West Virginia’s trip to Peden Stadium brought more bad fortune outside of a 17-10 loss to Ohio that marked the Mountaineers’ first setback to a Group of 5 opponent in 17 years.
Rich Rodriguez announced on his weekly radio show Monday the team’s worst fears were realized and both tailback Jahiem White and wideout Jaden Brady will miss what remains of the 2025 season.
“You feel bad for the guys because they’ve worked so hard to play these games and in one play, your season can be over,” Rodriguez said. “But we have great medical people here. Obviously, our trainers and our connection with the university hospital is unbelievable. Our guys are getting the best care in the country. I truly believe that.“
White suffered a knee injury during the second quarter of Saturday’s loss to the Bobcats after rushing for a 32-yard touchdown in the opening period.
On the first play of WVU’s second-to-last series in the first half, White received a handoff, ran to his left and was brought down by the Bobcats’ Jalen Thomeson, who was assessed separate penalties for a face mask and horse collar tackle on the play.
White, who was dragged down from behind, had to be helped up from the playing surface and was unable to apply weight to his left leg. After a trip to the medical tent on West Virginia’s sideline, the junior from York, Pa., was ultimately taken off the field on a cart and did not return.
“I don’t think the guy intentionally did that,” Rodriguez said, “but that’s the reason why that penalty is enforced there because of the danger it has.”
West Virginia’s leading rusher in 2023 and 2024, White chose to stick with the Mountaineers through a head coaching change that saw Rodriguez replace Neal Brown last December.
He rushed for 842 yards and four touchdowns on 7.7 yards per carry as a true freshman two seasons ago, then followed it up with 845 yards and seven rushing scores as a sophomore a year ago.
White, who has 27 receptions and three receiving TDs in his career, will finish this season with 133 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries over five-plus quarters.
“He’s having surgery. It was going to be today, but I think it’s going to be in the next couple days, so he’ll be out for the season,” Rodriguez said. “I feel bad because he’s worked really hard. A great player and he has a great enthusiasm about him.“
White’s absence adds to the woes of a backfield already lacking depth. All but eight of West Virginia’s 72 rushing yards at OU came in the first quarter.
Bray, a redshirt senior, was in his second season at WVU after transferring from Oklahoma State. He made a 45-yard reception on the first drive of the second half that led to a field goal and caught four passes for 69 yards Saturday before exiting with an apparent foot injury.
Unlike White, Bray made it to the sideline under his own power, though he was later taken off the field on a cart.
Bray was limited to five games last season as a result of a foot injury that has now resurfaced.
“Jaden Bray, who was really playing well, has the same injury he had with his foot a year ago,” Rodriguez said. “He has to have surgery and fix that again. That’s two guys that were starting for us on offense. It’s going to be an opportunity for somebody else to step up and kind of seize the opportunity.”
Bray caught two passes for 88 yards in 2024 and was expected to assume a more featured role. Bray had seven receptions for 95 yards through the first two games this season.
From 2021-23, Bray caught 48 passes for 686 yards and four touchdowns while playing for the Cowboys.
WVU also lost starting linebacker Reid Carrico to injury on the opening series Saturday. Carrico returned to the sideline in street clothes and did not return to action against the Bobcats.
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Kickoff for West Virginia’s September 20 contest at Kansas is set for 6 p.m. The Big 12 Conference opener for both teams will air on FS1.
The Jayhawks (2-1) are off this week after suffering their first loss this season Saturday against Missouri in the Border War, 42-31.