Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center Featured on Cover of Athletics Administration Magazine
One of the premier college athletics facilities in the country, the Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center was featured on the cover of the March 2019 issue of Athletics Administration Magazine, the official magazine of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.
Wyoming’s $44 million state-of-the-art Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center opened in August 2018. The new facility, located at the north end of War Memorial Stadium, expanded the original Rochelle Athletics Center by 71,000 square feet to a total of 118,000 square feet.
2026 FOOTBALL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE WYOMING WAY .................. 1-40
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK
Season Outlook ............................. 42-48
UW All-Time Lettermen ............ 202-205 Pokes in the Pros ...................... 206-207 Award Winners ......................... 208-209 Hall of Fame Inductees ..................... 210
MOUNTAIN WEST
Commissioner
Sept. 12
Sept. 19
Sept. 26
Oct. 3
Oct. 9 at San Jose
Saturday, Oct. 17
Friday, Oct. 23
Saturday, Oct. 31 Open
Nov. 7
Nov. 14 at
Nov. 20
AdditionalGametimesandtelevisioncoveragewillbeannouncedbytheMountainWestatfuturedates BOLD Indicate Home games *Indicates Mountain West Conference games +The Mountain West Football Championship Game
CREDITS
Photography Credits: We want to extend our sincere thanks to Troy Babbitt, who provides us exceptional action photos. Thanks to Paul Kanaly for the professional, high-quality head shots of our coaches and players. Content Credits: The 2026 University of Wyoming Football Media Guide was produced by the University of Wyoming Athletics Media Relations Office. Nick Seeman, Associate Athletics Director for Media Relations. Many thanks to Diane Dodson, Media Relations Assistant Director for Operations, and Bud Denega, Assistant Media Relations Director, and Kevin DeVries and Ryan Thorburn and intern Mason Riding for their contributions to this year’s guide.
THE COWBOY SPORTS NETWORK
2026 FOOTBALL WYOMING FAST FACTS
Keith Kelley and Kevin McKinney to Call Games in 2026
All Wyoming Cowboy Football games may be heard live on the affiliate radio stations of the Cowboy Sports Network throughout the states of Wyoming, Colorado and South Dakota. The flagship station for the network is KFBC 1240 AM in Cheyenne, Wyo.
Each Wyoming Football game is also broadcast on the official University of Wyoming athletics website: www.gowyo.com.
Keith Kelley enters his fifth season as the “Voice of the Cowboys” for Wyoming Football and Basketball in 2025. He has been selected by his peers of the National Association of Sportswriters and Sportscasters as the Wyoming Sportscaster of the Year four times. Kelley is a long-time sportscaster and newscaster for KFBC Radio in Cheyenne, Wyo. He has been the sports director at KFBC since 2004 where he also hosts the SportsZone, Cheyenne’s longest running daily sports talk show. Kelley was the play-by-play voice of Cowgirl Basketball for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, before taking over as the voice of Cowboy Football and Basketball in the 2022-23 season.
Kevin McKinney first served as color analyst for Cowboy Basketball beginning with the 1973-74 season and continues as color analyst today. The upcoming 2026-27 basketball season will be McKinney’s 55th season providing color commentary. Since 1996, he has also added color analysis on Cowboy Football games and will continue in that role in 2026. McKinney was inducted into the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters (WAB) Hall of Fame in the summer of 2015. He was inducted into the University of Wyoming Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in the fall of 2013. In 2000, he was named Wyoming’s Sportscaster of the Year, and in 2011 he was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Wyoming State Athletics Hall of Fame. McKinney is a Cheyenne, Wyo., native and University of Wyoming graduate.
Erick Pauley will be entering his fifth season as sideline reporter for Cowboy Football in 2023. He is currently the Vice President of Operations for The Radio Network in Green River, Wyo. Pauley, like Kelley and McKinney, is a former Wyoming Sportscaster of the Year, winning the award in 2018. He brings a unique perspective to Cowboy Sports Network broadcasts as he is a former football lettermen at the University of Wyoming where he played defensive line. A native of Green River, Wyo., Pauley was a standout prep athlete in the state of Wyoming.
2026 Cowboy Sports Network
University of Wyoming Sports Properties
University of Wyoming Sports Properties (UWSP) is the multimedia rights holder and sports marketing arm for University of Wyoming Athletics. In addition to managing the statewide radio broadcast programing for UW Athletics, UWSP offers corporate customers a multitude of marketing and media sponsorship opportunities that include: television advertising, venue signage, event sponsorship, gameday promotions, video board features, hospitality, overall marketing partnerships and marketing opportunities on the UW official athletics website: www.gowyo.com.
Rob DeSoto, serves as General Manager of University of Wyoming Sports Properties. UWSP is a property of LEARFIELD, which manages multimedia rights for nearly 200 collegiate institutions and associations. LEARFIELD offers more than 50K hours of programming across 200+ networks and 5,000 affiliates, many of which can be found through The Varsity Network app. Listen to the local radio broadcasts alongside televised games with Sync My Game. To learn more about the company and its collegiate portfolio, visit www.learfield.com.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Laramie, Wyo.
Founded: 1886
Enrollment: 11,100
President: Shane Reeves
Athletics Director: Tom Burman
Colors: Brown & Gold
Nickname: Cowboys, Pokes
Conference: Mountain West
Stadium: Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium
Capacity: 25,000
Surface: FieldTurf Vertex CORE
2025 Record: 4-8 overall (2-6 MW)
FOOTBALL HISTORY
The 2026 season will mark the 130th season of Wyoming Football. Wyoming All-Time Football Record 574-615-28 -- 1,217 Total Games
Wyoming All-Time Home Football Record 342-214-18 -- 574 Home Games
Wyoming All-Time Road Football Record 221-389-10 -- 620 Road Games
Wyoming Neutral-Site Football Record 11-12-0 (.478) -- 23 Neutral-Site Games
2026 TEAM INFORMATION
Head Coach: Jay Sawvel (3rd Year, 7-17 overall)
Offensive Scheme: Pro-Style, West Coast
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Starters Returning: 8 (4 Offense, 2 Defense, 2 Special Teams) Starters Lost: 17 (7 Offense, 9 Defense, 1 Special Teams
Lettermen Returning: 32 (16 on offense, 13 on defense, 3 Special Teams) Lettermen Lost: 35 (17 on Defense, 17 on Offense, 1 on Special Teams)
2025 Signings: 41 Total (19 on Offense, 21 on Defense, 1 on Special Teams)
2026 COACHING STAFF
Head Coach: Jay Sawvel (Mount Union ‘93)
Offensive Coaching Staff
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Christian Taylor (William & Mary)
Wide Receivers
Jovon Bouknight (Wyoming ‘06)
Co-Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends/ Fullbacks
Shannon Moore (Black Hills State ‘00)
Offensive Line
Joe Tripodi (Northwestern ‘06)
Running Backs
Gary Harrell (Howard ‘94)
Defensive Coaching Staff
Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
Aaron Bohl (MSU Moorhead ‘16)
Cornerbacks
JB Hall (Adams State ‘12)
Defensive Ends
Brian Hendricks (Wyoming ‘11)
Defensive Tackles
Deonte Gibson (Northwestern ‘15)
Co-Special Teams Coordinator/Safeties
Jason Petrino (Carroll College ‘99)
Defensive Assistant Coach
Abe Roehrich (MSU Moorhead)
Administrative Staff
Associate A.D. for Football Operations
Austin Maus (Iowa ‘21)
Keith Kelley
Kevin McKinney
Rob DeSoto General Manager
YOUR HOSTS
Nick Seeman Associate Athletics Director
(Football Contact)
Cell Phone: (612) 741-0550 nseeman@uwyo.edu
Kevin DeVries
Assistant Media Relations Director
Cell Phone: (641) 512-1847 kdevrie3@uwyo.edu
Colton Merritt
Assistant Director of Communication
2026 FOOTBALL
Sariah Orocu Director of Digital Strategy
Ryan Thorburn Director for Communications & Creative Strategy
Cell Phone: (303) 913-3488 rthorbur@uwyo.edu
Bud Denega
Assistant Media Relations Director
Cell Phone: (440) 223-8892 jdenega@uwyo.edu
Media Relations Office
Phone: (307) 766-2256
Press Box Phone: (307) 766-2222
Fax Number: (307) 766-2346
Media Relations Mailing Address:
University of Wyoming Athletics Dept. 3414, 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071
Media Relations Shipping Address: University of Wyoming Athletics 16th & Gibbon Streets Laramie, WY 82071
U niversity of W yoming P rimary
NEWSPAPERS/WEBSITES
Laramie Daily Boomerang/WyoSports
314 S. 4th Street, Laramie, WY 82070
Alex Taylor, Sports Writer
David Watson, Managing Editor
Phone: (307) 742-2176
Fax: (307) 721-2973
Casper Star-Tribune
P.O. Box 80, Casper, WY 82602
Jack Nowlin, Sports Editor
Anthony Dion, Writer
Phone: (307) 266-0573 or (800) 442-6916
Fax: (307) 266-0568
Wyoming Tribune-Eagle/WyoSports
702 W. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Alex Taylor, Sports Writer
Jeremiah Johnke, Sports Editor
Phone: (307) 634-3361
Fax: (307) 778-7163
The Branding Iron (Student Newspaper)
Dept. 3625, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071
Sports Editor: TBD
Phone: (307) 766-3856
Fax: (307) 766-4027
Email: bi@uwyo.edu
7220Sports.com
Cody Tucker, Publisher cody@7220sports.com
PokesNews.com
Jeff Bugher, Publisher Jeff@Pokesnews.com
TELEVISION
WYOMING NEWS NOW (CBS)
2923 E. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone: (307) 634-7755
Alex Eisman, Sports Anchor/Reporter Alex.eisman@gray.tv
WIRE SERVICES
Associated Press
320 W. 25th St., Suite 310, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Mead Gruver, News Correspondent
Phone: (800) 442-2451 or (307) 632-9351
Fax: (307) 637-8538
Email: apcheyenne@ap.org mgruver@ap.org
Sources of Information for Media
Information on University of Wyoming Football is available through the following sources. We at the Wyoming Media Relations Office hope you continue to consider our staff as your primary source for information. Call us anytime at (307) 766-2256 or on our cell phones: Seeman (612) 741-0550
1. Official Website
University of Wyoming Athletics may be accessed on the web at the following address: www.gowyo.com
2. Email Addresses
You can e-mail the Wyoming Media Relations Office at: nseeman@uwyo.edu rthorburn@uwyo.edu
3. Audio and Video at www.gowyo.com
Live radio broadcasts of the Wyoming Cowboys, as well as video features are available over the internet by going to the official University of Wyoming Athletics website at: www.gowyo.com
Cowboy Football and Basketball broadcasts, as well as Cowgirl Basketball broadcasts can all be heard there.
4. Social Media
Follow Us on Twitter x.com @wyo_football
Follow Us on Facebook facebook.com/wyofootball
Follow Us on Instragram wyo_football
m edia o U tlets
RADIO
KFBC 1240 AM
(Flagship Station for Cowboy Sports Network)
1806 Capitol Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001
Dave Montgomery, Owner/General Manager
Keith Kelley, Sports Director
Phone: (307) 634-4461
Fax: (307) 632-8586
Email: sports@kfbcradio.com
KOWB 1290 AM
P.O. Box 1290, Laramie, WY 82070
David Settle, Sports Director
Phone: (307) 745-4888
Fax: (307) 742-4576
Email: david.settle@townsquaremedia.com
KTWO 1030 AM
150 N. Nichols, Casper, WY 82601
Phone: (307) 266-5252
Fax: (307) 235-9143
KUWR 91.9 FM/Wyoming Public Radio
Dept. 3984, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071
Jeff Victor, Reporter
jvictor@uwyo.edu
Phone: (307) 766-4240 or 766-6626
Fax: (307) 766-6184
Email: jvictor@uwyo.edu
2026 FOOTBALL
MEDIA INFORMATION
WWelcome to the University of Wyoming, and Cowboy Football. The information on these pages is presented to assist the working media in its coverage of the upcoming season. The Wyoming Media Relations Office will be available throughout the year to assist you.
Credential Requests
YRequests for press box and photo credentials should be directed to the University of Wyoming Media Relations Office. To ensure consideration, requests should be submitted on company letterhead — either by email, fax or mail — two weeks prior to the game. Requests made the week of the game will be handled as space allows. No requests will be processed later than noon on the day prior to the game. Credentials will either be mailed, or will be held at Will Call.
OMedia Parking at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium
MWyoming’s Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium is located on the north side of Grand Ave. at the intersection of Grand and 22nd Street in Laramie, Wyo. Most media members will be assigned parking in the FA or S lots on the west side of War Memorial Stadium and the Arena-Auditorium. The FA or S lots may both be accessed by taking Willett Drive, which runs on the north side of War Memorial Stadium. On the west side of the Arena-Auditorium turn south off of Willett Drive into the FA or S parking lots.
Media Facilities
The War Memorial Stadium Press Box facility is located on the top of the Stadium's West Stands. Working media are accommodated in the main media area, while broadcast personnel are assigned booth space as available. The Press Box is accessible via an elevator, located in the southwest corner of War Memorial Stadium.
IPhotographic Services
NPhotographers can either shoot from designated areas on the sidelines or from the camera deck that is located in front of the press box and is accessible from the main press area. Wireless internet access is available in the press box. There is also a room available to photographers during and after games in War Memorial Fieldhouse in the bleachers. Wireless internet and high speed data lines will also be available in this room.
Media Services
GComplete team and individual stats, running play-by-play and postgame coach and player quotes are provided for working media. A media folder including flip-card, updated statistics and game-day notes will be provided pregame. An internal public address is provided for updated information
and notes throughout the game. A pregame meal is served through the first quarter, and coffee, soft drinks and snacks are available during and following the game. For radio, internet lines, as well as regular land lines are available. Ample phone lines and wireless internet are available in the press box.
Ticket Information
Tickets to all University of Wyoming Athletics’ events may be purchased through the UW Athletics Ticket Office. Tickets may be ordered over the phone by calling 307766-7220, or online at www.gowyo.com, and go to the ticket links on the front page.
Practice
Media members are required to check with the Wyoming Media Relations Office prior to attending a practice sesson.
Jay Sawvel Weekly Press Conference and Interviews
Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvelwill be available on a weekly press conference each Monday during the season from Noon-12:30 p.m. The press conference will be held in the High Altitude Performance Center Team Room. Contact the UW Media Relations Office for details regarding the weekly press conference.
Player and Assistant Coach Weekly Interviews
Requested Wyoming football players and assistant coaches will be available to the media to interview during the weekly press conference each Monday following Coach Sawvel’s portion of the press conference.
Video Services
Media in need of assistance with video may contact the UW Athletics Media Relations Office.
Postgame Press Conferences
Wyoming postgame press conferences following Home Games will take place in the High Altitude Performance Center Team Room at the north end of War Memorial Stadium. Entrance for credentialed media members will be through the center doors immediately off the north end zone. Each press conference will begin approximately 10 minutes after conclusion of each home game. Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel will begin each press conference followed by select Wyoming players. Opponent postgame press conferences will be conducted in War Memorial Fieldhouse. Wyoming postgame press conferences following Road Games will vary depending on the interview space provided by the host school.
Real Time Data Rights Policy
The acceptance of media credentials is an acknowledgment of the University of Wyoming’s rights to the game and playby-play coverage and your agreement to abide by any restrictions the University of Wyoming may place on real-time play-byplay coverage and use of comprehensive game statistics. Failure to abide by these restrictions implemented by the University of Wyoming may result in revocation of press credentials. The University of Wyoming reserves the right to grant approval for distribution of real time play-by-play, gamerelated statistics and information through the Internet.
Media Relations Office
The Wyoming Media Relations Office is located at the north end of the Intercollegiate Athletics Building in the Fieldhouse North Addition. The office is located on the second floor, Room 206. The phone number is 307-766-2256.
Cowboy Locker Room
HIGH
CENTER MICK & SUSIE M c MURRY
ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE
Strength and Conditioning Center
In the summer of 2018 a new strength and conditioning center opened for Cowboy Football. The new area contains 12,000 square feet of space, and features the newest and the best in strength training equipment.
The Team Room
MICK & SUSIE M c MURRY
HIGH ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE CENTER
Training Table
With completion of the Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center (HAPC) in the summer of 2018, there has been a dramatic change in how the nutritional needs of studentathletes have been met. A new Training Table area opened in the HAPC and is available for UW student-athletes in all 17 NCAA-sanctioned sports offered by the University of Wyoming. The Training Table is located on the second level of the High Altitude Performance Center.
MARIAN H. ROCHELLE ACADEMIC CENTER
The Wyoming Athletics Office of Academic Support (OAS) focuses on providing UW student-athletes the academic support system they need to reach the ultimate goal of their college experience graduation. Five full-time academic counselors are part of the UW Athletics staff, and are available to assist UW student-athletes in pursuing their academic and career goals.
Malcom Floyd
An outstanding receiver for the Wyoming Cowboys from 2000-03, Malcom Floyd went on to play 12 NFL seasons, all with the San Diego Chargers.
THE
MALCOM FLOYD FAMILY
RECRUITING LOUNGE
A new addition to the High Altitude Performance Center is the Malcom Floyd Family Recruiting Lounge that was funded by a generous donation from former Wyoming Cowboy and San Diego Charger Malcom Floyd. The beautiful area overlooks Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium and is used to host Wyoming football recruits when they come to visit campus.
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
If you are looking for a wonderful college environment, look no further than the University of Wyoming. From its beautiful mountain setting in Laramie, to its wide range of academic offerings and its nationally-respected football program, UW offers a memorable college experience to its students.
UW provides an atmosphere that allows you to achieve both your academic and athletic goals.
The University of Wyoming was founded in 1886. UW offers a wide range of both undergraduate and graduate degrees and majors through seven colleges and multiple interdisciplinary programs and departments. With a small student/faculty ratio of 14:1, UW is a community of scholars and learners committed to excellence.
Wyoming’s seven colleges include: Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources; Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Physical Sciences; Health Sciences; and Law. This wide range of colleges allows each student to explore many options to find his or her career niche. Another way we contribute to the success of our students is by offering a large number of courses each semester, making it possible for students to graduate in four years.
The Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center
Opened in the fall of 2014, the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center was built to be a “Gateway” to the University of Wyoming. It houses the UW Foundation, Alumni Association, Admissions Office and Career Services Center. The Gateway Center serves as a fantastic recruiting tool for UW Athletics. The Cowboy Football team hosts recruiting functions in the Gateway Center.
The Roy & Caryl Cline President’s Room in the Gateway Center
The McMurry Family UW Legacy Hall in the Gateway Center
UNIVERSITY OF
WYOMING
The Jonah Bank Atrium is the centerpiece of the beautiful College of Business building. Wyoming’s College of Business building features a trading room, behavioral and multi-media laboratories, an executive boardroom, conference and seminar rooms and an auditorium. College of Business students benefit from the latest wired and wireless technologies, including high-definition playback and projection systems in each classroom, a video production and editing facility, video conferencing capabilities, financial data feeds and a stock ticker in the atrium.
The American Heritage Center, Home to UW’s Art Gallery and Archives Wyoming’s College of Business
Construction of the College of Business Building was completed in the Fall of 2010
At UW, we encourage students to develop their full potential by becoming involved as active members of the university, local community and the world. Opportunities for involvement in some 200 recognized student organizations include student government, publications, the speech and debate team and religious and cultural organizations. Many of our students also take advantage of exceptional international opportunities to become part of the world community through Study Abroad and International Programs. With so many choices, our students enjoy the benefits of meeting new people, making good friends, developing leadership skills and gaining invaluable life experiences.
UW offers a true college-town atmosphere. Laramie has a population of approximately 30,000 with a student enrollment of 11,100. The Laramie campus is composed of 80 major buildings on 785 beautifully landscaped acres. There is a pleasant mix of modern and traditional structures, many built of native Wyoming sandstone quarried northeast of Laramie. At the heart of the campus is the Wyoming Student Union. Fresh from a new multi-million dollar renovation, the Union is where students can kick back between classes, have a sandwich, meet friends, check out an art exhibit or study.
UW is the perfect place for learning in a friendly yet achievement-oriented environment.
As the state’s sole four-year educational institution, the university receives strong support from the state and its residents. There is a dedication to making UW the best it can be in terms of its facilities, programs, people and aesthetics. Capital improvements on campus are a high priority, reflecting a commitment to maintaining UW’s world-class stature.
The College of Health Sciences
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
The Late Dr. Jerry Buss, The owner of the Los Angeles Lakers
Dick Cheney, Former Vice President of the United States
The Late Curt Gowdy, The Most Decorated National Sportscaster in History
Jay Novacek, Former All-Pro Tight End with the Dallas Cowboys
Gen. Pete Schoomaker, Former U.S. Army Chief of Staff
Alan Simpson, Former United States Senator Gerry Spence,
and
FOOTBALL OFFICES
Head Coach’s Office in the Rochelle Athletics Center
In 2014, the football offices in the Rochelle Athletics Center underwent a renovation to modernize the space and present a new image for Cowboy Football moving forward.
Pictured here is a photo of head coach Jay Sawvel's office.
Entryway
to Head Coach’s Office
Just outside the head coach’s office is a glass entryway highlighted by modern wall graphics depicting the rich tradition of Cowboy Football.
View of Head Coach’s Office Looking West
The Wyoming head football coach’s office as seen looking toward the west window.
FOOTBALL OFFICES
Welcome to Cowboy Football
The entry into the Wyoming Football offices features an open, contemporary reception area for visitors to relax in upon arrival.
Hallway to Assistant Coaches’ Offices
The hallway leading to the assistant football coaches’ offices is filled with fresh new graphics of Cowboy Football.
WYO Wall
The reception area also displays a beautiful wooden wall with the raised letters WYO. Behind the letters is the iconic image of Wyoming’s Teton Mountain Range.
Wyoming hosted the No. 2 ranked Texas Longhorns before a sellout crowd in War Memorial Stadium in 2009. Texas made its first-ever appearance in Laramie, and went on to finish the 09 season as the national runnerup.
In 2008, Wyoming defeated the Tennessee Volunteers, 13-7, in Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium, becoming the first team from a non-automatic qualifying BCS conference to win there since 1986.
SUCCESS VS. THE FBS
The biggest home game in University of Wyoming school history was played in 2011, as Wyoming hosted Nebraska for the first time before a sellout crowd.
In the 2009 season, Wyoming hosted the then No. 2 ranked Texas Longhorns. It was the Longhorns’ first-ever appearance in Laramie, Wyo. Wyoming led the Longhorns 10-6 late in the first half before losing to the eventual national runnerup in front of a sellout crowd in War Memorial Stadium.
Not only have the Cowboys played the best in the nation, but over the past 19 seasons, Wyoming has enjoyed success against those teams, recording victories over:
• Texas Tech of the Big 12 (35-33 in Overime in Laramie in 2023)
• Missouri of the Southeastern Conference (37-31 in Laramie, Wyo., in 2019)
• Tennessee of the Southeastern Conference (13-7 in Knoxville, Tenn., in 2008)
• Virginia of the Atlantic Coast Conference (23-3 in Laramie, Wyo., in 2007)
• Ole Miss of the Southeastern Conference (37-32 in Laramie, in 2004, and 24-14 in Oxford, Miss., in 2005)
• UCLA of the Pacific-10 Conference (24-21 in the Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl in 2004)
UW has faced numerous Top 25 ranked programs over the past 26 years, including: Ohio State (1997); Colorado (1997); Georgia (1998); Tennessee (1999, 2002 and 2008); Auburn (2000); Texas A&M (2000, 2001, 2004); Kansas (2001, 2003); Washington (2002); Oklahoma State (2003); Ole Miss (2004, 2005); Florida (2005); Virginia (2006, 2007), Texas (2009 and 2010), Nebraska (2011, 2013, 2016), Michigan State (2014), Oregon (2014 and 2017), Missouri (2018, 2019), Washington State (2018), Illinois (2022) and BYU (2022), Texas Tech (2023) and Fresno State (2024).
In 2019, Logan Wilson (#30) and Cassh Maluia (#46) helped lead Wyoming to a 37-31 win over SEC member Missouri in Laramie.
WYOMING
IN THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
WYOMING vs. NEBRASKA
The Biggest Event in the History of War Memorial Stadium
On Sept. 24, 2011, Wyoming hosted Nebraska in the Cornhuskers first-ever appearance in Wyoming s War Memorial Stadium. The sellout crowd and regional appeal of the game made it the biggest event in the history of War Memorial Stadium.
National Television Coverage in 2016
This aerial view of the 2016 Mountain West Conference Championship Game was taken by ESPN during the game hosted by the University of Wyoming. The Cowboys were featured on ESPN networks seven times in 2016, and were featured on CBS Sports Network four times.
The Mountain West Conference’s television package includes exciting partnerships with CBS Sports, The CW and FOX Sports for the coming season.
Wyoming Cowboy Football is accustomed to playing on national television and against some of the top college football programs in the country -- and they’ve enjoyed success against the best in the country. Wyoming will be featured numerous times this season on CBS Sports Network and on FS1. Wyoming will face BYU in a night game on CBS Sports Network.
In addition to wide-ranging television coverage of University of Wyoming football games, CBS Sports Network aired a special on Wyoming Football entitled “College Football Confidential” in 2010.
