3identity shift
UTEP: the fanbase's identity shifting.
Scotty Walden begins his second season at UTEP with a 2-10 losing record to overcome, as the program's historic identity in El Paso remains unfulfilled despite its rich football legacy.
UTEP2-10Latest
The UTEP faithful are all the way in.
belief warmed ↑ 13.9vs prior week
Fanbase belief
Bullish
63/100 · 36 mentions · top 8% of FBS
~ our readVolatility
Chaotic
σ 23 pts
Credible bullish
~ our readThe model
#131
CFB Zeitgeist · -8.3
✓ measured3Hope-Doping·Offseason
UTEP is the desert outpost on the far western tip of Texas — the most isolated program in major-college football, whose proudest banner is a basketball one, and whose football team keeps reaching for a winning season it can't quite hold.
Standard GapMike Price's mid-2000s bowl teams and a fiercely loyal borderland fanbas…
Miners fans know their program is the one the rest of the country forgets exists — 600 miles from the nearest power program, in a city the maps put in the corner. They'll tell you El Paso shows up any…
offseason · quiet
Roster Reload - UTEP
2026 snapshot - 2026-08-06Returning Production100%High continuity
Talent Composite#101 nationally247 composite 551.9
Portal Additions21Primary repair: K
Portal Losses20Primary pressure: OT
Draft Loss0No NFL Draft departures recorded
Recruiting Reload#92Depth class
IOLin 3 - Brian Williams Jr.out 3 - Tyrone McDuffieEven
current room: 304 lbs avg (2025 roster)
DLin 2 - Preston Hickeyout 3 - Ashton CokerDowngrade
current room: 259 lbs avg (2025 roster)
WRin 1 - Royal Capellout 3 - Wondame Davis Jr.Starter Risk
current room: 177 lbs avg (2025 roster)
OTin 1 - Jaymon Lambout 3 - Mark RobinsonStarter Risk
QBin 2 - EJ Colsonout 2 - Malachi NelsonEven
current room: 195 lbs avg (2025 roster)
RBin 2 - Tavorus Jonesout 2 - Ashten EmoryEven
current room: 193 lbs avg (2025 roster)
Belief EKG
WinLoss · hover for scorePrior seasons
Approaching
30 days
until kickoff · at Oklahoma · Sat Sep 5 · 00:00 UTC
The experience
UTEP is the Conference USA program whose Sun Bowl hosting heritage + Mike Price 2004-2012 era + 1966 NCAA basketball title (as Texas Western) + Don Haskins legacy define what historic-El-Paso-football looks like.
Offense: PoorRun/Pass: Pass-first, spreadTempo: Explosive, big-play
UTEP's 2026 Season Projected to Reach 9-4 with Bowl Game Appearance
UTEP enters the 2026 season with a balanced portal churn and high continuity, positioning the team for a competitive campaign. The program's recruiting rank of #92 and transfer additions suggest potential for improvement.
- Roster reloadUTEP has a transfer_in_total of 21 and transfer_out_total of 20, indicating a balanced portal churn that could stabilize the roster.
Data as of 2026-08-03
·
Validated against program evidence
Paydirt Pete is patient.
UTEP · the story right now
9 storylines developing
What UTEP's identity shift is really about
the open questionwhere does it go from here?
identitythis cycle~readnew
Scotty Walden begins his second season at UTEP with a 2-10 losing record to overcome, as the program's historic identity in El Paso remains unfulfilled despite its rich football legacy.
what happenedUTEP: the fanbase's identity shifting. ✓ fact
narrative tension · our read
underdogthis cycle✓ factnew
Kenny Odom produces at a notably LOWER rate when his team is an underdog than when favored -- he fades when the pressure is on, and his per-target value drops too.
narrative tension · our read
deep threatthis cycle~attributednew
Eric Willis III is used almost exclusively underneath -- a low share of his targets are downfield shots.
narrative tension · our read
deep threatthis cycle~attributednew
Kenny Odom: a depth dna signal screened this season.
narrative tension · our read
deep threatthis cycle~attributednew
Wondame Davis Jr. is a real deep-ball threat -- a high share of his targets come on throws past the sticks.
narrative tension · our read
coordinatorsthis cycle✓ factnew
UTEP: coordinator change reshaping a unit.
narrative tension · our read
portal2025-05-15~readnew
Malachi Nelson (QB) and Ashaad Hall (EDGE) headline UTEP's top-3 Mountain West portal class — an addition to a 2-10 roster with 100% production returning, not a rescue.
what happenedUTEP signed a top-68 transfer-portal class — 26 additions headlined by Malachi Nelson (QB) from Boise State and Marcell Blocker (CB) from Florida Memorial University. ✓ fact
the contexta top-3 portal class in the Mountain West this cycle
narrative tension · our read
coordinatorsthis cycle✓ factnew
UTEP: coordinator change reshaping a unit.
narrative tension · our read
program_outlookthis cycle~readnew
UTEP enters 2026 — top-quintile returning production contrasts with a 2-10 record, and Scotty Walden's second season must reconcile the program's historic identity with its current FBS tier standing.
what happenedUTEP enters 2026 rated No. 129 in 2025 SP+ (-17.5). ✓ fact
the contexttop-quintile returning production in FBS — 1% of production comes back
narrative tension · our read
How past storylines here turned out
ReplacedUTEP's offensive coordinator spot turned over again the following season. See who's next →
AnsweredUTEP's head-coaching hire held for another season.
Died downUTEP's defensive coordinator change has died down — no clear next chapter yet.
The story
Transfer portal snapshot
-1.6 net portal points
(raw ledger: -5.7 — unweighted, no position adjustment)WR-5.8
starter risk
S+5.5
need not filled
DL-5.5
CB+3.4
EDGE-3.4
OT-3.1
starter risk
K+2.0
need not filled
LS+1.0
low confidence
P+1.0
low confidence
IOL-0.6
LB-0.2
QB+0.1
RB-0.1
Top 3 commits
2026 class
★★★☆☆
Adarius Hutchinson
#1474 national
Projects: Hybrid Nickel — 10 of his 25 closest recruiting profiles since 2018 shared the Hybrid Nickel archetype.~our read · projection from recruiting profile — no college snaps yet
★★★☆☆
Kane White-Tinsley
#1566 national
Projects: Hybrid Nickel — 16 of his 25 closest recruiting profiles since 2018 shared the Hybrid Nickel archetype.~our read · projection from recruiting profile — no college snaps yet
★★★☆☆
JD Wallace
#1566 national
Profiles like a typical incoming wide receiver — 12 of his 25 closest recruiting profiles since 2018 shared the Possession Receiver archetype.~our read · projection from recruiting profile — no college snaps yet
Fan vs. market↑
92nd
Fan percentile
(FBS mood rank)
(FBS mood rank)
3.5
Vegas O/U wins
(1st among FBS)
(1st among FBS)
Fans 91pp more bullish than market implies
Win total consensus · 3 books
Market outlook
Season expectations
Win total3 booksO/U 3.5
CFP championship#127 in field+100000
Mountain West title#10 in market+5500
Sportsbook consensus · best odds across multiple books · 2026-08-06
UTEP · Next-Season Outcome Band
UTEP · Next-Season Outcome BandFloor / Base / Ceiling
Floor 4-8
Base 7-6
Ceiling 9-4
floor4-8No postseason.
base7-6Bowl game.
ceiling9-4Bowl game.
Final-season-aware projection: floor / base / ceiling include conference title and CFP games where the model supports them, so a ceiling can exceed a 12-game regular season.
How the room reacted
Following now · UTEP · Developing Confidence
UTEP: the fanbase's identity shifting.
UTEP: the fanbase's identity shifting.
the room is genuinely split
where the takes land · dot = how loud
DOUBTBELIEF
Skeptics2 doubt takes
Believers2 bull takes
💬 fans: 36% volume
CFB Zeitgeist Read · our take
Scotty Walden begins his second season at UTEP with a 2-10 losing record to overcome, as the program's historic identity in El Paso remains unfulfilled despite its rich football legacy.
Source of record: UTEP: the fanbase's identity shifting.
How each room is reacting — tap to expand
📣Believers2 bullish items -- the case it's working.›
The optimistic read: momentum, and the 'this is real' takes.
“Mountaintop View 8-3-26. Class of 2022 Athletes Eligible, Save College Sports Act, Hawaii Preview, UTEP, Lobos Camp Schedule.”
Beat writer · 2026-08-03 · read ↗
“Photos: UTEP begins Mountain West football journey”
El Paso Inc. · 2026-08-05 · read ↗
“UTEP football hits the field for first preseason practice”
El Paso Times · 2026-08-05 · read ↗
🧐Skeptics“UTEP Offensive and Defensive Preview: The Pressure's On In El Pa” — the real counter.›
The analytical counter: rankings, results, and 'the hype is ahead of the tape' takes.
“UTEP Offensive and Defensive Preview: The Pressure's On In El Paso”
Dave Campbell's Texas High School Football · 2026-08-04 · read ↗
💬The boards36% of recent board volume — the fanbase is locked in.›
This event was in 21 of 58 board posts (36%) over the last 60 days — a fanbase consumed by it. Fan text shown verbatim, attributed to the community not the individual poster.
"Hello everyone. So I have a question about any masters of education at UTEP. I know I could search online but I wanted someone’s first hand experience/knowledge about the degrees t"
r/UTEP ~ fan take
"Am from El Paso and about to transfer to UTEP as a Junior from DACC. I used to go to UTEP all the time for different kinds of events so I know UTEP pretty well when it comes to whe"
r/UTEP ~ fan take
The boards ≠ the fanbase: a vocal, self-selected slice.
