MORGANTOWN, WV — In a groundbreaking announcement that has electrified college football fans across the nation, Netflix has revealed the upcoming release of its latest original sports documentary, “The Underdog”, a deeply personal and cinematic journey into the life and career of West Virginia University (WVU) football legend Pat White. Set to premiere later this fall, the film chronicles White’s improbable rise from overlooked high school prospect to one of the most dynamic and successful quarterbacks in college football history.
Produced in collaboration with ESPN Films and directed by Emmy-winner Ava Ellison, “The Underdog” promises an unfiltered, emotionally resonant story that delves far beyond the highlight reels. Featuring exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage, and personal accounts from family, teammates, coaches, and Pat White himself, the documentary seeks to redefine how the world sees not only the athlete—but the man behind the number 5 jersey.
From Daphne, Alabama to Morgantown: The Start of a Legend
Pat White’s story begins in the heart of Daphne, Alabama, where he was born into a modest but tightly-knit family. A multi-sport standout, White initially gained attention as a high school baseball prospect—so much so that the Anaheim Angels drafted him in the fourth round of the 2004 MLB Draft. Yet, defying expectations, White turned down a lucrative contract to pursue his dream of playing quarterback at the collegiate level—a position many top-tier programs were reluctant to offer him.
It was West Virginia University and then-head coach Rich Rodriguez who saw what others missed. While major SEC and ACC programs wanted White to switch to receiver or defensive back, WVU offered him a chance to be a true quarterback. That leap of faith would prove historic, setting the stage for one of the most unforgettable eras in Mountaineer football history.
The Rise: Revolutionizing College Football
Upon arriving in Morgantown, Pat White quickly proved himself. Paired with explosive running back Steve Slaton, White led one of the most electrifying offenses the NCAA had ever seen. The documentary offers unprecedented access into WVU’s locker rooms, sideline huddles, and White’s inner circle, painting a vivid picture of a leader who carried not just the ball—but the hopes of an entire state—on his shoulders.
Through four seasons, Pat White racked up over 10,000 total yards and led the Mountaineers to four consecutive bowl victories, including a seismic 48-28 Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma in 2008. That game, often heralded as one of the greatest upsets in BCS history, forms the emotional core of “The Underdog.” With key interviews from then-interim head coach Bill Stewart, teammates like Owen Schmitt and Darius Reynaud, and opponents who witnessed White’s brilliance firsthand, the documentary doesn’t just relive history—it resurrects it.
A New Face of the Dual-Threat Quarterback
In telling Pat White’s story, “The Underdog” also addresses a broader evolution in the game of football. Long before Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, or Jalen Hurts dominated with their legs and arms, there was Pat White—quietly reshaping the quarterback archetype. The film deftly explores how White’s style and success paved the way for a new era of signal-callers, blending athleticism with strategic IQ in a way the game had seldom seen.
Football analysts and legends alike weigh in throughout the film, with Kirk Herbstreit calling White, “One of the most electric and underappreciated players of the 21st century,” and NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young stating, “He had vision, speed, and composure—everything you want in a quarterback.”
Off the Field: The Man, The Mentor, The Mystery
Perhaps the most compelling parts of “The Underdog” are those off the field. The documentary peels back the layers of the public persona to reveal the quiet struggles White faced—moments of self-doubt, the pain of injuries, and the pressures of being a Black quarterback in a system that didn’t always see him as one. Family members recount the sacrifices made behind closed doors, and coaches recall the unique character that made White a locker room cornerstone.
The film also addresses White’s brief but eye-opening NFL and CFL careers, his return to coaching, and his evolving role as a mentor to young athletes. In a particularly moving sequence, White visits his old high school and speaks candidly to students about the meaning of resilience, identity, and staying true to one’s dreams.
“I didn’t win the Heisman,” White says in one emotional monologue captured in the film. “But I gave everything I had. I gave the game my soul, and I never let anyone else define what I could or couldn’t be.”
Rich Rodriguez and the Pat White Bond
The documentary dedicates significant time to exploring White’s unique relationship with former WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez, whose spread-option offense became the perfect vehicle for White’s talents. Interviews with Rodriguez show a reflective coach who still lights up when speaking of his former quarterback.
“Pat was a once-in-a-generation player,” Rodriguez shares. “He had that rare combination of humility and fire. You could tell he was built for something bigger. I’m just proud that we got to be a part of his journey.”
The two shared incredible highs and painful lows—including the moment when Rodriguez left WVU for Michigan, a decision that sent shockwaves through the Mountaineer fanbase. The film confronts that chapter head-on, offering perspectives from both sides and highlighting the maturity and grace with which White handled the transition.
Legacy Cemented in Gold and Blue
White’s impact on WVU football is immeasurable. To this day, he remains the only quarterback in NCAA history to win four consecutive bowl games as a starter. His jersey has become a staple in Mountaineer homes, and his name is spoken with reverence on game days in Morgantown.
“The Underdog” culminates with White’s emotional return to Milan Puskar Stadium, where a sold-out crowd erupts as he walks onto the field for a halftime ceremony. The camera lingers on his face—older, wiser, but still glowing with that unmistakable grit. Fans wave signs that read “Thank You, Pat,” while chants of “Let’s Go Mountaineers” echo across the hills.
In the final scenes, White reflects on his legacy—not in terms of accolades or statistics, but in the lives he touched.
“If I made one kid believe they could be more than what they were told they could be, then it was all worth it,” he says.
Reactions from the Football World
The announcement of “The Underdog” has already stirred a groundswell of emotion across social media and the college football landscape. WVU alumni, NFL players, coaches, and analysts have taken to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to express their excitement.
Former teammate Steve Slaton tweeted, “About time the world sees what we all already knew. Pat White is a legend.” Meanwhile, WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker commented, “This documentary is a celebration not just of Pat White, but of what it means to be a Mountaineer. We couldn’t be prouder.”
Even national voices have chimed in. ESPN’s Rece Davis wrote, “Pat White is the most underrated quarterback of the modern era. This film is long overdue.”
Premiere and Release Details
Netflix has announced that “The Underdog” will premiere globally on November 15, 2025, with a special red-carpet screening scheduled for Morgantown’s Metropolitan Theatre. White is expected to attend, alongside many of his former teammates and coaches.
The documentary will be available to stream in over 150 countries, with subtitles in more than 25 languages. A limited-edition Blu-ray and digital download, featuring extended interviews and bonus content, will follow in early December.
For those who lived through the magic of WVU’s golden years, and for those just discovering the legacy of Pat White, “The Underdog” offers a masterfully told story of talent, perseverance, and unshakable belief.
Final Thoughts: A Story for the Ages
“The Underdog” is more than a sports documentary—it’s a love letter to underappreciated greatness. It speaks to the dreamers, the misfits, the quiet warriors who do their talking on the field. Pat White may have never hoisted a Heisman, but his legacy, as portrayed in this film, might just outlast them all.
As Netflix prepares to share this intimate portrait with the world, one thing is clear: the story of Pat White is not just West Virginia’s story—it’s America’s. A tale of grit over glamour, heart over hype, and a hero who rewrote the rules by simply refusing to be anyone but himself.