ESPN Televises MW Championship From Laramie
ESPN announcers (left to right) Steve Levy, Todd McShay and Brian Griese meet with Wyoming Cowboys Lucas Wacha and Josh Allen prior to the 2016 Mountain West Championship Game played in Laramie.
Marcus Harris
Wide Receiver 1993-96
• 1996 Biletnikoff Award Winner as Nation’s Outstanding Receiver
• 1996 Consensus All-American
• Placed Ninth in 1996 Heisman Trophy Balloting
• 1995 American Football Coaches Association First Team All-American
• Ended his college career as the NCAA’s career leader in receiving yards (4,518), still ranks No. 5 in NCAA history in receiving yards
WINNING TRADITION
Eddie “Boom Boom” Talboom
Tailback/Place-Kicker 1949-50
• Wyoming’s First All-American in 1950
• Led Wyoming to School’s First Bowl Game, the 1951 Gator Bowl
• Still Ranks No. 6 in NCAA History in Career Scoring Average
• Inducted Into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000
For over 129 years, University of Wyoming Football has thrilled Cowboy fans with some of the greatest players and coaches in college football. Wyoming’s Football Tradition has been built by such legendary coaches as Bowden Wyatt, Bob Devaney, Paul Roach and Joe Tiller, who all walked the sidelines of War Memorial Stadium.
Great All-Americans like Eddie Talboom (1950), Mike Dirks (1967), Ken Fantetti (1978), Galand Thaxton (1987), Ryan Yarborough (1993), Marcus Harris (1996), Brian Lee (1997), John Wendling (2006) and Logan Wilson (2019) were all recognized among the greatest players of their eras.
Other Cowboy greats like Jerry Hill, Jim Kiick, Jay Novacek, Logan Wilson and Marcus Epps went on to play for Super Bowl teams with the Baltimore Colts, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively. Chad Muma played in 2026 for the Patriots.
The 2026 college football season will mark the 130th season of Wyoming Cowboy Football.
Ken Fantetti
Linebacker, 1975-78
• 1978 Football Writers All-American
• WAC Defensive Player of the Year in 1978
• Two-time First Team All-Conference
WYOMING
Conference Championships
2016 Mountain West Conference Mountain Division Champions
1996 Western Athletic Conference Pacific Division Champions
1993 Western Athletic Conference Tri-Champions
1988 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1987 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1976 Western Athletic Conference Co-Champions
1968 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1967 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1966 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1961 Skyline Conference Co-Champions
1960 Skyline Conference Co-Champions
1959 Skyline Conference Champions
1958 Skyline Conference Champions
1956 Skyline Conference Champions
1950 Skyline Conference Champions
1949 Skyline Conference Champions
24
WINNING TRADITION
Bob Devaney
Head Coach 1957-61
• Won Four Skyline Conference Championships in Five Seasons
• Best Winning Percentage in School History, 35-10-5 (.750)
• Inducted Into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981
Paul Roach
Head Coach 1987-90
• Won Back-to-Back Conference Championships in 1987 and ‘88
• Took Wyoming to three bowl games in four years as head coach
• Also a Wyoming assistant coach in the late 1960s and later Athletics Director in the 1980s and 90s, he was part of six of Wyoming’s bowl appearances and six of seven WAC titles
Mitch Donahue
Defensive End 1987-90
• 1990 First Team All-American and placed Fourth in 1990 Outland Trophy Balloting
• Wyoming’s only two-time WAC Defensive Player of the Year (1989 and ‘90)
• Played in three bowl games in four seasons at Wyoming
• Wyoming’s career sack leader with 49
Jay Novacek
Tight End 1982-84
• 1984 Consensus All-American
• Still Holds NCAA Record for Average Yards per Catch by a Tight End in a Single Season (22.6 yards per catch)
• Inducted Into College Football Hall of Fame in 2008
Bowden
Wyatt
Head Coach 1947-52
• Coached Wyoming’s First Bowl Game, the 1951 Gator Bowl
• Won Back-to-Back Skyline Championships in 1949 and ‘50
• Inducted Into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997
Galand Thaxton
Linebacker 1984-87
• 1987 Associated Press All-American
• Wyoming’s Career Tackle Leader (467)
• Captained 1987 WAC Championship Team
WYOMING
Conference Players of the Year
2018 Cooper Rothe, K, Special Teams Player of the Year
1996 Marcus Harris, WR, Offensive Player of the Year
1990 Mitch Donahue, DE, Defensive Player of the Year
1989 Mitch Donahue, DE, Defensive Player of the Year
1988 Randy Welniak, QB, Offensive Player of the Year
1988 Pat Rabold, DT, Defensive Player of the Year
1978 Ken Fantetti, LB, Defensive Player of the Year
1967 Paul Toscano, QB, Offensive Player of the Year24
GAMEDAY
ATMOSPHERE
Gameday at War Memorial Stadium is the place to be in the state of Wyoming on Saturdays.
As the only NCAA Division I university in Wyoming, everyone is a Cowboy fan.
There is nothing like a college football gameday. From pregame tailgating to the pageantry of bands, cheerleaders and mascots entertaining loyal fans, college football is unmatched in the excitement it generates.
Sharing the day with a group of close friends makes the experience that much more exciting.
And when the game is over and another Wyoming home victory is a reality, the team and Cowboy fans celebrate together by singing the traditional victory song — Ragtime Cowboy Joe.
GAMEDAY TRADITIONS
There are many traditions associated with Wyoming Football gamedays. From Pistol Pete to the Cowboy Joe Pony and a new tradition, the Cowboy Walk.
The Cowboy Walk sees fans lineup to wish the Cowboys well as they make their way to the locker room prior to each home game. And of course prior to the game plenty of tailgating activities can be found centered around Wyoming s Tailgate Park.
Marcus Harris
1996 Biletnikoff Award Winner and Consensus All-American
Marcus Harris accepts the Biletnikoff Award in 1996. The award is symbolic of the nation’s outstanding receiver. Harris also finished ninth in the 1996 Heisman Trophy balloting, and was named a Consensus All-American.
NATIONAL AND CONFERENCE AWARD HONOREES
Mitch Donahue finished fourth in balloting for the Outland Trophy his senior season of 1990. The Outland Trophy is given to the top college lineman in the nation each season. Donahue was also a twotime conference Defensive Player of the Year for the Cowboys in 1989 and ‘90.
Marcus Epps was one of three national finalists for the 2018 Burlsworth Trophy, honoring the most outstanding football player in America who began his career as a walk-on. Epps is pictured with his son Braxton, wife Megan and the Burlsworth Trophy.
WYOMING
Conference Award Winners
2018 Cooper Rothe, K, Special Teams Player of the Year
2018-19 Nick Smith, MW Scholar-Athlete of the Year
2016 Logan Wilson, LB, Freshman of the Year
2012-13 Luke Ruff, MW Scholar-Athlete of the Year
2011 Brett Smith, QB, Freshman of the Year
2009 Austyn Carta-Samuels, QB, Freshman of the Year
1996 Marcus Harris, WR, Offensive Player of the Year
1993 Steve Scifres, OT, Freshman of the Year
1991 Robert Rivers, RS, Special Teams Player of the Year
1990 Mitch Donahue, DE, Defensive Player of the Year
1989 Mitch Donahue, DE, Defensive Player of the Year
1989 Randy Welniak, QB, WAC Student-Athlete of the Year
1988 Randy Welniak, QB, Offensive Player of the Year
1988 Pat Rabold, DT, Defensive Player of the Year
1988 Dabby Dawson, RB, Newcomer of the Year
1986 Anthony Sargent, WR, Newcomer of the Year
1984 Galand Thaxton, LB, Newcomer of the Year
1982 Jay Haynes, OLB, Newcomer of the Year
1978 Ken Fantetti, LB, Defensive Player of the Year
1977 Myron Hardeman, RB, Newcomer of the Year
1967 Paul Toscano, QB, Offensive Player of the Year
Logan Wilson was awarded the 2016 Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year Trophy.
Randy Welniak earned accolades on and off the field his senior season. He was selected as the conference’s Offensive Player of the year in the fall of ‘88, and was named conference Student-Athlete of the Year at the conclusion of the 1988-89 academic year.
ALL-AMERICANS
Brian Lee, Free Safety
1997 Consensus All-American and First Team Academic All-American
Brian Lee was voted a Consensus AllAmerican in 1997, while leading the nation in interceptions as a free safety. In addition, he earned First Team Academic All-America honors, becoming the first Cowboy to achieve both honors in the same season.
Jack
Weil, Punter
1983 Consensus All-American
Jack Weil led the nation in punting in 1983, averaging 45.6 yards per punt. He became the first Cowboy in history to earn Consensus AllAmerica honors. The other three are Jay Novacek (1984), Marcus Harris (1996) and Brian Lee (1997).
Dewey McConnell
End, 1950 & 1951 All-American
Dewey McConnell led the nation in receiving in 1951, earning him Associated Press All-America honors. He grew up in the hometown of the Cowboys, Laramie, Wyo. He was also an AP Honorable Mention All-American in 1950.
Ryan Yarborough Wide Receiver, 1992 and ‘93 All-American
Ryan Yarborough became the first Cowboy to receive First Team All-America honors in consecutive seasons. He was a First Team selection by the Football Writers Association of America in 1992. In ‘93, he was a First Team honoree by both the Associated Press and the Football Writers.
1997 Brian Lee, Free Safety
Ken Fantetti
Linebacker, 1978 All-American
Ken Fantetti was a Football Writers Association of America All-American in 1978. He also was the WAC Defensive Player of the Year that season.
1996 Marcus Harris, Wide Receiver
1984 Jay Novacek, Tight End
1983 Jack Weil, Punter
(Consensus All-Americans are those individuals who received First Team All-America honors from the majority of All-America teams that received nationwide circulation in a given year as determined by the NCAA.)
ALL-AMERICANS
Logan Wilson
Linebacker, 2019 All-American
Logan Wilson was selected as an AllAmerican in 2019. A native of Casper, Wyo., Wilson was one of only six finalists for the 2019 Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s best college linebacker. Wilson was named a First Team All-American by Pro Football Focus, a Second Team All-American by USA Today and a Third Team AllAmerican by Associated Press. He ended his career with 421 career tackles to rank No. 4 in both Wyoming school history and Mountain West Conference history. Wilson was selected as the first pick in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
WYOMING ALL-AMERICANS
Hill – Running Back – Third Team College Sports Madness All-American 2006: John Wendling – Strong Safety – Second Team CollegeFootballNews.com All-American
2005: Jovon Bouknight – Wide Receiver – Honorable Mention College Football News All-American 2001: J.D. Wallum – Place-kicker – Second Team Football News All-Amecrian
Lee – Free Safety – Consensus & First Team FWAA, Football News, AP & Walter Camp All-American
Marcus Harris – Wide Receiver – Consensus & First Team AP, FWAA, AFCA, Walter Camp & Football News
Steve Scifres – Offensive Tackle – First Team FWAA All-American Cory Wedel – Place-kicker – First Team AFCA, Walter Camp All-American
1995: Marcus Harris – Wide Receiver – First Team AFCA All-American Brian Gragert – Punter – Second Team AFCA All-American
1993: Ryan Yarborough – Wide Receiver – First Team AP & FWAA All-American
1992: Ryan Yarborough – Wide Receiver – First Team FWAA All-American
1990: Mitch Donahue – Defensive End – First Team FWAA, Sporting News and NFL Draft Report All-American
1988: Pat Rabold – Defensive Tackle – Second Team AP All-American 1987: Galand Thaxton – Linebacker – Third Team AP All-American 1984: Jay Novacek – Tight End – Consensus & First Team Kodak All-American
1983: Jack Weil – Punter - Consensus & First Team FWAA & AP All-American
1978: Ken Fantetti – Linebacker – First Team FWAA All-American
1977: Dennis Baker – Offensive Tackle - First Team AP All-American
1976: Paul Nunu – Linebacker – First Team Football News All-American
1969: Bob Jacobs - Place-Kicker – First Team Sporting News and FWAA-Look Magazine All-American
1967: Jerry DePoyster – Place-Kicker – First Team AP and Sporting News All-American
Mike Dirks – Defensive Tackle – First Team FWAA, NEA & Look Magazine All-American
1962: Glen Hopkins – Tackle – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Joe Vitale – Guard – Honorable Mention AP All-American
1960: Jerry Hill – Running Back – Honorable Mention AFCA All-American
Marty Hamilton – End – Honorable Mention Williamson Rating System All-American
Richard Williams – Center – Honorable Mention Williamson Rating System All-American
1959: Jerry Hill – Running Back – Honorable Mention All-American
Len Kuczewski – Guard/Linebacker – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Jim Walden – Quarterback – Honorable Mention AP All-American
1956: Jim Crawford – Halfback – First Team Look & NEA, Second Team Williamson Rating and INS & Third Team AP, UPI and Football Digest All-American
Buster Elder – End – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Vince Guinta – Center – Honorable Mention AP All-American
John Watts – Quarterback – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Larry Zowada – Back – Honorable Mention AP All-American
1953: Joe Mastrogiovanni – Back – Honorable Mention UPI All-American
1951: Dewey McConnell – End – First Team AP All-American
Harry Geldien – Back – Honorable Mention UPI All-American
Doug Reeves – Center – Honorable Mention UPI All-American
1950: Eddie Talboom – Tailback – First Team NEA & INS All-American, Second Team AP All-American
Mike Dirks
Defensive Tackle, 1967 All-American
Mike Dirks, #66 in the photo, was one of the leaders of a Wyoming defense that led the nation in rushing defense in both 1966 and ‘67. His senior season the Cowboys earned a berth in the Sugar Bowl, and Dirks was named an All-American by the Football Writers and Look Magazine.
Steve Scifres
Offensive Tackle, 1996 All-American
Steve Scifres was one of the greatest offensive linemen in school history, starting every game of his college career — 47 consecutive. He was selected by the Football Writers of America as a First Team All-American in 1996.
Jim Crawford
Running Back, 1956 All-American
C.T. Hewgley – Tackle – Second Team AP All-American
Dick Campbell – Back – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Tom Drost – End – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Dewey McConnell – End – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Selmer Pederson – Safety – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Doug Reeves – Center – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Marlin Smith – Guard – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Marvin Strauch – Tackle – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Jerry Taylor – Guard – Honorable Mention AP All-American
A native of Greybull, Wyo., Jim Crawford led the nation in rushing his senior season of 1956 to earn All-America recognition from the Football Writers Association of America. Among the running backs he beat for the rushing title in ‘56 were Jim Brown of Syracuse and Tommy McDonald of Oklahoma.
FORMER GREAT NFL
Josh Allen
Buffalo Bills (2018-Present)
Quarterback
NFL COWBOYS CURRENT
Chad Muma
New England Patriots (2025-Present)
Linebacker
Logan Wilson Cincinnati Bengals (2020-2025)
Linebacker
Marcus Epps
Minnesota Vikings/Philadelphia Eagles/ Las Vegas Raiders/New England Patriots
Andrew Wingard
Arizona Cardinals (2026-Present)
Safety
New Orleans Saints (2019-Present)
Defensive End
Carl Granderson
WYOMING BOWL HISTORY
1968 Sugar Bowl
Wyoming had posted a perfect 10-0 record in 1967 entering its game versus LSU in the 1968 Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 1968. While Wyoming lost to the Tigers, 13-20, the Cowboys appearance in the Sugar Bowl is still remembered by Cowboy fans as one of the greatest moments in school history.
Bowden Wyatt
Wyoming Head Coach of 1951 Gator Bowl Champions
Bowden Wyatt guided the Wyoming Cowboys to their first-ever bowl appearance in the 1950 season, when on Jan. 1, 1951, Wyoming defeated Washington & Lee, 20-7, to complete an undefeated, 10-0, season.
1987 Holiday Bowl
The Wyoming defense, seen swarming an Iowa ballcarrier here, played an outstanding game in the 1987 Holiday Bowl. UW’s defense held the Hawkeyes to only one offensive touchdown. But Iowa returned a blocked punt for a TD and returned an interception for another score to give the Hawkeyes a one-point, 20-19, victory.
2004 Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl Champions
Wyoming seniors Guy Tuell, Trenton Franz, J.J. Raterink and Zach Morris helped lead the Cowboys to the biggest upset of the 2004 bowl season as Wyoming defeated UCLA, 24-21, in the Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl.
1968 Sugar Bowl
BOWL HISTORY WYOMING
2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Champions
Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen accepts the Most Valuable Player Award for his performance in Wyoming’s 37-14 win over Central Michigan in the 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Jim Kiick
MVP of the 1966 Sun Bowl
Wyoming running back Jim Kiick scored two touchdowns, including one on a 43-yard run in leading Wyoming to a 28-20 victory over Florida State in the 1966 Sun Bowl to earn Most Valuable Player honors.
WYOMING BOWL APPEAREANCES
16, Toledo 15
27, Ohio 30 (1OT)
52, Kent State 38
38, Georgia State 17
1955 Wyoming Cowboys
Capture Sun Bowl Championship, Jan. 2, 1956
The 1955 Wyoming Cowboys defeated Texas Tech, 21-14, on Jan. 2, 1956, to capture the 1956 Sun Bowl Championship. The following season of 1956, Wyoming posted a perfect 10-0 record.
37, Central Michigan 14
21, BYU 24
24, UCLA 21
19, Iowa 20
7, Oklahoma 41
13, LSU 20
28, Florida State 20
14, Hardin-Simmons 6
21, Texas Tech 14
20, Washington & Lee 7
WYOMING GREATS IN THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
Jay Novacek receives his Hall of Fame Award from NFF Board of Director and 1974 and ‘75 Heisman Trophy Winner Archie Griffin
The University of Wyoming is proud to have eight former football greats inducted into the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame. Former Cowboy head coaches Bob Devaney (Inducted 1981), William H. “Lone Star” Dietz (2012), Pat Dye (2005), Dennis Erickson (2019) and Bowden Wyatt (1972 Player, 1997 Coach), along with former Wyoming AllAmericans Eddie “Boom Boom” Talboom (2000) and Jay Novacek (2008) and this year Ryan Yarborough have all been elected to the distinguished Hall.
Devaney coached five five years (1957-61) as head coach at Wyoming, posting a record of 35-10-5 and a winning percentage of 75.0 percent, which still ranks as the best winning percentage in Wyoming Football history. Devaney became head coach at Nebraska after leaving Wyoming, and he led the Cornhuskers to two national championships in 1970 and ‘71, a 32-game unbeaten streak and a 101-20-2 (.829) record. He was named the National Coach of the Year in 1971. His combined head-coaching record was 136-30-7 (.806), which when he retired in 1972 was the winningest among active coaches at the time.
Dietz coached Washington State to a 7-0 mark and a Rose Bowl victory over Brown in 1915. He coached three seasons at Wyoming from 1924-26, where he also spent time coaching the baseball team
Dye was Named National Coach of the Year in 1983 at Auburn. He is one of only seven coaches in history to have coached a winner of the Heisman, Outland and Lombardi trophies. Dye was the head coach at Wyoming for one season in 1980.
Erickson’s 23-year career as a head coach was highlighted by two national titles at Miami in 1989 and ‘91, He coached the Cowboys for one season in 1986.
Wyatt was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1972 and as a coach in 1997. He became the third man to be elected in both categories. In this respect he followed A.A. Stagg and Bobby Dodd. He played end for Tennessee 1936-38 and in his senior year was a team captain and All-American. Wyatt served in the Navy in World War II. He was head coach at Wyoming 1947-52. His 1949 and 1950 teams won Skyline Conference championships. The 1950 team went to the Gator Bowl, beating Washington & Lee 20-7, and finished with a 10-0 record.
Talboom was Wyoming’s first All-American in 1950 and led the Cowboys to their first bowl appearance and bowl victory that season in the Gator Bowl.
Novacek was a Consensus All-America tight end at Wyoming in 1984. He went on to win three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys following the 1992, ‘93 and ‘95 seasons.
Ryan Yarborough was an explosive playmaker at Wyoming whose ability to make clutch catches and stretch the field helped make him one of the most prolific receivers in college football history. The Park Forest, Illinois, product now becomes the third player from Wyoming to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A two-time First Team All-American, Yarborough led the nation in receiving yards in both 1992 (1,351) and 1993 (1,512). He set NCAA marks at the time for the most career receiving yards (4,357—still ranks ninth), 200-plus yard receiving games (7), most 1,000-yard receiving seasons in a career (3), and the most games catching a touchdown pass in a career (27).
The mission of the National Football Foundation is to promote the power of amateur football in developing the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, competitive zeal and the drive for academic excellence in America’s young people. The NFF was founded in 1947.
The Wyoming Chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) was founded in 1993 by former UW head coach and athletics director Paul Roach when he gathered a group of interested ex-players, businessmen, coaches, athletic administrators, educators and football fans together.
Bob Devaney
Pat Dye
William H. “Lone Star” Dietz
Eddie Talboom
Dennis Erickson
Bowden Wyatt
Ryan Yarborough
Joe Tiller
Wyoming Head Coach 1991-96
• Won conference championships in 1993 and ‘96 with the Cowboys
• His 1996 Cowboy squad led the nation in passing offense
• Twice Named AFCA Region Coach of the Year at Wyoming
Some of the greatest names in college football have held the position of head coach of the Wyoming Cowboys. Bowden Wyatt, Phil Dickens, Bob Devaney, Lloyd Eaton, Fred Akers and Craig Bohl, Paul Roach and Joe Tiller have all led the Cowboy Football program to exciting victories, conference championships and bowl games as head coach of the Cowboys.
Five former Wyoming head coaches have been enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Those five are Wyatt, who was inducted in 1997 Devaney, inducted in 1981 Pat Dye, who went on to great success at Auburn and was inducted in 2005 Lone Star Dietz in 2012 and Dennis Erickson in 2019.
Bob Devaney
Wyoming Head Coach 1957-61
Won four Skyline Conference Championships in five seasons at Wyoming before he went on to great success at the University of Nebraska
COACHING GREATS
National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Coaches
Bob Devaney
Inducted in 1981 Years at Wyoming: 1957-61
Bowden Wyatt
Inducted in 1997 Years at Wyoming: 1947-52
Pat Dye
Inducted in 2005 Year at Wyoming: 1980
William H. “Lone Star” Dietz
Inducted in 2012 Years at Wyoming: 1924-26
Dennis Erickson
Inducted in 2019 Year at Wyoming: 1986
American Football Coaches Association District/ Regional Coaches of the Year 1996 Joe Tiller, AFCA Region 4 1993 Joe Tiller, AFCA Region 5 1988 Paul Roach, AFCA Region 5 1987 Paul Roach, AFCA Region 5 1976 Fred Akers, AFCA District 8 1967 Lloyd Eaton, AFCA District 6
Conference Coaches of the Year
2016 Craig Bohl, Mountain West
2011 Dave Christensen, Mountain West
1996 Joe Tiller, Western Athletic
1988 Paul Roach, Western Athletic
1987 Paul Roach, Western Athletic
1976 Fred Akers, Western Athletic
1967 Lloyd Eaton, Western Athletic
1966 Lloyd Eaton, Western Athletic
1959 Bob Devaney, Skyline
1958 Bob Devaney, Skyline
1950 Bowden Wyatt, Skyline
ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS
Trenton Franz was a First Team Academic All-American in 2004, and earned a prestigious Postgraduate Fellowship from the National Football Foundation. After completing his bachelor s degree in civil engineering, he pursued his graduate studies at Princeton where he earned his master s degree in civil and environmental engineering in June 2007 and his Ph.D. in January 2011. Franz was also a team captain of Wyoming s 2004 Las Vegas Bowl Championship Team.
Luke Ruff
Wyoming's Most Recent
First Team Academic All-American, 2012
Luke Ruff, a civil engineering major with a 3.66 cumulative grade-point average was named First Team Capital One Academic All-American in 2012.
The University of Wyoming Football program has enjoyed a rich tradition of attracting outstanding student-athletes to UW. The quality of these young men is perhaps best represented by the number of Academic All-Americans who have worn the Cowboy colors.
Since 1952, when the College Sports Information Directors of America began selecting Academic All-America teams, the University of Wyoming has produced 18 First Team Academic All-Americans.
In both 1996 and 1997, Wyoming’s football program led the nation in First Team honorees with two First Team selections in 1996 and three in 1997.
The most recent honoree was senior free safety Luke Ruff in 2012. Ruff graduated from UW in 2013, earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a 3.66 cumulative grade-point average. He chose to continue his graduate studies at the University of Wyoming, where he completed his master’s degree in environmental engineering in December 2014.
At the conclusion of his undergraduate studies, Ruff was chosen to receive an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, helping him to pursue his graduate studies in engineering at Wyoming.
Among his other honors were: being named a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation’s William V. Campbell Trophy, also referred to as the “Academic Heisman”; being selected as one of 30 football national finalists for the Senior CLASS Award; and being honored by the National Football Foundation as a 2013 Hampshire Honor Society member. He was a 2012 Preseason First Team All-Mountain West Conference selection by conference media members. His junior season, Ruff earned Second Team All-Mountain West Conference honors for his achievements on the football field.