Following now · UTEP · Transfer portal Confidence
UTEP went deep in the portal this cycle. Portal volume is the start of the story, not the verdict.
UTEP signed a top-68 transfer-portal class — 26 additions headlined by Malachi Nelson (QB) from Boise State and Marcell Blocker (CB) from Florida Memorial University. It is a top-3 portal class in the Mountain West this cycle. Portal pickups don't redshirt. The coverage sees this as a targeted, ready-to-contribute class built for snap competition, not depth-chart filler. The coverage reads this as a credible, targeted haul.
near-unanimous belief
where the takes land · dot = how loud
DOUBTBELIEF
Believers6 bull takes
💬 fans: 5% volume
The saga so far3 weeks old
2 weeks agoMountaintop View 7-20-26. Conference Rankings, Colorado State Preview, Teresa Gould, Josh Keer, G6 Transfers — news
3 weeks agoUTEP quarterback Malachi Nelson makes surprising decision on future — On3
3 weeks agoUTEP men’s golf adds transfer Luke Harwick — KVIA
The cast who's driving the story · latest headline on each, attributed
Malachi Nelson QB · Boise State
“UTEP quarterback Malachi Nelson makes surprising decision on future” — On3 · 2026-07-15
Marcell Blocker CB · Florida Memorial University
CFB Zeitgeist Read · our take
Malachi Nelson (QB) and Ashaad Hall (EDGE) headline UTEP's top-3 Mountain West portal class — an addition to a 2-10 roster with 100% production returning, not a rescue.
Next · what to watch
The non-obvious question after any portal class isn't who signed — it's who just lost their job. Depth-chart displacement is the untold second chapter: one starter-level arrival means a returning contributor is now competing or transferring out. Watch depth-chart competition in fall camp — that's where portal classes win or lose their billing. The boards are already there — one thread raises exactly this.
Source of record: UTEP signed a top-68 transfer-portal class — 26 additions headlined by Malachi Nelson (QB) from Boise State and Marcell Blocker (CB) from Florida Memorial University — a top-3 portal class in the Mountain West this cycle.
How each room is reacting — tap to expand
📣Believers6 bullish/portal items -- the case it's working.›
The 'portal class fills the gaps' believers -- upgrades at real positions of need.
“UTEP quarterback Malachi Nelson makes surprising decision on future”
On3 · 2026-07-15 · read ↗
“UTEP men’s golf adds transfer Luke Harwick”
KVIA · 2026-07-13 · read ↗
“'I'm super impressed,' Fran Brown comments on UTEP transfer Quarterback Malachi Nelson”
WSTM · 2026-05-14 · read ↗
🧐SkepticsNo prominent dissent — the coverage runs one way.›
The 'portal is a gamble' counter -- departure losses and the 'plug-and-play doesn't work' read.
Nothing in our corpus yet — this door stays open for when there is.
💬The boards3 board mentions — too thin to call a stance.›
Only 3 of 58 board posts mention it — below our floor to call a community stance. Shown as texture, not a verdict.
"Am from El Paso and about to transfer to UTEP as a Junior from DACC. I used to go to UTEP all the time for different kinds of events so I know UTEP pretty well when it comes to whe"
r/UTEP ~ fan take
"Delete if not allowed Iwould like to get some insight from people who attend or graduated from UTEP already. Im currently enrolled into EPCC. Im working on my engineering associate"
r/UTEP ~ fan take
The boards ≠ the fanbase: a vocal, self-selected slice.
Recent Form · last 10 games
Hibernating
Zero of five. Reset territory.
Streak L5Last 5 · 0-5Last 10 · 1-9
The forecast
Opens Sep 5
vs Oklahoma · away
Season line3.5 winsover +110
PoorPass-first, spreadExplosive, big-play
✓ fact on line · ~ our read on style
Recruiting Footprint · 2026
Recruiting Footprint · 2026
29
TX · 27CA · 2
TX leads the 2026 class with 27 commits. National footprint reaching 2 states.
Where they recruit · 2023-2026
121 signees across 13 states, 2023-2026. TX leads the pull.
r/cfb this year
[Postgame Thread] UTEP Defeats UT Martin 42-17
[Postgame Thread] ULM Defeats UTEP 31-25
[Game Thread] UT Martin @ UTEP (9:00 PM ET)
Top community posts · last 12 months · r/cfb
National spotlight
5 games with TV coverage: 3 cable, 1 conference network, 1 streaming
Kickoff windows: 1 afternoon, 4 primetime
Fumble luck
The bounces have gone their way on the fumbles they've forced: 55% recovered, vs. ~49% expected.
6 of 11 forced fumbles recovered; 3 of 6 own fumbles recovered themselves, 2025 only.
Takeaway conversion
Deflections without payoff: 13% of disrupted passes intercepted, vs. ~19% league-wide.
5 interceptions of 39 disrupted passes (34 deflected, 5 intercepted), 2025 only.
Penalty battle
The flags have favored them: 91 penalties drawn on opponents vs. 71 committed, 89 yards to the good.
685 penalty yards committed vs. 774 drawn on opponents, 2025 season total.
The Pulse on UTEP
63
Δ +13.9 vs last wk
36
mentions this week · conversation velocity
What moved it — fall camp · last 14 days
Camp
Fall camp open — install + scrimmage cycle
ongoing
Kickoff
Season opener in 16 days
kickoff
"Paydirt"
— UTEP fanbase · recurring line
Fanbase Signals
Cohort Divergence3 pctSpread between sub-fanbase cohorts in the Pulse window.
The Fever Year
Position = mood · width = volume · color = the kind of feeling
Inside the fanbase — all 4 corners
Cr/CFB
GGoogle News
MMountain West Connection
CCampus paper
BBluesky
YYouTube
The split, staged
Warmest corner+0.00
Die-hards
most bought-in cohort our read
vs
Coldest corner−0.00
National take
coolest cohort our read
How UTEP fans actually talk real · top-upvoted
Rr/CFBthe room
How nice the Sun Bowl is for a G6 stadium. Also being able to see another country from the stands is pretty cool.
▲ 95 ▼open ↗
The crowd’s loudest take by upvotes — read for mood, not as a side. The cohort read is the measured part.
Loudest in the room this week real · by engagement
All 4 corners of the fanbase
skeptical
buying in
Die-hards+0.32
National take+0.24
Cohort sentiment is a source-weighted model read — never a quote pinned to a person.
124 mentions · 6 sources · week 2026-01. Counts, sources and the divergence rank are measured (fact). Cohort labels and sentiment are a source-weighted model read (our read) — never a quote attributed to a person.
Belief checklow signal
~ our readNot enough UTEP chatter this week to read the room.
We read 37 UTEP posts this week — not enough to call the room. Check back during the season.
