Jaden Bray is set to wear Pat White’s famous No. 5 jersey for West Virginia this season, a symbolic gesture that underscores the deep respect the current quarterback has for the program’s history.
Honoring Pat White
Pat White’s number will be retired after the season‑opening game against Coastal Carolina, a ceremony that will mark the end of an era; the number joins six other retired jerseys in Mountaineer football history.
White, who once led the Mountaineers to four bowl victories — including two that are still celebrated as among the greatest in school history — is now an assistant quarterbacks coach under Rich Rodriguez, continuing to shape the program from the sidelines.
A season of redemption
Bray has studied highlight reels of White’s performances and acknowledges the profound impact the former star has had on the university and the state, describing the honor of being the last player to wear the number as a personal responsibility.
Despite a series of injuries that have limited his playing time, Bray is determined to finish the regular season healthy, positioning himself for the final game against Utah and for the opportunities that lie ahead.
The upcoming matchup against Utah will serve as a litmus test for Bray’s readiness, as he looks to demonstrate that he can carry forward the legacy of a player whose influence still resonates across the campus and the broader community.