By: Jonathan K. Martin | WV Sports Chat
The West Virginia Mountaineers were dealt a significant blow to their 2025 season with the news that star running back Jahiem White will miss the remainder of the year due to a knee injury sustained during a 17-10 loss to Ohio.
White, a preseason All-Big 12 selection and the team’s leading rusher in 2023 and 2024, was a cornerstone of head coach Rich Rodriguez’s run-heavy offense. His absence leaves a gaping hole in the backfield, and with the Mountaineers preparing for a critical matchup against Pittsburgh in the Backyard Brawl, the question looms: who will step up to fill the void left by White’s explosive playmaking?
White’s impact on the field was undeniable. In just two games this season, he racked up 133 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries, including a 32-yard touchdown run against Ohio before his injury. The candidates to replace White—Clay Ash, Cyncir Bowers, Tye Edwards and Diore Hubbard—now face immense pressure to keep the Mountaineers’ ground game afloat as Big 12 play approaches.
Clay Ash
Clay Ash was the first running back to see significant action after White’s injury against Ohio, but his performance was underwhelming, managing just four carries for two yards. While Ash seems to have adapted quickly in the system, his limited production in that game raises questions about his ability to handle a feature role.
Ash could develop into a reliable option, particularly as a between-the-tackles runner who can grind out tough yards, but I’m having a hard time believing he’ll be RB1 moving forward.
Cyncir Bowers
Cyncir Bowers, who’s been the third-string running back, has generated some buzz after a long touchdown run in the season opener against Robert Morris. Though he managed only one carry for no gain against Ohio, his explosiveness in limited action suggests he could bring a spark to the offense.
Bowers’ speed and playmaking instincts make him the easiest comparison to White, though he lacks the same experience and proven consistency. If Rodriguez and his staff can scheme plays to maximize Bowers’ open-field ability, he could emerge as a breakout candidate. His role is likely to expand in the coming weeks, making him a player to watch in the Backyard Brawl and beyond.
Tye Edwards
Tye Edwards, another running back expected to see increased carries, and quite frankly, is the one option Mountaineers fans are most intruiged about.
Edwards has seen limited action in just two games this season, but his eligibility battle with the NCAA but him behind.
At 6-foot-2, 225-pounds, Edwards brings a different sized frame to the backfield compared to the other options. Last season for Northern Iowa, Edwards rushed for 1,047 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry.
Diore Hubbard
I included Hubbard on the list, but he’s been quite the mystery this season. He’s a player Rich Rodriguez has mentioned several times as being impressive in both camp and practice, but has yet to play a single snap this season.
I don’t anticipate him being a candidate for a lot of playing time this week, but could be an option as the season progresses.
