BREAKING: James Gmiter Announces Return to WVU Football, Vows to Help Reclaim Black Diamond Trophy Again
In a stunning and emotional turn of events, former West Virginia offensive lineman James Gmiter has officially announced his return to WVU Football, igniting Mountaineer Nation with hopes of reclaiming the Black Diamond Trophy for a second time. Gmiter, a fan-favorite known for his grit and leadership during his original stint with the Mountaineers, made the announcement Friday morning during an impromptu press conference outside Milan Puskar Stadium, flanked by Head Coach Neal Brown and a roaring crowd of supporters.
“I’ve bled gold and blue my whole life,” Gmiter said, wearing his old No. 76 jersey. “I left something unfinished here. That trophy belongs in Morgantown, and I’m coming back to make damn sure it stays here.”
The Black Diamond Trophy, awarded to the winner of the fierce and storied rivalry between West Virginia University and Virginia Tech, was most recently claimed by the Mountaineers in a decisive 33-10 win in 2022. However, the Hokies have made aggressive recruiting moves and scheme adjustments since then, and tensions have only grown between the two programs. With another matchup looming this season, Gmiter’s return could serve as the emotional and physical edge WVU needs.
While details of his eligibility were not immediately clear, sources close to the program suggest Gmiter’s return has been facilitated through a rarely-used NCAA hardship waiver. Having stepped away from the game due to personal reasons after the 2022 season, Gmiter stayed in close contact with the program and remained in peak physical condition, training with former teammates and current staff.
Coach Brown welcomed the decision, calling Gmiter’s return “a moment of destiny.”
“James has always been the heartbeat of our offensive line,” Brown said. “He brings an intensity you can’t coach and a fire that this rivalry demands.”
Perhaps the most unexpected twist came when Gmiter directed a message to former WVU and current Jacksonville State Head Coach Rich Rodriguez — a name forever etched into Mountaineer lore.
“Coach Rod, you built a legacy here that meant everything to us,” Gmiter said. “We’re going to honor that legacy by bringing that trophy home again. This one’s for every Mountaineer who remembers what that fight means.”
Though Rodriguez is no longer directly involved with WVU or the current Black Diamond rivalry, his name has remained symbolic of the pride and pain surrounding Mountaineer football. Gmiter’s invocation of Rodriguez’s legacy signals not just a return to the field, but a return to the old-school, hard-nosed football identity the Mountaineers were once feared for.
Fans and alumni have already taken to social media to celebrate the announcement. Former players like Pat McAfee and Geno Smith posted enthusiastic reactions, while ticket demand for the WVU–Virginia Tech clash has spiked dramatically.
As the Mountaineers begin spring preparations, one thing is clear: James Gmiter isn’t just coming back to play football — he’s coming back to make history.
