As the new semester begins, the energy of a fresh fall semester rises, bringing new opportunities for every student, department and organization. At the start of this season, college campuses everywhere are set in a frenzy with the return of one beloved sport — college football.
Last year The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)’s football struggled, finishing 3-9, 3-5 C-USA. But, with a new season ahead of them. Now, they have a clean slate to work with.
Compared to recent off seasons, 2025 has been particularly eventful with a couple of key staff role changes and eye-catching transfers.
According to Head Coach Scotty Walden, players have gotten more agile and stronger in the program with the weightroom backing up his what he had to say about the team. The average squat maxes went up over 100 pounds and clean and bench maxes each rose over 50 pounds.
Coach Walden has focused on recruiting players who meet the mold of being able to both outsmart and outmuscle opponents.
Heading into his second year, many students described Walden as energetic and inspirational and believe he’s the man to guide the football program in a positive direction.
As far as self-critiqued improvement, Walden says he has found ways to elevate himself for his second tenure and emphasized improving inclusiveness among staff and striving for “total alignment” moving forward.
“So, for me, how can I be more detailed in our plan. I feel so much more solidified making decisions quicker…[and] to make adjustments when need be…so that our guys can be successful,” Walden said. “That starts with me being detailed, holding the coaches accountable, holding our players accountable.”
UTEP struggled most with scoring last season, averaging just 19.5 points per game while giving up 32.3.
The team brought in a new defensive coordinator, hoping the change would spark the shift needed to establish a stronger defense. On the offensive side, Coach Walden wasn’t satisfied with last season’s results either, adding another co-offensive coordinator with an agenda on boosting scoring production.
“It’s all that we put a massive emphasis on, from personnel decisions to what we do in practice, to schematics a premium. And it’s always been this way, but doubling down on it, it’s points over yards…do you score the ball, that’s what matters to me…getting our players in position where they can be exposed to ‘put the ball in the paint’,” Walden said.
By focusing on these fundamentals, he hopes to maximize every possession and give players the best chance to score, relying on the talent in his system to move the ball.
The team also added several transfers this offseason with one of the most talked about players beingredshirt sophomore Malachi Nelson, who recently played his first game as UTEP’s starting quarterback, passing for 178 yards in his debut.
Players mentioned for the C-USA watchlists were running back Hahsaun Wilson, defensive lineman Derek Burns, linebacker Micah Davey, offensive lineman Mark Robinson and punter Noah Botsford all predicted to have big years.
As these athletes take the field for the Sun City, students can pack the stands by claiming their free tickets and show their support starting with the home opener on Sept. 6.
Cameron Mason is a staff reporter for The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected]