Brian Lee
First Team Academic All-American and Consensus All-American
Cory Wedel and Jay Korth
Two-Time Academic All-Americans
Teammates Jay Korth and Cory Wedel share the distinction of being the only two Wyoming Cowboys to earn First Team Academic All-America honors twice. Wedel and Korth were both named to the Academic All-America First Team in 1996 and 1997.
WYOMING
First Team Academic All-Americans
Year Academic All-Americans
1959 Marty Hamilton, End
1960 Marty Hamilton, End Fran Miknis, Guard
1965 Bob Dinges, Defensive End
1967 George Mills, Offensive Guard
1973 Mike Lopiccolo, Offensive Tackle
1984 Bob Gustafson, Offensive Tackle/Tight End
1987 Pat Arndt, Offensive Guard
1994 Ryan Christopherson, Running Back
1995 Joe Cummings, Defensive End
1996 Jay Korth, Offensive Lineman
Cory Wedel, Place-kicker
1997 Jay Korth, Offensive Lineman
In 1997, Brian Lee accomplished a very rare feat as he earned First Team Academic All-America honors and Consensus All-America honors in the same season. He is the only Cowboy in school history to achieve both those honors.
Brian Lee, Free Safety
Cory Wedel, Place-kicker
1998 Brian Brown, Linebacker
2004 Trenton Franz, Center
2012 Luke Ruff, Free Safety
NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION
SCHOLAR-ATHLETES
John Wendling was one of only 17 national finalists for the National Football Foundation s Draddy Trophy in 2006. The Draddy Trophy, renamed the Campbell Trophy in 2009, is often referred to as the Academic Heisman . It is awarded each year to the top football scholar-athlete in the country. Here Wendling is pictured with 2006 NFF
Chris Prosinski
2006 NFF High School West Region Scholar-Athlete
Chris Prosinski (far right) with two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin and fellow 2006 NFF High School Scholar-Athletes Barry Gallup Jr. (far left) and Bryant Browning (second from right)
Each year since 1959, the National Football Foundation (NFF) has honored the nation’s best all-around college football players with its National Scholar-Athlete program. The top college football student-athletes have been recognized by the NFF for their athletic ability, academic prowess and civic leadership.
Through the years, four Wyoming Cowboys have received this prestigious honor. Pat Smyth in 1959, Marty Eliopulos in 1986, Trenton Franz in 2004 and John Wendling in 2006 were chosen by the National Football Foundation for this elite honor.
Wyoming’s most recent honoree, John Wendling, was named one of only 17 national finalists for the NFF’s Draddy Trophy in 2006. The Draddy Trophy, renamed the Campbell Trophy in 2009, is presented annually by the NFF to the top football scholar-athlete in the country. It is often referred to as the “Academic Heisman”. By being named a finalist, Wendling was also named to the NFF’s National Scholar-Athlete team, and he was awarded an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship.
NFF National Scholar-Athletes
From the University of Wyoming
Beginning in 1959, the National Football Foundation (NFF) has honored the nation’s best all-around college football players with its National Scholar-Athlete program.
The top college football student-athletes have been recognized by the NFF for their athletic ability, academic prowess and civic leadership.
Four Wyoming Cowboys have been honored as NFF National Scholar-Athletes through the years. Those four are listed below.
Pat Smyth 1959
Former Cowboy center Trenton Franz earned the honor in 2004. Franz went on to pursue his graduate studies in engineering at Princeton University, where he earned a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering in June 2007 and then received his Ph.D. in January 2011.
Former Wyoming Cowboy Chris Prosinski joined some very elite company when the National Football Foundation (NFF) selected him as one of only five high school student-athletes in the nation to be honored in its 2006 NFF High School Scholar-Athlete Class. Prosinski was the West Region honoree.
Over one million high school student-athletes play football each season. The NFF, through its 120 chapters nationwide, honor approximately 2,500 of these high school student-athletes with over $800,000 in annual scholarships.
From that group of 2,500 scholarship recipients, the NFF chooses only five for the distinct honor of National High School Scholar-Athlete.
Marty Eliopulos ........ 1986
Trenton Franz 2004
John Wendling .......... 2006
BORDER WAR BRONZE BOOT THE AND THE BORDER WAR ”
The annual Wyoming-Colorado State “Border War” football game has evolved into one of the most bitterly contested rivalries in college football.
The series began in 1899, and has been played in three different centuries. Wyoming and CSU have waged the “Border War” every year but six since the schools began playing, and the 2026 season will mark the 81st consecutive season the two border rivals will meet, dating back to 1946. This year will mark the 116th overall meeting.
In 1968, the ROTC detachments of the respective schools initiated the “Bronze Boot”, traveling trophy awarded to the winner of the contest each year. The Boot was originally worn in Vietnman by Dan Romero, a CSU ROTC instructor. The boot has rested in UW’s possession in 32 of the 58 years since its inception.
The “Bronze Boot” has become one of the most famous traveling trophies in college football. This year’s 2024 meeting will be the 57th time the trophy has been fought over.
1968 Wyoming 46, Colorado State 14 Ft. Collins
1969 Wyoming 39, Colorado State 3 Laramie
1970 Wyoming 16, Colorado State 6 Ft. Collins
1971 Wyoming 17, Colorado State 6 Laramie
1972 Wyoming 28, Colorado State 9 Ft. Collins
1973 Wyoming 35, Colorado State 3 Laramie
1974 Colorado State 11, Wyoming 6 Ft. Collins
1975 Colorado State 3, Wyoming 0 Laramie
1976 Colorado State 19, Wyoming 16 Ft. Collins
1977 Wyoming 29, Colorado State 13 Laramie
1978 Wyoming 13, Colorado State 3 Ft. Collins
1979 Colorado State 20, Wyoming 16 Laramie
1980 Colorado State 28, Wyoming 25 Ft. Collins
1981 Wyoming 55, Colorado State 21 Laramie
1982 Colorado State 9, Wyoming 3 Ft. Collins
1983 Wyoming 42, Colorado State 17 Laramie
1984 Wyoming 43, Colorado State 34 Ft. Collins
1985 Colorado State 30, Wyoming 19 Laramie
1986 Colorado State 20, Wyoming 15 Ft. Collins
1987 Wyoming 20, Colorado State 15 Laramie
1988 Wyoming 48, Colorado State 14 Ft. Collins
1989 Wyoming 56, Colorado State 35 Laramie
1990 Colorado State 17, Wyoming 8 Ft. Collins
1991 Wyoming 35, Colorado State 28 Laramie
1992 Wyoming 31, Colorado State 14 Ft. Collins
1993 Colorado State 41, Wyoming 21 Laramie
1994 Colorado State 35, Wyoming 24 Ft. Collins
Colorado State 31, Wyoming 24 Laramie 1996 Wyoming 25, Colorado State 24
2021 Wyoming 31, Colorado State 17 Laramie
2022 Wyoming 14, Colorado State 13 Ft. Collins 2023
24, Colorado State 15 Laramie
2024
State 24, Wyoming 10 Ft. Collins 2025 Wyoming 28, Colorado State 0 Laramie
The Bronze Boot Series Wyoming 32 Wins, CSU 26 Wins
The statue “Fanning a Twister”, depicting the great Wyoming bucking horse Steamboat was erected in 1991 north of War Memorial Stadium to welcome visitors to the University of Wyoming Athletics complex. Sculptor Peter Fillerup from Cody, Wyo., created Fanning a Twister
BUCKING HORSE AND RIDER
SYMBOL OF WYOMING
Cowboy Tough Statue
The sculpture “Cowboy Tough” was added to the UW Athletics facilities in the early 2000s. Casper, Wyo., artist Chris Navarro created this new bucking horse and rider sculpture.
There are two full-size originals of the statue that are located in the UW Athletics Department — one is on the second floor of the Rochelle Athletics Center and the second sits at the north endzone of War Memorial Stadium. It has become a tradition for the Wyoming Cowboy players and coaches to touch “Cowboy Tough” as they enter and exit the field at War Memorial Stadium on gamedays.
The symbol on the Wyoming Cowboy football helmet depicts a Cowboy riding a bucking horse. That symbol has been a part of the University of Wyoming Athletics Department since the early 1920s, when UW equipment manager Deane Hunton obtained a photograph of cowboy Guy Holt riding the world famous bucking horse “Steamboat” at the Albany County fairgrounds in 1903. Hunton traced the photo of Steamboat and Holt and turned it into a logo for use on athletics equipment. Steamboat was born on a ranch between Laramie and Bosler, Wyo., in 1901, and is regarded as one of the greatest bucking horses in history.
In later years, the symbol used by Wyoming Athletics more closely resembled the logo on the state’s automobile license plates., which depicted another famous bucking horse “Deadman” with a rider by the name of “Stub” Farlow atop it. “Deadman” was owned by the Jackson Hole Frontier Association. The license plate design was developed by the then Secretary of State, Lester C. Hunt, who later became the Governor of Wyoming and a United States Senator in 1935. Hunt utilized a photograph of “Deadman” and Farlow for the design of the state’s license plates, which first appeared in 1936.
While there are differing opinions on exactly which horse and rider are depicted on all of UW’s athletics uniforms today, it is the symbol that is important. The bucking horse and rider represents the toughness, and the never-say-die spirit that is Wyoming. Whether it is “Steamboat” or “Deadman”, the bucking horse and rider logo is without a doubt one of the best and most distinctive symbols in college sports.
WAR MEMORIAL STADIUM
War Memorial Stadium, Circa 1990s
This aerial photo of War Memorial Stadium, looking toward the southwest, shows a sellout crowd in the 1990s, prior to artificial turf being installed in “The War”, and prior to the Rochelle Athletics Center being built at the north end of the field.
Stadium Dedication
Sept. 23, 1950, Versus Baylor
War Memorial Stadium was dedicated on Sept. 23, 1950, in a game versus Baylor. The Bears came to Laramie nationally ranked. They were led by quarterback Hayden Fry, who later went on to a College Hall of Fame career as head coach at SMU and Iowa. But Wyoming recorded a 7-0 victory over the Bears led by single-wing tailback Eddie “Boom Boom” Talboom, who would also later be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a player. Wyoming went on to achieve an undefeated season, 10-0-0, and earned the school’s first bowl bid to the 1951 Gator Bowl.
Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium
2005 — First Season of Artificial Turf
In 2005, artificial turf was installed in War Memorial Stadium for the first time after 55 seasons of featuring a natural grass surface in the stadium. This photo from the 2005 TCU game shows the artificial surface that was installed in the summer of 2005 at a cost of slightly more than $1 million.
In conjunction with the installation of the artificial surface, the field at War Memorial Stadium was named Jonah Field to recognize a very generous gift of $5 million by the John and Mari Ann Martin and Mick and Susie McMurry families to the UW Athletics Department. The Martin and McMurry families developed the Jonah Field natural gas field in western Wyoming.
War Memorial Stadium Attendance Highs
Single Game Attendance
34,745 vs. Colorado State (10/18/97)
34,231 vs. BYU (11/10/90)
32,617 vs. Nebraska (9/24/11)
32,210 vs. UTEP (11/5/88)
31,742 vs. BYU (10/18/86)
31,620 vs. Virginia (9/1/07)
31,017 vs. Texas (9/12/09)
Season Attendance
162,144 in 2023 (7 games)
149,625 in 1990 (7 games)
148,860 in 2016 (7 games)
144,299 in 2017 (7 games)
142,516 in 1988 (6 games)
140,599 in 2026 (6 Games)
138,042 in 2019 (6 games)
137,484 in 1987 (6 games)
133,138 in 2007 (6 games)
Attendance Average
24,831 in 1977 (5 games)
23,753 in 1988 (6 games)
23,433 in 2025 (6 Games)
23,163 in 2023 (7 games)
23,007 in 2019 (6 games)
22,965 in 1978 (5 games)
22,914 in 1987 (6 games)
Million Milestones
Attendance Entering 2026 Season: 7,501,568
The First Million: Oct. 7, 1967 vs. Brigham Young (UW won 26-10) (75th game in stadium)
The Second Million: Sept. 17, 1977 vs. UTEP (UW won 27-17) (128th game in stadium)
The Third Million: Oct. 11, 1986 vs. Utah (UW won 38-14) (181st game in stadium)
The Fourth Million: Oct. 28, 1995 vs. Colorado State (UW lost 24-31) (231st game in stadium)
The Fifth Million: Oct. 8, 2005 vs. TCU (UW lost 14-28) (289th game in stadium)
The Sixth Million: Oct. 19, 2013 vs. Colorado State (UW lost 22-52) (338th game in stadium)
The Seventh Million: Sept. 16, 2022 vs. Air Foce (UW won 17-14) (389th game in stadium)
WAR MEMORIAL STADIUM
War Memorial Stadium, 2021
Wyoming’s Jonah Field is pictured as it appeared during the 2021 season. The Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center (HAPC) can be seen in the north end zone. The HAPC opened in 2018.
Pictured in the upper center of the photo is Wyoming’s Indoor Practice Facility, which opened in 2007.
Wyoming’s uniquely designed FieldTurf Vertex CORE playing surface was installed in 2023 with this season featuring a New West Side club area and press box.
First Night Game
in War Memorial
Sept. 1, 1988, Versus BYU
The first night game played in War Memorial Stadium took place on Sept. 1, 1988, versus Brigham Young. The Cowboys captured a 24-14 victory over the Cougars on way to an 11-2-0 season and the 1988 Western Athletic Conference Championship.
War Memorial Stadium, 2010
Wyoming’s night game versus Boise State was played on Sept. 18, 2010. The game, played before a capacity crowd, put on display Wyoming’s newly-constructed Wildcatter Stadium Club & Suites, which opened in 2010.
WYOMING’S RECORD IN WAR MEMORIAL
Number of Games Played in The War Entering 2025 Season
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 1950s
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 1960s
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 1970s
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 1980s
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 1990s
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 2000s
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 2010s
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 2020s
Wyoming s All-Time Home Record in War Memorial Stadium 265-139- 7 (.653)
JONAH FIELD AT WAR MEMORIAL STADIUM
The words Jonah Field are displayed prominently on the playing surface in War Memorial Stadium to recognize the generous gift of the John and Mari Ann Martin and Mick and Susie McMurry families.
Martin and McMurry Gift Makes Jonah Field Surface Possible
The University of Wyoming named the playing surface at War Memorial Stadium, “Jonah Field” following a $5 million gift from the John and Mari Ann Martin and Mick and Susie McMurry families. Pictured at the press conference are left to right: UW’s former NCAA 400-meter hurdle champion Shauna Smith, Senator Alan K. Simpson, the late Susie McMurry, the late Mick McMurry, John Martin, Mari Ann Martin and former UW quarterback Corey Bramlet.
In the summer of 2023, a new FieldTurf Vertex CORE playing surface was installed in War Memorial Stadium. The new Jonah Field replaced the FieldTurf Revolution playing surface that was installed in June 2013. The new Jonah Field will once again include a distinctive Wyoming design that was originally unveiled in 2013. FieldTurf has been installed at many of the top NCAA and NFL football stadiums in the country for its grass-like performance and safety.
Jonah Field will continue as the name of Wyoming Football’s playing surface to commemorate the generous donations to UW Athletics by Casper entrepreneurs the late Susie McMurry and the late Mick McMurry and John and Mari Ann Martin and their families.
Sporting one of the finest grass gridirons for its first 55 seasons, the initial switch to artificial turf, in one of the most picturesque stadiums in the country, was completed in August of 2005.
The Martin and McMurry families donated $5 million to UW Athletics in May 2005. That gift was matched by the state of Wyoming for a total of $10 million. The new surface was originally named Jonah Field to recognize not only the prolific natural gas field in Sublette County (Wyoming) that made the Martin-McMurry gift possible, but also to recognize the financial contributions to state funding projects, including higher education, made over time by Wyoming’s extractive industries.
Gifts totalling $2 million by George and Dianna Archuleta of La Barge and Ron and Linda Flack of Cheyenne, launched UW’s Intercollegiate Athletics capital campaign for facilities. Their gifts were made in March of 2004. Many other alumni, friends and Cowboy supporters also contributed through the Strategic Plan for Intercollegiate Athletics,
The elements of the 2023 design include the words “Jonah Field” prominently displayed on both sidelines. A depiction of Wyoming’s iconic mountains are prevalent in both end zones along with the traditional words “WYOMING” and “COWBOYS” in brown on a gameday gold background in opposite end zones. Those words appear in a western-style font. Also included is the lettering “7220 Feet” on both sidelines, indicating the elevation of War Memorial Stadium as the highest NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision field in the nation. Wyoming’s traditional “Steamboat” symbol of a bucking horse and rider will remain at midfield in brown, outlined in white and gameday gold.
The original 2013 field design was provided by award-winning graphic designer David Coleman, who is a Wyoming native and UW graduate.
The project was supervised by the Mountain West Regional Vice President for FieldTurf Jed Easterbrook, who is also a UW graduate and Cowboy baseball letterwinner.
A view of Wyoming’s 80,000 square-foot Indoor Practice Facility from above.
INDOOR PRACTICE FACILITY
The Indoor Practice Facility shown on gameday just north and east of War Memorial Stadium.
Wyoming’s expansive Indoor Practice Facility: In the background, the many banners commemorating Wyoming’s bowl appearances and conference championships through the years hang from the ceiling. The banners span the time from Wyoming’s first Skyline Conference Championship in 1949 through the Cowboys’ most recent bowl appearance.
INDOOR PRACTICE FACILITY
In the fall of 2007, Wyoming’s new Indoor Practice Facility (IPF) opened for use. Containing over 80,000 square feet, the facility includes a full-size 100-yard by 50-yard football field, featuring a state-of-the-art artificial turf surface. A new FieldTurf surface was installed in the summer of 2018.
The Indoor Practice Facility was built at a cost of $11 million.
Wyoming’s Indoor Practice Facility is a full-size football field, allowing the Cowboys’ workouts to be as efficient as possible with no limitations due to size.
The exterior of the Indoor Practice Facility as you approach from the adjoining War Memorial Stadium.
Wyoming’s spacious Premier Bone & Joint Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center within the High Altitude Performance Center allows UW student-athletes to receive the best in treatment from Wyoming’s outstanding athletic training staff.
HEALTH STUDENT-ATHLETE
Hydrotherapy Area
The hydrotherapy area, contained within the High Altitude Performance Center, assists student-athletes in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries.
Underwater Treadmill
In 2014, a new underwater treadmill pool was added to the hydrotherapy area to further aid all UW student-athletes in injury treatment and rehabilitation. This new pool also features an underwater camera system that allows the athletic-training staff to evaluate and monitor rehab sessions on the treadmill.
The Premier Bone & Joint Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center is located in Wyoming’s High Altitude Performance Center.
The University of Wyoming athletic-training staff utilizes the most current preventive and rehabilitative techniques in treating UW student-athletes.
A staff of full-time certified athletic trainers, work to meet the needs of Wyoming’s student-athletes.
LARAMIE …BEAUTIFUL COLLEGE TOWN
One of the best things about Laramie is its location between two beautiful mountain ranges — the Snowy Range to the west and the Laramie Range to the east. It’s a place of blue skies and clean air. Much of the area surrounding Laramie is public National Forest land. That means great access! You can head for the nearby mountains and find yourself on a hiking, biking or skiing trail within 15 minutes. There’s also nearby rock climbing at the impressive Vedauwoo formations. You can be downhill skiing in the Snowy Range within 45 minutes. Laramie is convenient to the world-class skiing offered in Steamboat Springs and other nearby resorts.
For a different kind of fun, you can be in Denver within two and a half hours. There is an amazing array of culture throughout the area, plus the tremendous sports heritage of the Rockies, Broncos, Nuggets and Avalanche.
With its colorful Western heritage, cultural activities and outstanding outdoor recreation, the Laramie area captivates visitors from all over the world.
WYOMING
…THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE IT
They say it’s beauty is like no other, and you fall in love with its people. Wyoming, it is like no place on earth. Within it’s boundaries is America’s first and largest national park, Yellowstone. The unbounding beauty there includes “Old Faithful” geyser and Yellowstone Lake, the world’s largest high-mountain lake. There is Yellowstone Falls, so awe-inspiring, it’ll take your breath away. There are over 260 different species of animals and birds located there. Wyoming’s wonders seem to be unending. There is Grand Teton National Park, whose centerpiece is the spectacular Teton Mountain Range. There is Devil’s Tower, America’s first national monument. There is the world’s largest mineral hot springs located in Thermopolis. There is the beauty of Ten Sleep Canyon and a hundred other places.
For breathtaking beauty, Wyoming is unmatched. Its reputation brings millions of visitors to its borders each year. Plus, some of the best skiing in America can be found in Wyoming. Tourists and sportsmen can’t wait to get here to enjoy the clean mountain air and limitless outdoor attractions.
The history of the great American West can be heard whistling through the trees of Wyoming. Wyoming had an historic place in the taming of the West in the late 1800’s. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were two of Wyoming’s most famous citizens during the era of lawlessness. There remain plenty of reminders of an age that will live forever in American lore.
People are Wyoming’s strongest resource. These folks are down to earth, friendly and helpful. And, oh how proud they are of their Cowboys. Wyoming has some of the best fans in America. As their only four-year university, Wyoming folks are tremendously supportive of their teams.
Yet, as down to earth as they are, many Wyomingites are on the cutting edge of politics, entertainment and business. Among some of the most famous are: former Vice President of the United States Dick Cheney; the late Dr. Jerry Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers; Dean Conger, former chief photographer of the National Geographic Society; the late Curt Gowdy, the most decorated national sportscaster in history; Alan Simpson, former United States Senator; Gerry Spence, attorney and television personality; and General Pete Schoomaker, former U.S. Army Chief of Staff.
For great people, great scenery and a great education, there is no place quite like Wyoming.
SEASON OUTLOOK
COWBOYS SET TO MAKE RUN IN NEW LOOK MOUNTAIN WEST
Wyoming will field an exciting new offense, what thirdyear head coach Jay Sawvel believes will be his best defense and a deeper, more experienced special teams during the 2026 season.
Sawvel hired Buffalo Bills assistant Christian Taylor as the Cowboys’ new offensive coordinator. Graduate transfer Tyler Hughes and redshirt freshman Mason Drube headline what is expected to be a dramatically improved quarterback room filled with dual-threat signal callers.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Bohl, whose unit ranked 30th in the FBS in points allowed (20.5 ppg) and 45th in yards allowed (344.3 ypg) last season, will blend talented transfers and young players around veteran leaders Desman Hearns, Jones Thomas, Ethan Stuhlsatz and Jayden Williams.
The Cowboys return 32 lettermen and added 43 new players from the transfer portal and the high school ranks.
UW will open the season against longtime rival Colorado State on Sept. 5. The Cowboys won last year’s Border War 28-0 in Laramie and will face the Rams, now a member of the Pac-12, in Fort Collins before the Sept. 12 home opener against Northern Colorado.
Sawvel builds for third-year breakthrough
Craig Bohl posted a 6-18 record during his first two seasons at UW before guiding the Pokes to eight wins and an appearance in the Mountain West Championship game during his third season in 2016.
A decade later, Sawvel has rebuilt the roster to position the program for a similar jump after posting a 7-17 record during his first two seasons as head coach.
Sawvel, who joined the program in 2020 as Bohl’s defensive coordinator, revamped the unit after the 2024 season. UW finished second in the FBS behind Ohio State in red zone defense and No. 14 in pass defense in 2025.
This year’s turnaround starts with a significant upgrade in athleticism and depth at quarterback. Hughes, a proven veteran from the FCS ranks, and Drube, whose development is on the fast track, took the bulk of the reps during spring practice. Landon Sims, on the mend from an injury, also has the dual-threat abilities that fit Taylor’s offense and will make the Cowboys more explosive this fall.
Rex Johnsen
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
THE NEW MW LANDSCAPE
Another round of conference realignment has shuffled the deck in the Mountain West Conference with Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State joining CSU in moving to join the remnants of the Pac-12. North Dakota State, the 10-time FCS champion powerhouse Bohl built before coming to UW, is making the jump to FBS as a new MW member. Northern Illinois and UTEP have also joined from the Mid-American and Conference USA, respectively.
The Cowboys will play NDSU (Oct. 3) and former WAC rival UTEP (Nov. 14) on the road. UW will host the NIU (Oct. 17) 10 years after Josh Allen led the Pokes to a 40-34 tripleovertime win over the Huskies at War Memorial Stadium.
UW, one of the four remaining founding members of the MW, also plays Hawaii (Sept. 26), Air Force (Oct. 23) and New Mexico (Nov. 21) at home and San Jose State (Oct. 9) and UNLV (Nov. 7) on the road to round out the conference slate.
The 2026 MW Championship will be played at 7 p.m. on Dec. 4 in the home stadium of the team with the highest regular season winning percentage.
Eric Richardson
WIDE RECEIVER
OFFENSE Quarterbacks
The 6-foot, 210-pound Hughes, who was recruited by Taylor to William & Mary coming out of high school, passed for 2,330 yards with 20 touchdowns and three interceptions and rushed for 670 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
“It’s hard to stop him, that’s what I saw,” safety Brooklyn Cheek said of Hughes after he threw a 47-yard touchdown and broke off a 45-yard run in the spring game. “There was the one play where he’s running down the sideline and a quarterback isn’t usually moving as fast as DBs and safeties, but he’s running and he talks after he plays.
“That’s what I love about him; he’s a scrappy guy who loves football. Great player.”
