College Football Rankings - AP Top 25 - Updated: Aug 24, 2024
RK
TEAM (VOTES)
RECORD
1
Georgia (35)
0-0
2
Ohio State (26)
0-0
3
Texas (1)
0-0
4
Oregon
0-0
5
Ole Miss
0-0
6
Alabama
0-0
7
Penn State
0-0
8
Notre Dame
0-0
9
Michigan
0-0
10
Missouri
0-0
11
Florida State
0-0
12
Utah
0-0
13
LSU
0-0
14
Oklahoma
0-0
15
Tennessee
0-0
16
LSU
0-0
17
Clemson
0-0
18
Oklahoma State
0-0
19
Kansas State
0-0
20
Louisville
0-0
21
Kansas
0-0
22
NC State
0-0
23
Miami
0-0
24
Texas A&M
0-0
25
USC
0-0
2024 West Virginia Mountaineers Offensive Roster
#
NAME (OVERALL RATING)
POS
HT
WT
CLASS
HOMETOWN
6
Garrett Greene (88)
QB
5'11"
201
Sr
Tallahassee, FL
8
Nicco Marchio (78)
QB
6'1"
223
RSo
Chandler, AZ
18
Ryder Burton (73)
QB
6'2"
205
RFr
Springville, UT
17
Khalil Wilkins (67)
QB
6'3"
190
Fr
Upper Marlboro, MD
15
Scott Kean (59)
QB
6'2"
203
RSo
Weston, FL
4
CJ Donaldson Jr. (84)
HB
6'2"
238
Jr
Miami, FL
22
Jahiem White (84)
HB
5'7"
195
So
York, PA
26
Trae'von Dunbar (67)
HB
5'10"
205
Fr
Graniteville, SC
43
Colin McBee (74)
FB
6'0"
239
RSo
Morgantown, WV
84
Hudson Clement (82)
WR
6'1"
198
RSo
Martinsburg, WV
3
Justin Robinson (80)
WR
6'4"
220
Sr
McDonough, GA
5
Jaden Bray (78)
WR
6'2"
205
RJr
Norman, OK
7
Traylon Ray (77)
WR
6'1"
195
So
Tallahassee, FL
29
Preston Fox (77)
WR
5'10"
191
RJr
Morgantown, WV
2
Rodney Gallagher III (73)
WR
5'10"
178
So
Uniontown, PA
10
Jarel Williams (71)
WR
6'2"
204
RSo
Saraland, AL
19
Ric'Darious Farmer (68)
WR
5'11"
160
Fr
Melbourne, FL
25
Keyshawn Robinson (66)
WR
5'11"
175
Fr
Shenandoah Junction, WV
83
CJ Cole (58)
WR
6'4"
206
RJr
Washington, PA
87
Kole Taylor (83)
TE
6'7"
255
Sr
Grand Junction, CO
81
Treylan Davis (79)
TE
6'3"
265
RJr
Jackson, OH
89
Garrett Morton (72)
TE
6'6"
260
So
Huntington, WV
86
Will Dixon (70)
TE
6'5"
244
RSo
Hillsborough, NJ
80
TJ Johnson (70)
TE
6'3"
223
RFr
Chesapeake, VA
88
Jack Sammarco (67)
TE
6'5"
238
Fr
Cincinnati, OH
43
Austin Brinkman (59)
TE
6'4"
241
Sr
Bel Air, MD
74
Wyatt Milum (90)
LT
6'6"
317
Sr
Kenova, WV
60
Johnny Williams IV (70)
LT
6'7"
315
RFr
Macon, GA
70
Lucas Austin (68)
LT
6'7"
265
Fr
Sterling, IL
55
Tomas Rimac (85)
LG
6'6"
318
RJr
Brunswick, OH
56
Sullivan Weidman (75)
LG
6'5"
318
RSo
Franklin, MA
63
Bryce Biggs (69)
LG
6'4"
305
RJr
Ashland, KY
50
Brandon Yates (81)
C
6'4"
310
RSr
Middletown, DE
67
Landen Livingston (76)
C
6'4"
295
RSo
Leo, IN
59
Kyle Altuner (70)
C
6'3"
290
Fr
Olney, MD
66
Ja'Quay Hubbard (83)
RG
6'5"
322
RSr
Hermitage, PA
71
Maurice Hamilton (74)
RG
6'3"
340
RSo
Cleveland, OH
64
Cooper Young (69)
RG
6'5"
319
RFr
Downington, PA
78
Xavier Bausley (76)
RT
6'4"
308
RSo
Dunbar, WV
58
Nick Malone (75)
RT
6'5"
298
RSr
Morgantown, WV
52
Nick Krahe (52)
RT
6'6"
304
RFr
Erie, PA
2024 West Virginia Mountaineers Defensive Roster
#
NAME (OVERALL RATING)
POS
HT
WT
CLASS
HOMETOWN
5
