Sam James joined West Virginia as a three-star recruit in their 2018 recruiting clas. He redshirted his first season on the team as seniors Gary Jennings and David Sills dominated the wide receiver production. The following season in 2019, James would lead the team in receptions (69) and receiving yards (677). In a COVID-shortened 2020 season, James would only start three of nine games and finish fourth on the team in receiving with 300 yards.
The following season saw James finish second on the team in receptions (42), third in receiving yards (505), and tied for the lead in receving touchdowns (5). His final season saw him finish third on the team in receptions (46), but lead the team in receiving yards (745). His 2022 receiving yard mark was the sixth-most in the conference and his 6 receiving touchdowns were the fourth-most.
