(BCSNN) — West Virginia will be without two of its top offensive weapons for the remainder of the season, as running back Jahiem White and wide receiver Jaden Bray have both been ruled out following injuries sustained in Saturday’s 17-10 loss at Ohio. Head coach Rich Rodriguez confirmed the news during his weekly radio show, calling the setbacks “devastating” for a team still finding its footing under his leadership.

White, a junior and preseason All-Big 12 selection, suffered a knee injury in the second quarter when Ohio’s Jalen Thomeson brought him down with a horse-collar and facemask tackle. The play drew two flags and left White unable to put weight on his left leg. He was carted off the field and is scheduled to undergo surgery later this week. White had rushed for 133 yards and three touchdowns through two games, including a 32-yard score earlier in the contest.

Bray, a redshirt senior who transferred from Oklahoma State in 2024, exited in the second half with a foot injury — the same foot that ended his season prematurely last year. He had seven catches for 95 yards through two games and was expected to be a key contributor in the passing game. Rodriguez said Bray will also require surgery and is out for the season.

“You feel bad for the guys because they’ve worked so hard to play these games and in one play, your season can be over,” Rodriguez said. “But we have great medical people here… our guys are getting the best care in the country. I truly believe that”.

The injuries leave the Mountaineers (1-1) scrambling for depth. Sophomore Clay Ash is expected to take over lead back duties, while Northern Iowa transfer Tye Edwards and Ferris State’s Kannon Katzer may see increased reps. At receiver, WVU fans could see Jeff Weimer, Justin Smith-Brown, and Preston Fox all get some more touches with expanded roles.

West Virginia now turns its attention to Saturday’s home matchup against Pittsburgh (2-0) in the annual Backyard Brawl. The Panthers enter the rivalry game unbeaten, while the Mountaineers look to rebound from their road loss to the Bobcats. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, 2:30 p.m. CT at Milan Puskar Stadium.