Sean Martin (81)
LE
6'5"
295
Sr
Bluefield, WV
11
T.J. Jackson (77)
LE
6'1"
282
Sr
Millbrook, AL
95
Zachariah Keith (73)
LE
6'6"
265
RFr
Atlanta, GA
38
Makai Byerson (68)
LE
6'4"
235
Fr
Midlothian, VA
97
Elijah Kinsler (66)
LE
6'3"
260
Fr
Oradell, NJ
8
Tyrin Bradley (79)
RE
6'2"
255
Sr
Lubbock, TX
47
Ty French (78)
RE
6'1"
225
Sr
Moultrie, GA
45
Taurus Simmons (76)
RE
6'2"
250
Sr
Savannah, GA
31
Obinna Onwuka (69)
RE
6'4"
233
Fr
Upper Marlboro, MD
54
Fatorma Mulbah (82)
DT
6'4"
306
RSr
Harrisburg, PA
96
Edward Vesterinen (78)
DT
6'3"
285
Sr
Helsinki, Finland
99
Hammond Russell IV (73)
DT
6'3"
308
RJr
Dublin, OH
92
Asani Redwood (72)
DT
6'3"
290
RSo
Suwanee, GA
53
Markeese Moore (68)
DT
6'3"
307
Fr
Chantilly, VA
69
Nate Gabriel (66)
DT
6'3"
315
Fr
Auburndale, FL
48
Rickey Williams (68)
LOLB
6'2"
215
Fr
Akron, OH
15
Ben Cutter (74)
MLB
6'0"
225
So
Denver, NC
40
Josiah Trotter (73)
MLB
6'2"
238
RFr
Philadelphia, PA
36
Caden Biser (72)
MLB
6'0"
232
RJr
Keyser, WV
4
Trey Lathan (81)
ROLB
6'1"
226
RSo
Goulds, FL
35
Reid Carrico (77)
ROLB
6'2"
232
RJr
Ironton, OH
33
Jairo Faverus (69)
ROLB
6'0"
224
RJr
Amsterdam, Netherlands
7
Kekoura Tarnue (81)
CB
6'1"
195
Sr
Monrovia, Liberia
20
Ayden Garnes (80)
CB
6'0"
175
RJr
Philadelphia, PA
6
Jacolby Spells (79)
CB
5'11"
186
Jr
Fort Lauderdale, FL
23
TJ Crandall (79)
CB
6'0"
181
So
Sammamish, WA
5
Dontez Fagan (75)
CB
6'0"
175
Jr
Ardmore, OK
25
Jordan Jackson (73)
CB
5'11"
183
RFr
Fairfield, OH
1
Garnett Hollis Jr. (72)
CB
6'1"
201
RSr
Nashville, TN
46
Keon Wingate (67)
CB
5'9"
174
Fr
Huntington, WV
18
Israel Boyce (67)
CB
5'11"
190
Fr
Douglasville, GA
2
Aubrey Burks (87)
FS
5'11"
209
Sr
Oakridge, FL
3
Jaheem Joseph (75)
FS
5'10"
190
Jr
Miami, FL
22
Josiah Jackson (73)
FS
6'0"
190
RFr
Fairfield, OH
39
Jason Cross (69)
FS
6'2"
165
Fr
Pittsburgh, PA
12
Anthony Wilson (79)
SS
5'9"
199
RSr
Columbia, SC
32
Raleigh Collins III (74)
SS
6'3"
208
RSo
Newark, DE
34
Avery Wilcox
SS
6'0"
207
RJr
Fort Mill, SC
17
Zae Jennings (69)
SS
6'0"
185
Fr
Cincinnati, OH
28
Aden Tagaloa-Nelson (65)
SS
6'1"
200
RFr
Lexington, KY
2024 West Virginia Mountaineers Special Teams Roster
#
NAME (OVERALL RATING)
POS
HT
WT
CLASS
HOMETOWN
22
Michael Hayes (77)
K
5'9"
185
RSr
Florence, SC
42
RJ Kocan (61)
K
5'10"
236
RSo
West Islip, NY
41
Oliver Straw (80)
P
6'2"
210
Jr
Melbourne, Australia
West Virginia Mountaineers 2024 Schedule
DATE
OPPONENT
RESULT
Aug 31
vs #7 Penn State
Sep 7
vs Albany
Sep 14
at Pittsburgh
Sep 21
vs #21 Kansas
Oct 5
at #18 Oklahoma State
Oct 12
vs Iowa State
Oct 19
vs #19 Kansas State
Oct 26
at #16 Arizona
Nov 9
at Cincinnati
Nov 16
vs Baylor
Nov 23
vs UCF
Nov 30
at Texas Tech
Season Outlook
