30 days, 30 legends: Top 30 WVU Football players of all time

The countdown is over, and the list is finalized. We have released the top 30 WVU Football players of all time, and we have taken your feedback. It was not easy to develop the list, and we made hard decisions. Many more than 30 great football players have played in Morgantown, but not all of them can make the list. Without further ado, here is the full list. Read more: 30 days, 30 legends: Top 30 WVU Football players of all time.

No. 30: Anthony Becht

Anthony Becht was one of the most complete tight ends in WVU history. He was a weapon in both the rushing and passing games. He was a physical blocker who also made plays downfield. Becht recorded 11 touchdowns in his career and totaled 1,178 receiving yards.

The New York Jets selected Becht in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He had an 11-year NFL career, which validated what most Mountaineer fans already knew. Becht was elected to the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. He was reliable and set the standard for the position in Morgantown.

No. 29: David Sills V

David Sills V played three seasons for the Mountaineers, including his sophomore season as a quarterback at El Camino College. The quarterback-turned-wide receiver lived in the end zone during his time at WVU. He finished his career with 35 total touchdowns and led the nation with 18 receiving touchdowns in 2018.

Sills arrived at WVU as a quarterback recruit and left as one of the most prolific receivers in program history. He sits second in career receiving touchdowns. He made a huge impact in a short amount of time in Morgantown.

No. 28. Zach Frazier

Zach Frazier was the anchor of one of the most dominant offensive lines in WVU history. The Fairmont, WV, native played in 47 games over his four years with the program. He earned Second-Team All-American honors in 2021 and First-Team All-American honors in 2023. Frazier helped WVU rush for at least 140 yards in 16 consecutive games spanning from 2022 to 2023. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he has started every game of his two-year career.

No. 27: Canute Curtis

Canute Curtis was a force at linebacker during his time at WVU. He played from 1993 to 1996 and is WVU’s all-time sack leader. He finished his career with 34.5 sacks, with 16.5 in his senior season. That still stands as the most sacks in a single season by a Mountaineer. He finished with 192 tackles and 26 tackles for loss.

The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Curtis in the sixth round of the 1997 NFL Draft, and he played six years for the Cincinnati Bengals. He was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. Curtis was one of West Virginia’s most decorated defenders as a three-year starter for some of the best defensive units in the program’s history.

No. 26: Grant Wiley

Grant Wiley played four seasons at linebacker from 2000 to 2003. He immediately made an impact as a true freshman, recording 94 tackles and 14 tackles for loss. He finished his career with 492 tackles and 47.5 tackles for loss. Those were both all-time highs in the WVU record books when he finished his career. He ranks first with 288 solo tackles. He also recorded nine sacks and eight interceptions in his career, two of which were returned for a touchdown in his freshman season. Wiley was elected into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

No. 25: Dan Mozes

Dan Mozes anchored the offensive line during one of the most explosive stretches in WVU football history. The four-year starter from 2003-06 was a key piece of some of the best teams the program has ever fielded. As a senior, he won the Rimington Trophy, which is given to the nation’s best center. He became the first player in school history to win a national player-of-the-year honor. He also earned consensus All-America first team honors. Mozes was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

No. 24: Chris Henry

Chris Henry was one of the most prolific wide receivers in program history during his two seasons in Morgantown from 2003-04. He caught 93 passes for 1,878 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is one of seven players to have a 1,000-yard season with WVU, and still sits at fifth on career receiving touchdowns. His short time in Morgantown is pound-for-pound one of the best receiving stretches in school history. Henry was named 2003 Big East Rookie of the Year.

Henry declared for the NFL draft after his second season with WVU. The Cincinnati Bengals selected him 83rd overall in the third round. He played in 55 games during his NFL career, amassing 119 receptions for 1,826 yards and 21 touchdowns. Henry tragically passed away on December 17, 2009.

No. 23: Gary Stills

Gary Stills played three seasons with WVU from 1996-1998. He finished with 159 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 26 sacks. Stills is third on the all-time sack list. He was a disruptive force at linebacker wearing No. 55 for the Mountaineers. Stills was one of the most feared defenders on some of the most respected units in program history.

The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Stills 75th overall in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played 10 seasons in the NFL with the Chiefs, Ravens, and Rams. He had 174 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 10 fumble recoveries.

