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WVU Retires Pat White’s Record-Setting No. 5 Jersey

6/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

West Virginia University announced on June 5, 2026 that Pat White’s No. 5 will be retired at a game, Vice President Wren Baker said.
White set 19 records, among them 4,480 rushing yards, 10,529 total offense yards and a 35-8 (.814) record with four bowl wins.
The Athletic Council’s unanimous approval of updated retirement criteria made White’s No. 5 the seventh retired jersey, joining Harris (9), Rodgers (21) and Howley (66).

History

Historical Context

In 1990 the University of Texas retired running back Earl Campbell’s No. 20 jersey, joining five other Longhorn numbers honored for Hall-of-Fame-level careers. The move reflects a broader college-football practice of immortalizing star athletes, a tradition Texas has maintained as it entered the SEC in 2024 after decades of success including four national titles.

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Story summary

West Virginia University announced on June 5, 2026 that Pat White’s No. 5 will be retired at a game, Vice President Wren Baker said.
White set 19 records, among them 4,480 rushing yards, 10,529 total offense yards and a 35-8 (.814) record with four bowl wins.
The Athletic Council’s unanimous approval of updated retirement criteria made White’s No. 5 the seventh retired jersey, joining Harris (9), Rodgers (21) and Howley (66).

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