The 2024 season is set to be a defining one for the West Virginia Mountaineers. Coming off an impressive 9-4 campaign and bowl win, and with a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, head coach Neal Brown is poised to lead this team through a challenging schedule and into the national spotlight.
Offense
Quarterbacks
Leading the charge for the Mountaineers is senior quarterback Garrett Greene. Greene, a dynamic and versatile player, brings experience and a dual-threat capability that will keep defenses on their toes. Backing him up is redshirt sophomore Nicco Marchiol, who has shown glimpses of his potential and is ready to step in if needed.
Running Backs
The backfield duo of CJ Donaldson Jr. and Jahiem White promises to be a formidable force. Donaldson Jr., a bruising runner with the ability to break tackles and gain tough yards, will be complemented by the explosive speed and agility of White, who emerged as a key playmaker last season.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
At receiver, the Mountaineers are anchored by Hudson Clement and Justin Robinson. Clement, with his reliable hands and route-running precision, is set to be Greene's go-to target, while Robinson’s size and athleticism make him a deep threat. Tight end Kole Taylor will provide a big target over the middle, crucial for both blocking schemes and the passing game.
Offensive Line
The offensive line is anchored by senior left tackle Wyatt Milum, whose protection of Greene's blindside will be pivotal. The line's experience and cohesion, featuring standout performers like Tomas Rimac at guard and Brandon Yates at center, will be key in both pass protection and opening up lanes for the running backs.
Defense
Defensive Line
The defensive front is highlighted by the presence of Sean Martin and Tyrin Bradley on the ends. Martin’s ability to disrupt the backfield and Bradley’s consistent pressure off the edge will be crucial in setting the tone. Inside, Fatorma Mulbah provides a strong presence at defensive tackle, clogging up running lanes and collapsing the pocket.
Linebackers
At linebacker, Trey Lathan and Reid Carrico lead the charge. Lathan’s athleticism and ability to cover ground make him a playmaker, while Carrico’s football IQ and tackling prowess are vital for the defense's success.
Secondary
The secondary is anchored by senior free safety Aubrey Burks, whose leadership and ball-hawking skills are indispensable. Cornerbacks Kekoura Tarnue and Ayden Garnes provide solid coverage and physicality, while strong safety Anthony Wilson rounds out the group with his ability to step up in run support and cover tight ends and slot receivers.
Special Teams
On special teams, punter Oliver Straw, known for his strong leg and precision, will be a key asset in flipping field position. Kicker Michael Hayes will be relied upon for consistency in scoring opportunities, particularly in close games.
