Jaylan Knighton status: Rich Rodriguez confirms West Virginia RB will be ineligible due to academic issue

West Virginia thought they made a massive addition out of the NCAA transfer portal in SMU running back Jaylan Knighton. However, just days before the season opener, head coach Rich Rodriguez revealed Knighton will not be eligible this season. An academic issue will keep him off the field, likely ending his college football career.

“WVU HC Rich Rodriguez asked about SMU transfer Jaylan Knighton and confirmed due to an academic issue it ‘does not look like he’s going to be eligible,'” r/CFB said via X. “He added it was a ‘bit of a surprise’ to everyone.”

Knighton has spent five seasons in college football, beginning his career at Miami. Three years in Coral Gables eventually turned into a two-year stint in Dallas with SMU. But after playing just two games last season, Knighton was hoping to have a bigger role with West Virginia.

It’s easy to see why the Mountaineers were interested. Knighton has rushed for 1,981 yards throughout his career on 423 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt. You can add 17 touchdowns on there as well, including seven with SMU in 2023.

Additionally, West Virginia could have found a way to use Knighton out of the backfield. Flashes of potential show up, recording 628 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 57 catches. The playmaking ability was undoubtedly there.

Instead, a mix-up in the running back room will call for a change of plans moving forward. Rodriguez does still have some time to figure things out. But losing Knighton this close to the season hurts and, as mentioned by the head coach, comes as a surprise.

A Lauderhill, Florida native, Knighton played his high school football at Deerfield Beach. He was the No. 123 overall recruit there as a four-star in the 2020 cycle. He also rated as the No. 12 RB and the No. 18 player out of the state. That’s according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

West Virginia opens its season on Aug. 30 against Robert Morris. One week later, an unusual road game against Ohio will take place, potentially raising a few eyebrows. However, the game everyone is waiting for falls on Sept. 13. The Backyard Brawl will once again take place on the gridiron, renewing a bitter rivalry between WVU and Pitt.

From there, Rodriguez will get into the nine-game Big 12 schedule. A big season ahead in Morgantown, now without Knighton on the team.

On3’s Sam Gillenwater contributed to this report