MORGANTOWN, WV – Netflix has officially announced the release of “The Underdog,” a powerful and evocative new sports documentary chronicling the legendary rise of Pat White, the electrifying quarterback who transformed West Virginia University (WVU) football in the mid-2000s. The 90-minute feature is set to premiere on August 15, 2025, and promises to deliver a deeply personal and visually stunning portrait of one of college football’s most dynamic and overlooked stars.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler and produced by Omaha Productions, “The Underdog” charts Pat White’s unlikely path from Daphne, Alabama, to Mountaineer Field, where he shattered records and defied expectations. Blending archival footage, cinematic recreations, and candid interviews with former teammates, coaches, family members, and White himself, the film paints a vivid narrative of perseverance, grit, and quiet brilliance.
White, who was once considered too small and too slight to play quarterback at the collegiate level, redefined the position at WVU with a lethal combination of speed, instinct, and leadership. Under head coach Rich Rodriguez’s innovative spread offense, White led the Mountaineers to four straight bowl victories, including back-to-back BCS bowl wins, most notably the 2006 Sugar Bowl and the 2008 Fiesta Bowl. His performance against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl—where he passed for 124 yards and rushed for 77 more—cemented his status as a dual-threat pioneer.
What makes “The Underdog” especially compelling is its emphasis on the emotional and cultural stakes behind the statistics. The documentary delves into White’s decision to spurn professional baseball—despite being drafted by the Anaheim Angels—to pursue football, his close friendship with running back Steve Slaton, and the way he carried the pride of WVU fans across Appalachia. The film doesn’t shy away from challenges either, including the devastating loss to Pittsburgh in the 2007 Backyard Brawl that cost WVU a shot at the national championship.
“I didn’t set out to be a legend,” White says in the film’s trailer, his voice layered over clips of roaring fans and crashing helmets. “I just wanted a chance. And West Virginia gave me that.”
With a score by Hans Zimmer and drone-shot reenactments filmed in Morgantown and Daphne, the film achieves a grandeur that mirrors the scope of White’s achievements. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit and former WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez appear throughout the documentary, offering perspective on White’s legacy and the changing landscape of college football.
“The Underdog” not only seeks to enshrine Pat White’s place in football history but also shines a light on how his story continues to inspire overlooked athletes across the country. In a sport often defined by hype and size, White’s tale proves that heart, humility, and hunger can still carve out greatness.
Netflix subscribers can begin streaming “The Underdog” beginning August 15, with a limited theatrical release scheduled in Morgantown, Birmingham, and select college towns.
