LB Ashton Woods, WR Jaden Bray, WVU football looking to juke injuries for 2026 season
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MORGANTOWN -- The Ohio game in 2025 was bad for West Virginia football for multiple reasons. But, the lasting image, other than the Bobcats playing the Tavon Austin highlight song on the jumbotron after a 17-10 win, was the cart coming out to take running back Jahiem White off the field. White was illegally tackled, and just by watching it, you could tell he was done for the year.It was a significant blow to the offense, especially since Rich Rodriguez runs the ball so much.
A few drives later, wide receiver Jaden Bray was carted off as well. Another major piece to the team wouldn't play another snap in 2025.
Injuries plagued the entire season in 2025, and most coaches don't like to make injuries an excuse; it's hard to not say it had some impact on the 4-8 season. At one point, WVU was onto its last scholarship quarterback, Scotty Fox Jr., and last running back Cyncir Bowers. The Mountaineers needed running back depth so badly, they converted defensive player Curtis Jones Jr. into a short-down back.
Most of the wounded transferred away, but there were a few returners who are hoping to dodge the injury bug in 2026. Linebacker Ashton Woods is one of them.
Woods suffered a shoulder injury during the BYU game, which kept him out for the rest of the season. Before his injury, Woods played on 176 plays and appeared in six games.
"It was frustrating," Woods said. "It's all part of God's plan. Just a little setback. Learned a lot from it. Had great trainers, great strength staff to help me get back ready. I'm feeling great now. 100%. No issues."
Bray also said he feels 100% going into this season, and like Woods should have a big role in 2026. Bray helped Oklahoma State to at Big 12 Championship appearance the last time he was healthy. He had 30 catches on the year.
Rodriguez and the receiver coaches talked about how Bray is the WR1 on the team, and as long as he stays healthy, he should have a big year. Receivers coach Ryan Garrett said Bray's only goal for this season is to stay on the field.
"Bray just needs to get out there and play, and he’s in a position right now to do that," Garrett said. "We’re really excited about where he’s at.”
It's not easy to get back healthy, especially after suffering a season-ending injury. It's long hours by yourself rehabbing, and you are deprived of the opportunity to play the sport you love. You just have to sit and watch.
It's a long process that can really test your mental fortitude. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck retired early in his career because he was tired of the rehab process.
"Mentally, it is hard to not be with the team," Woods said. "Not be able to go out there and battle with the brothers."
There aren't many benefits to having a season-ending injury, but it makes the athletes build an appreciation for the game. Spending months on the sideline makes them miss the sport even more.
"It really makes you think about the game and how much it means to you," Woods said.
After the injuries last season, the Mountaineers made sure for 2026, they don't derail the season. Rodriguez brought in a lot more quality depth, so if WVU has a player or two injured, there won't be a significant drop-off.
You can prepare for injuries, but they aren't something you can avoid. Just ask Bray, who has been injured three of the five seasons he's played. He'd like to avoid them, but at the end of the day, it just comes down to luck.
"Sometimes it’s just bad luck," Rodriguez said. "But you know we’ll hope for good luck this year."