments at West Virginia are staggering by any measure. His 42 wins as a starting quarterback remain the most in school history, and his four consecutive bowl game victories are unmatched across all of college football. Here are his most notable records and achievements:

42-9 record as a starting quarterback, the best in WVU history
Four consecutive bowl game wins — the only quarterback in NCAA history to accomplish this feat
School record for total career offense with 11,183 yards
4,480 career rushing yards, ranking among the top rushing quarterbacks in NCAA history
Three Big East Conference titles during his tenure as starter
2007 Fiesta Bowl MVP after leading WVU to a dominant victory over Oklahoma
First-team All-Big East selection multiple times during his career

Research shows that White’s combination of passing and rushing production placed him in a category of his own among college quarterbacks of his era. Industry data indicates that his career rushing total ranks among the top five for any quarterback in NCAA Division I history at the time of his graduation.

How Did WVU Celebrate the Jersey Retirement?

West Virginia University held a special halftime ceremony during a home game at Milan Puskar Stadium to officially retire the No. 5 jersey. The event drew a massive crowd of Mountaineer fans, former teammates, and coaches who wanted to pay tribute to White’s extraordinary career.

The ceremony featured remarks from WVU athletic officials, video tributes highlighting White’s biggest moments, and the unveiling of a permanently retired No. 5 banner. White addressed the crowd with gratitude, reflecting on his time in Morgantown and the relationships that shaped his career.

What Makes Jersey Retirement So Rare at WVU?

West Virginia has been extremely selective about retiring jersey numbers, making the honor reserved for only the most impactful players in program history. The rarity of the gesture amplifies its significance and places White among the most revered athletes to represent the university.

According to WVU athletics policy, jersey retirement is reserved for players who have achieved exceptional distinction and brought extraordinary recognition to the university. Few programs in major college football are as conservative with jersey retirements, which means the players who receive this honor are truly considered irreplaceable figures in the school’s history.

Pat White’s Broader Impact on College Football

Pat White’s influence extended far beyond the wins and statistics. He was a pioneer of the modern dual-threat quarterback archetype, demonstrating at the highest level that a quarterback could be both an elite passer and an elite runner within a major conference offense. His style of play influenced how coaches across the country designed their offensive schemes in the years that followed.

During the 2007 season, White led WVU to a 11-2 record and a No. 2 national ranking before the team’s heartbreaking loss to Pittsburgh in the regular-season finale. Despite that setback, White’s performance throughout the season earned him national recognition and solidified his reputation as one of the premier players in the country.

How Did Pat White Perform in Big Games?

White consistently elevated his play in the biggest moments throughout his career. His bowl game record speaks volumes about his ability to perform under pressure and deliver when the stakes were highest.

2005 Sugar Bowl: Led WVU to a victory over Georgia
2006 Gator Bowl: Directed a win over Georgia Tech
2007 Fiesta Bowl: Dominated Oklahoma in a landmark performance, earning MVP honors
2008 Meineke Car Care Bowl: Closed his career with another bowl victory

Each of these performances reinforced White’s reputation as a clutch performer and a leader who thrived when the pressure was greatest. His ability to rise to the occasion in postseason play is a key reason why WVU chose to retire his jersey number.

How Does Pat White Compare to Other WVU Quarterbacks?

West Virginia has produced several outstanding quarterbacks over the decades, but Pat White’s combination of longevity, wins, and statistical production places him at the top of the list. Here is a comparison of some notable WVU quarterbacks and their career achievements:

Quarterback	Years at WVU	Record as Starter	Career Total Yards	Bowl Record
Pat White	2004–2008	42-9	11,183	4-0
Major Harris	1987–1989	22-8	5,548	1-2
Will Grier	2017–2018	17-7	7,361	1-1
Jarrett Brown	2009–2010	14-12	5,710	0-1
Clint Trickett	2013–2014	12-10	5,740	0-1

As the table demonstrates, White’s 42 wins as a starter dwarf those of every other quarterback in WVU history. His four bowl victories without a single loss further separate him from the pack, reinforcing why the university decided his jersey deserved to be retired permanently.

