All Time Mountaineers

West Virginia University’s football program has a rich history dating back to 1891, marked by thrilling moments, standout performances, and a legacy of players who have left an indelible mark on Mountaineer lore. With 15 conference championships and the most victories of any NCAA FBS program never to win a national title, the Mountaineers have produced exceptional talent, including 11 consensus All-Americans and six Heisman Trophy candidates. This article explores the best West Virginia football players of all time, celebrating their contributions to the program and their lasting impact on college football.

Bruce Irvin (Defensive End, 2010-2011)

Bruce Irvin’s two-year WVU career was a whirlwind of disruption. After transferring from junior college, he recorded 22.5 sacks—fifth in program history—in just 26 games. His 14-sack season in 2010 ranks third in WVU annals, and his relentless pressure forced offenses to adjust constantly. Irvin’s speed and length off the edge made him a fan favorite, with “Bruuuuuuce” chants echoing through Milan Puskar Stadium. A first-round NFL pick in 2012, Irvin’s brief but dominant tenure places him among the Mountaineers’ top defensive stars.

Tavon Austin (Wide Receiver/Return Specialist, 2009-2012)

Tavon Austin was a human highlight reel whose speed and agility made him one of the most explosive players in college football history. Playing under Dana Holgorsen’s air-raid offense, Austin rewrote the WVU record books, finishing with 288 receptions for 3,413 yards—both program records—and 7,286 all-purpose yards, over 1,500 more than the next closest Mountaineer. His 2012 season was a masterpiece: 114 catches for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns, plus a school-record 344 rushing yards in a single game against Oklahoma. Austin’s knack for the spectacular extended to special teams, where he returned kicks and punts with game-changing flair, including four touchdown catches in the 2012 Orange Bowl rout of Clemson. A two-time All-American, Austin’s versatility and big-play ability cement his status as a Mountaineer legend.

Major Harris (Quarterback, 1987-1989)

Major Harris was a trailblazer, becoming the first college quarterback to surpass 7,000 passing yards and 2,000 rushing yards in a career. From 1987 to 1989, he dazzled fans with his elusive running and powerful arm, leading WVU to an undefeated 11-0 regular season in 1988 and a national championship game appearance against Notre Dame. Though an injury hampered him in the Fiesta Bowl loss, Harris’ impact was undeniable. He finished with 7,334 total yards (5,002 passing, 2,332 rushing) and 48 total touchdowns. His signature moment came against Penn State in 1988, when he faked out the entire defense on a broken play for a memorable touchdown run. A two-time Heisman finalist (fifth in 1988, third in 1989), Harris’ No. 9 jersey is retired, a testament to his pioneering legacy.

Sam Huff (Guard/Tackle/Linebacker, 1952-1955)

Sam Huff’s toughness and tenacity made him a cornerstone of WVU’s success in the 1950s. Playing both guard and tackle, Huff helped the Mountaineers to a 31-7 record over four seasons, including a 1954 Sugar Bowl berth. His relentless pursuit of the ball earned him All-American honors in 1955, and he captained both the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game that year. Huff’s college career laid the foundation for a Hall of Fame NFL tenure as a linebacker with the New York Giants and Washington Redskins, where his No. 75—retired by WVU—became synonymous with defensive excellence. His legacy transcends eras, embodying the Mountaineer mindset.

Darryl Talley (Linebacker, 1979-1982)

Darryl Talley was the heart of WVU’s defense in the early 1980s, finishing his career as the program’s all-time leader in tackles with 484. From 1979 to 1982, his relentless energy produced 19 sacks and five interceptions, showcasing his versatility. Talley’s defining moment came in the 1981 Peach Bowl, where his defensive leadership secured a win over Florida. A consensus All-American in 1982, he brought intensity and grit to every play, earning a reputation as one of the toughest players in Mountaineer history. Talley’s success continued in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, but his WVU tenure remains a benchmark for defensive greatness.

