The University of Texas at El Paso’s football program is entering a pivotal year as it prepares for its first season in the Mountain West Conference, a move that marks a strategic shift from its long tenure in Conference USA.
Media days held at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas gave the Miners a platform to showcase the talent that will carry the program forward, with quarterback E.J. Colson, safety Kode Lowe, wide receiver Kam Thomas and linebacker Jayden Wilson representing the team.
A New Chapter for the Miners
Wilson, a linebacker, spoke about the significance of belonging to the new league, saying the conference feels like a natural home for the Miners. Colson added that fans are eager to see old rivalries revived, a sentiment echoed by head coach Scotty Walden, who is chasing his first winning season and believes the roster has the depth to achieve it.
Fall camp is slated to begin on August 4, 2026, and the schedule promises high‑profile matchups against traditional powerhouses such as Oklahoma, Michigan and Oregon State, underscoring the non‑conference challenges that lie ahead.
The upcoming season will test the team’s resilience against a slate that blends regional rivalries with marquee games on national television, setting the stage for a compelling narrative as the Miners seek to establish themselves in the Mountain West.