West Virginia retires Pat White’s No. 5 on Saturday

The No. 5 jersey will be removed from circulation at West Virginia University’s football program on Saturday, a move that has fans already planning chants, social‑media tributes and gatherings to celebrate the change. Alumni traveling from across the state say they will attend, and current students anticipate the moment the jersey is raised to the rafters, marking a tangible seal on a beloved era.

The decision follows Pat White’s record‑setting tenure as a quarterback, described by ESPN as record‑setting and by Sports Illustrated as the G.O.A.T. of WVU football. His unorthodox dual‑threat style, highlighted by 247Sports, turned the Mountaineers’ offense into a national powerhouse and earned a lasting legacy that the university chose to honor formally. His ability to both pass and run reshaped play‑calling, and the Mountaineers secured multiple bowl appearances during his tenure.

Heavy.com frames the retirement as a tribute to a legendary college career, while NBC Sports notes the ceremony will take place on Saturday, cementing the jersey’s removal from future rosters. ESPN and Sports Illustrated both spotlight White as a record‑setting quarterback, with the latter dubbing him the G.O.A.T. of WVU football. Coverage leaves open whether the university will pursue additional honors such as Hall of Fame induction or a dedicated statue, questions that will shape the next chapter of the program’s history.