MORGANTOWN, WV – July 30, 2025 – The electrifying career of West Virginia University (WVU) football icon Pat White, a name synonymous with innovation, speed, and unforgettable victories, is set to be immortalized on the global stage. Netflix, the streaming giant known for its compelling sports narratives, has officially announced the release of its latest documentary, “The Underdog,” chronicling White’s remarkable journey from a relatively unheralded recruit to a college football legend. The film promises an intimate look at the man behind the highlights and is slated to premiere globally on Netflix on August 20, 2025.
“The Underdog” delves deep into White’s life and career, tracing his roots from Daphne, Alabama, and exploring the pivotal decision that led him to Morgantown. It will highlight how he, alongside then-Head Coach Rich Rodriguez, revolutionized the offensive landscape of college football with the read-option, a scheme that terrorized defenses and propelled the Mountaineers to unprecedented heights.
“Pat White wasn’t just a great quarterback; he was a phenomenon,” states Sarah Jenkins, director of “The Underdog.” “His style of play was ahead of its time, and his impact on West Virginia football was immeasurable. But beyond the stats and the wins, this film explores the grit, the dedication, and the quiet leadership that truly defined him. We wanted to tell the story of a player who consistently defied expectations, embracing the ‘underdog’ mentality at every turn.”
The documentary promises never-before-seen footage, candid interviews with White himself, former teammates like Steve Slaton and Noel Devine, coaches including Rich Rodriguez and Bill Stewart, as well as sports journalists and analysts who witnessed his meteoric rise. Viewers can expect to relive the exhilarating moments that defined White’s college career:
- The BCS Bowl Dominance: White became the first quarterback in NCAA history to start and win four consecutive bowl games (2006 Sugar Bowl, 2007 Gator Bowl, 2008 Fiesta Bowl, and 2008 Meineke Car Care Bowl). The film will meticulously dissect these pivotal matchups, especially the iconic upsets over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl and Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl, showcasing his dual-threat mastery.
- Record-Breaking Performances: “The Underdog” will revisit White’s statistical marvels, including his then-NCAA record for rushing yards by a quarterback (4,480 yards), his numerous Big East Conference records, and his incredible ability to produce over 10,000 yards of total offense and 100 touchdowns during his collegiate tenure.
- The Unfinished Business: The documentary is expected to touch upon the dramatic end to the 2007 season, where a shocking upset loss to Pitt derailed WVU’s national championship aspirations, offering a poignant look at the emotional toll of such a setback.
Beyond his college heroics, the film will also explore White’s brief NFL career after being drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft, and his subsequent stints in the CFL and other professional leagues. It will candidly address the challenges he faced in transitioning to the professional game and the injuries that ultimately curtailed his playing days.
However, “The Underdog” doesn’t end with White’s playing career. It will also chronicle his impactful pivot to coaching, highlighting his various roles at institutions like Alcorn State, USF, Alabama State, and the Los Angeles Chargers. The documentary is particularly timely given White’s much-celebrated return to West Virginia University earlier this year as Assistant Quarterbacks Coach and Assistant to Head Coach Rich Rodriguez. This reunion forms a compelling narrative arc, bringing White’s journey full circle.
“This documentary is a powerful testament to Pat’s enduring legacy,” said WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker. “His story embodies perseverance, the pursuit of excellence, and the deep-seated loyalty that defines our Mountaineer spirit. We are thrilled that a global audience on Netflix will get to witness the incredible journey of one of our very own legends.”
For football fans, especially those in West Virginia and across the Big East Conference’s golden era, “The Underdog” promises a nostalgic and deeply personal look at a player who genuinely changed the game. For a broader audience, it offers a universal story of overcoming adversity, defining success on one’s own terms, and the profound impact of a determined individual.
“It’s humbling to have my story told in this way,” Pat White commented in a brief statement released by Netflix. “I always played with a chip on my shoulder, feeling like I had something to prove. Hopefully, ‘The Underdog’ will inspire people to push beyond perceived limitations and keep fighting for what they believe in. And to the Mountaineer Nation, thank you for always being home.”
“The Underdog” is part of Netflix’s growing slate of high-quality sports documentaries, joining titles that have explored the lives of iconic athletes and the behind-the-scenes drama of major sporting events. Its release is highly anticipated, promising to bring the legend of Pat White to an entirely new generation of sports fans.
