Former five-star recruit Malachi Nelson will be named the UTEP starting quarterback, according to multiple sources in the El Paso area. Nelson transferred to the Miners after stops at USC and Boise State. He was a prolific prep quarterback at Los Alamitos High School, winning the 2021 and 2022 Gatorade California Player of the Year. 

Nelson left school as the No. 1 recruit in the nation and signed with USC. His career never took off at USC, redshirting in 2023 and playing in only one game. He left for Boise State and lost the quarterback competition heading into 2024. He played in three games for the Broncos, completing 12 of 17 pass attempts for 128 yards. 

Nelson was welcomed by a crowded quarterback room at UTEP. He was in a four-way battle through the spring, summer, and into preseason camp with Skyler Locklear, Shay Smith, and Cade McConnell. Nelson didn’t leave spring as the expected starter as he learned the playbook and system alongside quarterbacs with more experience. His arm talent and natural ability was evident, however. 

UTEP went 3-9 in Year 1 of the Scotty Walden era. His Miners open the 2025 season on Aug. 30 at Utah State. Bowl eligibility is the baseline expectation for the program this season. The schedule is relatively favorable outside of a non-conference trip to No. 1 Texas and a home game against perennial CUSA favorite Liberty. UTEP doesn’t play Washington State and get Jax State at home.