Five Lenses
What people are saying right now
Radio, beat writers & editorial8 posts
News & campus coverage11 posts
CFB analyst takes2 posts
Fanbase Health Index · UTEP · high confidence
Fanbase Health Index · UTEP · high confidenceGrowing (51)
DecliningStableGrowingSurging
On-Field — 2-10 (17% win rate)38
Volume — 344 effective signal-N81
Cohort Engagement — Divergence 0.03 — quiet35
Key stats — 2025 — FBS rank
Points/game#94 / 138 · 33rd pct23.3
Pts allowed/game#104 / 138 · 25th pct30.4
Total yards/gm#116 / 136 · 15th pct331.8
Rush yards/gm#119 / 136 · 13th pct115.6
Pass yards/gm#91 / 136 · 34th pct216.2
Yards allowed/gm#74 / 136 · 46th pct392.2
Rush yds allowed/gm#87 / 136 · 37th pct170.3
Sacks#55 / 136 · 60th pct28
Interceptions#117 / 136 · 15th pct5
3rd-down conv#133 / 136 · 3rd pct30.3%
All 98 stats
Offense / Defense
Total yards
Team3982331.8/gm5.07/play#116 / 136 · 15th pct#63 / 70 · 11th pct#6 / 9 · 44th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct
Opp4706392.2/gm5.42/play#74 / 136 · 46th pct#49 / 70 · 31st pct#6 / 9 · 44th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct
Rush yards
Team1387115.6/gm1.77/play#119 / 136 · 13th pct#62 / 70 · 13th pct#8 / 9 · 22nd pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct
Opp2044170.3/gm2.35/play#87 / 136 · 37th pct#52 / 70 · 27th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct
Rush carries
Team37531.2/gm#121 / 136 · 12th pct#65 / 70 · 9th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct
Opp48940.8/gm#107 / 136 · 22nd pct#63 / 70 · 11th pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct
Rush TDs
Team141.2/gm#102 / 136 · 26th pct#57 / 70 · 20th pct#5 / 9 · 56th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Opp171.4/gm#50 / 136 · 64th pct#33 / 70 · 54th pct#3 / 9 · 78th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct
Net pass yards
Team2595216.2/gm3.31/play#91 / 136 · 34th pct#53 / 70 · 26th pct#5 / 9 · 56th pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct
Opp2662221.8/gm3.06/play#50 / 136 · 64th pct#27 / 70 · 63rd pct#4 / 9 · 67th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Pass attempts
Team41034.2/gm#54 / 136 · 61st pct#27 / 70 · 63rd pct#4 / 9 · 67th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Opp38031.7/gm#57 / 136 · 59th pct#25 / 70 · 66th pct#6 / 9 · 44th pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct
Completions
Team22418.7/gm#91 / 136 · 34th pct#53 / 70 · 26th pct#5 / 9 · 56th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Opp23519.6/gm#61 / 136 · 56th pct#27 / 70 · 63rd pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#12 / 12 · 8th pct
Pass TDs
Team211.8/gm#53 / 136 · 62nd pct#33 / 70 · 54th pct#3 / 9 · 78th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Opp191.6/gm#74 / 136 · 46th pct#43 / 70 · 40th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct
Passer rating
Team122.3122.3#111 / 136 · 19th pct#64 / 70 · 10th pct#6 / 9 · 44th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct
Opp126.7126.7#48 / 136 · 65th pct#29 / 70 · 60th pct#3 / 9 · 78th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct
Interceptions thrown
Team201.7/gm#1 / 136 · 100th pct#1 / 70 · 100th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Opp50.4/gm#15 / 136 · 90th pct#10 / 70 · 87th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct
Sacks (def)
Team282.3/gm#55 / 136 · 60th pct#33 / 70 · 54th pct#4 / 9 · 67th pct#2 / 10 · 90th pct
Opp262.2/gm#81 / 136 · 41st pct#42 / 70 · 41st pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#6 / 10 · 50th pct
Tackles for loss
Team826.8/gm#26 / 136 · 82nd pct#16 / 70 · 79th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct#2 / 10 · 90th pct
Opp756.2/gm#105 / 136 · 24th pct#58 / 70 · 19th pct#8 / 9 · 22nd pct#7 / 10 · 40th pct
First downs
Team20216.8/gm#126 / 136 · 8th pct#67 / 70 · 6th pct#8 / 9 · 22nd pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Opp25321.1/gm#77 / 136 · 44th pct#44 / 70 · 39th pct#8 / 9 · 22nd pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct
3rd-down conv
Team534.4/gm#125 / 136 · 9th pct#66 / 70 · 7th pct#8 / 9 · 22nd pct#9 / 12 · 33rd pct
Opp494.1/gm#3 / 136 · 99th pct#3 / 70 · 97th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct
3rd-down att
Team17514.6/gm#57 / 136 · 59th pct#25 / 70 · 66th pct#2 / 9 · 89th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct
Opp17414.5/gm#60 / 136 · 57th pct#30 / 70 · 59th pct#8 / 9 · 22nd pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct
4th-down conv
Team201.7/gm#15 / 136 · 90th pct#7 / 70 · 91st pct#4 / 9 · 67th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Opp151.2/gm#83 / 136 · 40th pct#41 / 70 · 43rd pct#6 / 9 · 44th pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct
4th-down att
Team373.1/gm#9 / 136 · 94th pct#4 / 70 · 96th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Opp322.7/gm#107 / 136 · 22nd pct#54 / 70 · 24th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct
Time of possession
Team307:3725:38/gm#136 / 136 · 1st pct#70 / 70 · 1st pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct
Opp412:2334:22/gm#117 / 136 · 15th pct#60 / 70 · 16th pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct#12 / 12 · 8th pct
Kicking & Punting
Field goals#117 / 135 · 14th pct9/14 (64.3%)
Extra points27/28
Punting#24 / 136 · 83rd pct45.5 avg · 62 punts
Turnovers & special teams
Turnovers
Team242.0/gm#4 / 136 · 98th pct#1 / 70 · 100th pct#3 / 9 · 78th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct
Opp121.0/gm#26 / 136 · 82nd pct#14 / 70 · 81st pct#2 / 9 · 89th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct
Fumbles lost
Team40.3/gm#112 / 136 · 18th pct#53 / 70 · 26th pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct#12 / 12 · 8th pct
Opp70.6/gm#71 / 136 · 49th pct#41 / 70 · 43rd pct#5 / 9 · 56th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct
INT return TDs
Team00.0/gm#76 / 135 · 44th pct#39 / 70 · 46th pct#6 / 9 · 44th pct#4 / 9 · 67th pct
Opp30.2/gm#129 / 136 · 6th pct#66 / 70 · 7th pct#8 / 9 · 22nd pct#6 / 10 · 50th pct
INT return yards
Team100.8/gm#131 / 136 · 4th pct#68 / 70 · 4th pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Opp30425.3/gm#135 / 136 · 1st pct#70 / 70 · 1st pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct#12 / 12 · 8th pct
Punt ret yds
Team17414.5/gm#48 / 136 · 65th pct#29 / 70 · 60th pct#2 / 9 · 89th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct
Opp19616.3/gm#112 / 136 · 18th pct#58 / 70 · 19th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct
Punt ret TDs
Team10.1/gm#14 / 135 · 90th pct#11 / 70 · 86th pct#2 / 9 · 89th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Opp10.1/gm#97 / 135 · 29th pct#52 / 70 · 27th pct#5 / 9 · 56th pct#4 / 10 · 70th pct
Kick ret yds
Team44036.7/gm#70 / 136 · 49th pct#28 / 70 · 61st pct#5 / 9 · 56th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct
Opp55145.9/gm#104 / 136 · 24th pct#60 / 70 · 16th pct#6 / 9 · 44th pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct
Kick ret TDs
Team00.0/gm#40 / 136 · 71st pct#17 / 70 · 77th pct#5 / 9 · 56th pct#5 / 10 · 60th pct
Opp00.0/gm#1 / 135 · 100th pct#1 / 70 · 100th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct#1 / 10 · 100th pct
Penalty yards
Team68557.1/gm#66 / 136 · 52nd pct#32 / 70 · 56th pct#3 / 9 · 78th pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct
Opp77464.5/gm#106 / 136 · 23rd pct#61 / 70 · 14th pct#6 / 9 · 44th pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct
Other
Kick returns#10 / 136 · 93rd pct#3 / 70 · 97th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct322.7/gm
Punt returns#11 / 136 · 93rd pct#8 / 70 · 90th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct252.1/gm
Fumbles rec (def)#13 / 136 · 91st pct#9 / 70 · 89th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct40.3/gm
H2 epa per play opponent#13 / 143 · 92nd pct#8 / 70 · 90th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct0.10.0/gm
Fourth down go rate#32 / 138 · 78th pct#13 / 70 · 83rd pct#3 / 9 · 78th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct0.50.0/gm
First down pass rate#37 / 215 · 83rd pct#6 / 70 · 93rd pct#3 / 9 · 78th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct0.50.0/gm
Fumbles recovered#49 / 136 · 65th pct#19 / 70 · 74th pct#3 / 9 · 78th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct70.6/gm
H1 epa per play opponent#58 / 167 · 66th pct#32 / 70 · 56th pct#3 / 9 · 78th pct0.20.0/gm
Recruiting rating#70 / 138 · 50th pct#65 / 70 · 9th pct#1 / 10 · 100th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct179.515.0/gm
Red zone pass rate#74 / 154 · 53rd pct#36 / 70 · 50th pct#5 / 9 · 56th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct0.40.0/gm
Penalties#88 / 136 · 36th pct#40 / 70 · 44th pct#5 / 9 · 56th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct715.9/gm
Kick ret (opp)#109 / 136 · 21st pct#61 / 70 · 14th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#12 / 12 · 8th pct292.4/gm
Penalties (opp)#113 / 136 · 18th pct#61 / 70 · 14th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct917.6/gm
Interceptions (def)#117 / 136 · 15th pct#57 / 70 · 20th pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct50.4/gm
H2 epa per play#122 / 142 · 15th pct#64 / 70 · 10th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct0.10.0/gm
Punt ret (opp)#128 / 136 · 7th pct#65 / 70 · 9th pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct252.1/gm
H1 epa per play#129 / 162 · 21st pct#68 / 70 · 4th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct0.10.0/gm
Passes intercepted opponent#135 / 136 · 1st pct#70 / 70 · 1st pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct#12 / 12 · 8th pct201.7/gm
Situational
3rd-down conversion
Off30.3%#133 / 136 · 3rd pct#69 / 70 · 3rd pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct
Def28.2%#4 / 136 · 98th pct#4 / 70 · 96th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
4th-down conversion
Off54.1%#72 / 136 · 48th pct#45 / 70 · 37th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct
Def46.9%#41 / 136 · 71st pct#21 / 70 · 71st pct#2 / 9 · 89th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct
Turnover margin#129 / 136 · 6th pct#67 / 70 · 6th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct-1.00/gm
Sack rate (def)#40 / 136 · 71st pct#27 / 70 · 63rd pct#2 / 9 · 89th pct#4 / 10 · 70th pct7.4%
Red Zone & Drive Efficiency (2014– , play-by-play derived)
Red zone trips
