Morgantown, WV — In a jaw-dropping development that has set Mountaineer Nation ablaze, former West Virginia offensive lineman James Gmiter has officially announced his return to WVU Football—and he’s not coming back quietly.
Gmiter, a cornerstone of WVU’s offensive line from 2019 to 2022, revealed his comeback with a pointed message to former WVU coach and current Jacksonville State head coach Rich Rodriguez:
> “We’re taking back the Black Diamond Trophy—again. It’s time to finish what we started.”
The announcement comes ahead of the much-anticipated Black Diamond Trophy rivalry game against Virginia Tech, and Gmiter’s return is being hailed as a potential game-changer.
Mountaineer fans are buzzing. Social media exploded within minutes of the news, with hashtags like #GmiterReturns and #BlackDiamondRevenge trending across the region.
WVU last claimed the trophy in 2022 in a gritty win, snapping a losing streak against the Hokies. Now, with Gmiter’s experience, toughness, and leadership back in the locker room, hopes are sky-high for a repeat—and a statement season under head coach Neal Brown.
A Second Shot at Glory
While details around Gmiter’s eligibility and role are still emerging, his return signals a renewed fire in the WVU locker room. Known for his grit and tenacity, Gmiter is expected to bring both physical dominance and a veteran presence to a team hungry for redemption.
The Rivalry Burns Hotter Than Ever
The Black Diamond Trophy symbolizes more than just a win—it’s pride, tradition, and bragging rights across the Appalachians. And now, with Gmiter back in the mix, the stakes just got even higher.
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One Thing’s Clear:
James Gmiter didn’t come back to play it safe. He came back to make history.
Stay tuned. The Black Diamond battle just got personal.
