UAB Blazers 2026 Preview
UAB went 4-8 (2-6 in the American). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
What changed for UAB in 2026
- New head coach in Alex Mortenson (UAB Offensive Coordinator)
- New defensive coordinator in Todd Grantham (Oklahoma State Defensive Coordinator)
- Starting QB from last season is gone, so backup Ryder Burton is expected to start (708 yards, 7 TDs, 5 INTs)
- Starting RB from last season is gone. Georgia transfer Rod Robinson II is expected to start (22 tackles, 0 TDs)
- Top four players in terms of receiving yards from last season are gone, with the top returner being Kaleb Brown (255 yards, 2 TDs). Two transfers are expected to start in Memphis transfer CJ Smith (0 catches in one game in 2025; 69 yards, 0 TDs with Purdue in 2024) and Texas State transfer Ty Mims (383 yards, 1 TD)
- Returning two starting offensive lineman
- No starters on defense return with ten transfers expected to start. Top transfers include Morgan State transfer DE Blanche Gold (45 tackles, 7.5 sacks), Middle Tennessee transfer LB Muaaz Byar (37 tackles), and Sacramento State transfer S Anta’Veon McKenzie (48 tackles)
All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.
Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
UAB Blazers 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | Away |
| 2 | Louisiana-Monroe | Home |
| 3 | Louisiana | Away |
| 4 | Navy | Home |
| 5 | Samford | Home |
| 6 | Memphis | Away |
| 7 | East Carolina | Home |
| 8 | USF | Away |
| 9 | Charlotte | Home |
| 10 | Temple | Away |
| 11 | UTSA | Home |
| 12 | North Texas | Away |
Get the printable UAB Blazers 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
More American previews
Related reading
UAB Blazers betting FAQ
UAB Blazers play 12 games in 2026, 6 at home. They open against Illinois. The full schedule is listed on this page.
UAB is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
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