Team282.3/gm#125 / 167 · 26th pct#67 / 70 · 6th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Opp524.3/gm#149 / 166 · 11th pct#63 / 70 · 11th pct#8 / 9 · 22nd pct#9 / 12 · 33rd pct
Red zone score %
Team67.9%67.9%#140 / 167 · 17th pct#68 / 70 · 4th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct
Opp80.8%80.8%#102 / 166 · 39th pct#50 / 70 · 30th pct#4 / 9 · 67th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct
Points / drive
Team1.30.1/gm#131 / 167 · 22nd pct#68 / 70 · 4th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct
Opp1.80.2/gm#63 / 166 · 63rd pct#35 / 70 · 51st pct#3 / 9 · 78th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Yards / drive
Team33.62.8/gm#135 / 167 · 20th pct#67 / 70 · 6th pct#8 / 9 · 22nd pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct
Opp39.03.3/gm#53 / 166 · 69th pct#29 / 70 · 60th pct#2 / 9 · 89th pct#9 / 12 · 33rd pct
Plays / drive
Team5.70.5/gm#154 / 167 · 8th pct#70 / 70 · 1st pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct
Opp6.60.5/gm#89 / 166 · 47th pct#37 / 70 · 49th pct#2 / 9 · 89th pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct
Three-and-out rate
Team14.9%14.9%#103 / 167 · 39th pct#54 / 70 · 24th pct#8 / 9 · 22nd pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct
Opp11.5%11.5%#113 / 166 · 33rd pct#55 / 70 · 23rd pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct
Scheme Identity (2014– , play-by-play derived)
Rush rate over expected#114 / 145 · 22nd pct#54 / 70 · 24th pct#7 / 9 · 33rd pct-4.8%-4.8%
Havoc rate
Team15.9%15.9%#68 / 140 · 52nd pct#41 / 70 · 43rd pct#3 / 9 · 78th pct
Opp18.7%18.7%#127 / 140 · 10th pct#66 / 70 · 7th pct#8 / 9 · 22nd pct
Standard-downs success
Team38.4%38.4%#147 / 154 · 5th pct#70 / 70 · 1st pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct
Opp45.2%45.2%#41 / 172 · 77th pct#24 / 70 · 67th pct#2 / 9 · 89th pct
Passing-downs success
Team24.7%24.7%#135 / 153 · 12th pct#68 / 70 · 4th pct#8 / 9 · 22nd pct
Opp27.4%27.4%#29 / 149 · 81st pct#18 / 70 · 76th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct
Line yards / carry
Team2.12.1#140 / 143 · 3rd pct#70 / 70 · 1st pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct
Opp2.62.6#16 / 155 · 90th pct#11 / 70 · 86th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct
Stuff rate
Team23.5%23.5%#130 / 143 · 10th pct#66 / 70 · 7th pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct
Opp22.8%22.8%#16 / 155 · 90th pct#9 / 70 · 89th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct
Power success rate
Team61.9%61.9%#115 / 137 · 17th pct#63 / 70 · 11th pct#8 / 9 · 22nd pct
Opp57.5%57.5%#16 / 141 · 89th pct#9 / 70 · 89th pct#2 / 9 · 89th pct
Efficiency
Completion %
Off54.6%#131 / 136 · 4th pct#70 / 70 · 1st pct#8 / 9 · 22nd pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct
Def61.8%#68 / 136 · 51st pct#33 / 70 · 54th pct#5 / 9 · 56th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Yards / attempt
Off6.3#119 / 136 · 13th pct#63 / 70 · 11th pct#6 / 9 · 44th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct
Def7.0#59 / 136 · 57th pct#37 / 70 · 49th pct#3 / 9 · 78th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct
Yards / completion
Off11.6#71 / 136 · 49th pct#41 / 70 · 43rd pct#5 / 9 · 56th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Def11.3#61 / 136 · 56th pct#45 / 70 · 37th pct#4 / 9 · 67th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Yards / carry#110 / 136 · 20th pct#54 / 70 · 24th pct#9 / 9 · 11th pct#9 / 12 · 33rd pct3.7
Yards / play#114 / 136 · 17th pct#62 / 70 · 13th pct#6 / 9 · 44th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct5.07
Scoring margin#110 / 136 · 20th pct#60 / 70 · 16th pct#6 / 9 · 44th pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct-7.1/gm
FBS rankings · 2025 season · all stats vs 136 FBS programs
Player stats — 2025 season
Quarterbacks
| Player | # | G | Cmp/Att | Pct | Yds | Y/A | TD | INT | Rate | QBR | Adj ANY/A | Sack% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrambler · +0.02 EPA/play | 9 | 9 | 117 / 211 | 55.5 | 1418 | 6.7 | 13 | 11 | 121.8 | 47.9 | 4.8 | 6.6 | |
Yards by week → ScramblerMakes plays with feet when the pocket collapses. Efficiency still on the rise. Part-time starter — splitting the role or filling in on injury. 45 of 183 QBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Rush usage32.8% 84th percentile · FBS QBs, min. 80 attempts Trait fingerprint Plays like our readthe one real worry is the interceptions — bottom 2% of FBS quarterbacks in interception rate, with the accuracy also in the bottom 9% (completion rate). | |||||||||||||
| Pocket Passer · +0.04 EPA/play | 7 | 6 | 104 / 190 | 54.7 | 1163 | 6.1 | 8 | 9 | 110.6 | 29.7 | 4.3 | 4.5 | |
Yards by week → Pocket PasserBalanced passer who operates within the system, without one standout number carrying the profile. 97 of 183 QBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Yards / attempt6.6 bottom 24th percentile · FBS QBs, min. 80 attempts INT rate4.7% bottom 4th percentile · FBS QBs, min. 80 attempts Trait fingerprint Plays like View Malachi Nelson's full player page | |||||||||||||
Running Backs
| Player | # | G | Car | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | 3rd Dn Use | Pass Dn Use | Stuff% | 10+% | Tgt Share | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced Back · +0.13 EPA/play | 1 | 12 | 119 | 569 | 4.8 | 4 | 56 | 14.0 | 13.6 | 24.0 | 12.5 | 5.1% (17/331) | |
Yards by week → Balanced BackPlays within the scheme — consistent production without a dominant dimension. Starter — over 60% of the snaps, holding the job. 186 of 349 RBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Yards / carry4.8 bottom 36th percentile · FBS RBs, min. 40 carries Yards / reception6.4 bottom 35th percentile · FBS RBs, min. 40 carries Trait fingerprint Plays like View Ashten Emory's full player page | |||||||||||||
| Balanced Back · -0.06 EPA/play | 14 | 10 | 46 | 225 | 4.9 | 1 | 94 | 8.6 | 11.5 | — | — | — | |
Yards by week → Balanced BackPlays within the scheme — consistent production without a dominant dimension. Part-time starter — splitting the role or filling in on injury. 186 of 349 RBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Yards / carry5.8 bottom 39th percentile · FBS RBs, min. 40 carries Rush TD rate2.2% bottom 22th percentile · FBS RBs, min. 40 carries Trait fingerprint Plays like View Hahsaun Wilson's full player page | |||||||||||||
Receivers
| Player | # | G | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | 3rd Dn Use | Pass Dn Use | Tgt Share | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Threat · +0.41 EPA/play | 23 | 9 | 25 | 604 | 24.2 | 6 #62 FBS | 75 | 4.9 | 7.1 | 12.1% (40/331) | |
Yards by week → Deep ThreatStretches the field vertically. Every snap is a potential big play. The rare part: he takes the top off a defense — and he finds the end zone, too 100 of 558 WRs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Yards / reception27.6 100th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions TD rate24.0% 99th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions — the part the label misses Trait fingerprint Plays like View Wondame Davis Jr.'s full player page | |||||||||||
| Slot Technician · -0.02 EPA/play | 6 | 11 | 62 | 582 | 9.4 | 6 #62 FBS | 74 | 19.3 | 17.1 | 26.6% (88/331) | |
Yards by week → Slot Technician· Boom-or-bustRuns precise routes in tight quarters. Volume player who keeps chains moving. his yards come in chunks — feast or famine Part-time starter — splitting the role or filling in on injury. 97 of 558 WRs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Reception volume62 93th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions EPA / play (adj)-0.0 bottom 3th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions Trait fingerprint Plays like View Kenny Odom's full player page | |||||||||||
| Possession Receiver · +0.18 EPA/play | 19 | 11 | 27 | 290 | 10.7 | 2 | 43 | 8.1 | 7.0 | 12.7% (42/331) | |
Yards by week → Possession ReceiverReliable target who converts on critical downs. Not flashy; consistently productive. 332 of 558 WRs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Yards / reception7.2 bottom 6th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions EPA / play (adj)0.2 bottom 13th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions Trait fingerprint Plays like View Eric Willis III's full player page | |||||||||||
| Jump-Ball Target · +0.45 EPA/play | 89 | 8 | 21 | 232 | 11.0 | 3 | 64 | 4.8 | 3.7 | 6.3% (21/331) | |
Yards by week → Jump-Ball Target· Boom-or-bustWins contested catches at the goal line. Size and catch radius are the weapons. his yards come in chunks — feast or famine 29 of 558 WRs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt TD rate14.3% 82th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions Reception volume21 bottom 23th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions Trait fingerprint Plays like View Josh Schuchts's full player page | |||||||||||
| Possession Receiver · +0.12 EPA/play | 15 | 7 | 20 | 227 | 11.3 | 1 | 73 | 5.4 | 5 | 7.9% (26/331) | |
Yards by week → Possession Receiver· Boom-or-bustReliable target who converts on critical downs. Not flashy; consistently productive. his yards come in chunks — feast or famine 332 of 558 WRs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Yards / reception14.4 63th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions EPA / play (adj)0.1 bottom 9th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions Trait fingerprint Plays like View Trevon Tate's full player page | |||||||||||
| Deep Threat · -0.01 EPA/play | 88 | 6 | 13 | 206 | 15.8 | 1 | 49 | 5.6 | 4.3 | 7.3% (24/331) | |
Yards by week → Deep ThreatStretches the field vertically. Every snap is a potential big play. 100 of 558 WRs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Yards / reception21.9 99th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions EPA / play (adj)-0.0 bottom 3th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions Trait fingerprint Plays like View Toric Goins Jr.'s full player page | |||||||||||
| +0.12 EPA/play | 17 | 6 | 10 | 103 | 10.3 | 0 | 34 | 3.3 | 7.1 | 6.6% (22/331) | |
Yards by week → | |||||||||||
Defensive Line
| Player | # | G | Tot | Solo | TFL | Sack | Hur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Gap Base | 7 | 11 | 55 | 19 | 10 | 3.5 | 5 |