No. 22: Owen Schmitt

Owen Schmitt was a walk-on fullback at WVU who became known as “The Runaway Beer Truck.” He played three seasons in Morgantown from 2005-07 and led the way for some of the most prolific rushers in Mountaineer history. He also amassed 1,003 rushing yards in his career with 13 rushing touchdowns. Schmitt caught 32 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns.

He had a knack for having his best games when the lights were brightest. He ran nine times for 82 yards against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, 13 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns against Georgia Tech in the Gator Bowl, and three times for 64 yards and a touchdown against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Schmitt was drafted 163rd overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played five seasons in the NFL for the Seahawks, Eagles, and Raiders.

No. 21: Will Grier

Will Grier was one of the most electric quarterbacks in WVU history during his two seasons with WVU. He played in 2017 and 2018 after transferring from Florida. He threw for 7,354 yards, 71 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. Grier added five touchdowns on the ground. He ranks third all-time in passing yards, has the most (19) 300-yard passing games, and is second in passing touchdowns.

Grier finished fourth in the 2018 Heisman Trophy voting. The Carolina Panthers selected him in the third round in the 2019 NFL Draft. He is currently on the Carolina Panthers after stints with several teams. They signed him as a free agent following the 2025 season.

No. 20: Karl Joseph

Karl Joseph was the most feared safety in Mountaineer history. He played from 2012 to 2015, starting every game, but only played four games in his senior season due to injury. He had five interceptions in that time and was on pace for a record-breaking season. Joseph had nine interceptions, five fumble recoveries, two sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 208 solo tackles in his WVU career.

The Oakland Raiders drafted Joseph in the first round, 14th overall, of the 2016 NFL Draft. He is one of 12 WVU players selected in the first round. Joseph played four seasons with the Raiders, starting 41 games. He recorded five interceptions, five fumble recoveries, and three sacks in his six-year NFL career.

No. 19: Aaron Beasley

Aaron Beasley is arguably the greatest cornerback in WVU history. A three-year starter from 1992-95, Beasley led the nation with 10 interceptions in 1994. It still stands as the most in a single season at WVU. He was a consensus All-American in 1995 as a senior. He finished with 19 interceptions in his career, three of which were returned for a touchdown. Beasley was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected him 63rd overall in the 1996 NFL Draft. He played for them for six seasons until 2001. In 1999, he tallied six interceptions and returned two for touchdowns. Beasley finished his career with the New York Jets for two seasons, and his final year was in Atlanta.

No. 18: Amos Zereoué

Amos Zereoué took his first carry 69 yards to the house against Pitt and never looked back. Known as “Famous Amos,” he became the first player in WVU history to rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. He finished his career with 4,086 rushing yards and 42 total touchdowns. He remains tied with Pat White for the most rushing touchdowns in a single season with 18. Zereoué was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.

Zereoué was drafted 95th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played five seasons with the Steelers, one with the Raiders, and finished his career with the Patriots. He scored 11 total touchdowns and ran for 2,137 rushing yards in his career.

No. 17: Avon Cobourne

Avon Cobourne joined WVU the year after Zereoué left and immediately broke his freshman rushing record. In four seasons from 1999-2002, Cobourne became WVU’s all-time leading rusher with 5,164 yards. That record still stands today. Cobourne rushed for 1,000 yards in all four seasons in Morgantown. He also had 28 100-yard rushing games, which is most in school history. He also scored 42 touchdowns. Cobourne was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

No. 16: Pat McAfee

Pat McAfee is one of the most recognizable players the program has ever produced. He was a four-time bowl winner from 2005-2008 and set career records for points (384) and PATs made (210). He also was third in punting average (43.7 yards) and field goals made (58). McAfee was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2025.

He was drafted 222nd overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 2009 and became one of the best punters in the league. After his eight-year NFL career, his personality and entertainment value have made him a household name in sports media. He currently hosts The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN and is an analyst on College GameDay.

No. 15: Jeff Hostetler

Jeff Hostetler started his collegiate career at Penn State, but transferred to West Virginia for his final two seasons. He immediately became the leader of WVU’s 1982 and 1983 teams early in Don Nehlen’s tenure in Morgantown. Hostetler’s first game as a Mountaineer was a 41-27 victory over the No. 9-ranked Oklahoma Sooners. He threw for four touchdowns and 321 yards. He was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.

Hostetler was drafted in the third round (59th overall) of the 1984 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He played 12 years in the NFL and won Super Bowl XXV over the Buffalo Bills.

