UAB Blazers is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of -15.2. UAB Blazers enters the season with a power rating of -15.2, placing them below average relative to the FBS midpoint. The UAB Blazers head to Illinois next in Week 1. In 2025, UAB Blazers went 4-8 overall, 4-8 against the spread, and 6-6 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the UAB Blazers Power Rating of -15.2 is 15.4 points below the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. UAB Blazers have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 5,788 miles, ranking 92th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Illinois | 460 mi | 920 mi |
| Week 2 | UL Monroe | Home | 920 mi |
| Week 3 | Louisiana | 383 mi | 1,686 mi |
| Week 4 | Navy | Home | 1,686 mi |
| Week 5 | Samford | Home | 1,686 mi |
| Week 6 | Memphis | 212 mi | 2,110 mi |
| Week 7 | East Carolina | Home | 2,110 mi |
| Week 8 | — | Bye | |
| Week 9 | South Florida | 460 mi | 3,030 mi |
| Week 10 | Charlotte | Home | 3,030 mi |
| Week 11 | Temple | 781 mi | 4,591 mi |
| Week 12 | UTSA | Home | 4,591 mi |
| Week 13 | North Texas | 599 mi | 5,788 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
First-year head coach Alex Mortensen inherits a program that bottomed out under Trent Dilfer. Mortensen is described as a likeable, respected leader who genuinely wanted the job. His first full season is a reset, with a rebuilt roster through the transfer portal and a focus on restoring pride and culture. The early returns will be measured as much by competitiveness and discipline as by wins.
Ryder Burton enters his fourth college season as the clear starter after a memorable 251-yard, three-touchdown debut in an upset win over Memphis. His only other start was a loss to Rice with 213 yards and two scores. Burton's development is the key to the offense. He has a strong arm and mobility, but consistency and decision-making under pressure will determine how far this unit can go.
The Blazers boast a deep and versatile running back room. Georgia transfer Rod Robinson II (6-foot-1, 235 pounds) is a powerful runner if he can stay healthy. Coastal Carolina transfer Ja'Vin Simpkins and ULM transfer Bam McReynolds combined for 1,228 rushing yards and five touchdowns last season. This trio can control the clock and take pressure off Burton, especially early in the season.
Todd Grantham has overhauled the defense via the transfer portal, focusing on strength up the middle. Defensive tackles Cam Cunningham, Chris Spencer, and Nigel Tate (returning from a torn Achilles) anchor the line. Inside linebackers Muaaz Byard and Ike Esonwune (who played in Grantham's system at Oklahoma State) provide experience. Safeties Jeremiah Jordan and Jotavian Pierce are reliable, while Marshall transfer Darrell Sweeting adds coverage ability at cornerback.
Placekicker Jonah Delange is a proven weapon, having made 31 of 38 field goals and all 60 extra points over two seasons. Owen Simpson handles kickoffs. The specialists are a strength, but the team must develop reliable returners and coverage units. In close games, Delange's leg could be a decisive factor.
UAB Blazers is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
UAB Blazers holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of -15.2, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
UAB Blazers's home field advantage rating is 2.8 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
UAB Blazers travels 5,788 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 92th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
UAB Blazers: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating -15.2.