Drube, 6-3, 222-pound redshirt freshman from Gillette, showed a strong grasp of the playbook and demonstrated leadership traits in the spring after getting some playing time late in the 2025 season.
Sims, a 6-3, 217-pound junior, was 6-for8 passing for 38 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries before suffering a knee injury in November.
True freshman Taylor Hasselbeck,
whose father Tim Hasselbeck and uncle Matt Hasselbeck were longtime NFL quarterbacks, joined the competition in the summer.
“I’m happy with that group right now,” Sawvel said. “They’re uber competitive and they pick it up really well and Coach Taylor does a great job with them.”
Running Backs
Taylor plans to take pressure off the quarterbacks by reestablishing a powerful ground game with an impressive stable of running backs led by Samuel “Tote” Harris. The sophomore averaged 5.6 yards per carry and led the team with 568 yards as a true freshman.
“Tote is Tote,” running backs coach Gary Harrell said of the 5-11, 196-pound Harris. “He’s getting more explosive, his footwork is where we need it to be, his vision has increased, so we expect a lot out of him.”
Harris will not have to carry the load by himself. UW added Markell Holman, who rushed for 1,063 yards and scored nine touchdowns last season at Western Illinois, and Diore Hubbard, West Virginia’s leading rusher in 2025, from the portal.
Sophomore Nico Hamilton will also be in the mix for meaningful carries after an impressive offseason. Freshman Jaden Lawrence, sophomore Dontae Burch and junior Nikos Varelas made strides during the spring.
Ryken Banks, a three-star recruit from Legend High School in Colorado, the same program that produced former UW All-American linebacker Chad Muma, joined the competition over the summer.
“Running back is a strength in this program right now,” Sawvel said.
Tight Ends and Fullbacks
John Michael Gyllenborg (Kansas City Chiefs) and Evan Svoboda (Los Angeles Chargers) signed with NFL teams after the 2025 season, but the Cowboys remain stocked at the position with a new generation of talented tight ends.
Sophomores Jake Wilson (6-5, 242) and
Kyle Frendt (6-5, 236) will be featured targets in Taylor’s passing game. Landon Pace, the 6-3, 247-pound son of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Orlando Pace, is also poised for a breakout season as a redshirt freshman.
Seniors Isaac Schoenfeld (6-5, 257), Tyler Siddons (6-5, 256) and Tyler Hampton (6-4, 246) add physicality in the run game.
Longtime tight ends coach Shannon Moore is also excited about the long-term future with freshmen Colin Ford and Ishmael Muhammad.
BACKFIELD (12)
“Tight end is one of our favorite positions because they can do so many things,” said Taylor, who watched Allen lean heavily on tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox in the Bills offense. “They can line up at tight end, receiver, running back. They can block, they can run every route and a couple of the guys we have are super versatile with great size and a great skillset.
“To be able to utilize them in a lot of ways you’ve got to be a pretty smart football player and Coach Moore has been doing a great job with them, and they’ve been doing a great job picking up the system.”
Wide Receivers
One of the best competitions throughout the offseason was at the wide receiver where the Pokes have an intriguing mix of veteran returners, transfers and developing young playmakers.
Eric Richardson, Jackson Holman, Charlie Coenen and Bricen Brantley all showed flashes last season. The Cowboys added Justin Popovich, who had 686 yards receiving and six touchdowns at Division II Lock Haven.
Sophomore Deion DeBlanc and redshirt
freshmen Ke’Lyn Washom and Pierre “PJ” Jackson were dynamic during spring practice. Tyson Shamsid-Deen, whose primary position is cornerback, will also play receiver in certain packages. Jayden Williams, Jarell Gary and Jordan Styles are a touted trio from the 2026 recruiting class.
“I want to be able to go out and look at and say, we’re winning at that position,” Sawvel said. “Obviously, the quarterbacks we have can take a little bit of pressure off of them because there’s going to be certain ways people played
RECEIVERS (22)
us a year ago that they’ll have no chance of doing to us this year because of the mobility of the quarterbacks and all of the different things we’re doing.”
Jackson Holman WIDE RECEIVER
Offensive Line
The offensive line collectively gained 75 pounds of muscle while shedding 30 pounds of bad weight during director of sports performance Eric Donoval’s winter strength and conditioning program.
That led to a healthy competition at all five positions through spring practice and into fall camp for a unit that returns starting tackles Rex Johnsen (left) and Braylon Jenkins (right).
The Cowboys lost center Jack Walsh and guard Caden Barnett to graduation but bolstered the interior with Nebraska transfer Jason Maciejczak and East A&M transfer Chandler Donaway. Sophomore Giovanni Panozzo was also running with the first-team offense at right guard most of the offseason. Juniors Jake Davies and Quinn Grovesteen-Matchey have accrued notable playing experience over the past two seasons and are in the mix for the rotation.
Offensive line coach Joe Tripodi has more depth to utilize with a list of promising players pushing for playing time, including Johnathan Bush, Kalvin Janssen, Caleb Hall and Josia Petaia.
“There are so many guys that want to get that starting spot and dudes are coming in and working hard every day,” Johnsen said. “In the
OFFENSIVE
LINEMEN (20)
Offensive Line Ht. Wt. Cl
50 Giovanni Panozzo 6-5 308 So.
51 Jason Maciejczak 6-3 314 Jr
52 Chandler Donaway 6-1 307 Sr.
54 Jonathan Pearcy 6-3 305 Fr.
55 Kalvin Janssen 6-3 302 RFr.
60 Grant Lott 6-4 286 Fr.
62 Spencer Rathbun 6-4 272 So.
63 Braylon Jenkins 6-4 314 So.
64 Brandt Rice 6-5 306 Jr.
65 Nathan Geiger 6-5 296 Jr.
66 Johnathan Bush 6-2 303 RFr.
68 Jackson Garrett 6-3 290 Fr
70 Rex Johnson 6-5 310 Sr.
71 Jake Davies 6-7 305 Jr.
72 Pierce Decker 6-7 255 Fr.
73
Dante Drake
weight room this year we averaged like 500 pounds for our back squat, which is awesome and we’ve never had that for an O-line here.”
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
UW’s front is in good shape with the development at defensive tackle and an influx of talent at defensive end.
Caleb Robinson and Dante Drake are back from injuries that sidelined them for the 2025 season and 6-3, 296-pound junior Jayden Williams is poised for a dominant season at DT. There is also better depth on the interior with homegrown defensive tackles Tegen Seeds of Douglas and Alex Haswell of Sheridan pushing for spots in the rotation. True freshman Tanielu Maafala-Barbasa enrolled during the spring and appears ready to make an immediate impact. Transfers Ja’Quan Redfern and Mohanad Nahhas are also expected to play significant snaps this season.
Defensive ends coach Brian Hendricks is working with experienced newcomers in Thaddeus Gianaris (Dartmouth), Jack Dunkley (Duquesne) and Donnie Wingate (Southern
Illinois). The trio had a combined 35.0 sacks and 58.0 tackles for loss at the FCS level before transferring to UW.
The Cowboys return veterans Esaia Bogar and Kevin Sjogren and explosive redshirt freshmen Jason Handy and Cade Brook.
“It’s kind of like the (New England) Patriots, whenever they go into free agency, they bring in a lot of veteran guys,” Hendricks said. “That’s kind of what we’ve done here as far as the defensive end room. There are a lot of guys who have played a lot of football. That maturity helps.”
Linebackers
UW’s linebacker room is the perfect blend of portal acquisition and high school development in this new era of college football.
The Cowboys’ top two tacklers last season, middle linebacker Evan Eller (73 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss) and weak-side linebacker Brayden Johnson (81 tackles, two interceptions), were FCS transfers.
The reloaded unit features transfers Ethan Stuhlsatz (Lindenwood), Anthony Beavers (USC) and Karson Butts (Garden City Community College) and homegrown standouts Gary Rutherford, Dash Bauman, Parker Moore and Steven Perez.
Aaron Bohl, who still wears the linebackers coach hat in addition to his defensive coordinator duties, also welcomes an impressive group of freshmen in Mason Wright, Dante Bruley and Boston Gable.
LINEBACKERS (9)
Linebackers Ht. Wt. Cl.
16 Karson Butts 6-2 236 So.
26 Gary Rutherford 6-1 234 So.
28 Boston Gable 6-0 190 Fr.
33 Parker Moore 6-2 240 RFr.
34 Steven Perez 6-1 230 RFr.
40 Dante Bruley 6-1 220 Fr.
41 Mason Wright 6-3 224 Fr.
42 Ethan Stuhlsatz 6-4 239 Gr.
46 Dash Bauman 6-2 234 So.
Secondary
After a lack of depth in the secondary proved costly for the Cowboys during the early stages of Sawvel’s tenure as head coach, the back end of the defense has developed into a team strength.
UW returns two all-MW caliber starters in nickel back Desman Hearns and free safety Jones Thomas. Hearns led the team in forced fumbles (two) and tied for the team lead in pass breakups (five) and interceptions (two) while Thomas was third on the team with 57 tackles and finished with two interceptions, including a pick-six at Hawaii.
Cheek, Jaden DaCosta and Colorado State transfer Jett Vincent give safeties coach Jason Petrino a lot of options at strong safety.
Senior nickel Travis Franklin Jr. led the team with eight tackles in the spring game. Junior Da’Marion Brownlee, sophomore David Leonard and redshirt freshmen Kaiden KimbleTurner and Elvin Ampofo will push for playing time in the defense and/or contributing to kickoff coverage or in the return game.
“There’s a list there,” Sawvel said. “Anytime you have that there’s two things that come out of it. Number one, there’s competition where people have to do it right and play well. The second thing is it’s going to improve your special teams because now you have a number of guys in those size and weight areas.”
UW’s new cornerbacks coach, JB Hall, inherits the dynamic Shamsid-Deen and juniors Ian Bell, Junus McGraw, Logan Mackey and BJ Inmon to lead the group.
“(Shamsid-Deen) has the skillset to be a dominant corner. Our job is to continue to develop him,” Hall said. “There are some minor things we have to continue to work on just like with anyone in the room, but he has that capability to go out there and be an absolutely dominant player.”
Kendall Griffin enrolled early and is in position to make an impact as a true freshman at cornerback. Classmate Therman Williams, also known as “Boogie,” also hit the ground running in January and can play cornerback,
nickel or safety.
“In the long term, if I said, ‘OK, in our freshman class Kendall Griffin and Boogie Williams are two of our corners,’ that’s a pretty good group,” Sawvel said
SECONDARY (20)
Place-kickers, Punters, Long Snappers and Holders
The Pokes return one of the nation’s top punters in senior Bart Edmiston, who ranked 12th in the FBS in average (46.11 yards per punt) last season. He had a long of 68 yards and 26 of his 65 punts sailed over 50 yards with 26 placed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
UW upgraded the long snapping position with the addition of North Alabama graduate transfer Nathan Curry, who has appeared in 35 career games and recorded six career tackles at the position.
Redshirt sophomore Gavin Helm will compete and learn from Edmiston and redshirt freshman Charlie Houston will push Curry for the special teams snapping duties.
Junior placekicker Erik Sandvik showed improved accuracy on field goals during spring practice after making six of his 11 attempts in 2025. Sophomore Keelan Anderson is also vying for the kicking and kickoff duties.
DeBlanc is a dangerous punt returner who averaged 16.7 yards on 10 returns with a 73-
yard touchdown against San Jose State. He also averaged 18.2 yards on kickoff returns, while Brantley averaged 18.3.
UW’s depth at linebacker and in the secondary is expected to improve the coverage units. The program also added Colorado safety transfer Nathanial Watson in the summer after the junior was credited with 10 spring blocks, three assisted tackles, three forced fair catches and one downed punt for the Buffaloes in 2025.
SPECIALISTS (6)
Bart Edmiston PUNTER
Erik Sandvik KICKER
ALPHABETICAL ROSTER
Gillette, Wyo. (Campbell County) 21 Jack Dunkley DE 6-4
Penndel, Pa. (Duquesne)
(Jones
Gering, Neb. (Gering)
Cheyenne, Wyo. (Central)
Round Rock, Texas (McNeil)
ALPHABETICAL ROSTER
20 Jaden Lawrence RB 5-10
75 Cooper Lawson OL 6-4
(Last School)
Parker, Colo. (Legend)
Afton, Wyo. (Star Valley) 15 David Leonard S 5-11
60 Grant Lott OL 6-4
50 Tanielu Maafala-Barbasa DT 6-1
Fr.
51 Jason Maciejczak OL 6-3 314 Jr.
St. Louis, Mo. (St. Mary’s)
St. Peter’s, Mo. (Ft. Zumwalt South)
Las Vegas, Nev, (Arbor View)
Pierre, S.D. (Nebraska) 8 Logan Mackey CB 5-10
7 Junus McGraw CB 6-0
Murgus
Mohanad Nahhas DT 6-3
Jr.
Houston, Texas (Weber State)
Anchorage, Alaska (West Liberty)
Leon, Iowa (Central Decatur)
Lawrence, Kan. (Lawrence Free State)
Dallas, Texas (Bishop Lynch)
Kansas City, Mo. (North Kansas City)
Latham, N.Y. (Hudson Valley CC) 23 Tyler Nystrom
Arden Hills, Minn. (Mounds View) 88 Landon Pace
St. Louis, Mo. (Saint Louis University HS) 50 Giovanni Panozzo
Arvada, Colo. (Arvada West) 54 Jonathan Pearcy
Liberty, Mo. (Liberty) 34 Steven Perez LB 6-1
Wilmington, Calif. (Banning) 77 Josiah Petaia
5 Justin Popovich
Lafai Purcell S 5-11
Long Beach, Calif. (Long Beach City College)
Ky. (Lock Haven)
Colo. (Frederick)
Colo. (Rock Canyon)
Glenwood Springs, Colo. (Glenwood Springs)
NUMERICAL ROSTER
18 Bart Edmiston P 6-0 205
1L Ocean Springs, Miss. (Jones College)
Springs)
(Missouri Southern)
Frederick, Colo. (Frederick) 20 Jaden Lawrence
Colo. (Legend)
Los Angeles, Calif. (Portland State)
Gahanna, Ohio (West Virginia) 23 Tyler Nystrom
Arden Hills, Minn. (Mounds View)
Cheyenne, Wyo. (East)
Kansas City, Mo. (Christ Preparatory Academy) 28
NUMERICAL ROSTER
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt.
Hometown (Last School)
50 Giovanni Panozzo OL 6-5 308 So. 1L Arvada, Colo. (Arvada West)
51 Thaddeus Gianaris DE 6-2 244 Sr. TR Park Ridge, Ill. (Dartmouth)
51 Jason Maciejczak OL 6-3 314 Jr. TR Pierre, S.D. (Nebraska)
(Steamboat Springs) Starters Lost (17) (7 Offense, 9 Defense, 1 Special Teams) Offensive Starters Lost (7)
Teams Starters Lost (1)
PERSONNEL PICTURE
Lettermen Returning (33) (15
15 Defense, 3 Special Teams)
Rock Springs, Wyo. (Rock Springs)
Lettermen Returning (15)
Special Teams Lettermen Returning (1)
PERSONNEL PICTURE
Lettermen Lost (35)
Appleton, Wis. (Appleton North) 79 Jack
Palatine, Ill. (Fremd) 80
90 Aneesh Vyas
Mesa, Ariz. (Snow C.C., Utah)
West Chester, Ohio (Bucknell)
Anaheim, Calif. (Servite)
COWBOY COACHES
JAY SAW v EL
(MOunt uniOn ‘93) HEAd COACH, univErSitY Of WYOMing)
Jay Sawvel was introduced by University of Wyoming Athletics Director Tom Burman as the new head coach of the Wyoming Cowboys on Dec. 6, 2023. He officially replaced Craig Bohl following Wyoming's bowl victory against Toledo in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl .
"Jay has done a masterful job in his time at Wyoming building strong relationships with players and staff," Burman said. "His defense embodies Wyoming's culture in that we play physical, disciplined and with passion."
Sawvel is the 33rd coach in Wyoming history and has served as the team's defensive coordinator and safeties coach since February of 2020. Over his career, he has been part of 21 teams who advanced to postseason play, including 14 bowl appearances and seven NCAA Playoff appearances.
"His vision on the future of Cowboy Football energized me and I feel he will help us reach a Mountain West Championship in the near future," Burman said.
Sawvel has learned from some of the top minds in college football history. Some of the names include Craig Bohl, Lou Holtz, Roy Kidd and Jerry Kill. Of the seven head coaches that Sawvel has worked for, the group owns over 1,200 wins.
In 2025, The Cowboys defense was once again one of the top units in the nation ranking No. 30 in the nation allowing only 20.5 points per game. The Cowboys also featured one the nation’s top red-zone defenses ranking second in the nation. Wyoming allowed only 175.5 passing yards per game, which ranked No. 13 in the nation. The Cowboys also blocked four kicks on the season, a number that ranked fifth in the nation.
Wyoming recorded two shutouts during the season doing so against Akron in the season opener and Colorado State. It marked the first time since 1966 that the Cowboys recorded two shutouts in a season.
Sawvel mentored seven Cowboys to AllMountain West honors in 2025. Wyoming had two Second Team selections in offensive guard Caden Barnett and linebacker Brayden Johnson. Tight end John Michael Gyllenborg eared an invite to the NFL Combine and also played in the Senior Bowl.
fense and two special teamers garnering honors for the Cowboys. Wyoming also excelled in the classroom with 25 players earning Academic All-Mountain West honors.
The Pokes were solid once again in the classroom with seven players being named CSC Academic All-District. Six Cowboys were also named to the Hampshire Honor Society by the National Football Foundation. Sawvel had 36 players earn Academic All-MW honors
In 2024, Sawvel and Cowboys led the nation in third-down defense holding opponents to 25.9 percent on third down. Wyoming struggled with injuries during the season, but closed out strong defeating Washington State on the road in the final minute, as the Cougars had ranked in the national polls during the season. The Pokes also nearly knocked of Boise State, A College Football Playof participant holding the Broncos well below their season averages offensively. In total, the Cowboys played a pair of teams in the first ever College Football Playoff also facing Arizona State.
He earned his first career win in a home victory against Air Force on Sept. 28, 2024. He is the first Cowboy coach since Paul Roach to earn their first win against Air Force. Sawvel took over for Craig Bohl, as Bohl also earned his first Mountain West win against the Air Force Academy in 2014. Nine Cowboys earned All-Mountain West honors in Sawvel's first season as head coach with four players on defense, three on of-
"I'm excited and honored to be the next head football coach at the University of Wyoming," Sawvel said. "I have loved working and learning under head coach Craig Bohl for the last four years. The infrastructure Coach Bohl has put into this program makes me very excited to be the next leader of this program."
In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. The Cowboy defense ranked No. 26 in the nation in turnovers gained, which ranked third in the MW. The Cowboys rank seventh in the nation with 11 fumble recoveries. The Wyoming defense ranks No. 24 in the nation in fewest yards allowed per pass attempts. Sawvel's 2023 defense ranks No. 2 in the Mountain West Conference in scoring defense (allowing only 22.3 points per game) and ranks No. 3 in the MW in total defense (allowing opponents only 357.8 yards per game).
Linebacker Easton Gibbs, a first-team All-MW selection finished the 2023 regular season averaging 8.8 tackles per game to rank No. 4 in the Mountain West and No. 29 in the nation. Gibbs recorded over 360 tackles as a Cowboy to rank in the top-10 in school history. He signed as a priority free agent with Seattle Seahawks in April. Defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole, was a second-team All-MW selection ranking No. 3 among all Mountain West defensive linemen in tackles this season, averaging 4.3 tackles per game. Safety Wyett Ekeler ranked third on the Cowboy team in tackles this season with 77 and ranked No. 9 among MW defensive backs in tackles, averaging 5.9 per game. Ekeler was twice named MW Defensive Player of the Week in 2023 and was an honorable mention All-MW selection.
Sawvel has learned from some of the top minds in college football history. Some of the names include Craig Bohl, Lou Holtz, Roy Kidd and Jerry Kill.
Sawvel was named the 33rd head coach in Cowboy history
2026 COWBOY COACHES
Sawvel's 2022 defense ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 21 in the nation in sacks, averaging 2.85 per game. His defense also ranked No. 2 in the MW and No. 33 in the FBS in defensive touchdowns scored, with two. Sawvel's defense featured three All-MW honorees as selected by coaches and media. Those three were: Easton Gibbs (LB), who earned First Team All-MW; and defensive end DeVonne Harris and cornerback Cam Stone, who both earned Honorable Mention honors. Phil Steele's AllMW team included: Gibbs and Stone on his First Team; defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole on his Second Team; and Harris on Steele's Fourth Team. Freshman defensive end Braden Siders was also named an Honorable Mention Freshman All-American by College Football News. The Wyoming Cowboys entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country. But given that, the Cowboys went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the '22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai'i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming's 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
The Cowboy defense in 2021 was one of the top pass defenses in the nation. Wyoming allowed opponents only 189.8 passing yards per game to rank No. 1 in the Mountain West and No. 12 in the nation. The Cowboy defense was also No. 13 in the nation in defensive touchdowns scored, with three. Wyoming held opponents to 23.7 points per game in the 2021 season to rank No. 5 in the MW and No. 43 in the country out of 130 FBS programs. The Cowboys posted a 7-6 record and won their third consecutive bowl game, with a convincing 52-38 win over Kent State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Linebacker Chad Muma was one of six national finalists for the Butkus Award in 2021. Muma earned Second Team All-America honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation and Pro Football Focus and was a Third Team selection by Associated Press. He was selected as the Sixth Pick in the Third Round (70th overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 NFL Draft. Sawvel also had six of his defenders earn All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2021. Muma was a First Team selection (MW Coaches/Media and Pro Football Focus), cornerback C.J. Coldon (Second Team MW Coaches/Media), nose tackle Cole Godbout (Second Team Pro Football Focus and Honorable Mention MW Coaches/Media), cornerback Azizi Hearn (Second Team Pro Football Focus), defensive end Garrett Crall (Honorable Mention MW Coaches/Media), linebacker Easton Gibbs (Honorable Mention Pro Football Focus). In his first season guiding the Wyoming defense as defensive coordinator in 2020, the Cowboys
Over his career, he has been part of 21 teams who advanced to postseason play,
were among the best in the country, ranking No. 16 in the nation in total defense, allowing opponents only 328.0 yards per game. UW's defense also ranked No. 21 in rushing defense (125.3 yards per game), No. 24 in scoring defense (21.0 points per game) and No. 29 in pass defense (202.7 yards per game). Three of his Cowboy defenders earned All-Conference recognition in 2020. Junior linebacker Chad Muma earned First Team All-Mountain West honors from MW head coaches and media. Senior free safety Esaias Gandy earned Honorable Mention honors from the conference head coaches and media, and sophomore cornerback C.J. Coldon earned Fourth Team All-MW from Phil Steele. Before coming to Wyoming, Sawvel served as the defensive coordinator at Wake Forest University in 2017 and '18. He was named the defensive coordinator at Wake Forest in January 2017 and helped the Deacons to the 2017 Belk Bowl. During his first season at the helm of the Wake Forest defense, the Deacons set school records for tackles for loss in a single season and finished the season ranked No. 7 nationally in tackles for loss.
As the cornerbacks coach in 2017, Sawvel coached Essang Bassey, who set a sophomore school record with 19 passes defended and earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors. Prior to coaching at Wake Forest, Sawvel served as the defensive coordinator at the University of Minnesota where he constructed a Top 25 ranked defense and helped the Gophers to their best record in 13 seasons in 2016. Minnesota posted a 9-4 record in 2016 and defeated Washington State, 17-12, in the Holiday Bowl. In the Holiday Bowl victory, Minnesota held Washington State's explosive passing offense to just 264 yards, 86 yards below its average, and held the Cougars to their lowest point total of the season.
Sawvel spent six seasons as an assistant at Minnesota. He was the defensive backs and
special teams coach from 2011 to 2015. After Jerry Kill's retirement as the head coach at Minnesota, Tracy Claeys was elevated to head coach and Sawvel became the Gophers' defensive coordinator.
Under Sawvel's direction, the 2016 Golden Gopher defense was ranked in the Top 25 in a number of defensive categories including: rushing defense (14th), turnover margin (18th), scoring defense (21st), total defense (21st) and sacks (22nd). In addition, Minnesota ranked 27th nationally in team pass efficiency defense. Sawvel has helped develop several players who went on to play in the NFL. In 2015, two of his players at Minnesota, Eric Murray and Briean Boddy-Calhoun, earned opportunities in the NFL. Murray was a fourth round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs while Boddy-Calhoun signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent. In 2014, both Murray and Boddy-Calhoun were named to the All-Big Ten Team following a season in which the Gophers were 18th in the nation in pass defense.
Brock Vereen, a 2014 First Team All-Big Ten selection and another one of Sawvel's pupils, was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
For three seasons from 2014 through 2016, Sawvel had at least one of his secondary players selected in the NFL Draft. Sawvel was part of teams that advanced to four conference championships as a collegiate coach.
Prior to his time at Minnesota, he served as the defensive backs coach on Kill's coaching staff at Northern Illinois for three seasons from 200810. As secondary coach at Northern Illinois, he mentored Jimmie Ward, a first round pick of the San Francisco 49ers.
