UAB Blazers

Alex Mortensen takes over a program that bottomed out under Trent Dilfer, and he brings a fresh approach that has already won over outsiders. Mortensen, who went 2-4 in a partial first season, is praised for treating people well and genuinely wanting the job, a stark contrast to his predecessor. The Blazers are still early in the rebuild, and Mortensen's fingerprints are just starting to show, but the culture shift is real. The season opener at Illinois, where UAB is a 28-point underdog, will be a tough test, but the long-term trajectory under Mortensen looks more promising than it did a year ago.

Ryder Burton enters his first full season as the clear starter after showing flashes in two career starts, including a 251-yard, three-touchdown upset of Memphis. The Utah native has a strong arm and mobility, and he should benefit from a full offseason with the first-team offense. If he can build on those early performances, he gives UAB a reliable playmaker under center. The supporting cast around him, especially the running game, will be key to taking pressure off Burton and letting him develop into the leader this offense needs.

UAB's running back room is the deepest part of the roster, headlined by Georgia transfer Rod Robinson II, a 235-pound power back who has dealt with injuries but has big-play potential. Coastal Carolina transfer Ja'Vin Simpkins and ULM transfer Bam McReynolds combined for 1,228 rushing yards and five touchdowns last season, giving the Blazers three capable options. This trio can control the clock and keep the defense off the field, which will be crucial in a season where the offense may need to lean on the run early. If Robinson stays healthy, this group could be one of the best in the conference.

Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has reshaped the unit with a focus on the middle, bringing in transfers like inside linebacker Ike Esonwune, who played under Grantham at Oklahoma State and contributed 31 tackles last year. The defensive line features 330-pound Nigel Tate, who is returning from a torn Achilles, alongside Cam Cunningham and Chris Spencer. The secondary is bolstered by Marshall transfer Darrell Sweeting, who could be the top coverage corner, and safeties Jeremiah Jordan and Jotavian Pierce. This group has more depth than last season, but the key will be staying healthy, especially up front, where Tate's return is a major boost.

Jonah Delange is a reliable weapon, having made 31 of 38 field goals and all 60 extra points over two seasons, giving UAB a steady scoring option in close games. The Blazers' overall success will hinge on avoiding injuries, particularly at wide receiver, where Kaleb Brown is coming off a spring ankle injury, and on the offensive line, where depth is a concern. If the team can stay healthy, Mortensen's squad has the pieces to be competitive in the American. The opener at Illinois is a daunting challenge, but the rest of the schedule offers opportunities for this team to show progress and build momentum for the future.