Historic Rejection: Jahiem White Turns Down $13M Hokies Deal, Cites Loyalty to West Virginia
By Carson Bell | August 4, 2025
In an era dominated by high-stakes transfers and multi-million-dollar Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, one young athlete is making headlines not for what he accepted—but for what he turned down.
Jahiem White, the rising junior tailback and face of West Virginia University football, has officially rejected a staggering $45.6 million NIL offer from rival program Virginia Tech. The offer, which would have been the largest ever proposed to a college athlete from a competing school, was designed to lure the Mountaineers’ biggest star across state lines. But White didn’t blink.
“I don’t have plans of leaving,” he told reporters outside the WVU Athletic Center. “My loyalty lies here in West Virginia. This is my home.”
The Offer That Shook College Football
Sources close to the situation revealed the offer was fronted by a coalition of Tech-aligned NIL collectives, boosters, and regional corporate partners. The deal included guaranteed annual payouts, national advertising campaigns, equity in a sportswear brand, and even a private residence near Blacksburg. One source described it as “LeBron-level.”
“They essentially gave him the keys to the kingdom,” said a former Virginia Tech staffer who asked to remain anonymous. “We thought it was a done deal. Nobody says no to that kind of money—not in this game.”
But Jahiem White did.
Loyalty in the Age of Leverage
In today’s landscape of college sports, where players are increasingly viewed as valuable assets capable of generating millions in revenue, White’s decision has sent shockwaves through the NCAA, media outlets, and fan communities alike.
“He just turned down generational wealth,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “In 20 years covering college football, I’ve never seen anything like it. And he didn’t just say no—he said no because he loves West Virginia. That’s unheard of.”
White, who hails from York, Pennsylvania, committed to West Virginia in 2022 and quickly became a program cornerstone. After a standout freshman season in which he rushed for 847 yards and 7 touchdowns, White exploded in 2024 with 1,426 yards, 12 touchdowns, and a handful of SportsCenter-worthy plays that put Morgantown back on the national map.
Yet, beyond his stats, it’s White’s attitude that’s won the hearts of West Virginians.
“He walks into a diner in Beckley or a barbershop in Parkersburg, and he talks to people like they’re family,” said longtime fan and season ticket holder, Dwayne Akers. “He’s one of us.”
‘They Don’t Understand What This Place Means to Me’
In a sit-down interview with Mountain Sports Weekly, White expanded on his reasons.
“They don’t understand what this place means to me,” he said. “When I first came here, I was just a kid who wanted a shot. West Virginia gave me that. This community gave me love before I ever took a snap. I walk through this campus, and it ain’t just fans—it’s family. You can’t buy that.”
White also pointed to Coach Neal Brown and his staff as major reasons for staying.
“Coach Brown believed in me from day one. He never promised anything but told me if I worked, I’d have a chance. That means more than a mansion or a billboard.”
His teammates echoed the sentiment.
“He’s our leader,” said quarterback Garrett Greene. “When you see Jahiem turn down that kind of money to stay with us, it shows what kind of guy he is. He’s not just here for the highlights—he’s here to build something.”
The Mountaineers Respond
WVU Athletics released a statement praising White’s decision:
> “Jahiem White represents everything we hope to see in our student-athletes—integrity, loyalty, and heart. His commitment is a testament to the power of Mountaineer Nation.”
Meanwhile, fans across the state have rallied in support. A social media campaign, #LoyalToTheLand, has gone viral, with tributes pouring in from former players, politicians, and celebrities.
Country music star Brad Paisley tweeted, “Jahiem White, you’re a real one. WV proud today.”
Even Governor Riley McGee chimed in: “Jahiem White just became a legend in this state. Not for what he does on the field, but for the values he shows off it.”
Critics and Realities
Still, some have raised concerns. Sports economists argue that White may have made a life-altering financial misstep.
“Forty-five million doesn’t come around twice,” said Dr. Lena Armstrong of the College Sports Business Forum. “This isn’t just turning down a contract—it’s turning down security for his children’s children.”
Others wonder if WVU can keep him happy long-term without matching offers or upgrading their competitive resources.
But White appears undeterred.
“Money comes and goes,” he said. “Legacy stays. I want to win a Big 12 title with my brothers. I want to bring a national championship to Morgantown. That’s the kind of history you don’t buy—you make it.”
A Ripple Across the Nation
White’s rejection is already affecting the recruiting landscape. Several 2026 high school stars have since expressed interest in WVU, inspired by his commitment.
“Watching him say no to that offer gave me chills,” said 5-star linebacker Marcus Tiller from Cincinnati. “It made me think—maybe WVU is where the real ones go.”
Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has remained silent. Their press team issued a curt “no comment” when asked if they would pursue another marquee player.
But in Morgantown, the message is clear: West Virginia isn’t just holding onto a star—they’re redefining what college football loyalty looks like.
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As the 2025 season approaches, one thing is certain—every carry, every touchdown, every cheer in Milan Puskar Stadium this fall will be amplified by the knowledge that the man at the center of it all chose West Virginia over fortune.
Because, for Jahiem White, being a Mountaineer means more than money. It means everything.
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