Sawvel was a member of the Southern Illinois staff under Kill for seven seasons from 2001-07, working with the secondary and special teams. His first full-time coaching position came at Ferris State for two seasons from 1999-2000, where he coached the defensive backs and special teams.
Sawvel was a three-year letterwinner and an All-Conference linebacker in 1993 at Division III power Mount Union. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1993 in sports management with minors in business administration, information systems and physical education. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Eastern Kentucky in 1994 and moved to Notre Dame as a graduate assistant coach for the 1996-98 seasons. Sawvel owns master's degrees from both Eastern Kentucky and Notre Dame, where he completed his master's in administration. Sawvel has two daughters, Mackenzie and Miranda.
J AY S AW v EL‘S C OACH ing Exp E r E in CE
YEAr-BY-YEAr COACHing HiStOrY 2024-Pres.
Teams
Teams
Teams
pOS t SEASO n Exp E r E in CE
Belk Bowl Champions 2016 Minnesota Holiday Bowl Champions
Minnesota Quick Lane Bowl Champions 2014 Minnesota Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
(WiLLiAM & MArY ‘92) OffEnSivE COOrdinAtOr/QuArtErBACkS)
Taylor served as a defensive quality control coach for Buffalo in 2024 and this season serves as an offensive advisor and defensive assistant for the Bills. He helped lead the Bills to another AFC East Championship and an AFC Championship appearance. Taylor will continue his work with the Bills and serve his role with Wyoming until the conclusion of the Bills season.
“Christian Taylor has a great football mind and has had success at two different schools as an offensive coordinator and has great experience in the National Football League,” Sawvel said. He has coached on both sides of the ball and what is impressive is how he utilizes his players and his diversity in the run game as those are areas where we feel we need to make great improvements in this program.”
He has 16 years of collegiate coaching experience and has spent two seasons in the NFL. Taylor helped lead his programs to multiple NCAA Playoff appearances, including a trip to the FCS semifinals, he mentored 11 All-Americans, four Walter Payton Award Finalists and 24 all-conference standouts highlighted by at least one first-team all-league selection every year.
“I’m fired up for this opportunity and have always been attracted to the Cowboy Football program with its physicality and toughness,” Taylor said. “I also admire the grit of the program, as it is something that resonates with me and something I believe in.”
“My family and I are ready to get to Wyoming and get involved in the community and explore this beautiful state,” Taylor said. “I’m excited to be a part of the culture that Wyoming Football has developed, as it is truly a great fit.”
Highlighting those who benefited from his tutelage are 12 standouts who signed with NFL teams, including a pair of players who were selected in the NFL Draft that include Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid, a First Round selection.
Prior to his time with the Bills, Taylor was the offensive coordinator at his alma mater William & Mary from 2020 to 2023. He was named the 2023 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Assistant Coach of the Year. He was also an FCS Coordinator of the Year finalist.
During his time at William & Mary, the Tribe had established itself among the country's top programs. His programs posted three consecutive winning seasons and W&M earned a national ranking during all three campaigns. Highlighting the run was the record-breaking 2022 season in which W&M equaled a school record with 11 victories and won a share of the CAA title while advancing to the NCAA Quarterfinals as the nation's fifth seed.
Taylor helped propel William & Mary to the success with a fundamentally sound, explosive and creative offensive system that ranked among the country's best in passing efficiency, yards per play, explosive runs, passing yards per attempt and rushing yards per carry. In total, W&M ranked among the nation's top 10 in 13 offensive statistical categories.
Prior to his time at William & Mary, Taylor spent six years as an offensive assistant at the University of San Diego where he mentored four All-Americans, one Pioneer Football League (PFL) Offensive Player of the Year and 17 All-PFL performers. Three of those standouts went on to play professionally in the NFL.
In his first season as the sole offensive coordinator for the Toreros in 2019, Taylor developed starting quarterback Reid Sinnett into one of the top signal-callers in the FCS. He was a Payton Award Finalist after ranking among the nation’s top-five in passing efficiency, passing touchdowns, completion percentage and passing yards per game. Taylor also helped lead wide receiver Michael Bandy and tight end Dalton Kincaid to All-America honors on the way of piloting an offense that finished sixth-best in the country and won its sixth straight conference championship.
As co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2018, Taylor led one of the most prolific offensive seasons in Toreros’ history. USD broke multiple national, conference and individual records and ranked first in the country in passing efficiency and passing touchdowns; second in passing offense; fifth in completion percentage; sixth in tackles for loss allowed; seventh in sacks allowed; and 10th in scoring offense.
Prior to serving as USD’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Taylor also coached the team’s wide receivers (2016-17) and running backs (2012-13).
Taylor served two years as the offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Illinois Wesleyan (2014-15). He returned to the San Diego staff in 2016 to coach the wide receivers and coordinate the team’s passing game. That year, he helped the Toreros (11-2) become the first non-scholarship FCS program to win a playoff game as the Toreros defeated Cal Poly, 35-21. The Toreros posted an undefeated record in conference play during his tenure from 2016-19.
He began his coaching career as William & Mary’s tight ends coach in 2008 before leading the Tribe’s quarterbacks in 2009. He helped lead a squad that earned an FCS Playoff semifinal appearance.
William & Mary won 11 games and advanced to the FCS semifinals in 2009. Taylor was instrumental in the success of former all-conference signal caller RJ Archer, who signed NFL contracts with Minnesota, Detroit and Seattle. Taylor also had responsibilities with the Tribe’s placekickers, the video editing system and in the team's recruiting efforts.
Taylor moved on to be an offensive assistant at San Diego State with a team that was 9-4 and won the 2010 Poinsettia Bowl. It marked the program’s first bowl win since 1969 and featured a talented offensive roster that was highlighted by four players who went on to play in the NFL.
In 2011, he would join the University of Michigan as an offensive analyst. The Wolverines posted an 11-2 record and won the Sugar Bowl.
Taylor began his football journey at William & Mary, earning a pair of varsity letters as the quarterback for the Tribe as well as a degree in kinesiology. He was a four-year member of the team's travel squad and a part of the 2004 team that advanced to the FCS Playoff semifinals.
He is married to Shay Taylor and they have two sons, Anthony and Tyler.
AArOn BOHL
Career Profile
Coaching Experience
Years at Wyoming: 10th
Years as a College Coach: 10th
Personal
Wife: Anna Education
Minnesota St. Moorhead ‘16 Bachelor’s in Math Education Playing Experience
2023 Wyoming Arizona Bowl Champions 2022 Wyoming Arizona Bowl
2021 Wyoming Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Champions
2019 Wyoming Arizona Bowl Champions 2017 Wyoming Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Champions
Where He Recruits Nebraska/Minnesota
AA r O n BOHL
(MinnESOtA StAtE MOOrHEAd ‘16) dEffEnSivE COOrdinAtOr/LinEBACkErS
University of Wyoming head football coach Jay Sawvel announced the promotion of linebacker coach Aaron Bohl to the role of defensive coordinator in January of 2024 and is in his third season in the role. Bohl has served as linebackers coach for the Cowboys for the last five seasons and has been with the program since 2017 and will continue to coach the position group.
"Aaron Bohl is an outstanding football coach and that has shown in the development and the play of our linebackers over the past few years," Sawvel said. "His knowledge of the defense is outstanding along with the knowledge of the concepts we have in place. He has grown as a coach in his time at Wyoming and I'm excited for him to have this opportunity with our program."
Bohl was named to the 2025 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute by the American Football Coaches Association. The class was chosen from a field of over 200 highly qualified applicants.
In 2025, The Cowboys defense was once again one of the top units in the nation ranking No. 30 in the nation allowing only 20.5 points per game. The Cowboys also featured one the nation’s top red-zone defenses ranking second in the nation. Wyoming allowed only 175.5 passing yards per game, which ranked No. 13 in the nation. The Cowboys also blocked four kicks on the season, a number that ranked fifth in the nation.
Wyoming recorded two shutouts during the season doing so against Akron in the season opener and Colorado State. It marked the first time since 1966 that the Cowboys recorded two shutouts in a season. He menotred a pair of All-Conference linebackers in Brayden Johnson and Evan Eller.
Bohl wrapped up his first season as defensive coordinator for the Cowboys in 2024. He spent the previous four seasons as linebackers coach and still coaches the position group and has been with the program since 2017. Wyoming led the nation in third-down defense this season holding opponents to 25.9 percent. The Cowboys closed the season holding two of the nation's top offenses in Boise State and Washington State to a combined 31 points.
He mentored All-MW linebacker Shae Suiaunoa in 2024. Suiaunoa was named Second Team All-MW at linebacker. He was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award as well. He led the Cowboys in tackles with 88 on the season and added a team-high 10 tackles for loss along with one sack. Suiaunoa ranked tenth in the conference in tackle per game at 7.3 He recorded 10 or more stops in four games.
Bohl just finished his fourth season as the linebackers coach in 2023. He was named the Wyoming Cowboys' full-time linebackers coach in January 2020. He originally joined the Wyoming coaching staff in the January of 2017 as a Defensive Graduate Assistant, making the 2023 season his seventh as a college coach. He was elevated to the position of interim linebackers coach in October of 2019. Bohl has been part of six bowl-eligible teams for the Cowboys in 2017, '18, '19, '21 '22 and '23, four bowl championship teams -- the 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Champions, the 2019 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl Champions and the 2021 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Champs and 2023 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl Champs.
"I'm very excited to be in this new role," Bohl said. "We have an outstanding tradition at Wyoming of playing great defense and I look forward to continuing that with the staff that we have intact here. Our expectation is to keep moving forward as a defensive unit and I'm thankful for the opportunity Coach Sawvel for giving me the opportunity."
A former college linebacker himself at Minnesota State Moorhead from 2013-16, Bohl was a four-year starter and three-year captain.
In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. Bohl helped mentor linebacker Easton Gibbs to First Team All-Mountain West honors. He finished the season with 109 total tackles and ranks amongst the best in Cowboy Football history in career tackles. Wyoming's second highest tackler was also a linebacker in Shae Suiaunoa, as he recorded 93 on the season. The Pokes would go on to win nine games for the most since the 1996 season. Gibbs went on to sign a priority free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Wyoming's 2022 defense ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 21 in the nation in sacks, averaging 2.85 per game. UW's defense also ranked No. 2 in the MW and No. 33 in the FBS in defensive touchdowns scored, with two. Bohl coached All-Mountain West linebacker Easton Gibbs in '22. Gibbs earned First Team All-MW honors from conference head coaches and media. He also received First Team All-MW honors from Phil Steele in '22. Gibbs ranked No. 3 in the conference and No. 22 in the nation in tackles in the 2022 season, averaging 9.3 tackles per game. His 121 total tackles on the season marked Gibbs first 100-tackle season of his career and ranked as the 18th best single-season total in school history. Gibbs became the third Wyoming linebacker to earn First Team All-Mountain West in the past four seasons -- Logan Wilson (2019), Chad Muma (2020 and '21) and Gibbs (2022).
The Wyoming Cowboys entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country. But given that, the Cowboys went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the '22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai'i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming's 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
The Cowboy defense in 2021 was one of the top pass defenses in the nation. Wyoming allowed opponents only 189.8 passing yards per game to rank No. 1 in the Mountain West and No. 12 in the nation. The Cowboy defense was also No. 13 in the nation in defensive touchdowns scored, with three. Wyoming held opponents to 23.7 points per game in the 2021 season to rank No. 5 in the MW and No. 43 in the country out of 130 FBS programs. The Cowboys posted a 7-6 record and won their third consecutive bowl game, with a convincing 52-38 win over Kent State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Linebacker Chad Muma was one of six national finalists for the Butkus Award in 2021. Muma earned Second Team All-America honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation and Pro Football Focus and was a Third Team selection by Associated Press. He was selected as the Sixth Pick in the Third Round (70th overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 NFL Draft. Muma ranked No. 4 in the nation in tackles (10.9 per game), No. 3 in solo tackles (6.5 per game) and tied for No. 2 in the country in interception returns for touchdowns (2 total).
Muma's accomplishments in 2021 made him the second Wyoming linebacker in three seasons to earn All-America honors, be named a finalist for the Butkus Award and be selected in the third round of the NFL Draft as former Cowboy Logan Wilson achieved all those honors in 2019.
The 2020 season saw Bohl coach Muma as he earned First Team All-Mountain West Conference and led the Mountain West and ranked No. 3 in the nation in tackles, averaging 11.8 tackles per game. The 2020 Wyoming defense was among the best in the country, ranking No. 16 in the nation in total defense, allowing opponents only 328.0 yards per game. UW's defense also ranked No. 21 in rushing defense (125.3 yards per game), No. 24 in scoring defense (21.0 points per game) and No. 29 in pass defense (202.7 yards per game).
In 2019, Bohl coached All-America linebacker Wilson and Honorable Mention All-MW linebacker Cassh Maluia. Wilson was one of six national finalists for the 2019 Butkus Award, honoring the nation's top collegiate linebacker. Wilson earned multiple All-America honors, including being named a First Team All-American by Pro Football Focus, a Second Team All-American by USA Today and a Third Team All-American by Associated Press. Wilson was the No. 1 pick in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2022, Wilson was the starting middle linebacker in Super Bowl LVI for the Cincinnati Bengals. Maluia was a sixth-round selection by the New England Patriots in the 2020 NFL Draft. UW concluded the 2019 season with an 8-5 record and a 38-17 win over Georgia State to capture the 2019 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl Championship.
The 2019 Cowboy defense ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 11 in the nation in scoring defense, allowing opponents only 17.8 points per game. The UW defense also ranked No. 3 in the conference and No. 11 in the nation in rushing defense, giving up only 107.1 rushing yards per game to opponents. Wyoming's defense ranked No. 6 in the country in red-zone defense and scored three defensive touchdowns to rank No. 12 in the FBS.
As a defensive graduate assistant in 2018, Bohl helped coach a Cowboy defense that ranked No. 19 in the nation in total defense (allowing opponents only 326.2 yards per game), were No. 25 in the NCAA in rushing defense (129.5 yards per game), ranked No. 28 in scoring defense (giving up only 22.0 points per game) and were No. 32 in pass defense (196.7 yards per game). The UW defense also ranked No. 16 in the country in fewest first downs allowed to opponents (223) on way to a 6-6 record to earn bowl eligibility for the third straight season.
In 2017, Bohl was part of a Wyoming team that posted an 8-5 record and won the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Championship. Bohl aided in coaching a defense that ranked No. 1 in the nation in takeaways in 2017, forcing 38 opponent turnovers. The Pokes ranked No. 9 in the country in scoring defense, allowing opponents only 17.5 points per game. UW ranked No. 1 in the NCAA in fumbles recovered (18), No. 2 in the nation in interceptions (20), No. 8 in defensive touchdowns scored (4 TDs), No. 13 in pass defense (174.9 passing yards allowed), and No. 23 in total defense (335.2 total yards allowed).
Bohl came to Wyoming from Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he completed his collegiate playing career in 2016. As a linebacker, he started all 11 games each of his four seasons. Bohl earned Second Team All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) honors his senior season, while recording 71 total tackles (34 solo tackles and 37 assists), 4.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. He helped lead Minnesota State Moorhead to a 7-4 overall record and 5-2 conference record placing third in the North Division of the NSIC in 2016. For his career, Bohl was credited with 273 career tackles, 8.0 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, one interception, two fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles. Bohl graduated in December 2016 from MSUM with a math education degree.
As a high school player at Lincoln East High School in Lincoln, Neb., Bohl was an Honorable Mention All-State honoree and earned All-Conference and All-City honors. He served as a team captain in high school, earning three letters in football. Bohl also lettered in basketball and track.
Bohl recruits Nebraska, Kansas and the Kansas City area.
JB HALL
(AdAMS StAtE ‘12) COrnErBACkS
Cowboy football head coach Jay Sawvel announced in late February the addition of JB Hall to the coaching staff. He will serve as an assistant coach and coach the cornerbacks for the Brown and Gold. He brings over 10 years of collegiate coaching experience and spent the last two seasons at Northern Colorado.
“JB is a versatile coach that is an excellent teacher,” Sawvel said. “He brings a great deal of experience to our staff and to our program and we are excited to have him here at the University of Wyoming.”
A 12-year NCAA Division I coaching veteran, Hall comes to UW after serving two seasons at Northern Colorado as special teams coordinator and served as defensive pass game coordinator and safeties coach.
“I’m excited for this opportunity,” Hall said. “Wyoming has a great history in college football and has been well known for playing defense at a high-level year in and year out. Coach Sawvel has a great staff in place and I’m ready to get to work with this great group of coaches and players.”
In 2025, Hall contributed to a Northern Colorado defense that showed clear, measurable improvement across multiple statistical categories. The Bears improved in nearly every defensive metric. He played a direct role in the development of safety Cam Chapa, who was as one of the top defensive backs in the FCS. Under Hall’s guidance, Chapa earned FCS Football Central Freshman All-America honors and All-Big Sky honors.
Prior to his time at UNC, Hall served as special teams coordinator, defensive pass game coordinator, and cornerbacks Coach at Utah Tech. He also served as the program’s Interim Head Coach following the season.
In 2022, he gained experience as a special teams analyst at Georgia Tech, working in the ACC. He played an expanded role late in the season, stepping in as an interim assistant coach and contributing to game preparation and special teams execution.
Hall’s coaching résumé includes stops at Montana (2015-17), Sacramento State (2018), and Idaho State (2019-21).
While at Montana, he coached multiple All-Big Sky honorees and helped lead the Grizzlies to an FCS playoff appearance in 2015. In 2016, Montana’s defense ranked first in the Big Sky in total defense and second in pass defense as Hall oversaw the secondary.
He began his coaching career as a defensive graduate assistant at the University of Colorado (201314), working with the defensive line, linebackers, and special teams units.
Hall, a native of Boulder, Colo. was a wide receiver at Adams State University from 2008 through 2012 serving as a team captain and earning Athletic Director’s Honor Roll recognition. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in human performance and physical education.
Hall and his wife, Marissa, are proud parents to four children: Tre, McKenna, Maya and Maddox.
Profile
BOuknigHt
JO v O n BO uknig H t
(WYOMing ‘06) WidE rECEivErS
University of Wyoming head football coach Jay Sawvel named Jovon Bouknight wide receivers coach for the Cowboys in January of 2025. He spent the 2024 season as an analyst for the Cowboys and helped in the wide receiver's room. One of the finest receivers in Cowboy history, he joined the UW Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024.
“It is a full circle moment as it all started here at the University of Wyoming,” Bouknight said. “It is great to be back in the saddle with familiar faces with our student-athletes and coaches that have so much love and passion for this program. I’m ready to hit the ground running and go back to the foundation and fundamentals.”
He earned numerous All-MW awards and Bouknight was among the nation’s best receivers as a senior in 2005 as he was named one of 15 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award. He also earned honorable mention All-America honors from College Football News.
“Jovon is an outstanding coach,” Sawvel said. “He communicates well with players, is an excellent teacher, and has great experience. The fact that Jovon was also an outstanding player at Wyoming is so valuable to the culture of our program.”
Bouknight also served as interim offensive coordinator for the Cowboys in 2025. In his first game, the Cowboys earned a 28-0 win over arch rival Colorado State. Wyoming recorded 372 yards of total offense in the contest with 212 yards rushing and 160 yards through the air with the Pokes owning a 21-0 lead at the half.
Bouknight came to Wyoming from Marshall. Bouknight also coached at Kentucky, Oregon, Texas Tech and Utah State and spent time as a graduate assistant at Wyoming.
While at Marshall, Bouknight helped the Thundering Herd to the Myrtle Beach Bowl in 2022 and the Frisco Bowl in 2023.
At Oregon, Bouknight’s receiving corps was an integral part of the Ducks’ 12-2 season that included a Pac-12 Championship and a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin. His squad improved the overall offensive output in his lone season, going from 246 catches, 3,222 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns in 2018, to 298 catches for 3,615 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2019. Johnny Johnson III, Oregon’s leading receiver, had a breakout season under Bouknight’s tutelage, improving from 17 catches, 215 receiving yards, 12.9 yards per reception and four scores in 2018 to 57 catches, 836 yards, 14.7 yards per reception and a team-high tying seven touchdowns in 2019.
Prior to Oregon, Bouknight spent three months at Texas Tech before taking the same position with the Ducks. The majority of Bouknight’s career was spent at Utah State, where he coached for 10 years primarily focusing on working with the wide receivers. He was also the co-offensive coordinator in 2016 and the passing game coordinator for two seasons from 2014-15.
His tenure at Utah State coincided with the program’s most-successful stretch in school history as the Aggies reached seven bowl games in a span of eight years and claimed the 2012 Western Athletic Conference title. Utah State had only six bowl game appearances in its history and none since 1997 prior to his arrival in 2009.
In 2018, Utah State finished second in the nation in scoring offense (47.5), while equaling the program record for wins (11) and the Mountain West record for points in a season (618). Bouknight’s wide receiver group helped the Aggies lead the country with 29 scoring drives that lasted under a minute while leading the Mountain West and ranking 11th nationally in total offense (497.4). Utah State reached as high as No. 13 in the Associated Press Poll during the season, good for the program’s best ranking since 1961.
Bouknight coached several of Utah State’s top receivers in its history, highlighted by wideout Hunter Sharp, who led the Mountain West with nine receiving touchdowns as a senior in 2015. Sharp also finished second in the Mountain West and 19th in the FBS with 71 receptions that season and third in the league with 76.3 receiving yards per game.
Bouknight was a standout wide receiver at Wyoming, where he concluded his career ranked 20th all-time in NCAA history for both career receiving yards (3,626) and career receptions (250). He also ranks second all-time in Mountain West history in each of those two categories.
One of the top wide receivers in Mountain West history, Bouknight remains one of Wyoming’s top pass catchers and is still the school’s all-time leader in both all-purpose yards (5,921) and kickoff return yards (2,016). He also ranks second in career receptions and third for receiving yards after catching at least two passes in all 47 games of his collegiate career. That streak remained a Wyoming record up until 2014.
In 2005 he earned first-team All-Mountain West accolades after hauling in 1,116 yards through the air. He ended that season ranked ninth in the FBS for average receiving yards per game (101.5), 10th in all-purpose yards per game (160.45), 11th in kickoff return average (27.75), 12th in average receptions per game (7.0) and 15th in total receiving yards.
A native of Denver, Colorado, he received his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and health promotion from Wyoming in 2006.
dEOntE giBSOn Career Profile
Coaching Experience
Years at Wyoming: 2nd
Years in College Football: 9th
Personal
Wife: Dominique
Education
Northwestern '15 Communication Northwestern '17 Master's in Integrated Marketing Communications
Playing Experience
Northwestern Defensive Line (11-16)
Year-by-Year Coaching History
2025-Pres.
Postseason
nt E gi BSO n
(nOrtHWEStErn ‘15) dEfEnSivE tACkLES
University of Wyoming head football coach Jay Sawvel announced the addition of Deonte Gibson to the Cowboys coaching staff in January of 2024, as Gibson will serves as defensive tackles coach for the Brown and Gold. He is in his second season with the Cowboys.
“Deonte Gibson has an outstanding reputation of fundamental development of defensive linemen,” Sawvel said. “He is also an outstanding recruiter, and I am very excited to see him work with our defensive tackles here at Wyoming.”
In 2025, The Cowboys defense was once again one of the top units in the nation ranking No. 30 in the nation allowing only 20.5 points per game. The Cowboys also featured one the nation’s top red-zone defenses ranking second in the nation. Wyoming allowed only 175.5 passing yards per game, which ranked No. 13 in the nation. The Cowboys also blocked four kicks on the season, a number that ranked fifth in the nation.
Wyoming recorded two shutouts during the season doing so against Akron in the season opener and Colorado State. It marked the first time since 1966 that the Cowboys recorded two shutouts in a season.
Gibson came to Wyoming after serving as defensive ends coach at Air Force last season. He helped a defense that averaged three sacks per game in the final four games. The Falcon defense led the conference allowing only 341.9 yards per game.
“I’m excited for this opportunity and watching this group we have on opponent scouts shows how much talent we have here at Wyoming in the defensive tackles room,” Gibson said. “Wyoming is always a gritty team with a lot of talent and potential and I can’t wait to get to know the guys and take them to the next level.”
Prior to Air Force Gibson spent time at Youngstown State, where he spent two seasons as defensive line coach. In 2023, he was tabbed YSU's Defensive Run Game Coordinator.
The Penguins had a great amount of success in 2023 winning eight games and advancing to the FCS Playoffs for the first time in seven seasons. The experience the defensive line featured made a big impact in the Guins' postseason run.
The defense held nine opponents to 111-or-fewer yards rushing in a game throughout the year and four times YSU held an opponent to under 155 yards passing in a game. Overall, the unit allowed just 102.2 yards rushing per game. The lowest per game total since 2012 and the second lowest since 1998 and ranked 10th in the FCS in rushing defense (102.2 ypg).
On seven occasions, the Guins held opponents to three-or-less third-down conversions and held Indiana State to no conversions on 10 tries. The Guins held Southern Illinois and Duquesne to under 100 yards passing.