Two-Gap BaseStout at the point of attack — steady tackle-for-loss production without a standout pass-rush number. Impact starter — above-average production for the conference. 388 of 809 IDLs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt TFL rate18.2% 64th percentile · FBS interior linemen, min. 10 tackles Plays like View Kadarion Johnson's full player page | |||||||
| 3-Tech Penetrator | 19 | 10 | 24 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 7 |
3-Tech PenetratorDisruptive interior rusher who lives in the backfield. 269 of 809 IDLs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt View Ashaad Hall's full player pageTFL rate16.7% 58th percentile · FBS interior linemen, min. 10 tackles | |||||||
| Two-Gap Base | 44 | 9 | 23 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Two-Gap BaseStout at the point of attack — steady tackle-for-loss production without a standout pass-rush number. 388 of 809 IDLs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt TFL rate13.0% bottom 44th percentile · FBS interior linemen, min. 10 tackles Plays like View Shakaun Bowser's full player page | |||||||
| Two-Gap Base | 90 | 9 | 23 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Two-Gap BaseStout at the point of attack — steady tackle-for-loss production without a standout pass-rush number. The most common profile in its group this season — 388 of 809 classified this way. Played in 9 of 21 games this season · sophomore · 3-star, 2024 class View Ashton Coker's full player page | |||||||
| 3-Tech Penetrator | 32 | 9 | 23 | 12 | 5.5 | 3.5 | 4 |
3-Tech PenetratorDisruptive interior rusher who lives in the backfield. 269 of 809 IDLs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt TFL rate23.9% 84th percentile · FBS interior linemen, min. 10 tackles Plays like View Elijah Baldwin's full player page | |||||||
| Two-Gap Base | 99 | 10 | 19 | 4 | 3 | 1.5 | 2 |
Two-Gap BaseStout at the point of attack — steady tackle-for-loss production without a standout pass-rush number. The most common profile in its group this season — 388 of 809 classified this way. Played in 10 of 21 games this season · senior View Cole Gustafson's full player page | |||||||
| Nose Anchor | 92 | 8 | 11 | 5 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 |
Nose AnchorThe heaviest frame on the interior. Sack production is intentionally not the point of this profile. 152 of 809 IDLs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Weight315 lb 87th percentile · FBS interior linemen, min. 10 tackles Plays like View Tyler Scott's full player page | |||||||
Linebackers
| Player | # | G | Tot | Solo | Ast | TFL | Sack | PD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced Linebacker | 48 | 10 | 114 | 56 | 58 | 7.5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Balanced LinebackerSolid in every phase without a signature dimension. Starter — over 60% of the snaps, holding the job. 362 of 660 LBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Tackle volume114 99th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles PD rate0.0% bottom 18th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles Trait fingerprint Plays like View Micah Davey's full player page | |||||||||
| Balanced Linebacker | 10 | 12 | 92 | 35 | 57 | 8 | 0.5 | 0 | 1 |
Balanced LinebackerSolid in every phase without a signature dimension. Starter — over 60% of the snaps, holding the job. 362 of 660 LBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Tackle volume92 93th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles PD rate0.0% bottom 18th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles Trait fingerprint Plays like our readSustained Ascent: his CFB Index score shows two real climbs in a row — 0th to 40th to 74th percentile among FBS LBs | |||||||||
| Coverage 'Backer | 12 | 11 | 31 | 16 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Coverage 'BackerCarries tight ends and patrols the middle of the field in coverage. 99 of 660 LBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt PD rate9.7% 99th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles TFL rate3.2% bottom 20th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles Trait fingerprint Plays like View Donte Thompson's full player page | |||||||||
| Balanced Linebacker | 1 | 3 | 18 | 5 | 13 | 1 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 |
Balanced LinebackerSolid in every phase without a signature dimension. 362 of 660 LBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Tackle volume18 bottom 12th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles PD rate0.0% bottom 18th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles Trait fingerprint Plays like View Joshua Rudolph's full player page | |||||||||
| Coverage 'Backer | 8 | 5 | 18 | 3 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Coverage 'BackerCarries tight ends and patrols the middle of the field in coverage. 99 of 660 LBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt PD rate11.1% 100th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles TFL rate0.0% bottom 10th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles Trait fingerprint Plays like View Stratton Shufelt's full player page | |||||||||
| 43 | 2 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 41 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 1.5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| 47 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Defensive Backs
| Player | # | G | Tot | PD | INT | TFL | Sack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Nickel | 2 | 10 | 60 | 4 | 1 | 1.5 | 0 |
Hybrid NickelMoves between deep coverage and the slot — the modern positionless DB. Starter — over 60% of the snaps, holding the job. The most common profile in its group this season — 419 of 801 classified this way. Played in 10 of 21 games this season · junior View Xavier Smith's full player page | |||||||
| Hybrid Nickel | 5 | 11 | 59 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Hybrid NickelMoves between deep coverage and the slot — the modern positionless DB. Starter — over 60% of the snaps, holding the job. 419 of 801 Ss we've classified this way this season. Season receipt PD rate6.8% bottom 44th percentile · FBS safeties, min. 15 tackles Plays like our readUnranked recruit — top-quartile production against his own recruiting profile | |||||||
| Perimeter Tackler | 18 | 12 | 58 | 6 | 1 | 5.5 | 0 |
Perimeter TacklerTargeted often and asked to tackle in space on the perimeter. Starter — over 60% of the snaps, holding the job. 42 of 270 CBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Tackle volume58 98th percentile · FBS corners, min. 10 tackles Plays like View Justin Content's full player page | |||||||
| Perimeter Tackler | 4 | 9 | 56 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 2 |
Perimeter TacklerTargeted often and asked to tackle in space on the perimeter. Part-time starter — splitting the role or filling in on injury. 42 of 270 CBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Tackle volume56 97th percentile · FBS corners, min. 10 tackles Plays like our readUnranked recruit — top-quartile production against his own recruiting profile | |||||||
| Box Safety | — | 10 | 41 | 1 | 0 | 9.5 | 5 |
Box SafetyLives near the line of scrimmage as a de facto extra linebacker. All-Conference honorable mention / 2nd team — the recognition has started. 166 of 801 Ss we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Tackle volume41 bottom 48th percentile · FBS safeties, min. 15 tackles Plays like View Udoka Ezeani's full player page | |||||||
| Box Safety | 15 | 9 | 34 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
Box SafetyLives near the line of scrimmage as a de facto extra linebacker. 166 of 801 Ss we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Tackle volume34 bottom 35th percentile · FBS safeties, min. 15 tackles Plays like View Kode Lowe's full player page | |||||||
| Centerfielder | 22 | 10 | 27 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
CenterfielderSingle-high range who erases the deep middle of the field. 133 of 801 Ss we've classified this way this season. Season receipt PD rate11.1% 66th percentile · FBS safeties, min. 15 tackles Plays like our readFading: his CFB Index score went from the 89th percentile among FBS Ss to the 28th | |||||||
| Press Corner | 16 | 6 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
Press CornerLong and physical; jams receivers off their route at the line. 43 of 270 CBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Height6'2" 87th percentile · FBS corners, min. 10 tackles Plays like View Yessman Green's full player page | |||||||
| Press Corner | 9 | 7 | 18 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Press CornerLong and physical; jams receivers off their route at the line. 43 of 270 CBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Height6'3" 96th percentile · FBS corners, min. 10 tackles Plays like View Marcell Blocker's full player page | |||||||
| Cover Corner | 13 | 4 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Cover CornerSteady in coverage; doesn't get beat deep and rarely gives up the big play. 141 of 270 CBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt PD rate0.0% bottom 8th percentile · FBS corners, min. 10 tackles Plays like View TJ Tillman's full player page | |||||||
| Press Corner | 6 | 7 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Press CornerLong and physical; jams receivers off their route at the line. 43 of 270 CBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Height6'5" 100th percentile · FBS corners, min. 10 tackles Plays like View Ekow Taylor's full player page | |||||||
| 17 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Kicking
| Player | # | G | FG M/A | FG% | XP M/A | Pts | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | 11 | 3/6 | 50 | 27/28 | 36 | 42 | |
| 33 | 6 | 6/8 | 75 | 0/0 | 18 | 38 |
Kick Returns
| Player | # | G | No | Yds | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 6 | 13 | 166 | 12.8 | 0 | 22 | |
| +0.03 EPA/play | 21 | 7 | 5 | 65 | 13 | 0 | 20 |
| Deep Threat · +0.41 EPA/play | 23 | 9 | 6 | 61 | 10.2 | 0 | 20 |
Punt Returns
| Player | # | G | No | Yds | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession Receiver · +0.18 EPA/play | 19 | 11 | 14 | 88 | 6.3 | 0 | 23 |
| 13 | 6 | 4 | 47 | 11.8 | 0 | 41 | |
| 5 | 1 | 5 | 24 | 4.8 | 0 | 14 |
2025 stat leaders
final
2025 stat leaders
1.