No. 14: Bruce Irvin

Bruce Irvin only played two seasons at WVU after transferring from Mt. San Antonio College, but they made them count. He finished with 23 sacks in two seasons, which still ranks fifth all-time in program history. He finished with 14 sacks in 2010, which was second-most in the nation. It is the third-most sacks in a season in WVU history. Irvin was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.

The Seattle Seahawks drafted him 15th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. He played 12 seasons in the NFL and helped the Seahawks win Super Bowl XLVIII.

No. 13: Adam “Pacman” Jones

Adam “Pacman” Jones was one of the most electrifying defensive backs and returners in college football history. He led the team with 76 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions, and seven passes defended in his final season. He was named Big East Special Teams Player of the Year in 2004. Jones racked up 1,475 kick return yards in his career, which ranks third all-time. He also added 404 punt return yards.

Jones was one of the highest drafted players to play at WVU. The Tennessee Titans drafted him sixth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft. He played 12 seasons in the NFL, finishing his career with 17 interceptions.

No. 12: Noel Devine

Noel Devine was a home-run threat every time he touched the ball. He finished his career with 4,315 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns. Those are good for third and seventh-most in school history. He finished his career as the all-time leader in all-purpose yards with 5,761, and is currently second. Devine also caught 98 passes for 710 yards and two touchdowns. He is WVU’s all-time running back receptions leader. Devine was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. He is currently the assistant running backs coach and offensive analyst with the program.

No. 11: Stedman Bailey

Stedman Bailey played three seasons in Morgantown and is the all-time leader with 41 receiving touchdowns. He also sits second all-time with 3,218 receiving yards and has 14 100-yard receiving games, which is the most all-time. Bailey also has the second-most receptions in program history with 210.

After tying the school’s single-season record with 12 receiving touchdowns in 2011, he doubled that number in 2012. He finished with 25 receiving touchdowns, which is a school record in a single season. He also had 114 receptions and 1,622 receiving yards. Bailey tied the single-season record in receptions with teammate Tavon Austin, and shattered the single-season receiving yards record. Bailey was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.

The St. Louis Rams drafted Bailey in the third round (92nd overall) in the 2013 NFL Draft. He played three seasons with the team from 2013 to 2015. Bailey caught 59 passes for 843 yards and two touchdowns. He also had one rushing touchdown and returned a punt for a 90-yard touchdown in 2014.

No. 10: Bruce Bosley

Bruce Bosley remains one of the most decorated players in WVU history, and his No. 77 is one of seven retired numbers in program history. He is also one of 13 consensus All-Americans, earning the honor in 1955. A native of Green Bank, West Virginia, he was a two-way tackle from 1952-55. He was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 1992, and into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

The San Francisco 49ers drafted Bosley in the second round (15th pick) of the 1956 NFL Draft. He played his entire rookie season at defensive end, but switched to offensive line, specifically left guard, in 1957. In 1962, he switched to center, where he played for the rest of his career. He was a four-time Pro Bowler in his 14-year career.

No. 9: Marc Bulger

Marc Bulger was a three-year starter from 1996-99 and is one of the greatest quarterbacks in Mountaineer history. He finished his career holding numerous school records, including career total offense (7,827 yards), completions, attempts, touchdown passes (59), and completion percentage. He still owns the record for most passing touchdowns (6) in the Backyard Brawl in 1998. Bulger was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

The New Orleans Saints drafted Bulger in the sixth round (168th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft. After very brief stints with the Saints and Falcons, the Rams signed Bulger to the practice squad in the 2000 season. He earned his first start in 2002 and started 95 of 96 games through the 2009 season.

No. 8: Chuck Howley

Chuck Howley was one of the best athletes to ever play at WVU. He was a two-way player, starting at guard and center on offense, and linebacker on defense from 1955-57. His No. 66 is also retired at WVU and is the only athlete in school history to letter in five sports: football, wrestling, track, gymnastics, and swimming. He was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

The Chicago Bears drafted Howley seventh overall in the 1958 NFL Draft. He retired after two seasons after suffering a knee injury, but it did not last long. He returned in 1961 after the Bears traded his rights to the Dallas Cowboys. Howley went on to become the first and only player from the losing team to win Super Bowl MVP at Super Bowl V. The Cowboys won Super Bowl VI in the following season.

Howley had 25 interceptions in his career, returning two for touchdowns. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and a five-time first-team All-Pro. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2023, and into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 1977.