Leading the defensive line was Dylan Wudke who was named second-team All-MVFC as well as defensive tackle Chris Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald led the unit with 36 total tackles and was one of four players on the team with five sacks. Wudke had five sacks and 34 stops in his final season. Fitzgerald, Wudke and Anthony Johnson started all 13 games while Andres Lehrmann started the first 11 with Hunter Allen starting the final two. Also finishing with five sacks were Johnson and Devin Lee while Allen, Deamontae Diggs and Dawan Martin had four sacks each.
In May 2022, he received an NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship and worked with the Cleveland Browns during their offseason organized team activities in Berea under standout defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
The YSU defensive line was one of top units in the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2022. The Guins had three All-MVFC selections as Wudke (second team), James Jackson (honorable mention) and Fitzgerald (honorable mention) each earned conference honors.
Wudke finished the season third on the team with 43 tackles, including 12 TFLs and five sacks. Fitzgerald was seventh on the team with 36 tackles, including 6.5 TFLs while Jackson had 17 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and four sacks. Other key playmakers up front on a deep and talented unit included Lehrmann (three sacks), Diggs, Johnson, Michael Voitus (three sacks), Allen (three sacks), Jaelen Crider (three sacks), Martin and Lee.
Entering the year, the roster had combined for 10 sacks in their YSU careers. In 2022, the group had an eye-popping 29 sacks while Jackson added a team-best six QB hurries. Other noteworthy improvements in a year’s time included points allowed per game (ranked fourth in the MVFC at 25.4), rush yardage defense (ranked third in the conference at 120.2), total defense (ranked fifth in the conference at 354.1) and tackles for loss (first in the conference at 74).
Gibson spent two campaigns at Akron serving as the outside linebackers and defensive ends coach for the Zips before joining the YSU staff.
Gibson served as the defensive line coach at Eastern Illinois in 2019. He coached second-team All-Ohio Valley Conference nose tackle Terrell Greer. A part of defensive staff that coached EIU to the sixth-most tackles for loss in school history (86), his defensive unit ranked No. 30 in FCS in total defense and No. 29 in FCS in team tackles for loss.
A 2015 graduate of Northwestern University, he worked as the defensive graduate assistant at his alma mater in 2017 and 2018, helping the Wildcats to the Big Ten West Division title and two bowl appearances for Pat Fitzgerald.
A four-year letter winner for Northwestern (2011-16), Gibson was a third-team All-Big Ten selection and a three-time Academic All-Big Ten pick. He served as a team captain as a senior and finished ranked seventh on NU’s all-time sacks list. As a player, Gibson experienced three bowl games – the Meineke Car Care Texas Bowl, the Gator Bowl and the Outback Bowl.
Following graduation, Gibson played professional football with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Detroit Lions in 2016.
A native of Cleveland Ohio, he earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies in 2015 and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications in 2017, both from Northwestern. Gibson attended St. Edward High School where he served as team captain of the first state championship football team in school history.
Gibson and his wife Dominique were married in the March of 2020.
gArY HArrELL Career Profile
Coaching Experience
Years at Wyoming: 2nd
Years in College Football: 25th
Education
Howard '94 Marketing Playing Experience
Howard Wide Receiver (1990-94)
Year-by-Year Coaching History
Wyoming 2025-Pres. Running Backs
Colorado 2023-24 Running Backs
Jackson State 2020-22 Running Backs
Alabama St. 2019 Running Backs
Florida Atl. 2017-18 Wide Receivers
Howard 2011-16 Head Coach
Bowie State 2009-10 Offensive Coordinator
Morgan State 2008 Quarterbacks
Florida A&M 2006-07 Wide Receivers
Texans (NFL) 2007 NFL Minority Internship Program
Texas So. 2004-05 Wide Receivers
Howard 2002-03 Wide Receivers
Postseason Coaching Experience
2024 Colorado Alamo Bowl
2022 Jackson St. Celebration Bowl
2021 Jackson St. Celebration Bowl
2017 Florida Atl. Boca Raton Bowl
Where He Recruits Fort Worth
g A r Y HA rr ELL
(HOWArd ‘94) running BACkS
Head football coach Jay Sawvel announced the addition of running back coach Gary Harrell to the Cowboy coaching staff in April of 2025. Harrell comes to Wyoming after serving as the running back coach at Colorado. He is in his second season with the Brown and Gold.
He helped mentor one of the top freshman running backs in the nation in Tote Harris. He rushed for 558 yards in his true freshman campaign and also grabbed 16 catches. Senior Sam Scott added a careerhigh with over 400 yards rushing and added 11 catches. Both rushers recorded numerous 100 yard games during thr season.
“Coach Harrell really stood out during the interview process with his experience with the position and his overall experience as a coach which includes time as a head coach at his Alma Mater” Sawvel said. “He is well-respected with a great sense for the game offensively, and we are excited to have him here at the University of Wyoming and excited to get him in the room and out on the field with our team.”
Affectionately known as "The Flea," Harrell is a native of Miami, Fla., and played collegiately at Howard University where he is a member of the School’s Hall of Fame. He spent two seasons in the NFL and spent time in the World league and the Canadian Football League. He also served as head coach at his alma mater.
“I’m very excited for this next step and excited to be amongst this staff,” Harrell said. “I have heard great things about the atmosphere here at the University of Wyoming and excited for this opportunity to bring my energy and work with this great group of young men.”
He was named running back coach at Colorado in December of 2022. He helped lead the Buffs to the 2024 Alamo Bowl. Prior to his time in Boulder, Harrell coach at Jackson State joining the program in November of 2020, after serving as running backs coach for a season at Alabama State.
Prior to joining Alabama State, he served coaches for two-years under Lane Kiffin at Florida Atlantic. He joined the Florida Atlantic staff in January of 2017. His attention was given to the wide receivers who rotated throughout the season seeing the quarterbacks utilize a total of nine receivers. Senior Kalib Woods was named the Conference USA Championship MVP, and Willie Wright was the team’s most consistent wideout leading the Owls with 56 catches and a total of six touchdowns. Following the year, Wright earned a spot on the Conference USA All-Freshman team.
Prior to his time at Florida Atlantic, he spent time as as the head coach at Howard starting in 2011. He served as Howard’s head coach for five seasons. During his tenure student-athletes worked under the premise that athletics and academics were evaluated equally. In 2012, Harrell was honored by the D.C. Touchdown Club as the Local College Coach of the Year. During his time at Howard, he finished with a 20-36 overall record including a 7-4 mark in 2012.
Prior to his time at Howard, Harrell spent two seasons as the offensive coordinator for Bowie State, from 2009-10. Harrell began at Morgan State in 2008 where he remained through 2009 before seizing the opportunity to move from a position coach with the Rattlers to an offensive coordinator position at Bowie State. He was a part of a team that finished 6-6 in 2008 and 6-5 in 2009. While at Morgan State.
Harrell started his career coaching Howard’s wide receivers from 2002-04. He served as a Texas Southern assistant coach, for wide receivers, from 2004-06. Harrell returned to the east coast as an assistant coach in 2006.
He played two NFL seasons, seeing action in four games in 1994 and '95, with the New York Giants. He also played one season (March 1996-June 1996) for the World League’s Frankfurt Galaxy and two seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes (1996-97).
He was a four-year letter winner as a wide receiver and punt return specialist at Howard. He started every game for Howard’s undefeated 1993 team and was a member of the MEAC Championship team that same season. Harrell holds the Howard record for most receptions in a game (13) and in a career (184). He was inducted into the Howard University Hall of Fame in 2005, and also received a proclamation from the City of Miami declaring it Gary “Flea” Harrell Day. Prior to attending Howard, he was a varsity athlete for Miami’s Northwestern High School.
Harrell earned his degree in Marketing from Howard in 1994.
(WYOMing ‘11)
dEfEnSivE EndS
A former Wyoming football great returned to his alma mater in February of 2023 when Brian Hendricks was announced as the Cowboys’ defensive ends coach. He enters his fourth season on the staff for the Cowboys. Hendricks, a native of Burlington, Colo., played for the Pokes from 2008-11 and was honored three times with Mountain West All-Conference honors as a linebacker.
In 2025, The Cowboys defense was once again one of the top units in the nation ranking No. 30 in the nation allowing only 20.5 points per game. The Cowboys also featured one the nation’s top red-zone defenses ranking second in the nation. Wyoming allowed only 175.5 passing yards per game, which ranked No. 13 in the nation. The Cowboys also blocked four kicks on the season, a number that ranked fifth in the nation.
Wyoming recorded two shutouts during the season doing so against Akron in the season opener and Colorado State. It marked the first time since 1966 that the Cowboys recorded two shutouts in a season.
In 2024, Wyoming led the nation in third-down defense this season holding opponents to 26 percent. The Cowboys closed the season holding two of the nation's top offenses in Boise State and Washington State to a combined 31 points.
In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. The Cowboy defense ranked No. 26 in the nation in turnovers gained, which ranked third in the MW. The Cowboys rank seventh in the nation with 11 fumble recoveries. The Wyoming defense ranks No. 24 in the nation in fewest yards allowed per pass attempts. Sawvel's 2023 defense ranks No. 2 in the Mountain West Conference in scoring defense (allowing only 22.3 points per game) and ranks No. 3 in the MW in total defense (allowing opponents only 357.8 yards per game).
Defensive end Sabastian Harsh earned Third-Team All-W honors by Phil Steele. He recorded 50 tackles and led the tea with nine tackles for loss along with three sacks. DeVonne Harris added 35 tackles along with four sacks on the season.
Hendricks returned to Wyoming from Illinois State University where he had been the defensive line coach for five seasons (2018-22) under head coach Brock Spack, who was Wyoming’s defensive coordinator in 1995 and ‘96 under the late Wyoming head coach Joe Tiller.
Prior to that, Hendricks coached for three seasons at Montana (2015-17). His first season with the Griz, Hendricks coached the defensive ends, and he coached the entire defensive line his final two seasons.
In 2013, he earned his first full-time college coaching position at Colorado Schools of Mines and coached the Oredigger defensive line for two seasons from 2013-14. Hendricks also served as a defensive graduate assistant at Colorado State prior to that, working for his former linebacker coach at Wyoming, Marty English, who Hendricks now replaces as UW’s defensive ends coach following English’s retirement announcement on Feb. 14, 2023.
The Illinois State defense in 2022 ranked No. 5 in the nation among Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams in sacks, with 35. ISU also was No. 5 in the country in pass defense (169.8 yards allowed per game), was No. 10 in total defense (318.5 yards allowed) and No. 11 in scoring defense (20.2 points allowed per game).
In 2019, the Redbirds enjoyed an outstanding season, posting a 10-5 record and advancing to the FCS Quarterfinals before losing a defensive battle by a score of 9-3 to eventual national champion North Dakota State. Illinois State was ranked No. 6 in the nation in 2019.
Hendricks’ 2019 defensive front led the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in sacks, with 52. That defensive line unit was led by All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) First Team defensive end Romeo McKnight and MVFC Honorable Mention nose tackle John Ridgeway. McKnight would go on to play in the East-West Shrine Game and sign as a free agent with the Cleveland Browns. Earlier in their careers, McKnight was named a HERO Sports FCS Sophomore All-American and an MVFC All-Newcomer Team selection in his first season, while Ridgeway also earned MVFC All-Newcomer Team honors.
The 52 sacks in 2019 were also an Illinois State school record. The 2019 Redbird defense ranked in the Top 10 in the nation in seven defensive categories, including: leading the nation in red zone defense (61.4 percent), ranking No. 3 in turnovers gained (33), No. 4 in scoring defense (16.0 points allowed per game), No. 11 in total defense (303.5 yards allowed per game), No. 14 in rushing defense (116.7 yards allowed per game) and No. 19 in pass defense (186.8 yards allowed per game).
The 2018 season was also a strong one for the Redbird defense as it ranked No. 10 in scoring defense (20.0 points allowed per game) and No. 22 in rushing defense (126.8 yards allowed per game). Illinois State also ranked as the the second-best total defense (309.8 ypg) in the conference behind eventual national champion North Dakota State.
Hendricks came to Illinois State after serving as an assistant coach at Montana for three seasons. At Montana, Hendricks served the last two seasons as the Grizzlies’ defensive line coach. He coached the defensive ends his first season in 2015 and worked with 2015 STATS FCS Defensive Player of the Year Tyrone Holmes, who led the nation with 18 sacks. The 2015 Griz team posted an 8-5 record, advanced to the Second Round of the FCS Playoffs and earned a No. 14 national ranking.
Hendricks followed Colorado School of Mines head coach Bob Stitt to Montana. Hendricks was an assistant coach for Stitt at Mines for the 2013 and ‘14 seasons, working with the defensive line. In 2014, Mines had an overall record of 10-2 and tied for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference title with an 8-1 league mark. The Orediggers advanced to the First Round of the 2014 NCAA Division II Playoffs, and earned a No. 16 national ranking.
With Hendricks coaching the defensive front, the 2014 Orediggers’ defense ranked second in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) in scoring defense (23.4 points allowed per game), No. 1 in the RMAC and No. 36 in the nation in Division II in rushing defense (124.9 yards allowed per game) and No. 1 in the RMAC and No. 12 in the nation in sacks (38).
Hendricks coached an Oredigger defense in 2013 that ranked No. 1 in the RMAC and No. 7 in the country in scoring defense (17.0 points allowed per game).
He joined Stitt’s staff in 2013, following a short stint as a defensive graduate assistant at Colorado State, working with his former position coach at Wyoming, Marty English, who was CSU’s defensive coordinator at the time.
As a linebacker for the Cowboys from 2008-11, Hendricks earned Second Team All-Mountain West honors twice -- as a senior in 2011 and as a sophomore in 2009. He also earned Honorable Mention All-MW honors his junior season of 2010 in spite having to fight thru some nagging injuries throughout that season.
A former Wyoming team captain, Hendricks concluded his career with 309 career tackles, while playing in 45 career games for the Cowboys. He was a starter for the Pokes when they captured the 2009 New Mexico Bowl Championship, with a 35-28 double overtime win over Fresno State. In that game, Hendricks led Wyoming with 13 tackles and he and his defensive teammates posted a remarkable goal-line stand in the first overtime. Fresno State had a first and goal at the Wyoming one-yard line, but the Cowboy defense held the Bulldogs out of the end zone on four straight running plays and UW went on to capture the victory. Hendricks led the Cowboys to a second New Mexico Bowl appearance his senior season of 2011.
He ended the 2009 season ranked No. 12 in the nation in tackles, averaging 10.55 per game. His 116 tackles in the 2009 season ranks as the 24th best single-season performance in school history, and he still holds the school record for most tackles in a single game, recording 23 tackles on the road at Air Force in 2009.
Hendricks is a native of Burlington, Colo., he earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from the University of Wyoming in 2011. He and his wife Talia, who is a native of Green River, Wyo., have three children, son Hawk, daughter Quinn and son Westly. BriAn HEndriCkS Career Profile
Coaching Experience
Years at Wyoming: 4th
Years as a College Coach: 14th
Personal
Wife: Talia
Education
Wyoming ‘11 Bachelor’s in Agricultural Business
Playing Experience
Wyoming Linebacker, 2008-11
Year-by-Year Coaching History
2023-Pres. Wyoming Defensive Ends
2018-22
2013 Colorado State Defensive GA Coach Postseason Coaching Experience
2023 Wyoming Arizona Bowl Champions
2019 Illinois State FCS Quarterfinals 2015 Montana FCS Second Round 2014 Color. School of Mines NCAA Div. II Second Round
Where He Recruits
/ San Antonio / Austin
SHAnnOn MOOrE
South
‘07
South Dakota State ‘05
Black Hills State ‘00 Bachelor’s in Secondary Education
Black
State Quarterback, 1997-99
O n MOO r E (BLACk HiLLS StAtE ‘00) CO-SpECiAL tEAMS COOrdinAtOr/tigHt EndS/fuLLBACkS
Shannon Moore will enter his eighth season coaching the Wyoming tight ends and fullbacks and coordinating special teams for the Pokes in 2025. He joined the Wyoming coaching staff in January 2019. Moore came to Wyoming after spending the previous three years at East Carolina University. He will be coaching in his 22nd season in ‘24.
Moore mentored a talented tight end room in 2025. John Michael Gyllenborg participated in the Senior Bowl and received an invite to the NFL Combine. The Cowboy special teams ranked fifth in the nation blocking ive kicks on the season.
In 2024, Wyoming ranked No. 16 in the nation in Red Zone Offense at nearly 91 percent for the season. His offense group featured three All-MW selections. Tight end John Michael Gyllenborg earned Second Team accolades at tight end. He was the highest graded tight end in the MW according to Pro Football Focus.
In a win over New Mexico, the Cowboys recorded 604 yards of total offense for the most since recording 604 yards on Nov. 20, 2021 at Utah State. Protected for Poke in a contest passing for 342 yards for the most since passing for 366 yards in 2015.
In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season.
The tight end room found great success for the Brown and Gold. Treyton Welch wa named Jonorable Mention All-MW. he recorded 31 receptions for 208 yards with two touchdowns. He signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Browns. John Michael Gyllenborg added 23 catches for 360 yards along with three scores. He averaged 15.7 yards per catch for the season.
Moore coached Wyoming tight end Treyton Welch in 2022. Welch was selected as the First Team All-Mountain West tight end by Pro Football Focus (PFF) in ‘22. He also earned Third Team All-MW honors from Phil Steele and was an Honorable Mention AllMountain selection by MW head coaches and media. Welch was the only Mountain West tight end to rank in the Top 10 in the MW in TD receptions last season, tying for No. 4 with five total touchdown catches. Welch received an “A” grade from PFF for the 2022 season. Welch and fullback/tight end Parker Christensen ranked third and fourth for Wyoming in receptions in ‘22. Welch caught 22 passes for 308 yards, and Christensen had 19 catches for 169. All total, Moore’s tight-end and fullback group accounted for a total of 53 receptions for 604 yards and six TD receptions in ‘22.
Wyoming’s 2022 offense ranked No. 1 in the MW and No. 14 in the nation in red-zone offense (90.6 percent) and No. 3 in the MW and No. 44 nationally in rushing offense (181.4 yards per game). The offense ranked No. 3 in the league and No. 25 nationally in fewest tackles for loss allowed (4.46 per game) and ranked No. 3 in the conference and No. 30 in the nation in fewest sacks allowed (1.46 per game). The Cowboys also generated a 1,000-yard rusher in ‘22 in Titus Swen (1,039 yards). Moore’s special teams blocked two kicks in the ‘22 season to rank No. 3 in the conference and No. 36 in the nation.
Wyoming entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country but went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the ‘22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai’i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming’s 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
The 2021 Wyoming rushing attack ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 20 in the NCAA, averaging 211.7 yards per game. UW’s passing attack was fourth best in the MW and No. 38 in the nation in average yards per completion (13.06 yards). The Cowboys posted a 7-6 record and won their third consecutive bowl game, with a convincing 52-38 win over Kent State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The 52 points scored in the bowl victory was a school record for a bowl game. Wyoming scored 40 or more points four times during the season in victories at Northern Illinois (50 points), vs. Ball State (45), at eventual MW champion Utah State (44) and vs. Kent State.
Moore’s tight ends and fullbacks had a productive 2021 season. Treyton Welch caught 19 passes for 163 yards. Parker Christensen had 13 receptions for 127, while Colin O’Brien caught two passes for 27 yards and Jackson Marcotte added one reception for six yards. Combined, the four tight ends caught 35 passes for 323 yards.
That 2021 tight end group helped block for Wyoming’s No. 2 all-time career rusher Xazavian Valladay and sophomore Titus Swen, who combined for an extremely effective season. Valladay recorded the second 1,000-yard rushing season of his career (1,070 yards) and Swen rushed for 785 yards. Both earned All-Conference recognition in ‘21. Valladay received Second Team All-MW honors from head coaches and media. Swen was a Second Team selection by Pro Football Focus. Valladay ranked No. 3 in the Mountain West in rushing yards (82.3 yards per game). Swen ranked No. 2 in the MW and No. 26 in the nation in yards per carry (5.95).
The 2021 kickoff return team for the Cowboys ranked No. 3 in the Mountain West and No. 39 in the FBS, averaging 23.0 yards per return. Leading that unit was Cowboy cornerback, Cam Stone, who averaged 40.0 yards per kickoff return and returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown in Wyoming’s 44-17 road win over eventual MW champion Utah State. Stone was named an Honorable Mention All-MW honoree by Pro Football Focus.
Wyoming’s 2020 offense again featured one of the most effective rushing attacks in the country among FBS teams. The Pokes ranked No. 14 in the nation in rushing, averaging 219.5 rushing yards per game. UW’s passing attack also ranked No. 7 nationally in passing yards per completion (14.84 yards per pass completion). The Cowboys ranked No. 24 in fewest turnovers committed (9 total turnovers) and were No. 32 in red-zone offense (converting 23 of 26 red-zone opportunities into points). The tight end group combined for 12 catches for 184 yards in six games, with sophomore Treyton Welch leading the group with five receptions for 95 yards. Moore’s tight ends and fullbacks were key in opening holes for junior running back Xazavian Valladay, who earned First Team All-Mountain West honors and led the league in rushing for the second consecutive season. Valladay averaged 110.0 rushing yards per game to not only lead the Mountain West but rank No. 17 in the nation. He also averaged 131.00 all-purpose yards per game to rank No. 27 nationally.
In 2019, the Cowboy offense ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 23 in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 214.8 yards per game. The Cowboy offense also ranked No. 10 in the NCAA in passing yards per completion (14.75 yards per completion), No. 14 in fewest tackles for loss allowed (4.62 per game), No. 26 in fewest fumbles lost (6), No. 32 in third-down conversions (43.3 percent), No. 32 in fewest sacks allowed (1.62 per game) and No. 33 in fewest turnovers committed (15). The Cowboy fullbacks and tight ends helped block for running back Valladay, who earned First Team All-Mountain West honors for the 2019 season. Valladay was one of only three running backs in the nation named to the Associated Press All-Bowl team. Moore’s tight ends combined for 29 receptions for 391 yards and four touchdowns in 2019, and were led by senior team captain Josh Harshman from Casper, Wyo., who had 20 catches for 264 yards and two TDs. On special teams, Wyoming ranked No. 1 in the Mountain West and No. 4 in the nation in kickoff returns, averaging 27.73 yards per return. UW was No. 4 in the MW and No. 34 in the NCAA in punt returns, averaging 10.76 yards per return, and senior punt returner Austin Conway ranked No. 2 in the conference and No. 14 nationally in punt returns (10.8 yards per return). Conway was named Second Team All-Mountain West as a return specialist in voting by conference head coaches and media. Moore came to Wyoming from East Carolina University, which is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Moore coached at East Carolina for three seasons from 2016-18. His first two seasons, he coached the tight ends and coordinated the special teams for the Pirates, including coordinating the field goal, punt and kickoff return and punt and kickoff coverage teams. In 2016, punter Worth Gregory earned All-American Athletic Conference honors and place-kicker Davis Plowman ranked No. 2 in the AAC in field goals made per game and in field-goal percentage. The 2017 season saw punter Austin Barnes lead the AAC in punting and rank No. 19 in the nation, while place-kicker Jake Verity ranked No. 2 in the AAC and No. 33 in the nation in field goals made per game. Punter Worth went to mini-camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars when his college career ended in 2016.
Before joining the East Carolina coaching staff, Moore coached for two seasons (2014-15) at Florida International University where he served as the special teams coordinator both seasons. His 2014 Panther special teams’ units ranked No. 1 overall in Conference USA in special teams combined rankings, and his 2015 special teams were No. 3 overall. Punt returner Richard Leonard led Conference USA in punt returns both seasons and earned First Team All-Conference honors as a punt returner in both 2014 and ‘15. Leonard set a new FIU single-season school record for punt returns in 2014, averaging 23.76 yards per return. Leonard went on to play for the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League.
Moore coached for eight seasons as a full-time assistant coach at South Dakota State (2006-13) and two years at SDSU as a graduate assistant (2003-04). During his time at South Dakota State, he coordinated special teams and coached tight ends his last four seasons from 2010-13. Prior to that, Moore coached the running backs and tight ends from 2006-08, before taking on the duties of special teams coordinator and quarterbacks coach during the 2009 season.
During his tenure with the Jackrabbits, Moore coached four All-Conference running backs and a pair of All-Conference tight ends. At running back, Kyle Minett developed into a two-time All-America honoree while ranking second in career rushing with 4,277 yards. Anthony Watson and Cory Koenig also ended their careers in the top five on SDSU’s career rushing chart. Moore played an instrumental role in the development of two-time All-Great West Football Conference tight end Chris Wagner, who later signed as a free agent with the Oakland Raiders. Moore also served as a mentor to tight end Colin Cochart, who earned First-Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors in 2010 and later signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Jackrabbits consistently ranked among the top teams in the Missouri Valley Football Conference in several special teams categories under Moore’s direction. SDSU ranked first or second in kickoff coverage in 2010 and 2011, while ranking among the Top 20 nationally for net punting in those respective campaigns. The Jackrabbits also ranked ninth nationally for kickoff returns with an average of 23.86 yards per return in 2010.
In addition to his coaching duties, Moore performed a key role in the academic success of the South Dakota State football program, which led its league in the number of Academic All-League selections in each of his eight seasons. Six Jackrabbits earned Capital One Academic All-America honors, two received Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Athletic Directors Association Postgraduate Scholarships and another pair were bestowed with NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships. Moore previously served as a graduate assistant at SDSU during the 2003 and 2004 seasons, working with the running backs, tight ends and special teams.
