Despite a disappointing 6-6 season in the Big 12, which led to the dismissal of head coach Neal Brown, the West Virginia Mountaineers were able to claim two prestigious individual awards. Offensive tackle Wyatt Milum was named the Big 12’s Offensive Lineman of the Year, while linebacker Josiah Trotter earned Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. Trotter’s award came shortly after he announced he would enter the transfer portal following Brown’s departure.
In addition to these honors, Milum, from Kenova, WV, and defensive lineman TJ Jackson II were named to the 2024 All-Big 12 team. Milum is the third Mountaineer to win the Offensive Lineman of the Year award, following Yodny Cajuste (2018) and Colton McKivitz (2019). Over his four-year career, Milum has played in 47 games, starting 43, and has been instrumental in the Mountaineers’ impressive rushing attack. In 2023, he helped WVU lead the Power 4 schools in rushing yards per game. This season, Milum has not allowed a sack in 34 of the past 36 games, including two seasons without allowing a sack. He was also a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best interior lineman.
Jackson, who transferred to WVU for the 2024 season, played in all 12 games, starting nine. He finished with 38 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 13.5 tackles for loss. He is currently ranked first nationally in run defense grade and is tied for 25th among edge rushers. His standout performance came against Pitt, where he recorded a career-best four tackles for loss.
Trotter, the first Mountaineer to win Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, led the team in tackles with 92, including 36 solo tackles. He also recorded a sack, four tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries, and an interception. Trotter had four double-digit tackle games and was WVU’s leading tackler in five games.
Other notable honors include honorable mentions for WVU players such as tight end Kole Taylor and offensive linemen Nick Malone and Tomas Rimac. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders was named Offensive Player of the Year, cornerback Travis Hunter was named Defensive Player of the Year, and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham received Coach of the Year honors.