No. 7: Geno Smith

Geno Smith owns many WVU career records, including passing touchdowns (98), passing yards (11,662), completions (988), attempts (1,465), and total offense (12,003). He owns many more career, season, and game records. He threw eight touchdowns against Baylor in 2012, adding 656 passing yards on 45 completions, both game records at WVU. Smith was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.

The New York Jets drafted Smith in the second round (39th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. He spent time with the Giants, Chargers, Seahawks, and Raiders before returning to the Jets before the 2026 season. He won NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2022 and is a two-time Pro Bowler.

No. 6: Steve Slaton

Steve Slaton burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2005, running for 1,128 yards and 17 touchdowns and earning Big East Rookie of the Year honors. He still owns career records for rushing touchdowns (50), total touchdowns (55), and total points by a non-kicker (330). Slaton ran for 3,923 yards in his career, including three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He added 805 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns through the air. Slaton and Pat White became the third duo in FBS history to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. Slaton also owns the single-season record for rushing yards with 1,744 yards. He earned consensus All-American honors in that 2006 season. He was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2025.

The Houston Texans drafted Slaton in the third round (89th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft. He ran for 1,282 yards and nine touchdowns in his rookie season. He played four seasons in the NFL and one season in the CFL.

No. 5: Darryl Talley

Darryl Talley is one of the most feared linebackers in program history, and his No. 90 is one of seven retired numbers at WVU. He finished his career with 484 tackles, which was the most by any player when his career ended. Talley was also a consensus All-American in 1982, his senior season. The WVU Sports Hall of Fame inducted him in 1996 and the College Football Hall of Fame followed in 2011.

The Buffalo Bills drafted Talley 39th overall in the 1983 NFL Draft. He played 12 seasons in Buffalo and never missed a game. He played in four Super Bowls and is the all-time leading tackler with 1,137. Talley became the 20th member on the Wall of Fame in Ralph Wilson Stadium in 2003.

No. 4: Tavon Austin

Tavon Austin is the most electrifying playmaker in WVU history and one of the most versatile players college football has ever seen. He remains the only player in NCAA history to score a touchdown four different ways in a single season (reception, rush, kick return, punt return). He is WVU’s career leader in all-purpose yards, with 7,286 yards. Austin is also the career leader with 3,413 receiving yards and 288 receptions. He was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.

The St. Louis Rams drafted Austin 8th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. He played five seasons with the Rams and nine years total in the league. He had 29 total touchdowns (16 receiving, 10 rushing, three punt returns).

No. 3: Sam Huff

Sam Huff started his career at guard and moved to tackle for his final two seasons. He helped lead the Mountaineers to a 31-7 record and a Sugar Bowl appearance over his four years. He was a four-year letterwinner and helped form one of the best offensive lines WVU has ever seen. Huff was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 1991 and into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980. His No. 75 was retired in 2005.

The New York Giants drafted Huff in the third round of the 1956 NFL Draft. He switched to middle linebacker and became one of the most feared linebackers the game has ever seen. Huff was a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-team All-Pro. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

No. 2: Major Harris

Major Harris was the most electric quarterback of his era and redefined the quarterback position. The ultimate dual-threat playmaker, who made defenses look foolish before the term “dual-threat” was common language in college football. He led WVU to its first-ever undefeated regular season and to the Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame for the national championship. He became the first player in NCAA history to rush for more than 2,000 and pass for more than 5,000 in a career. Harris was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 and into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009. His No. 9 was retired in 2021.

The Los Angeles Raiders drafted Harris in the 12th round of the 1990 NFL Draft, but decided to sign with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. He also spent time in the Arena Football League and Professional Spring Football League before retiring in 2003.

No. 1: Pat White

Pat White is the greatest player in WVU history and the record that proves it can never be broken. He is the only quarterback in college football history to start and win four bowl games, all of them BCS bowls. He was also named MVP in all four of those appearances. WVU finished 35-8 with White as the starting quarterback. He is second all-time in WVU history with 4,480 rushing yards, 47 rushing touchdowns, and 10,529 total yards. He was a two-time Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 2006 and 2007. White was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2018, and his No. 5 is set to be retired in the 2026 football season.

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Trent Conner

Trent Conner is a skilled writer with years of experience covering various sports. Based in West Virginia, he provides insightful analysis and expert predictions, with a focus on West Virginia University athletics. Trent stays on top of the latest trends and is passionate about delivering engaging and informative sports content.

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