EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — In its first game of the 2025 season, UTEP football suffered a 28-16 loss to Utah State at Maverik Stadium in Logan, Utah on Saturday.
Utah State outgained UTEP 356-284 in total yards and scored on five of its 13 drives in the game.
UTEP redshirt sophomore quarterback Malachi Nelson made his much-anticipated first NCAA career start and debut as the Miners’ quarterback.
Nelson completed 22-of-34 passes for 178 yards and threw one touchdown pass. Nelson’s touchdown pass was UTEP’s first score of the game — a 34-yard strike from Nelson to wide receiver Kenny Odom. The Nelson to Odom TD connection led to UTEP taking a 7-3 lead over Utah State with 04:30 left in the first quarter. Nelson also threw an interception in Saturday’s contest.
UTEP’s defense recorded six total sacks in the game. Ashaad Hall had two sacks, Micah Davey, and Udoka Ezeani each had one sack, Joshua Rudolph and Elijah Baldwin each tallied half a sack.
UTEP’s defense went through a rough stretch during a crucial part of the game. Down 20-10 with 8:35 left in the third quarter, UTEP would’ve had Utah State on its own 11-yard line, facing 3rd & 6 but two personal fouls from Donte Thompson (roughing the passer) and Xavier Smith (unnecessary roughness) moved the Aggies 30 yards up the field.
From there, Utah State marched down the field, scored a touchdown, and added two points off a trick play.
Redshirt freshman Ashten Emory provided UTEP’s second touchdown with a 2-yard rushing score early in the 4th quarter, narrowing the gap to 28-16.
With the loss, UTEP remains winless against Utah State, falling to 0-4 in the all-time series. The Miners also extend their struggles against Mountain West teams, now 9-15 overall, and have dropped four consecutive season openers.
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