The West Virginia Mountaineers will have to adjust the running back room accordingly. SMU transfer and projected second-string back, Jaylan Knighton, is no longer on the roster website. Read more: Jaylan Knighton Off the WVU Football Roster
What We Know
News broke this morning that Jaylan Knighton was no longer featured on the online football roster. There had been rumblings of his removal surrounding the program for several days, but it seems to be official.
WVU Head Coach Rich Rodriguez mentioned earlier this summer that the back was ineligible, but with no further context. Rodriguez responded in Wednesday’s press conference, confirming that is was due to an academic situation.
“We don’t expect to have him [Knighton]… It came as quite a surprise.”
A Huge Loss
The SMU transfer was a surefire pick to be the go-to guy in the RB room, behind Jahiem White. Knighton has racked up 2,610 total yards and 22 total touchdowns thus far in his collegiate career.
Knighton was going to be returning from a season-ending knee injury he suffered in 2024. In his final year with the Mustangs, he only played in two games before being forcefully sidelined.
Not only is Knighton a proven player, but he was slated to carry a large load in Morgantown. Standing at 5’10, and weighing 185 pounds, Knighton is a shifty speedster. The Lauderhill, Florida, native would have made for a perfect pairing alongside Jahiem White.
This removal comes at a truly inconvenient time for the Mountaineers. The regular season is just over two weeks away, and someone will need to step up.
There have been talks of bringing in the likes of Andre Devine, though he’s not yet on the roster. Regardless of who joins the squad, there’s a slot open in the running back department.
Related: WVU Men’s Basketball Set to Compete in the Cleveland Hoops Showdown
What to Expect
With Knighton off the roster, questions arise. The time is now for a lower-string running back to work up the ladder. But, there is still a chance someone will join the roster to take the spot immediately.
Only time will tell if coaches will open up on the situation further. At this time, the only information available is that Knighton will not return to the program because of one class. Luckily, Wednesday’s practice featured a healthful running back room in Knighton’s absence.
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