LOYALTY OVER LUCRATIVE LURE: WVU QUARTERBACK JAHIEM WHITE REJECTS $80.5 MILLION NIL OFFER FROM ALABAMA TO STAY TRUE TO MOUNTAINEER ROOTS
In a bold and defining moment in the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, West Virginia University quarterback Jahiem White made headlines across the country by turning down an eye-popping $80.5 million NIL offer from the University of Alabama. The offer—believed to be the highest ever tendered to a college athlete—was meant to lure White to Tuscaloosa in a move that would’ve shaken the college football world. But White, just 20, had other plans: loyalty.
White, who emerged as a breakout star for the Mountaineers during the 2024 season, led WVU to a New Year’s Six bowl berth with his dual-threat ability, poise under pressure, and magnetic leadership. As schools around the country scrambled to secure quarterback talent amid NIL frenzy, Alabama came calling with the largest NIL package to date—reportedly including luxury housing, endorsements with national brands, and a multi-year brand-building deal.
But in a private team meeting that reportedly ended in a standing ovation, White told teammates and staff that no amount of money could buy the connection he had with Morgantown, the Mountaineer community, and his mission to bring a championship to WVU.
“I came here to build something, not bail out when the money got big,” White said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “This is about heart. This is about legacy.”
College football analysts are calling White’s decision a watershed moment. In an era dominated by transfer portal exits and brand-first moves, White’s stance has become a rallying cry for athletes choosing culture over cash.
As the 2025 season approaches, White isn’t just returning to WVU as a quarterback—he’s returning as a symbol. A reminder that loyalty still matters in college sports.