Schedule Overview
The Mountaineers' 2024 schedule is a gauntlet that will test their mettle from the outset. They kick off the season against the #7 Penn State Nittany Lions, a game that will provide an early measure of where this team stands. Key matchups include home games against #21 Kansas and #19 Kansas State, as well as tough road tests at #18 Oklahoma State and #16 Arizona. The third game of the season, at Pittsburgh, will also be a big one as the Mountaineers hope to win their second in a row over hated Pitt.
Final Thoughts
This season holds significant promise for the Mountaineers. With a balanced team of experienced leaders like Garrett Greene and emerging stars like Jahiem White, West Virginia is well-positioned to compete in the Big 12. The key will be staying healthy and executing consistently against a very formidable schedule. If the Mountaineers can rise to the occasion, competing for a conference title and maybe even a playoff berth is not out of the cards. But if they falter, with their grueling schedule even a bowl appearance could slip away.
No. 7 Penn State Rallies Late to Edge West Virginia, 23-17
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia couldn't hold a 10-point fourth-quarter lead as No. 7 Penn State stormed back for a 23-17 victory in the season opener on Saturday at Mountaineer Field.
The Mountaineers (0-1) appeared poised for a statement win under head coach Neal Brown, taking a 17-7 lead early in the fourth quarter after Garrett Greene connected with Jaden Bray on a 5-yard touchdown pass. The touchdown followed a 14-yard scoring strike from Greene to Justin Robinson in the third quarter, giving West Virginia momentum as the game entered its final stages.
However, the Nittany Lions (1-0) responded with a surge, sparked by a 4-yard touchdown pass from Drew Allar to Harrison Wallace III with just under seven minutes remaining. Less than a minute later, Nicholas Singleton broke loose for a 21-yard touchdown run, giving Penn State a 21-17 advantage after Garrett Greene had thrown an interception on West Virginia's next drive.
The Mountaineers had to punt again on their next drive, handing the ball back to Penn State. The Nittany Lions weren't able to run out the rest of the clock, but their punter, Riley Thompson, was able to pin the West Virginia offense inside the 1-yard line on their next punt. This proved to be pivotal as West Virginia running back Jahiem White was stopped before he could get out of the end zone on the Mountaineers' next possession, essentially sealing the win.
Garrett Greene finished 17-of-22 for 154 yards with two touchdowns but also threw two costly interceptions. On the ground, CJ Donaldson Jr. led the Mountaineers with 65 yards on 13 carries, while Greene added 51 yards on 11 attempts. Jaden Bray was the top target, hauling in five passes for 56 yards and a touchdown.
Penn State's offense was guided by second-year starting quarterback Drew Allar, who completed 19-of-26 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown. Nicholas Singleton was the difference-maker on the ground, especially in the fourth quarter when he found his groove, rushing for 98 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Julian Fleming paced the Nittany Lions' receiving corps with 83 yards on three receptions.
The Mountaineers outgained Penn State on the ground (169-114) and controlled the clock with nearly 28 minutes of possession, but two turnovers and the inability to close out the game in the fourth quarter proved costly.
West Virginia will look to bounce back next week when they host an FCS foe Albany, aiming to secure their first win of the season.
