Removal of Jaylan Knighton, Running Back for West Virginia, from the team's roster announced
West Virginia Running Back Jaylan Knighton Sidelined for 2025 Season Due to Academic Issue
West Virginia Mountaineers running back Jaylan Knighton will miss the 2025 season after an unexpected academic issue made him ineligible to play[1][4][3]. The senior transfer from SMU and previously Miami was expected to be a key player in the team's running back room.
Knighton, who had one season of eligibility remaining, has played in a total of 41 games, accumulating a combined rushing and receiving yardage of 2,609 and scoring 22 touchdowns[1]. His impressive performance with the Mustangs in the 2023-24 season included 57 receptions for 628 yards and 5 touchdowns. However, his rushing statistics with both teams amount to 1,981 yards and 17 touchdowns[1].
The academic issue, which involves one class, came as a surprise to the team and coaching staff, including head coach Rich Rodriguez[1][4]. The situation led to Knighton's removal from the team's official roster shortly before the season opener against Robert Morris on Aug. 30 in Morgantown, W.Va[2][4].
Coach Rodriguez confirmed that Knighton would not be playing this year due to the academic matter[1][4]. The specifics of the issue, however, have not been disclosed. As of August 2025, there is no indication that Knighton's eligibility status has changed.
Despite this setback, the Mountaineers are looking forward to the upcoming season. With Knighton's absence, the team will rely on other running backs to fill the void. The Mountaineers are coached by Rich Rodriguez, who has been in charge since 2024.
[1] https://www.wvmetronews.com/sports/wvu-football/wvu-running-back-jaylan-knighton-not-playing-this-season-due-to-academic-issue/article_376b5b1a-1a93-511b-838e-6e70e741041f.html [2] https://www.wvgazettemail.com/sports/wvu/wvu-football-senior-transfer-jaylan-knighton-not-on-roster-for-2025-season/article_38456d3a-8656-598d-a75a-28a82977a1e4.html [3] https://www.wvnews.com/sports/wvu-football/wvu-running-back-jaylan-knighton-not-eligible-for-2025-season/article_1439d6e4-e87a-585b-841d-8e98c561b841.html [4] https://www.wvgazettemail.com/sports/wvu/wvu-football-jaylan-knighton-not-eligible-for-2025-season/article_1439d6e4-e87a-585b-841d-8e98c561b841.html
- American-football coach Rich Rodriguez is dealing with a setback as West Virginia Running Back Jaylan Knighton, a key player, will be unable to participate in the upcoming 2025 season due to an academic issue.
- Despite the sidelining of Knighton, the West Virginia Mountaineers' football team is optimistic about the upcoming season, with other running backs expected to step up and fill the void left by Knighton's absence.
- In the NCAA football, the absence of Jaylan Knighton, who scored 22 touchdowns in his sports career, is a significant loss for the West Virginia Mountaineers in their quest for touchdowns in the upcoming games.