Avon Cobourne (Running Back, 1999-2002)

Avon Cobourne’s consistency and durability made him one of WVU’s most reliable offensive weapons. From 1999 to 2002, he racked up 5,164 rushing yards—second only to Slaton in program history—and 42 touchdowns. Cobourne’s bruising style shone in 2002, when he ran for 1,744 yards and earned first-team All-Big East honors. His ability to churn out yards game after game helped WVU to four straight winning seasons, including a Music City Bowl win in 2000. Cobourne’s workmanlike approach and record-setting production rank him among the Mountaineers’ all-time great rushers.

Jeff Hostetler (Quarterback, 1982-1983)

Jeff Hostetler’s two-year stint at WVU was brief but brilliant. Transferring in 1982, he threw for 4,251 yards and led the Mountaineers to a 18-6 record. His debut against No. 9 Oklahoma saw him toss four touchdowns in a 41-27 upset, and he capped his career with a come-from-behind win over Kentucky in the 1983 Hall of Fame Bowl. Under coach Don Nehlen, Hostetler elevated WVU to a No. 4 national ranking in 1983—the program’s first top-five finish in nearly 30 years. His poise and arm strength foreshadowed a successful NFL career, including two Super Bowl titles with the Giants.

Geno Smith (Quarterback, 2009-2012)

Geno Smith’s passing prowess rewrote WVU’s aerial records. From 2009 to 2012, he threw for 11,662 yards and 98 touchdowns, both program highs. His 2012 season was a statistical marvel: 4,205 yards, 42 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, highlighted by a 70-33 Orange Bowl thrashing of Clemson, where he threw six scores. Smith’s precision and ability to exploit Holgorsen’s spread attack made him a nightmare for defenses. Though his Heisman bid faded late in 2012, his legacy as WVU’s most prolific passer endures.

Pat White (Quarterback, 2005-2008)

Few players embody the spirit of West Virginia football like Pat White. A dynamic dual-threat quarterback, White redefined the position with his electrifying playmaking ability. From 2005 to 2008, he led the Mountaineers to a 35-8 record as a starter, including four consecutive bowl victories—a feat unmatched by any other quarterback in NCAA history. White’s versatility shone in Rich Rodriguez’s spread-option offense, where he amassed 4,480 rushing yards—the second-most by a quarterback in FBS history—and 6,049 passing yards. His 103 total touchdowns (56 passing, 47 rushing) rank him atop the Mountaineers’ all-time list for total offense with 10,529 yards. Highlights include a 200-yard rushing performance against Pitt in 2006 and leading WVU to BCS wins in the 2006 Sugar Bowl and 2008 Fiesta Bowl. White’s No. 5 jersey remains an unofficial symbol of excellence, with many fans advocating for its retirement.

Steve Slaton (Running Back, 2005-2007)

Steve Slaton burst onto the scene as part of WVU’s golden era under Rodriguez, forming a lethal backfield tandem with White. From 2005 to 2007, Slaton’s breakaway speed and vision produced 4,068 rushing yards—third in program history—and 50 rushing touchdowns, a WVU record. His 2006 season was iconic: 1,744 yards and 19 total scores, earning him first-team All-American honors. Slaton’s ability to turn any carry into a highlight was evident in games like the 2007 Backyard Brawl, where he ran for 215 yards to upset Pitt and preserve WVU’s national title hopes. His 2,104 all-purpose yards in 2006 remain a single-season school record, solidifying his place among the Mountaineers’ elite rushers.

Honorable Mentions

• Stedman Bailey (Wide Receiver, 2010-2012): 25 touchdown catches, second all-time at WVU.

• Noel Devine (Running Back, 2007-2010): 4,315 rushing yards, third in program history.

• Aaron Beasley (Cornerback, 1992-1995): 20 career interceptions, a WVU record.

Conclusion

These players represent the pinnacle of West Virginia football, blending skill, heart, and unforgettable moments. From White’s dual-threat dominance to Austin’s explosive versatility, Harris’ pioneering flair to Huff’s timeless grit, each brought something unique to Morgantown. Their records, accolades, and legacies continue to inspire Mountaineer fans, ensuring their names echo through the hills of West Virginia for generations to come. As the program marches forward under new old, head coach Rich Rod, these icons remain the gold standard of Mountaineer greatness.