Penn State Nittany Lions at West Virginia Mountaineers
Aug 31, 2024
1ST
2ND
3RD
4TH
SCORE
#7 Penn State Nittany Lions (1-0)
7
0
0
16
23
West Virginia Mountaineers (0-1)
3
0
7
7
17
Team Stats Comparison
PSU
WVU
Total Offense
357
323
Rushing Yards
114
169
Passing Yards
243
154
First Downs
17
22
Punt Return Yards
7
28
Kick Return Yards
4
0
Total Yards
368
351
Turnovers
0
2
3rd Down Conversion
6-10
5-10
4th Down Conversion
0-0
2-2
2-Point Conversion
0-0
0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals
5-2-0
3-2-1
Penalties
3-30
2-15
Possession Time
20:06
27:54
Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING
PSU
WVU
7:38
(WVU) Michael Hayes, 29 yard field goal
0
3
4:21
(PSU) Nicholas Singleton, 2 yard run
7
3
THIRD QUARTER SCORING
PSU
WVU
6:39
(WVU) Justin Robinson, 14 yard pass from Garrett Greene
7
10
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING
PSU
WVU
11:08
(WVU) Jaden Bray, 5 yard pass from Garrett Greene
7
17
6:53
(PSU) Harrison Wallace III, 4 yard pass from Drew Allar
West Virginia Dominates Albany, 45-3, for First Win of the Season
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia bounced back from a tough opening loss by steamrolling the Albany Great Danes 45-3 on Saturday at Mountaineer Field, showcasing a balanced attack and suffocating defense over an overmatched FCS foe to earn their first win of the 2024 season.
The Mountaineers (1-1) wasted no time in asserting their dominance, scoring 21 points in the first quarter, all courtesy of Jahiem White, who found the end zone three times on short runs. White, who rushed for 66 yards on 14 carries, set the tone early as West Virginia established control.
CJ Donaldson Jr. added to the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, and kicker Michael Hayes nailed a 22-yard field goal just before halftime, giving the Mountaineers a 31-0 lead at the break.
Quarterback Garrett Greene had an efficient day, completing 13 of 22 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown. Backup quarterback Nicco Marchiol also got in on the action, tossing a 5-yard touchdown pass to Treylan Davis in the third quarter and an 11-yard strike to Jarel Williams in the fourth.
Albany (0-1) struggled to generate any offense, managing just 101 total yards. Their only points came from a long 52-yard field goal by Andy McFoles midway through the third quarter. The Great Danes were stifled by a relentless West Virginia defense that allowed just four first downs and forced two turnovers, both lost fumbles.
The Mountaineers dominated in all facets of the game, outgaining Albany 446-101 in total offense, including a commanding 267 yards on the ground. Hudson Clement led the West Virginia receiving corps with 64 yards on four catches, while Jaden Bray added 51 yards on four receptions.
West Virginia's defense held Albany to a mere 15 passing yards. The Mountaineers also controlled the clock, holding possession for 33 minutes compared to Albany's 15.
West Virginia will face Pittsburgh on the road next week in the Backyard Brawl.
Albany Great Danes at West Virginia Mountaineers
Sep 7, 2024
1ST
2ND
3RD
4TH
SCORE
Albany Great Danes (0-1)
0
0
3
0
3
West Virginia Mountaineers (1-1)
21
10
7
7
45
Team Stats Comparison
ALBY
WVU
Total Offense
101
446
Rushing Yards
86
267
Passing Yards
15
179
First Downs
4
30
Punt Return Yards
0
20
Kick Return Yards
0
0
Total Yards
101
466
Turnovers
2
0
3rd Down Conversion
2-9
8-12
4th Down Conversion
0-1
1-2
2-Point Conversion
0-0
0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals
0-0-0
7-6-1
Penalties
3-35
2-20
Possession Time
15:00
33:00
Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING
ALBY
WVU
7:05
(WVU) Jahiem White, 2 yard run
0
7
5:14
(WVU) Jahiem White, 7 yard run
0
14
1:21
(WVU) Jahiem White, 3 yard run
0
21
SECOND QUARTER SCORING
ALBY
WVU
2:54
(WVU) CJ Donaldson Jr., 1 yard run
0
28
0:08
(WVU) Michael Hayes, 22 yard field goal
0
31
THIRD QUARTER SCORING
ALBY
WVU
9:17
(WVU) Treylan Davis, 5 yard pass from Garrett Greene
0
38
5:45
(ALBY) Andy McFoles, 52 yard field goal
3
38
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING
ALBY
WVU
7:49
(WVU) Jarel Williams, 11 yard pass from Nicco Marchiol
West Virginia Outlasts Pittsburgh in Triple Overtime Thriller, 29-27
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Backyard Brawl lived up to its storied history, delivering another classic as West Virginia survived a missed game-winning field goal at the end of regulation to secure a 29-27 triple overtime victory over Pittsburgh on Saturday night at Acrisure Stadium.
