West Virginia’s Jahiem White Earns Prestigious Dark Horse Award, Cementing Preseason Hype Ahead of 2025 Campaign
MORGANTOWN, WV — With the 2025 college football season fast approaching, one name continues to rise above the preseason noise: Jahiem White, West Virginia’s explosive running back, has officially been named the recipient of the prestigious Dark Horse Award, a national honor reserved for the most promising under-the-radar talent poised to break out in the upcoming season.
The recognition adds fuel to the already surging hype surrounding White, who turned heads during the 2024 season with his electric performances. Despite flying under the national radar for much of the year, White quietly compiled 1,237 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns, and nearly 500 yards after contact, making him one of the most efficient and dynamic backs in the Big 12.
The Dark Horse Award, created to spotlight players overlooked by early Heisman and All-American lists, has gained increasing prestige over the past decade. Past winners have included future NFL standouts and Heisman finalists who turned preseason buzz into postseason dominance. White now joins that elite company, and expectations are higher than ever.
“This isn’t just hype — this is earned,” said WVU head coach Neal Brown. “Jahiem is one of the most complete backs I’ve ever coached. He’s got vision, balance, burst, and a chip on his shoulder. And he’s not afraid of the moment.”
Scouts and analysts have been vocal in recent months about White’s potential to rise into early-round NFL Draft conversations if he continues his current trajectory. His combination of elite top-end speed, low center of gravity, and natural pass-catching ability gives him the versatility NFL teams crave in today’s hybrid offensive schemes.
Off the field, White has become a quiet leader in the Mountaineers’ locker room, known for his tireless work ethic and relentless drive to improve. “He’s first in, last out,” said WVU strength coach Mike Joseph. “His offseason work was insane. He put on seven pounds of muscle without losing a step. That tells you everything you need to know.”
Heading into the 2025 season, WVU is viewed as a potential dark horse contender in the expanded 16-team College Football Playoff format, and much of that optimism rests on the shoulders — and legs — of No. 9. White is expected to be the focal point of an offense that returns key pieces on the line and adds more vertical threats to spread the field.
Fans are already circling early-season matchups against Penn State and Texas as opportunities for White to showcase his skills on a national stage.
“He’s ready,” Brown said simply. “And now, the country is starting to take notice.”
The Dark Horse Award may be symbolic, but for Jahiem White, it’s more than a title — it’s validation. And with August practices underway, one thing is clear: the storm is coming, and it’s wearing Old Gold and Blue.
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