Micah Davey
LB
114 tot (def)
2.
Jayden Wilson
LB
92.0 tot (def)
3.
Xavier Smith
S
60.0 tot (def)
4.
Solo Barnes
S
59.0 tot (def)
5.
Justin Content
CB
58.0 tot (def)
Roster
2025
23
players carry a qualified CFB Index Score this season.
Kadarion Johnson
IDL
#11 of 330
Solo Barnes
S
#83 of 544
Udoka Ezeani
S
#94 of 544
Xavier Smith
S
#142 of 544
Jayden Wilson
LB
#170 of 583
Micah Davey
LB
#175 of 583
+17 more
UTEP · 2025 schedule & results2-10Balanced slateAverage opponent win rate 48% · 1 AP top-25 opponent on the schedule.
| Wk | Date | Us | Opp | Line | Opponent | Result | Record | Conf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug 30 | #152 | #157 | +5.5 | @Utah State | L 16–28 130 | 0-1 | 0-0 |
| 2 | Sep 7 | #160 | #111 | -7.5 | UT Martin | W 42–17 54 | 1-1 | 0-0 |
| 3 | Sep 13 | #141 | #3 | +40.5 | @Texas | L 10–27 139 | 1-2 | 0-0 |
| 4 | Sep 21 | #114 | #109 | -5.5 | UL Monroe | L 25–31 134 | 1-3 | 0-0 |
| 5 | Sep 28 | #124 | #131 | +3.5 | Louisiana Tech | L 11–30 141 | 1-4 | 0-0 |
| 7 | Oct 9 | #146 | #67 | +2 | Liberty | L 8–19 132 | 1-5 | 0-0 |
| 8 | Oct 15 | #163 | #182 | -3.5 | Sam Houston (N) | W 35–17 136 | 2-5 | 0-0 |
| 10 | Oct 29 | #168 | #107 | +12.5 | @Kennesaw State | L 20–33 144 | 2-6 | 0-0 |
| 11 | Nov 8 | #164 | #89 | +1.5 | Jacksonville State | L 27–30 139 | 2-7 | 0-0 |
| 12 | Nov 15 | #165 | #140 | +7.5 | @Missouri State | L 24–38 136 | 2-8 | 0-0 |
| 13 | Nov 22 | #183 | #207 | -4.5 | New Mexico State | L 31–34 145 | 2-9 | 0-0 |
| 14 | Nov 29 | #191 | #166 | +4.5 | @Delaware | L 31–61 148 | 2-10 | 0-0 |
Advanced box score (EPA, success rate, explosiveness)▼
| Date | Opp | Result | Yds | TO | TOP | EPA/play | Success% | Explosive% | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 29 | @Delaware | L 31–61 | 370 | 6 | 26:55 | +0.043 | 28.9% | 177.9% | Defense's roughest night |
| Nov 22 | New Mexico State | L 31–34 | 399 | 1 | 23:16 | +0.216 | 39.1% | 152.8% | One-score loss |
| Nov 15 | @Missouri State | L 24–38 | 240 | 0 | 22:36 | +0.093 | 36.1% | 115.6% | |
| Nov 8 | Jacksonville State | L 27–30 | 370 | 1 | 29:33 | +0.146 | 35.2% | 187.3% | One-score loss |
| Oct 29 | @Kennesaw State | L 20–33 | 295 | 1 | 30:57 | -0.129 | 27.0% | 142.6% | |
| Oct 15 | Sam Houston | W 35–17 | 411 | 2 | 24:35 | -0.101 | 39.7% | 136.6% | |
| Oct 9 | Liberty | L 8–19 | 167 | 2 | 20:03 | -0.255 | 25.0% | 70.5% | |
| Sep 28 | Louisiana Tech | L 11–30 | 273 | 5 | 27:45 | -0.317 | 27.0% | 116.6% | Season-low EPA/play |
| Sep 21 | UL Monroe | L 25–31 | 442 | 2 | 28:09 | +0.064 | 28.7% | 189.8% | One-score loss |
| Sep 13 | @Texas | L 10–27 | 259 | 2 | 23:13 | -0.069 | 31.0% | 113.5% | |
| Sep 7 | UT Martin | W 42–17 | 472 | 1 | 21:12 | +0.408 | 37.0% | 215.4% | Season-high EPA/play |
| Aug 30 | @Utah State | L 16–28 | 284 | 1 | 29:23 | +0.053 | 40.0% | 94.6% | Best success rate |
| Season average (12 games) | 332 | 2.0 | +0.013 | 32.9% | 142.8% | ||||
How They Play · 2025
How They Play · 2025UTEP fields a struggling pass-first, explosive, big-play offense behind a strong, bend-don't-break defense.
Opponent-adjusted percentiles vs all FBS. Bar = where this team ranks — right is better.
Team identity · competitive snaps only
How UTEP actually scores
1st percentile quality, 99th percentile boom-dependency. Garbage time excluded from both axes — the same correction that changes the Q4 story below.
View all FBS teams as a table
| Team | Quality percentile | Boom-share percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force | 86th | 11th |
| Akron | 12th | 89th |
| Alabama | 58th | 17th |
| App State | 35th | 47th |
| Arizona | 64th | 37th |
| Arizona State | 41st | 62nd |
| Arkansas | 90th | 12th |
| Arkansas State | 17th | 66th |
| Army | 57th | 43rd |
| Auburn | 47th | 53rd |
| BYU | 78th | 19th |
| Baylor | 69th | 25th |
| Boise State | 66th | 20th |
| Boston College | 37th | 54th |
| Bowling Green | 2nd | 98th |
| Buffalo | 11th | 88th |
| California | 28th | 48th |
| Central Michigan | 52nd | 64th |
| Cincinnati | 89th | 16th |
| Clemson | 51st | 48th |
| Coastal Carolina | 17th | 83rd |
| Colorado | 18th | 84th |
| Colorado State | 16th | 83rd |
| Delaware | 38th | 58th |
| Duke | 80th | 14th |
| East Carolina | 63rd | 36th |
| Eastern Michigan | 49th | 42nd |
| Florida | 30th | 67th |
| Florida Atlantic | 62nd | 59th |
| Florida International | 42nd | 50th |
| Florida State | 83rd | 32nd |
| Fresno State | 26th | 73rd |
| Georgia | 81st | 3rd |
| Georgia Southern | 73rd | 21st |
| Georgia State | 36th | 70th |
| Georgia Tech | 84th | 5th |
| Hawai'i | 64th | 41st |
| Houston | 27th | 65th |
| Illinois | 75th | 26th |
| Indiana | 95th | 1st |
| Iowa | 44th | 40th |
| Iowa State | 68th | 22nd |
| Jacksonville State | 54th | 38th |
| James Madison | 65th | 44th |
| Kansas | 85th | 28th |
| Kansas State | 71st | 49th |
| Kennesaw State | 56th | 30th |
| Kent State | 21st | 86th |
| Kentucky | 15th | 85th |
| LSU | 14th | 81st |
| Liberty | 43rd | 56th |
| Louisiana | 19th | 73rd |
| Louisiana Tech | 39th | 61st |
| Louisville | 48th | 64th |
| Marshall | 55th | 39th |
| Maryland | 30th | 74th |
| Memphis | 80th | 24th |
| Miami | 76th | 5th |
| Miami (OH) | 34th | 67th |
| Michigan | 67th | 33rd |
| Michigan State | 27th | 75th |
| Middle Tennessee | 39th | 52nd |
| Minnesota | 29th | 77th |
| Mississippi State | 22nd | 77th |
| Missouri | 61st | 30th |
| Missouri State | 55th | 46th |
| NC State | 86th | 23rd |
| Navy | 94th | 17th |
| Nebraska | 48th | 57th |
| Nevada | 3rd | 97th |
| New Mexico | 58th | 60th |
| New Mexico State | 9th | 87th |
| North Carolina | 13th | 89th |
| North Texas | 98th | 7th |
| Northern Illinois | 8th | 92nd |
| Northwestern | 52nd | 36th |
| Notre Dame | 99th | 20th |
| Ohio | 67th | 18th |
| Ohio State | 93rd | 4th |
| Oklahoma | 20th | 80th |
| Oklahoma State | 5th | 95th |
| Old Dominion | 83rd | 45th |
| Ole Miss | 89th | 2nd |
| Oregon | 91st | 10th |
| Oregon State | 2nd | 98th |
| Penn State | 73rd | 33rd |
| Pittsburgh | 60th | 39th |
| Purdue | 25th | 78th |
| Rice | 6th | 94th |
| Rutgers | 70th | 27th |
| SMU | 74th | 42nd |
| Sam Houston | 4th | 96th |
| San Diego State | 24th | 76th |
| San José State | 45th | 69th |
| South Alabama | 36th | 58th |
| South Carolina | 23rd | 86th |
| South Florida | 87th | 23rd |
| Southern Miss | 40th | 55th |
| Stanford | 10th | 90th |
| Syracuse | 5th | 95th |
| TCU | 72nd | 35th |
| Temple | 70th | 34th |
| Tennessee | 96th | 11th |
| Texas | 45th | 55th |
| Texas A&M | 82nd | 14th |
| Texas State | 92nd | 8th |
| Texas Tech | 77th | 31st |
| Toledo | 50th | 61st |
| Troy | 14th | 80th |
| Tulane | 79th | 15th |
| Tulsa | 20th | 70th |
| UAB | 61st | 45th |
| UCF | 33rd | 82nd |
| UCLA | 23rd | 79th |
| UConn | 95th | 13th |
| UL Monroe | 11th | 92nd |
| UNLV | 88th | 9th |
| USC | 98th | 2nd |
| UTEP | 1st | 99th |
| UTSA | 77th | 51st |
| Utah | 97th | 6th |
| Utah State | 46th | 63rd |
| Vanderbilt | 100th | 0th |
| Virginia | 59th | 27th |
| Virginia Tech | 32nd | 71st |
| Wake Forest | 42nd | 72nd |
| Washington | 92nd | 8th |
| Washington State | 33rd | 52nd |
| West Virginia | 7th | 93rd |
| Western Kentucky | 53rd | 29th |
| Western Michigan | 31st | 68th |
| Wisconsin | 0th | 100th |
| Wyoming | 8th | 91st |
Fourth-quarter reliability, corrected
UTEP's 4th-quarter offense, before and after garbage time
Raw Q4 EPA/play ranks 12th percentile in FBS. Strip out snaps taken with a blowout margin and it drops to the 4th — the correction is the finding, not a footnote.