West Virginia (2-1) appeared to have the game in hand late in the fourth quarter, driving deep into Pittsburgh territory with a chance to win it as time expired. However, Michael Hayes missed a 28-yard field goal, sending the game into overtime and momentarily silencing the Mountaineer faithful.
In overtime, Garrett Greene gave West Virginia a 24-17 lead with a 1-yard touchdown run, but Pittsburgh (1-2) responded when Eli Holstein found Konata Mumpfield for an 8-yard touchdown pass. After a Ben Sauls field goal put Pitt up 27-24 in the second overtime, Hayes redeemed himself by converting a 38-yard kick to tie the game.
Starting with the third overtime, both teams have to go for two-point conversion attempts, and West Virginia converted theirs as Garrett Greene rolled to his right to evade pressure and threw up a prayer in the back of the end zone to Hudson Clement, who hauled it in for the two to put the Mountaineers up 29-27.
Now, the Mountaineers would need to stop the Panthers on their attempt to win the game and avoid going to fourth overtime. The Mountaineers brough heavy pressure on Pitt's attempt, and the pressure was enough to disrupt quarterback Eli Holstein and his pass intended for tight end Gavin Bartholomew, who had caught a two-point conversion pass in the third quarter to put Pitt up 21-14 at the time, sailed wide left, and the Mountaineers escaped Pittsburgh with a win.
Garrett Greene finished the game with 144 yards on 15-of-27 passing with an interception and added 30 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Jahiem White led the Mountaineers' rushing attack with 77 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown, while CJ Donaldson Jr. chipped in 56 yards and a score.
Pittsburgh outgained West Virginia 419-307 in total offense, with Eli Holstein throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns while adding 92 yards on the ground. However, the Panthers struggled to find consistency in the red zone, settling for four field goals.
West Virginia’s defense made crucial stops when it mattered most, forcing two turnovers. Despite being out-possessed and outgained, the Mountaineers' toughness and clutch plays in overtime proved to be the difference.
The Mountaineers will look to build on the momentum from tonight's big win when they open up Big 12 Conference play next week at home against the top 15-ranked Kansas Jayhawks.
West Virginia Mountaineers at Pittsburgh Panthers
Sep 14, 2024
1ST
2ND
3RD
4TH
OT
SCORE
West Virginia Mountaineers (2-1)
7
3
7
0
12
29
Pittsburgh Panthers (1-2)
3
3
11
0
10
27
Team Stats Comparison
WVU
PITT
Total Offense
307
419
Rushing Yards
163
198
Passing Yards
144
221
First Downs
19
24
Punt Return Yards
-1
20
Kick Return Yards
0
0
Total Yards
306
439
Turnovers
1
2
3rd Down Conversion
8-14
9-18
4th Down Conversion
1-1
2-2
2-Point Conversion
1-1
1-2
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals
5-3-0
8-2-4
Penalties
3-25
3-29
Possession Time
18:39
29:21
Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING
WVU
PITT
9:58
(WVU) Jahiem White, 4 yard run
7
0
2:53
(PITT) Ben Sauls, 30 yard field goal
7
3
SECOND QUARTER SCORING
WVU
PITT
11:20
(WVU) Michael Hayes, 50 yard field goal
10
3
0:53
(PITT) Ben Sauls, 25 yard field goal
10
6
THIRD QUARTER SCORING
WVU
PITT
6:46
(PITT) Ben Sauls, 25 yard field goal
10
9
4:24
(PITT) Konata Mumpfield, 8 yard pass from Eli Holstein (2-Pt)
10
17
0:05
(WVU) CJ Donaldson Jr., 1 yard run
17
17
OVERTIME SCORING
WVU
PITT
--
(WVU) Garrett Greene, 1 yard run
24
17
--
(PITT) Konata Mumpfield, 8 yard pass from Eli Holstein