What Does the Jersey Retirement Mean for WVU Football?

The retirement of Pat White’s No. 5 jersey serves multiple purposes for the WVU football program. It honors a deserving player, strengthens the program’s connection to its proud history, and provides a standard of excellence for current and future Mountaineers to aspire to.

For recruits and current players, the retired jersey is a constant reminder of what is possible at West Virginia. White’s story demonstrates that a player can arrive in Morgantown, develop within the program, and achieve national prominence — all while building a bond with the community that lasts well beyond playing days.

Key Takeaways

West Virginia retired Pat White’s No. 5 jersey, honoring the most successful quarterback in school history
White compiled a 42-9 record as a starter and won four consecutive bowl games, an NCAA record for a quarterback
His 11,183 total yards of offense and 4,480 rushing yards rank among the best in WVU and NCAA history
The ceremony drew a massive crowd at Milan Puskar Stadium, with former teammates and coaches in attendance
White’s legacy includes influencing the dual-threat quarterback archetype that became widespread in college football

Conclusion

West Virginia University’s decision to retire Pat White’s iconic No. 5 jersey recognizes one of the most remarkable careers in college football history. White’s 42 wins, four consecutive bowl victories, and over 11,000 total yards of offense set a standard that may never be matched in Morgantown. The ceremony at Milan Puskar Stadium brought together generations of Mountaineer fans to celebrate a player who redefined what a quarterback could accomplish. By retiring the No. 5, WVU has permanently enshrined Pat White among the all-time greats who wore the Gold and Blue, ensuring his legacy will inspire Mountaineer football players for decades to come.

The Bottom Line

The retirement of Pat White’s No. 5 jersey at West Virginia is a well-deserved tribute to a quarterback whose impact on the program is unmatched in the modern era. His record-setting career, spanning from 2004 to 2008, produced more wins, more yards, and more bowl victories than any other quarterback in school history. This historic ceremony cements his place as the standard-bearer for WVU football excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did WVU retire Pat White’s No. 5 jersey?

WVU retired Pat White’s No. 5 jersey because he is the winningest quarterback in school history with a 42-9 record as a starter. His four consecutive bowl game victories are an NCAA record for a quarterback, and his 11,183 total yards of offense set a school record. These achievements made him the most deserving candidate for the rare honor of a retired jersey number at West Virginia.

How many jersey numbers has WVU retired in football?

West Virginia has retired an extremely small number of jersey numbers in its football program, making the honor exceptionally rare. The retirement of Pat White’s No. 5 placed him in the most exclusive group of players in WVU football history, reserved only for those who brought extraordinary distinction to the university through their athletic achievements.

What are Pat White’s most notable records at WVU?

Pat White’s most notable records at WVU include his 42 career wins as a starting quarterback, his four consecutive bowl game victories, and his 11,183 career total yards of offense. He also rushed for 4,480 yards during his career, placing him among the top rushing quarterbacks in NCAA history at the time of his graduation from West Virginia.

When did Pat White play at West Virginia?

Pat White played at West Virginia University from 2004 to 2008. He redshirted during the 2003 season before becoming the starting quarterback in 2005. Over his five seasons with the Mountaineers, he compiled a 42-9 record and led WVU to three Big East Conference championships and four consecutive bowl game victories.

What was Pat White’s impact on college football?

Pat White’s impact on college football extended beyond his statistics and wins. He was a pioneer of the dual-threat quarterback role at the major conference level, showing that a quarterback could be both an elite passer and runner within a high-powered offense. His style of play influenced offensive schemes across the country and helped shape how modern college offenses utilize mobile quarterbacks.

Who are other notable WVU quarterbacks besides Pat White?

Other notable WVU quarterbacks include Major Harris, who led the Mountaineers to prominence in the late 1980s, and Will Grier, who transferred from Florida and had a productive two-year stint from 2017 to 2018. Clint Trickett and Jarrett Brown also had notable careers at WVU, but none matched White’s combination of wins, statistical production, and postseason success.

For more information on WVU football history and the Mountaineer athletics program, visit the official West Virginia University athletics website or explore our guide to college football’s most iconic jersey retirements.