Standard downs vs. passing downs
Does UTEP hold up once the down-and-distance turns against them?
3rd percentile success on standard downs, 10th on passing downs — little dropoff between the two — a schedule-independent identity.
View all FBS teams as a table
| Team | Standard-downs percentile | Passing-downs percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force | 82nd | 69th |
| Akron | 20th | 36th |
| Alabama | 47th | 76th |
| App State | 41st | 80th |
| Arizona | 54th | 54th |
| Arizona State | 40th | 37th |
| Arkansas | 90th | 97th |
| Arkansas State | 51st | 40th |
| Army | 37th | 44th |
| Auburn | 73rd | 24th |
| Austin Peay | 56th | 13th |
| BYU | 91st | 46th |
| Ball State | 5th | 3rd |
| Baylor | 70th | 77th |
| Boise State | 42nd | 63rd |
| Boston College | 56th | 54th |
| Bowling Green | 10th | 17th |
| Bryant | 7th | 2nd |
| Buffalo | 29th | 20th |
| California | 25th | 66th |
| Central Michigan | 57th | 11th |
| Charlotte | 7th | 7th |
| Cincinnati | 89th | 65th |
| Clemson | 49th | 34th |
| Coastal Carolina | 16th | 22nd |
| Colorado | 8th | 48th |
| Colorado State | 29th | 35th |
| Delaware | 66th | 31st |
| Duke | 82nd | 63rd |
| East Carolina | 63rd | 91st |
| Eastern Michigan | 46th | 67th |
| Florida | 52nd | 45th |
| Florida Atlantic | 44th | 61st |
| Florida International | 50th | 26th |
| Florida State | 65th | 90th |
| Fresno State | 22nd | 71st |
| Georgia | 95th | 69th |
| Georgia Southern | 64th | 84th |
| Georgia State | 22nd | 75th |
| Georgia Tech | 92nd | 89th |
| Hawai'i | 33rd | 87th |
| Houston | 61st | 29th |
| Idaho | 30th | 78th |
| Idaho State | 93rd | 14th |
| Illinois | 79th | 95th |
| Indiana | 97th | 98th |
| Iowa | 74th | 19th |
| Iowa State | 80th | 58th |
| Jacksonville State | 59th | 56th |
| James Madison | 77th | 52nd |
| Kansas | 99th | 82nd |
| Kansas State | 37th | 59th |
| Kennesaw State | 44th | 67th |
| Kent State | 15th | 5th |
| Kentucky | 62nd | 29th |
| LSU | 18th | 52nd |
| Lafayette | 0th | 12th |
| Liberty | 65th | 53rd |
| Lindenwood | 4th | 1st |
| Long Island University | 24th | 78th |
| Louisiana | 24th | 23rd |
| Louisiana Tech | 41st | 24th |
| Louisville | 84th | 32nd |
| Maine | 3rd | 18th |
| Marshall | 71st | 62nd |
| Maryland | 11th | 86th |
| Massachusetts | 5th | 9th |
| Memphis | 75th | 68th |
| Merrimack | 1st | 83rd |
| Miami | 80th | 64th |
| Miami (OH) | 33rd | 39th |
| Michigan | 73rd | 74th |
| Michigan State | 48th | 39th |
| Middle Tennessee | 69th | 47th |
| Minnesota | 35th | 33rd |
| Mississippi State | 52nd | 35th |
| Missouri | 76th | 50th |
| Missouri State | 32nd | 50th |
| Murray State | 1st | 6th |
| NC State | 58th | 71st |
| Navy | 95th | 72nd |
| Nebraska | 78th | 51st |
| Nevada | 17th | 16th |
| New Mexico | 38th | 60th |
| New Mexico State | 16th | 33rd |
| North Carolina | 14th | 30th |
| North Texas | 100th | 97th |
| Northern Illinois | 9th | 5th |
| Northwestern | 48th | 88th |
| Notre Dame | 88th | 99th |
| Ohio | 69th | 76th |
| Ohio State | 99th | 99th |
| Oklahoma | 39th | 41st |
| Oklahoma State | 14th | 7th |
| Old Dominion | 72nd | 79th |
| Ole Miss | 83rd | 95th |
| Oregon | 93rd | 55th |
| Oregon State | 54th | 25th |
| Penn State | 76th | 73rd |
| Pittsburgh | 35th | 56th |
| Purdue | 46th | 88th |
| Rice | 20th | 0th |
| Rutgers | 71st | 84th |
| SMU | 50th | 57th |
| Sam Houston | 26th | 4th |
| San Diego State | 84th | 1st |
| San José State | 68th | 70th |
| South Alabama | 53rd | 28th |
| South Carolina | 31st | 8th |
| South Carolina State | 10th | 3rd |
| South Florida | 86th | 46th |
| Southern Miss | 27th | 38th |
| Stanford | 12th | 12th |
| Syracuse | 19th | 10th |
| TCU | 63rd | 82nd |
| Temple | 85th | 22nd |
| Tennessee | 97th | 81st |
| Texas | 27th | 61st |
| Texas A&M | 88th | 59th |
| Texas State | 60th | 93rd |
| Texas Tech | 45th | 65th |
| Toledo | 67th | 42nd |
| Troy | 18th | 27th |
| Tulane | 81st | 86th |
| Tulsa | 43rd | 43rd |
| UAB | 34th | 94th |
| UCF | 39th | 20th |
| UCLA | 28th | 48th |
| UConn | 96th | 37th |
| UL Monroe | 13th | 14th |
| UNLV | 78th | 85th |
| USC | 94th | 90th |
| UT Martin | 2nd | 41st |
| UTEP | 3rd | 10th |
| UTSA | 67th | 92nd |
| Utah | 87th | 96th |
| Utah State | 31st | 49th |
| Vanderbilt | 90th | 100th |
| Virginia | 36th | 73rd |
| Virginia Tech | 59th | 21st |
| Wake Forest | 21st | 31st |
| Washington | 98th | 93rd |
| Washington State | 61st | 44th |
| West Virginia | 12th | 18th |
| Western Kentucky | 55th | 80th |
| Western Michigan | 86th | 16th |
| Wisconsin | 6th | 27th |
| Wyoming | 23rd | 15th |
Halftime identity
UTEP by half
1st-half offense ranks 21st percentile in FBS; 2nd-half, 15th — competitive snaps only, garbage time excluded from both halves.
Schedule mirage
How much of UTEP's number is the schedule?
Raw EPA/play through week 21 is 0.01; 8th percentile once opponent strength is stripped out, it's -0.01. The widest gap came in week 2: 0.23 raw vs. 0.04 adjusted.
UTEP reads strongest in explosive plays (top 4%) and rushing epa allowed (top 18%); the crux lives in success rate, where UTEP sits at the 1st percentile.
offense · strengths lead
defense · higher bar = harder to play against
hidden math · special situations
ELITE · 90+STRONG · 70+AVERAGE · 40-70CONCERN · 10-40BOTTOM · <10
Most Similar Programs · UTEP
Most Similar Programs · UTEPReads Like
CharlotteTier 3 · Prestige T2 · Similarly-sized rosters up frontColorado StateTier 3 · Prestige T2 · Similarly-sized rosters up frontEast CarolinaTier 3 · Prestige T2 · Similarly-sized rosters up front
Static-attribute similarity across tier, archetype, conference, and voice. Not a prediction — a calibration.
Home-Field Advantage · UTEP · 2018-present
Strong
36% home win rate vs 17% on the road. margin runs +9.7 better at home. Sun Bowl seats 51,500, averaging 35% full (18,069 attendance, 23 games reported).
Home16-28Away8-39
Positional competition · RB room
The carries are split. The job isn’t.
Ashten Emory and Hahsaun Wilson split the carries (105/150 vs 45/150) -- but the job isn't split the same way.
Ashten EmoryHahsaun Wilson
Carries
the baseline -- every row below is tested against this split, not a flat 50/50
Targets
shared -- dots touch, this room really is a committee here
Top-5-carry share
concentration alone -- EPA/carry doesn't corroborate, read with caution
Screened 2 claims, 0 survived, 2 falsified
Positional competition · WR/TE room
The targets are split. The job isn’t.
Kenny Odom (WR) and Judah Ezinwa (TE) split the targets (86/93 vs 7/93) -- but the job isn't split the same way. Judah Ezinwa produces in bigger chunks.
