Scotty Walden brought energy and passion to UTEP in his first season in charge. Next up are victories. The Miners did close last season by winning two of their last three and were 3-3 in their last six conference games. They also signed the best high school recruiting class in CUSA for two consecutive cycles. The 2025 schedule sets up nicely for UTEP and a bowl game feels like the baseline expectation. 

UTEP MINERS 

2024 record: 3-9

Overview

This might sound crazy but there are 10 possible wins on this UTEP schedule. The only ones that feel out of reach are on the road to Texas and at home to Liberty. The Miners avoid Western Kentucky and play most of the FBS newcomers and bottom barrel CUSA teams on the road, meaning they drew the tougher games at home where an advantage lies. The back half of the schedule sets up nicely for Walden’s group. Survive the first six and enter the second half of the season at 3-3 or 4-2 and it could be one of the best years this century in El Paso. 

Biggest Game – Nov. 22 vs. New Mexico State 

UTEP and New Mexico State will continue the Battle of I-10 after the Miners move to the Mountain West. But fans never forget the last game as conference foes… for now. Plus, a Week Ten spot puts massive bowl game implications on the Miners. For multiple reasons, this game determines if Scott Walden’s program is moving in the right direction.

Trap Game – Nov. 15 at Missouri State 

The Bears may be a first-year FBS program, but UTEP cannot afford to sleepwalk against anyone. The Miners lost in overtime to an FCS team last year. But this game has letdown potential, wedged between bouts with reigning conference champion Jacksonville State and rival New Mexico State

Upset Bid – Oct. 8 vs. Liberty

The Flames have scorched through Conference USA in their first two seasons with a combined 21–5 record. Coach Jamey Chadwell’s team should be strong again in 2025 with linebacker Joseph Carter and safety Brylan Green. But this will be Chadwell's first season without running back Quinton Cooley, who rushed for over 2,600 the past two years.

Can’t Lose – Oct. 15 at Sam Houston 

Losing to in-state peers is always a crushing blow on the field, but maybe even more so in recruiting. Walden wants to build his Miners with Texas high school talent and beating Sam Houston in Houston during a midweek game helps market the Miners. On the other hand, losing to a program with a new head coach can hurt the momentum being built in El Paso. It is all about bragging rights in high school recruiting battles. 

Most Important Stretch – Oct. 15 – Nov. 29 

The Miners could make a run to end the season for the second straight year. Pull a couple of upsets early in the CUSA schedule and UTEP could be a dark horse contender in the same way Sam Houston became last year. They close with a five-game stretch of Sam Houston, Kennesaw State, Jax State, Missouri State, New Mexico State, and Delaware. That includes three programs with a new head coach – Sam Houston, Kennesaw State, and Jax State – and two first-year FBS programs – Missouri State and Delaware. A 4-1 or even 5-0 mark is a legit possibility during that stretch. 

Full Schedule 

Aug. 30                 at Utah State 
Sept. 6                  UT Martin
Sept. 13               at Texas
Sept. 20               ULM
Sept. 27               La Tech 
Oct. 8                     Liberty
Oct. 15                 at Sam Houston
Oct. 28                 at Kennesaw State 
Nov. 8                    Jax State 
Nov. 15                 at Missouri State 
Nov. 22                 New Mexico State 
Nov. 29                 at Delaware