Before returning to Brookings, he served as head coach of the Wyoming Cavalry of the National Indoor Football League, where he compiled an 18-11 record over two seasons in 2004 and ‘05. In 2005, Moore led the Casper-based Cavalry to a franchise-best, 10-5 record and a playoff berth, while also serving as the team’s offensive coordinator.
Moore played three seasons at Black Hills (S.D.) State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 2000. Moore completed his master’s degree in educational administration in 2005 and his master’s in sports administration in 2007, both from South Dakota State.
A native of Gordon, Neb., Moore and his wife, Lindsay, have one daughter, Mackenzie Rose.
JASO n p E trin O
(CArrOLL COLLEgE ‘00)
tEAMS COOrdinAtOr /SAfEtiES
University of Wyoming head football coach Jay Sawvel announced the hiring of Jason Petrino as the new safeties coach for the Cowboys in winter of 2024. He is entering his third season leading the safeties in 2025 and first as co-special teams coordinator..
Petrino served as defensive coordinator and safeties coach at North Dakota State for the 2023 season. Earlier in his career, he served as a graduate assistant coach at Wyoming from 2003-04 and as Director of Football Operations for the Cowboys from 2008-09.
In 2025, The Cowboys defense was once again one of the top units in the nation ranking No. 30 in the nation allowing only 20.5 points per game. The Cowboys also featured one the nation’s top red-zone defenses ranking second in the nation. Wyoming allowed only 175.5 passing yards per game, which ranked No. 13 in the nation. The Cowboys also blocked four kicks on the season, a number that ranked fifth in the nation.
In 2024, Wyoming led the nation in third-down defense this season holding opponents to 26 percent. The Cowboys closed the season holding two of the nation's top offenses in Boise State and Washington State to a combined 31 points.
"Jason Petrino brings a wealth of experience as a coordinator, position coach and developer of safeties, Sawvel said. "He brings a great knowledge base of what we are trying to do. He is a great recruiter and person. I'm excited about him as an overall great addition to our defensive staff."
Petrino brings with him 24 years of coaching and administrative experience in college football, cluding three years as a college head coach at Rocky Mountain College from 2016-18 and 13 seasons as a defensive coordinator.
"I'm very excited to be back at the University of Wyoming," Petrino said. "My family and I have some great memories in Laramie and it is a full circle moment for us. We are fired up to be back as we love the State of Wyoming and this program. I'm excited to get to work with this staff and group of student-athletes."
During the 2023 season, he helped coach North Dakota State to the semifinals of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs before the Bison lost a two-point game, 29-31, at Montana. Petrino's 2023 defense at NDSU ranked No. 9 in the nation among FCS schools in total defense, allowing opponents only 302.6 yards of total offense per game. The Bison defense also ranked: No. 18 in the FCS in scoring defense (19.9 points allowed per game), No. 24 in passing yards allowed (186.1 yards per game) and No. 22 in rushing defense (116.5 rushing yards per game). One of his defensive backs, Cole Wisniewski, earned First Team Associated Press All-America honors. He was also named as the top defensive back in FCS football in 2023 by the FCS Athletic Directors.
Association. Wisniewski led FCS in interceptions in 2023, with eight total interceptions in 14 games, averaging 0.6 interceptions per game. Another 2023 First Team AP All-American was defensive back PJ Jules of Southern Illinois, who Petrino coached from 2019-22 as defensive coordinator at Southern Illinois prior to moving to North Dakota State.
In his four seasons as defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Southern Illinois (2019-22), Petrino helped lead the Salukis to the quarterfinals of the 2020 FCS Playoffs and the second round of the 2021 FCS Playoffs. He helped transform SIU into one of the top performing defenses in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Petrino coached Saluki safety Jeremy Chinn, who was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.
Prior to SIU, Petrino spent three seasons (2016-18) as head coach of NAIA Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont., where he led the program to an outright conference championship and an NAIA playoff berth in 2018, with an 8-4 overall record and a 7-3 Frontier Conference mark. While his coaching background had been focused on the defensive side of the ball, Petrino decided to serve as Rocky's offensive coordinator in 2018. His Rocky team advanced to the first round of the 2018 NAIA Playoffs where they lost to eventual National Champion Morningside (Iowa).
Petrino coached four seasons as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at South Dakota under former Wyoming head coach Joe Glenn from 2012 to 2015. In his final season at USD, the Coyotes had the fourth-ranked defense in the conference and beat the eventual National Champion North Dakota State Bison, 24-21, on the road in the regular season.
He spent one season each as the defensive backs coach at Nebraska-Omaha in 2011, preceded by serving as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Winona State in 2010.
Petrino spent two separate stints as part of the Wyoming Cowboy Football program. His first two years he served as a graduate assistant coach in 2003 and 2004 and then he returned for the 2008 and 2009 seasons, serving as Wyoming's Director of Football Operations. While at Wyoming, Petrino was part of two bowl appearances and two bowl championships -- a 2004 Las Vegas Bowl victory over UCLA and a 2009 New Mexico Bowl win over Fresno State.
In between his two stays at Wyoming, he was the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., for three seasons from 2005 to 2007. He helped the Marauders transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II level. UMary led the Northern Sun Conference in total defense, passing defense and red-zone defense in 2007 and tied for second place in its first year of conference play.
Petrino began his college coaching career at his alma mater, Carroll College, as defensive backs coach from 2000 to 2002 under head coach Mike Van Diest, a former Wyoming Cowboy player and assistant coach. Petrino was part of an NAIA National Championship team in 2002 at Carroll.
Among the college players he has coached who went on to play in the NFL include former Wyoming Cowboys: cornerback Derrick Martin (Wyoming 2003-05), who was a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants; safety John Wendling (Wyoming 2003-06); safety Chris Prosinski (Wyoming 2007-10); and cornerback/safety Tashaun Gipson (Wyoming 2008-11). Other former players of Petrino's who went on to the NFL include: Tyler Starr (South Dakota 2012-14), Jarrid Bryant (South Dakota 2013-14), Steve Tellefsen (South Dakota 2012-15) and Jeremy Chinn (Southern Illinois 2019).
Petrino played his college football at Carroll College in Helena, Mont., from 1995-99 under Van Diest. Petrino was a team captain and Second Team All-Frontier Conference defensive back.
Petrino achieved his bachelor's degree in sociology from Carroll College and added a master's degree in business management from the University of Mary in 2009. He and his wife, Heather, are the parents of Jason, Mikaylah, Patrick and one niece, Danika.
JOE trip O di
(nOrtHWEStErn ‘06) OffEnSivE LinE
Joe Tripodi joined the Wyoming Football coaching staff as the Cowboys’ offensive line coach in February 2022. He will be entering his fifth season coaching Wyoming’s offensive line in 2025 and his 16th season as a college coach. Tripodi previously coached the offensive line at Temple University for three seasons from 2019-21 and coached nine seasons at Northern Illinois from 2010-18.
In 2025, Tripodi mentored a pair of All-Mountain West players in guard Caden Barnett and center Jack Walsh. Barnett earned second team honors with Walsh earning honorable mention. Both played in the Hula Bowl and Barnett was also featured in the East-West Shrine Game. Barnett was the highest graded offensive guard in the the MW according to Pro Football Focus.Barnett signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent.
In 2024, Wyoming ranked No. 16 in the nation in Red Zone Offense at nearly 91 percent for the season. Guard Jack Walsh earned Second Team All-MW honors as well. Pro Football Focus ranked him the No. 25 guard in the nation and fourth in the MW. Center Nofoafia Tulafono earned Honorable Mention All-MW honors.
In a win over New Mexico, the Cowboys recorded 604 yards of total offense for the most since recording 604 yards on Nov. 20, 2021 at Utah State. Protected for Poke in a contest passing for 342 yards for the most since passing for 366 yards in 2015.
In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. His unit was named to the Joe Moore Award Mid-season Watch List, as the award goes to the best offensive line in the nation. Frank Crum was named First Team All-MW, as Crum signed with the Denver Broncos in April. Jack Walsh was named Pro Football Focus First Team All-MW and earned Third Team honors from Phil Steele.
In his first season with Wyoming in 2022, the Cowboy offense ranked No. 1 in the MW and No. 14 in the nation in red-zone offense (90.6 percent) and No. 3 in the MW and No. 44 nationally in rushing offense (181.4 yards per game). The offense ranked No. 3 in the league and No. 25 nationally in fewest tackles for loss allowed (4.46 per game) and ranked No. 3 in the conference and No. 30 in the nation in fewest sacks allowed (1.46 per game). Tripodi’s offensive line helped pave the way for a 1,000-yard rusher in 2022 as Titus Swen rushed for 1,039 yards.
All five of Tripodi’s starting offensive linemen earned All-Conference recognition in ‘22. Offensive guard Zach Watts was selected First Team All-Mountain West by Pro Football Focus (PFF). PFF named Cowboy center Nofoafia Tulafono to its Second Team. Offensive tackle Frank Crum was selected to PFF’s Third Team along with offensive guard Emmanuel Pregnon. Offensive guard Eric Abojei was named Third Team All-MW by Phil Steele. Pregnon was also named a Second Team Freshman All-American by College Football News.
Wyoming entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country but went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the ‘22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai’i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming’s 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
Tripodi is a former starting offensive lineman himself at Northwestern University of the Big Ten. He started the final 24 consecutive games he played for the Wildcats and was part of two Northwestern teams to earn bowl bids -- the 2003 Motor City Bowl and the 2005 Sun Bowl. He was the co-recipient of the inaugural Randy Walker Wildcat Award in 2006, which is awarded to the player with the best work ethic, toughness and warrior attitude.
During Tripodi’s three seasons at Temple from 2019-21, he coached First Team All-America center Matt Hennessy in 2019. Hennessy was also a finalist for the 2019 Rimington Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s top collegiate center each season. The Owls’ earned a berth in the 2019 Military Bowl. Tripodi coached five All-America Athletic Conference players at Temple, and had two of his offensive lineman go on to the NFL, including Hennessy, who was a third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons.
Prior to Temple, Tripodi spent nine seasons at Northern Illinois. In his last three seasons at Northern Illinois from 2016-18, Tripodi was the Offensive Run-Game Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach for the Huskies. NIU ranked 17th in the nation in rushing offense and 31st in total offense in 2016, while allowing only 8.0 total sacks to opponents to rank No. 2 in the country in fewest sacks allowed.
Tripodi was the offensive line coach at NIU from 2013-15. He coached the tight ends and fullbacks in 2012, and was an offensive graduate assistant coach in 2010-11.
Over his nine years on the Huskies’ coaching staff, NIU captured four MAC Championships in 2011, ‘12, ‘14 and ‘18, and won seven MAC West Division titles in 2010, ‘11, ‘12, ‘13, ‘14, ‘15 and ‘18. He coached 19 All-MAC offensive linemen at NIU, had one William V. Campbell Finalist (symbolic of the nation’s top football scholar-athlete), and coached six All-America players. Tripodi also had five players earn opportunities with NFL teams, including Max Scharping, who was a second round pick of the Houston Texans. Tripodi’s offensive line helped block for quarterback Jordan Lynch at Northern Illinois. Lynch finished seventh in the Heisman voting in 2012 and placed third in the 2013 Heisman balloting.
Tripodi was a member of eight bowl teams at Northern Illinois in nine seasons, highlighted by an appearance in the Orange Bowl at the conclusion of the 2012 season. The Huskies won the 2010 uDrove Humanitarian Bowl, the 2011 GoDaddy.com Bowl, and played in the 2013 Poinsettia Bowl, 2014 Boca Raton Bowl, 2015 Poinsettia Bowl, the 2017 Quick Lane Bowl and the 2018 Boca Raton Bowl.
He and his wife, Rachel, have one daughter, Emma, and one son, Roman. Tripodi completed his bachelor’s degree in communications from Northwestern in 2006 and his master’s degree in adult and higher education from NIU in 2011.
Coaching Experience
Years at Wyoming: 9th
Years as a College Coach: 17th
Personal
Wife: Lindsay
Education
LSU ‘12 Master’s in Kinesiology & Sport Pedagogy
Wisconsin-La Crosse ‘10 Bachelor’s in Excercise & Sport Science
Playing Experience
Wisconsin-LaCrosse Running Back, 2005-08
Year-by-Year Coaching History
2020-Pres. Wyoming Director of Sports Performance
2018-19 Wyoming Assoc. Director of Sports Performance
2013-17 LSU Asst. Strength & Conditioning Coach
2010-12 LSU Graduate Asst. in Strength & Conditioning
Postseason Coaching Experience 2023
E ri C d O n O v AL
(WiSCOnSin-LA CrOSSE ‘10) dirECtOr Of SpOrtS pErfOrMAnCE/ HEAd fOOtBALL StrEngtH And COnditiOning
COACH
Eric Donoval is in his seventh year serving as Director of Sports Performance for Cowboy Football and his ninth overall year at Wyoming. Donoval has been a member of the Wyoming Football strength and conditioning staff since January of 2018. He was the Associate Director of Sports Performance for Wyoming Football in 2018 and ‘19 before being promoted to the head position in January of 2020. In his current role, he oversees all strength and conditioning training for the Cowboy Football program, including supervising a staff of full-time assistants and graduate assistant coaches that work directly with football.
In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. The unit finished the season winning the final three games of the campaign showing great conditioning down the stretch.
His first two years at Wyoming, Donoval was instrumental in working with the Cowboy Football skill positions, tailoring their strength and conditioning programs specifically to their position needs. During that time, he was very successful in helping Wyoming achieve bowl eligibility each of those two seasons and win the 2019 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl Championship.
Donoval and his staff helped develop a Wyoming team that entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country but went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the ‘22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai’i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming’s 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
In 2021, Donoval developed the Cowboys on way to a 7-6 season and a dominating 52-38 win over Kent State in the 2021 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. It was Wyoming’s third consecutive bowl victory. The 52 points were the most scored by a Wyoming team in school history.
Donoval came to Wyoming from Louisiana State University (LSU) where he was an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the LSU football program from 2013-17. He worked directly in training the Tiger defensive backs and wide receivers. Donoval also created and taught the speed workouts for the entire Tiger football team. He was the head of the Polar GPS monitoring system utilized by LSU football to monitor and evaluate student-athletes’ physical activity during both training sessions and competitions. He worked with the highly-respected strength and conditioning coach, Tommy Moffitt, at LSU. Donoval and his staff also use the Polar GPS system at Wyoming to monitor the performance of Wyoming Cowboy Football student-athletes.
Donoval has had the opportunity to work with some elite athletes at both Wyoming and LSU. At Wyoming, he has trained a number of players who went on to the NFL. The most recent of those Cowboys was linebacker Chad Muma, who in 2021 earned Second Team All-America honors from both the Walter Camp Football Foundation and Pro Football Focus and received Third Team AllAmerica recognition from Associated Press. He was also one of six national finalists for the Butkus Award. Muma was the Sixth Pick in the Third Round (70th overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 NFL Draft. Among other former Cowboys who Donoval worked with who went on to the NFL were: Marcus Epps, Carl Granderson, Tyler Hall, Cassh Maluia, Logan Wilson and Andrew Wingard. Donoval also worked with a number of high NFL Draft picks at LSU, including: Jamal Adams, Odell Beckham Jr., Leonard Fournette, Jarvis Landry, Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Peterson, Devin White and Tre’Davious White.
Prior to becoming a full-time assistant at LSU, Donoval served as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Tigers starting in the summer of 2010 through 2012. He worked with the sports of football and baseball as a graduate assistant, while serving as the head strength coach for both women’s volleyball and men’s golf.
During his time at LSU, the Tigers won the Cotton Bowl at the conclusion of the 2010 season. LSU played in the BCS National Championship game following the 2011 season, finishing as the national runner-up to Alabama. In 2012, LSU appeared in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. The Tigers won the Outback Bowl following the 2013 season and appeared in the Music City Bowl in 2014. LSU captured the Texas Bowl Championship in 2015, won the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in 2016 and appeared in the Citrus Bowl following the 2017 season.
Donoval was a student strength and conditioning coach and mentor at his alma mater, Wisconsin-La Crosse, from January 2008 to April 2010 while completing his undergraduate degree. He was an accomplished college running back and return specialist at Wisconsin-La Crosse, earning First Team All-Conference honors as a return specialist and Honorable Mention All-Conference honors as a running back as a senior in 2008. Donoval was named his team’s MVP in 2008. He also earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors as a return specialist as a junior in 2007. He lettered in football all four years (2005-08) at Wisconsin-La Crosse. He also lettered in track and field his freshman year of college before giving up that sport to focus on football. He competed in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 4 x 100-meter relay and 4 x 200-meter relay.
Following his college career, Donoval played football for the Wisconsin Wolfpack of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) in Madison, Wis., from January 2009 to April 2010. He was a starting running back and slot receiver for the Wolfpack. Donoval led the CIFL in rushing and was a league MVP nominee in 2010.
The Sheboygan, Wis., native completed his bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science with a concentration in strength and conditioning from Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2010. He received his master’s degree in kinesiology and sport pedagogy from LSU in 2012.
Donoval and his wife, Lindsay, have one daughter, Marli.
ABE r OEH ri CH
(MinnESOtA StAtE MOOrHEAd ‘21)
dEfEnSivE ASSiStAnt
Roehrich enters his first season as a defensive assistant for the Cowboys. He comes to Wyoming after spending time at Minnesota State Moorehead from 2019 to 2025 serving as defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator.
He helped lead the Dragon defense that allowed only 179 yards through the air in 2025 in one of the nation's top NCAA Division II Conferences in the Northern Sun. His 2024 special team unit ranked third in the nation in blocked punts n 2024. His unit also led the conference in kick return yards in 2022 and his punting unit ranked fourth in the NSIC in net punting in 2023.
Roehrich played for the Dragons from 2013-17 as a defensive back and linebacker. He was a two-time NSIC North Division Second Team honoree and also was north division honorable mention twice. He finished with 304 career tackles at MSUM and also was a three-time NSIC All-Academic honoree. He was a two-time team captain and stated all 44 games he appeared in during his career. Roehrich is a native of Stanley, N.D. He majored in physics at MSUM.
Maus earned his bachelor’s degree in management with a minor in sports and recreation management from Iowa in May 2021.
J u S tin H i LLE r
(WiLLiAM & MArY ‘24 ) QuArtErBACkS ASSiStAnt
Hiller is in his first season as an offensive assistant for the Cowboys in 2026. He comes to Wyoming after coaching at Northern Michigan, where he coached the wide receivers.
A graduate of William & Mary in 2024, Hiller played for offensive coordinator Christian Taylor. He also spent time at Wake Forest as a special teams assistant.
He played four seasons at William & Mary and is a native of illinois.
ABE rOEHriCH
JuStin HiLLEr
A u S tin MA u S
(iOWA ‘21)
ASSOCiAtE AtHLEtiC dirECtOr fOr fOOtBALL OpErAtiOnS/gM
Austin Maus will be serving as Associate Athletic Director for Football Operations and General Manager for the first time this season, after serving as director of player personnel last season. He was a Wyoming graduate assistant for his third consecutive year in 2023. Maus was the Offensive Quality Control Graduate Assistant for Wyoming in 2021 and has been the Offensive Graduate Assistant Coach in 2022 and ‘23.
As an offensive graduate assistant, Maus assists players in skill development, breaks down weekly opponent film, leads scout team meetings with Wyoming’s scout team players and coaches them during practice to simulate opponents’ plays. He also helps create opponent scouting reports, generates practice scripts and daily drawings for position groups, participates in gameplan meetings with the coaching staff each week and meets with prospective student-athletes on recruiting visits.
In 2022, he was part of a Wyoming football staff that developed a team that entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country but went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the ‘22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai’i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming’s 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
In 2021, Maus assisted the tight ends/fullbacks coach in practice preparation, creating practice plans and compiling scouting materials on upcoming opponents to provide to the Cowboy coaching staff as they prepared game plans. Maus was also involved in providing information to the coaching staff on game days.
The 2021 Wyoming Cowboys posted a 7-6 record and won their third consecutive bowl game, with a convincing 52-38 win over Kent State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The 52 points scored in the bowl victory was a school record for a bowl game. Wyoming scored 40 or more points four times during the season in victories at Northern Illinois (50 points), vs. Ball State (45), at eventual MW champion Utah State (44) and vs. Kent State.
Before coming to Wyoming in 2021, Maus was a recruiting assistant with the University of Iowa football program from August 2017 to March 2019 and then became a student assistant with Hawkeye Football from March 2019 through June 2021.
JAM i SO n B r OW n
(WYOMing ‘21)
dirECtOr Of pLAYEr pErSOnnEL
Brown is in his first season in as Director of Player Personnel after serving as assistant director last season with the Cowboys. He spent time as a recruiting assistant for the Brown and Gold from 2018 to 2022. He comes back to Wyoming after serving as pro liaison and recruiting and operations assistant at North Dakota State for three seasons.
At North Dakota State, Brown was a communication bridge with NFL staff for player evaluations facilitating 50+ effective interactions for scouts. He also worked doing transfer portal evaluations, visits, and integration into the school and managed Official Visits for targeted student athletes; logistics, schedule, and compliance for 30 trips annually.
He is a graduate of the University of Wyoming spending four seasons as a recruiting assistant. He earned a marketing degree from Wyoming in 2021. He will graduate with his master’s rom North Dakota State in sports leadership/physical education.
JAMiSOn BrOWn
AuStin MAuS
SAMA nt HA p A tt E n
(fLOridA ‘20)
dirECtOr Of On-CAMpuS rECruiting
Samantha Patten was hired as Wyoming’s Director of On-Campus Recruiting in August of 2022. Patten came to Wyoming after most serving as a recruiting intern for the University of Florida football program from 2018 to 2020.
At Wyoming, she works closely with the Cowboy coaching staff in coordinating on-campus visits by recruits and hosting recruits and their families while on campus. She also assists the Executive Director of Recruiting and Director of Player Personnel in helping manage all recruiting activities. Patten also assists in hosting special events for Cowboy Football.
Patten’s position at the University of Florida in the summer of 2022 was as a football intern and recruiting analyst. She assisted in planning official and unofficial recruiting visits for prospective student-athletes. Patten helped host recruits and their families while on campus, including conducting tours of the Florida campus and the athletics facilities. She held that position from May to July of 2022 before accepting her full-time position with Wyoming Football.
Since graduating from Florida in August 2020, Patten has also gained valuable experience working in two different roles affiliated with the NFL. From September 2021 to April 2022, Patten worked as a coaching and personnel intern with Athletes First, which is one of the most prestigious agencies representing NFL players, coaches, administrative personnel and broadcasters. She attended the 2022 NFL Combine, assisting with setup of the venue and registration. Patten helped create personalized graphics and presentations for clients and was involved in data analysis and execution of other creative materials. She specifically assisted in planning and creating head-coaching interview presentations for Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus.
Patten’s other NFL experience was working as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ game-day event and entertainment staff from August 2021 to January 2022. She assisted with the Fan Entertainment Zone, coordinating with corporate sponsors on set up and breakdown. During home games, Patten served on the field as a liaison to pre-game and halftime performers. She also engaged with fans to help ensure their overall positive game-day experience.
From December 2020 to June 2021, Patten gained experience as a game operations and marketing intern with the Orlando Solar Bears, a minor-league hockey team affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL. She helped create and organize all in-game promotions and intermission contests, as well as assisted in planning and implementation of other special events and promotions for the team. Patten was also involved with management of the Solar Bears Twitter account during games.
As an undergraduate at the University of Florida, Patten was a recruiting and administrative assistant with Gator Football from January 2018 to May 2020. She assisted in updating information on prospective studentathletes for use by the Florida recruiting and coaching staffs as they evaluated potential recruits. Patten helped in organizing recruiting events for prospects and their families, and she helped design and create recruiting materials that focused on the various academic programs available at the University of Florida. She was also a Gator Football Ambassador from January 2017 to January 2018, helping host prospects and their families on game days.
Patten earned her bachelor of science degree in advertising, with a concentration in art studies and graphic design from Florida in August 2020.
B r A nd O n
HASELBEC k
vidEO COOrdinAtOr
Haselbeck enters his second season with the Cowboys in a full-time position. He was an assistant and student assistant for the Brown and Gold from 2017-21. He comes to Wyoming from Kansas State serving as the assistant director of football video for three seasons.
He was a seasonal intern with the New York Jets of the National Football league during the 2021-22 campaign. He worked with XOS & Catapult software by completing cut ups for players, coaches, & front office.
At Wyoming, he was promoted to assistant video coordinator in 2020. He was a student assistant prior to being promoted.
BrAndOn HASELBECk
SAMAntHA pAttEn
d A vid k E rn S
HEAd fOOtBALL AtHLEtiC trAinEr
David Kerns was hired as Head Athletic Trainer for Wyoming Football in the spring of 2019. The 2025 season will mark his seventh year at Wyoming and his 40th working as an athletic trainer at the collegiate level. Kerns will oversee all athletic training operations for Cowboy Football, including supervising a staff of full-time athletic trainers and a group of student interns who will work directly with the football team.
He has been a Board of Certification (BOC) certified athletic trainer since 1985.