Kenny OdomJudah Ezinwa
Targets
the baseline -- every row below is tested against this split, not a flat 50/50
3rd-down targets
shared -- dots touch, this room really is a committee here
Top-5-catch share
concentration and EPA/target agree -- a real boom/bust split
Screened 2 claims, 1 survived, 1 falsified
What changed
UTEP’s play-calling, before and after the change
Offense: co-Ryan Stanchek / Jake Brown (2024) → Mark Cala / co-Ryan Stanchek (2025)
The biggest shift: 1st-down pass rate moved up 7 points. The rest held closer to steady.
1st-down pass rate
Red-zone pass rate
Defense: co-Kelvin Sigler / J. J. Clark (2024) → co-Kelvin Sigler / Bobby Daly (2025)
The biggest shift: 1st-down pass rate moved up 7 points. The rest held closer to steady.
1st-down pass rate
Red-zone pass rate
Defensive identity · pass zones
What this defense gives up, by zone.
On short passes, UTEP’s defense allows a completion rate below the FBS mean (65.5% vs 65.9% league-wide, shrunk toward the mean for its 181-play sample) — mid-pack, 62 of 133 qualifying defenses.
We won’t show a deep-ball leaderboard here: at the defense level, most teams face well under 30 rich-feed deep targets all season — too thin to tell a real tendency from noise, so we won’t guess.
Screened 133 claims, 133 survived · 2025 only, in the 399 games with the detailed play-text feed; n=181 short-zone plays faced, raw rate 65.2%
Venue texture
75°F average kickoff temp; 3% of games had measurable precipitation; 9 mph average wind.
Based on 67 home games with weather data.
The CFP Era
12 seasons inside the CFP era, no bids yet — the era the program is still trying to break into.
TRAJECTORY · quality-score line · AP rank dotted · CFP bids marked · coach regimes ribboned
Program Quality
AP Rank (inverted)
CFP Appearance
UTEP's 2014–2025 record is 41-100. The era is still being written; the CFP line is the one the program is arguing for.
All-Time Record
353-609-18
since 1930 · 93 seasons · .360 win rate
HOME
234-256-9
AWAY
113-343-9
NEUTRAL
6-10
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
The program, in full — read the essay
UTEP is the most geographically isolated program in major-college football — a mining-heritage university on the far western corner of Texas, 600 miles from the nearest power program — and it went 2-10 in 2025 before moving into the Mountain West.
El Paso is not a recruiting hub by the sport's conventional map, and UTEP's history reflects that plainly. The program's greatest sports moment came in 1966, when Texas Western — the school's former name — started five Black players and won the NCAA basketball championship, a civil-rights landmark that matters far beyond the scorebook. Football has never matched it. Mike Price's mid-2000s bowl teams — back-to-back bowl seasons, an 8-win year — are the high-water mark for the Miners on the gridiron, and they're twenty-plus years old.
Scotty Walden is entering his third season after a 2-10 (1-7 Conference USA) campaign in 2025, which is a brutal number for any coach but a particular kind of pressure at a program moving into a harder league. 2026 is UTEP's first year in the Mountain West — a genuine step up from Conference USA — and it arrives before the roster has been rebuilt enough to treat the upgrade as an opportunity rather than exposure. The borderland recruiting theory — that El Paso and the Juárez corridor are an untapped talent market the bigger programs ignore — is the long-term bet Walden is making.
The 2026 question is whether Walden survives long enough to test that theory. A program entering a tougher conference off a 2-10 season, under a third-year coach who hasn't yet reached a bowl, needs something to change. Sun Bowl Stadium is carved into the Franklin Mountains hillside. El Paso shows up for it. The question is whether the team on the field gives them a reason to.
How they play
UTEP's football identity is borderland grind — a program built to compete on effort and scheme in a market where size and budget are not the advantages. Walden runs a spread offense designed to maximize the limited talent available, with a physical running game that fits the roster profile. The Miners win when the ball-control plan shortens the game and the defense generates chaos; they lose when the talent gap overwhelms the scheme. Moving into the Mountain West tests whether the identity travels.
Steady
UTEP 2016–2025. Holding the line. The 10-year slope (+0.01 rungs / yr) doesn't tilt either way — the program lives at roughly Tier 1.
CFP Era · UTEP
12 seasons on file
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
down middle peak CFP year
Season Standing · 2025 · 2-10
Season Standing · 2025 · 2-10FBS sub-.500
UTEP: Below .500 in FBS play. The rebuild bar.
R0R1R2R3R4R5R6R7R8R9
Sub-FBSBuildingBowlRankedContenderPlayoff
Mountain West Standing · 2025
10th in the Mountain West
UTEP is 10th of 10 in the Mountain West at 0-0. The path to the title is steep — the focus is on bowl access and rivalry wins.
| # | Program | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UNLV | 4-1 |
| 2 | New Mexico | 3-1 |
| 3 | Hawai'i | 2-2 |
| 4 | Nevada | 2-2 |
| 5 | Air Force | 2-3 |
| 6 | San José State | 2-3 |
| 7 | Wyoming | 1-4 |
| 8 | North Dakota State | 0-0 |
| 9 | Northern Illinois | 0-0 |
| 10 | UTEP | 0-0 |
Coaching Era · UTEP
Coaching Era · UTEPScotty Walden
Scotty Walden in year 3 of the rebuild. The methodology is taking shape.
Era Scotty Walden · 2024–presentPrev: Dana Dimel (2020–2023)OC: Lanear Sampson / co-Joe PappalardoPrev OC: Mark Cala / co-Ryan Stanchek (2025)DC: co-Kelvin Sigler / Kyle BeyerPrev DC: co-Kelvin Sigler / Bobby Daly (2025)
3
years · era
Rituals
Three gameday rituals — the ones outsiders never quite catch.
Sun Bowl Stadium / Sun Bowl Hosting
since 1936
Sun Bowl Stadium (built 1963, expanded multiple times to 51,000 capacity) hosts the annual Sun Bowl game — one of CFB's oldest postseason bowls (since 1936). UTEP plays home games here + the Sun Bowl game brings two national teams to El Paso every December. The dual-use venue + the Franklin Mountains backdrop + the desert setting create a unique CFB venue identity.
Mike Price Era (2004-2012)
since 2004
Mike Price's 2004-2012 tenure — after his Alabama firing pre-Tide-coaching-debut — produced the program's modern peak. 2005 8-4 + Houston Bowl appearance + multiple bowl years. Price's pass-offense identity + the recruiting reach into Texas + the El Paso community connection define the era.
Picks Up Hand Sign
since 2000s
'Picks Up' — UTEP fans' hand-sign gesture (two fingers held aloft like a mining pickaxe) — is the Miners' identity marker. The mining-heritage symbol + El Paso mining-town historical roots + the gesture's distinct shape make UTEP fan identity uniquely Texas-borderland.
Program memory
What this program never forgets
Most weeks vanish. These didn’t.
The 1966 Texas Western championship
The first all-Black starting five wins the NCAA basketball title — a civil-rights landmark and UTEP's defining moment
2005
Mike Price's bowl run
Back-to-back bowl seasons restore football pride to El Paso
Moment of the Year · UTEP · 2025
Moment of the Year · UTEP · 2025Lost 10-27 at Texas
Week 3 of 2025. The single game that defined the season's arc.
Bowl / Postseason Ledger
Bowl / Postseason LedgerRecent postseason (2014-2021): 0-2
Most recent: 2021 — loss 31-24 (away). Last 5 postseason: 0-2.
20212014
NFL Draft Pipeline
2024–2024
NFL Draft PipelineThin
2 picks last 5 cycles. Roster development still maturing.
2
picks · 0 R1
#118
Tyrice Knight
Linebacker · 2024 · Seattle · #35/577 final season
#220
Elijah Klein
Offensive Guard · 2024 · Tampa Bay
#97 all-time · 2 first-round picksthe talent factory →
Unit lineage
UTEP’s offense and defense, by coordinator
FBS-relative efficiency percentile per season (2014–2025), same population as the Coordinator Mirror board. Dashed vertical lines mark a coordinator change.
Offense2014–2025
2014–2015 · Patrick Higgins2016–2017 · Brent Pease2018–2020 · Mike Canales2021–2022 · Dave Warner2023 · Scotty Ohara2024 · co-Ryan Stanchek / Jake Brown2025 · Mark Cala / co-Ryan Stanchek
Hired for 2026: Lanear Sampson / co-Joe Pappalardo — not yet reflected in on-field data.
Defense2014–2025
2014–2015 · Scott Stoker2016–2017 · Tom Mason2018–2020 · Mike Cox2021–2023 · Bradley Dale Peveto2024 · co-Kelvin Sigler / J. J. Clark2025 · co-Kelvin Sigler / Bobby Daly
Hired for 2026: co-Kelvin Sigler / Kyle Beyer — not yet reflected in on-field data.
Elite (≥70th pct)AveragePoor (≤30th pct)
Chronicle Visuals
Among the most continuous rosters into 2025 — 100% back, anchored by the qb room, only offense to settle.
The portal upgraded the S room but opened a hole at DL.
UTEP converts recruit talent into draft picks better than its class rank suggests.
r/cfb moments
208
[Postgame Thread] Rice Defeats UTEP 37-30
125
[Postgame Thread] UTEP Defeats Stephen F. Austin 24-14
119
[Postgame Thread] UTEP Defeats Abilene Christian 17-13
105
[Postgame Thread] UTEP Defeats ULM 31-6
All-time top community posts · ranked by upvotes
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