Kerns will work with student-athletes to help prevent, identify, manage and rehabilitate injuries, while also collaborating with Wyoming Football team physicians to provide the best medical care for UW student-athletes.
For 25 years from 1994-2018, Kerns served as head football athletic trainer at West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va. In addition to serving as the head football athletic trainer at West Virginia, Kerns also was a classroom and clinical instructor for the Athletic Training Approved Curriculum Program in the WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences.
Before joining the West Virginia Athletics Department, Kerns was an Assistant Athletic Trainer and Instructor at Ohio University for seven years from 1987-’94. While his title was Assistant Athletic Trainer, he served as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Bobcat Football team.
He began at Ohio U. as a graduate assistant athletic trainer from 1985 to 1987, working with the men’s basketball team.
Kerns earned his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education with an emphasis in athletic training from Penn State in January 1984. He also received his teaching certificate upon his graduation. He worked as the head athletic trainer at Redland High School in Lewisberry, Pa., for the 1984-85 academic year before entering graduate school at Ohio U. in 1985. Kerns completed his master’s degree in physical education with a specialization in athletic training from Ohio in 1987.
Throughout his career, he has made numerous presentations at the state and district levels and has served on several National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) committees.
Kerns is originally from Harrisburg, Pa. His wife is Kelly Kerns.
HALEY WALSH
Haley Walsh is entering her 15th year as office manager for the Wyoming Football program, having joined the athletic department in June of 2011.
As one of the first staff members that visitors to the Wyoming Football program meet, Walsh is an important contributor in projecting a positive image for Cowboy Football. Included in her responsibilities are: helping coordinate coaches’ travel, handling financial transactions for the program, assisting in preparing materials for practice preparation, maintaining coaches’ schedules, aiding with recruiting, maintaining information on players and coaches and helping with summer camps.
Walsh came to the Cowboy Football program from the University of Wyoming Foundation where she worked from October of 2009 until June 2011. While at the UW Foundation, she was an administrative assistant to the major gift officers. Prior to that, she worked for the City Engineer in Sheridan, Wyo. for one year, and worked at the Albany County Clerk’s Office in Laramie, Wyo., from 2003-08 as an election clerk.
Walsh is a 2001 graduate of Laramie High School. In December of 2019, she completed her bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Wyoming. Walsh grew up on her family’s ranch west of Laramie. Her husband, J.T. Walsh, is also a Laramie native and a graduate of the University of Wyoming. He is a local realtor.
gr A du A t E ASS i S t A nt S
Mason s chultz
OffEnSivE grAduAtE ASSiStAnt
Mason Schultz is in his second season as a graduate assistant at Wyoming. A former Cowboy offensive lineman, Schultz spent last season coach tight ends at Colorado Mesa.
He helped lead the Mavericks to a 7-4 overall record in 2024. His unit helped block for a pair of All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference running backs.
A member of the Cowboys as a reserve offensive lineman, he was key to the the depth along the unit during his career. He came to Wyoming after a standout prep career at Grandview High School.
c a M eron Murray
dEfEnSivE grAduAtE ASSiStAnt
Cameron Murray is in his second season with the cowboys as a graduate assistant. The former Cowboy spent last season at New Mexico Highlands as a graduate assistant working with the defensive backs.
Prior to heading to NMHU, Murray played two seasons with the University of Northern Colorado in the Big Sky Conference. He spent three seasons at Wyoming paying in 26 games prior to his time at UNC. In his two seasons with the Bears, Murray played in 21 games, recorded 62 tackles and two interceptions.
Murray, a native of Aurora, Colorado, where he was a standout athlete at Overland High School where he competed in football and track & field.
2026 COWBOY COACHES
COWBOY COACH ing r ECO
rd S
1917 John Corbett 3-4-0 2-2-0 1-2-0 0-0-0 1918 John Corbett No Games Played Due to Influenza Epidemic
2025: Bauman appeared in all 12 games for the Cowboys and was a key player on special teams. He finished the season with two tackles with one solo stop and one assisted tackle. He added his stops against Fresno State and Colorado State. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
2024: Bauman appeared in one game for the Cowboys and spent his first season redshirting for the Brown and Gold.
High School: Dash Bauman is rated as a three-star recruit by both 247Sports.com and On3.com. On3 ranked him as the No. 10 overall recruit in the state of Nebraska in the 2024 recruiting class, and 247Sports ranked him the No. 13 overall recruit in the state. Bauman was one of only 24 players in the state named to the 2023 Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska Football Team for all classifications. His senior season, he accounted for 81 total tackles, 44 solo tackles and 37 assisted tackles. Bauman also rushed for 1,007 yards on 167 carries, caught 21 passes for 278 yards, scored 17 touchdowns and accounted for 1,285 all-purpose yards. Bauman helped lead Lincoln East to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Class A State Playoffs. Class A is the largest classification in Nebraska. An outstanding track and field athlete, Bauman placed third at the 2023 Nebraska State Championships in the 110-meter high hurdles with a time of 14.35 and finished fifth in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 39.00. He also earned All-City honors in the 110-meter high hurdles from the Lincoln Journal Star in the spring of 2023. He played for the same high school, Lincoln East, that former Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl and Cowboy linebackers coach Aaron Bohl played for in high school. Bauman was also recruited by Air Force and South Dakota State.
Personal: Majoring in Kinesiology & Health Promotion at Wyoming.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
DASH BAUMAN CAREER STATISTICS
IAN BELL CORNERBACK
6-1, 193, REDSHIRT JUNIOR LA VERNE, CALIF. (DAMIEN)
2025: Bell appeared in four games for the Cowboys in 2026. He finished the season with four total tackles with two tackles against Akron and Utah. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
2024: Bell appeared in all 12 games for the Cowboys and started four contests. He finished the season with six tackles with five solo stops and one assisted tackle. He also added a pass breakup. He recorded a career-high two tackles against Air Force and Washington State. He added a pass breakup and a tackle against San Diego State. Also excels in the classroom being named Academic All-Mountain West team.
2023: Bell appeared in 12 games for the Cowboys as a true freshman. He played both cornerback and was a key member of special teams. he finished the season with six total tackles with two solo tackles and four assisted stops. he recorded a career-high three tackles against UNLV.
High School: Ian Bell was credited with 35 total tackles, including 23 solo tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss his senior season at Damien High School in La Verne, Calif. Bell added 10 pass breakups and one fumble recovery. As a junior in 2021, Bell made 34 tackles, with 17 of them being solo stops. He also recorded 0.5 tackles for loss, 11 passes broken up and two fumbles caused. He played for head football coach Matt Bechtel. Bell was also recruited by Arizona, Colorado State and UNLV.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 1, Muliple times
Assisted: 2, vs. New Mexico, 2023 and at UNLV, 2023
Total tackles: 3 at UNLV, 2023
IAN BELL CAREER STATISTICS
ESAIA BOGAR
DEFENSIVE END
6-2, 253, SENIOR RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIF. (RIVERSIDE CITY COLLEGE)
2025: Bogar appeared in 10 games with one start for the Cowboys. He finished the season with 13 total tackles. He finished the season with seven solo stops and six assisted tackles. He also added 1.5 tackles for loss along with a sack. He recorded a career-high four tackles in his Cowboy debut against Northern Iowa. He recorded his first career sack against Fresno State. He added two tackles and a half tackle for loss against Colorado State.
Before Wyoming: He was one of the top junior college players in California and was named a three-star recruit by Rivals.com. He was named the National Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He also earned First Team AllConference honors. He led his team to a state and national championship in 2023. In his two seasons at Riverside, he recorded 23 sacks, 40 tackles for loss and was a two-time All-State selection. This past season, Bogar recorded 48 tackle and added 10 sacks. He also added two fumble recoveries with one for a score. In his first season, he added 53 tackles and 11.5 sacks.
2025: Brantley appeared in 11 games for the Cowboys. He finished the season with five receptions for 33 yards. He also recorded three rushes for 14 yards and returned four kicks for 73 yards. He recorded a career-high three receptions against Akron in the season opener. He added one catch for a career-high 20 yards against Hawaii.
2024: Brantley appeared in five games for the Cowboys. He did not record any statistics. He added depth to the wide receiver group.
2023: Brantley redshirted during the 2023 season, his first year with the program.
High School: Bricen Brantley earned First Team All-District honors in District 23-6A in Houston, Texas. Brantley was named his team’s Most Valuable Player his senior season as he caught 55 passes for 918 yards and nine receiving touchdowns for the 2022 season. Brantley averaged 83.5 receiving yards per game and 16.7 yards per reception. He had a long reception of 97 yards. Brantley added 213 yards in kickoff returns for a total of 1,132 all-purpose yards to average 102.9 all-purpose yards per game. His junior season of 2021, Brantley caught 33 passes for 539 yards and seven receiving TDs, with a long reception of 75 yards. He played for head football coach Shawn Gray. Brantley was also recruited by Illinois State.
Personal: He is majoring in Kinesiology and Health Promotion
BRICEN BRANTLEY CAREER
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Receptions: 3 vs. Akron, 2025
Receiving Yards: 20 at Hawai’i, 2025
Longest Reception: 20 at Hawai’i, 2025
BROOKLYN CHEEK
SAFETY
6-1, 204, SOPHOMORE OAKDALE, CALIF. (CAL)
2025: Cheek appeared in 11 games for the Cowboys with one start. He finished the season with eight tackles with seven solo stops and one assisted tackle. He recorded a career-high four tackles for the Cowboys in his first career start against San Jose State.
Before Wyoming: Cheek redshirted last season at California. He was a consensus three-star recruit who ranked as high as the nation’s No. 39 safety and the No. 48 player overall from the state of California according to 247Sports. He was two-way player as a defensive back and wide receiver who participated in 33 games over four varsity seasons for teams that won Valley Oak League titles and reached at least the Sac-Joaquin semifinals in each of his three final campaigns including an appearance in the 2-AA state title game during his 2021 sophomore campaign. His career totals on defense of included 152 tackles, two tackles for loss, nine interceptions that he returned for 95 yards, 23 pass breakups and one fumble recovery. Cheek earned First-Team All-Section honors from Maxpreps as a 2023 senior when he posted career highs of 71 tackles and 13 pass breakups on defense, as well as 46 receptions for 900 yards and 13 touchdowns on offense for a squad that finished 9-3 and reached the Division I Sac-Joaquin Section semifinals.
2025: Coenen appeared in all 12 games for the Cowboys. He finished the season with five receptions for 99 yards with one score. He also added 71 yards on punt returns with a long of 37 yards against San Diego State. He caught a 45-yard reception against San Jose State for a score and a careerlong. It tied the contest late in the fourth quarter. He had a career-high two receptions against Hawai’i in the season finale. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
2024: Coenen appeared in three games for the Cowboys but did not record any statistics. He added depth to the wide receiver room. Also excels in the classroom being named Academic All-Mountain West team.
2023: Coenen did not appear in any games during the 2023 season but added depth to the wide receiver group.
2022: Coenen redshirt in his first season with the program.
19
High School: Charlie Coenen was selected as an All-District player three times during his high school career, and he was named to the 2021 Minneapolis Star Tribune Second Team All-Metro team. Coenen was also named District Co-Offensive Player of the Year and was selected as the Chanhassen High Team and Offensive MVP. His senior season, he caught 31 passes for 726 yards and scored eight receiving touchdowns. Coenen averaged 23.4 yards per reception and 90.8 receiving yards per game. He added 26 rushing attempts for 156 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns. As a return specialist, he returned four punts for 71 yards and averaged 17.6 yards per punt return and returned two kickoffs for 22 yards. He helped lead Chanhassen to a 6-3 record and the First Round of the Minnesota Class AAAAA State Playoffs. Class AAAAA is the second largest classification in the state of Minnesota. In 2020, Coenen was named to the 2020 High School Football America Minnesota Academic All-America Team. He played for head coach Cullen Nelson. Coenen was also recruited by North Dakota State.
Personal: Majoring in Kinesiology & Health Promotion at Wyoming.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Receptions: 2 at Hawai’i, 2025
Receiving Yards: 45 vs. San Jose State, 2025
Longest Reception: 45 at San Jose State, 2025
Touchdowns: 1 at San Jose State, 2024
CHARLIE COENEN CAREER STATISTICS
JAKE DAVIES
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
6-7, 305, JUNIOR
YORKVILLE, ILL. (YORKVILLE)
71
2025: Davies appeared in six games with two starts for the Cowboys. He missed time with an injury. He helped a pair of running backs earn multiple 100-yard rushing games in Tote Harris and Sam Scott. The Pokes rushed for a season-high 212 yards against Colorado State in a 28-0 victory. UW had 426 yards in the season opener against Akron for a season best.
2024: Davies appeared in all 12 games for the Cowboys and started 11 contests as a redshirt freshman. Helped the Cowboys record 604 yards of total offense at New Mexico for the most since recording 604 yards on Nov. 20, 2021 at Utah State. The Cowboys threw for 342 yards in that same contest for the most since the 2015 season.
2023: Davies participated in one game while retaining his redshirt year. He made his first-career appearance at Nevada where the Cowboys rushed for a season-high 244 yards.
High School: Jake Davies is being recruited as an offensive linemen by the Wyoming Cowboys. He played tight end and defensive end at Yorkville High School in Yorkville, Ill. Davies is ranked as the No. 82 overall recruit in the state of Illinois by 247 Sports. He was named as a Special Mention member of the 2022 Champaign News-Gazette All-State football team as a defensive end. Davis also earned Academic All-State honors at Yorkville High. His senior season, Davies caught 10 passes for 111 yards and one touchdown reception. From his defensive end position, Davies was credited with 52 total tackles, including 21.0 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries four pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He helped lead Yorkville High to a 10-2 record and the quarterfinals of the 2022 Illinois Class 7A state playoffs. His junior season, Davies made 64 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, one quarterback hurry, one pass breakup and one blocked field goal. He played for head football coach Dan McGuire at Yorkville High. Davies was also recruited by Eastern Michigan and Kent State.
Personal: Majoring in finance at UW.
JAKE DAVIES CAREER STATISTICS
Games Played: 19 (12 in 2024)
Games Started: 13 (11 in 2024)
DEION DEBLANC
WIDE RECEIVER 5-10, 191, SOPHOMORE
HOUSTON, TEXAS (NORTH SHORE)
2025: DeBlanc appeared in 11 games for the Cowboys in his true freshman season. He earned Second Team-AllMW honors at punt return by Phil Steele. He finished the season with 17 catches for 90 yards and added 10 carries for 54 yards rushing. He recorded a career-high four catches twice, once against San Diego State and once against Hawaii. He had a career-high 39 yards receiving against Hawaii. He recorded a punt return for a score against San Jose State, which was a 73-yard return for a career long. He also added a 24-yard return against Northern Iowa.
High School: He was named a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com, On3.com Rivals.com and ESPN. DeBlanc has recorded 576 receiving yards on 40 receptions as a senior with his team currently still playing and making a deep playoff run. DeBlanc has five touchdowns receiving and has 131 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. He was the District 14-6A Newcomer of the Year during his freshman season at Eisenhower High School. He is also a standout on the track in the 200 meter and relay events. He was also recruited by Oregon, Arizona State, Arkansas, Houston.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Receptions: 4 at Hawai’i, at San Diego State, 2025
2025: Drake missed the entire season with an injury.
2024: Drake appeared in 11 games for the Cowboys. He finished the season with eight total tackles with five solo stops and three assisted tackles. He also added 3.5 tackles for loss for 13 yards. He recorded a career-high five tackles for the Pokes against San Diego State. He added a career-high 1.5 tackles for loss for six yards. He added a tackle for loss against BYU and Air Force.
2023: Drake redshirted during the 2023 season, his first year with the program.
High School: Dante Drake is a rated as a three-star recruit by On3.com As a junior, Drake was named a Second Team All-District 9-4A defensive end. He played for head football coach Mike Ludlow. Drake was also recruited by Louisiana Tech, Nebraska and UTSA.
Personal: Majoring in professional sales at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 2 vs. San Diego State, 2024
Assisted: 3 vs. San Diego State, 2024
Total tackles: 5 vs. San Diego State, 2024
Tackles for Loss: 1.5 vs. San Diego State, 2024
DANTE DRAKE CAREER STATISTICS
MASON DRUBE
QUARTERBACK
6-3, 222, REDSHIRT FRESHMAN GILLETTE, WYO.
(CAMPBELL
COUNTY)
2025: Drube maintained his redshirt appearing in three games as a true freshman including a start against Hawaii in the season finale. He finished the season 20-of-38 passing for 187 yards. He was 17-of-32 passing against Hawaii for 179 yards. He recorded a long pass of 23 yards in that contest and also recorded a career long rush in the contest, which was also 23 yards. He completed two passes at Fresno State and had a completion against Nevada.
High School: He was named a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com and ranked as the top recruit in the Wyoming and the No. 52 quarterback in the class. He was also named a three-star recruit by On3.com, Rivals.com and ESPN.com. An All-State selection and a member of the Casper Super-25 Team, Drube passed for 2,434 yards as a senior averaging 243 yards per game. He completed 60 percent of his passes and threw for 23 touchdowns. He owned four of the top-five passing games in Class 4A last season leading his team to the semifinals of the state playoffs. He was also recruited by Michigan State, Boston College, Washington State and Utah State among others. His late father Kirby played tight end for the Cowboys and his sister Gabby is a standout runner for the Wyoming Track and Field squad.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Completions: 17 at Hawai’i, 2025
Attempts: 32 at Hawai’i, 2025
Long Completion: 23 at Hawai’i, 2025
Rushing Attempts: 11 vs. Hawai’i, 2025
MASON DRUBE CAREER STATISTICS
BART EDMISTON
PUNTER
6-0, 205, SENIOR OCEAN SPRINGS, MISS. (JONES COLLEGE)
2025: Edmiston was one of the top punters in the Mountain West last season. He was fourth in the conference and No. 12 in the nation at 46.1 yards per punt. He punted the ball 65 time for nearly 3,000 yards. He had a long of 68 yards and recorded 26 punts of 50 or more yards. He had 22 punts inside the 20-yard line. His long punt came against San Jose State and he recorded five punts inside the 20-yard line against Colorado State. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
Before Wyoming: Bart Edmiston, a 6-0, 200-pound punter is a junior College transfer from Jones College. He is a native of Ocean Springs, Miss. In two seasons, Edmiston averaged 44.7 yards per punt on 89 attempts. He also has recorded 45 punts inside the 20yard line and 28 punts of 50 yards or more. He has earned NJCAA All-America, and All region honors along with All-Conference honors.
He is a graduate of Ocean Springs High School. He was named 6A All-State and his team was 23-2 in two seasons. His father, Bart Sr. was an All-SEC placekicker at Florida from 1992-96 and was on the 1996 national championship team. His grandfather also played for the Gators.
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SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Punts: 8 at Fresno State, 2025
Longest Punt: 68
Punts Inside 20 Yards: 5 vs Colorado State, 2025
NATE GEIGER
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
6-5, 296, JUNIOR
HIGHLANDS RANCH, COLO. (THUNDER RIDGE)
2025: Geiger appeared in the first four games of the season and started those contests but missed the rest of the season with an injury. UW had 426 yards in the season opener against Akron for a season best.
2024: Geiger started the first contest of the season at Arizona State but was injured in the contest and missed the rest of the season for the Brown and Gold.
2023: Geiger redshirted during the 2023 season, his first season with the program.
High School: Nathan Geiger was named a Second Team All-State Class 5A selection in 2022 as presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps. com and MaxPreps. Geiger also was a Unanimous First Team AllConference selection in ‘22 and was credited with 13 pancake blocks. He helped lead his Thunder Ridge team to an 11-2 record his senior season and the quarterfinals of the Colorado Class 5A State Championship before losing to eventual state champion Cherry Creek. In 2021 as a junior, Geiger was also a First Team All-Conference honoree. He played for head football coach Doug Nisenson at Thunder Ridge High. Geiger was also recruited by Arizona State.
Personal: Majoring in Mechanical Engineering at UW.
NATE GEIGER CAREER STATISTICS
Games Played: 5 (1 in 2024)
Games Started: 5 (1 in 2024)
65
QUINN GROVESTEEN-MATCHEY
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-6, 313, JUNIOR
WISC.
76
2025: Grovesteen-Matchey appeared in the final five games of the 2025 season. He helped a pair of running backs earn multiple 100-yard rushing games in Tote Harris and Sam Scott. The Pokes rushed for a season-high 212 yards against Colorado State in a 28-0 victory. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
2024: Grovesteen-Matchey appeared in the final eight games for the Cowboys adding depth along the offensive line. He helped the Cowboys record 604 yards of total offense against New Mexico for the most since recording 604 yards on Nov. 20, 2021 at Utah State. Protected for the Pokes in a contest passing for 342 yards for the most since passing for 366 yards in 2015. Also excels in the classroom being named Academic All-Mountain West team. 2023: Grovesteen-Matchey redshirted during the 2023 season, his first year with the program.
High School: Quinn Grovesteen-Matchey is rated as the No. 7 overall recruit in the state of Wisconsin by 247 Sports. He was named to the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl Watch List in 2022. He played for head football coach Garth Coats. Grovesteen-Matchey was also recruited by Central Michigan, Columbia and Iowa State.
Personal: Majoring in Elementary Education at UW.
Games Played: 8 (8 in 2024)
Games Started: None
SAMUEL (TOTE) HARRIS
RUNNING BACK 5-11, 196, SOPHOMORE CIBOLO, TEXAS (BYRON P. STEELE)
2025: Harris was Wyoming’s leading rusher last season, appearing in 11 games with seven starts. He finished the season with 558 yards on 100 carries for 5.6 yards per rush. He added a rushing score on the season coming against Northern Iowa. He also added 184 yards receiving on 16 catches. He rushed for a career-high 126 yards against Colorado with a career-long rush of 50 yards. He had four receptions at Air Force for a season best and had 58 yards receiving including a long of 52 against San Jose State. He also rushed for 102 yards against Fresno State on only 12 carries.
High School: He was named as a three-star recruit by 247Sports. com. As a senior, he averaged 9.3 yards per carry with three scores. Also added a receiving touchdown on the season. Led his team to a deep playoff run with double-digit wins and an undefeated district record. As a junior, Harris rushed for nearly 800 yards and 11 scores. He also added 16 receptions out of the backfield. He also had offers from Washington, UNLV, San Jose State, Nevada and Utah.
2025: Hearns appeared 12 games with 11 starts in his first season with the Brown and Gold. He finished the season with 35 total tackles with 29 solo stops. He also added two tackles for loss. He tied for the team lead with two interceptions and forced two fumbles. He also tied for the team lead with five pass breakups. He added an interception in both the Northern Iowa and Colorado State games. He forced fumbles against Utah and UNLV. He recorded eight tackles twice doing so against Utah and San Jose State, as he recorded eight solo stops against SJSU.
Before Wyoming: Hearns was very productive during his time at Southern Illinois appearing in 24 games over two seasons with 85 tackles along with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. In 2024, Hearns recorded 49 tackles with 20 solo stops and 29 assisted tackles. He also added two interceptions on the season. As a freshman, Hearns recorded 36 tackles and added two fumble recoveries. He was named an FCS Freshman All-America Honorable Mention selection by Phil Steele.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Total tackles: 8 vs. Utah, vs. San Jose State, 2025
Tackles for Loss: 1 vs. UNLV, vs. Nevada, 2025
Interceptions: 1 vs. Northern Iowa, vs. Colorado State, 2025
DESMAN HEARNS CAREER STATISTICS
GAVYN HELM
PUNTER/HOLDER
6-3, 208, SOPHOMORE WINDSOR, COLO. (WINDSOR)
2025: Helm appeared in all 12 games for the Cowboys. He served as the as the primary holder for Wyoming kicker Erik Sandvik.
2024: He did not appear in any games for the Cowboys and redshirted in his first season with the program.
High School: He prepped at Windsor high School in Windsor, Colo.. He is a Five-Star punter according to Kohl’s Professional Camps. Averaged 38.9 yards per punt with a long of 50 yards. Recorded 14 punts inside the 20 yard line. Also recorded 74 touchbacks in two seasons on kickoffs. Also played wide receiver with 23 catches for 382 yards and three touchdowns.
Personal: Majoring in Computer Science at UW.
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JACKSON HOLMAN
WIDE RECEIVER
6-3, 205, JUNIOR IRVINE, CALIF. (ARIZONA)
2025: Holman appeared in 11 games with three starts in his first season with the Brown and Gold. He finished the season with 13 receptions for 139 yards. In the season opener against Akron, Holman grabbed a season-high four catches for 79 yards. He grabbed two catches for 16 yards against Hawaii in the season finale. He also grabbed two catches for 12 yards against Air Force. He had a career-long 44-yard reception against Akron. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
Before Wyoming: Played seven games last season at the University of Arizona playing mostly on special teams. He played high school football at powerhouse Mission Viejo High School in Mission Viejo, Calif. He made 79 receptions for 1,339 yards and 16 touchdown grabs over three seasons on varsity. He recorded in 26 catches for 528 yards and seven touchdowns during senior season in 2022. He posted career-high 46 grabs for 699 yards and eight touchdowns during junior season He finished career with 23 total touchdowns. He was named player of the game twice; first on Oct. 10, 2019 (3 catches, 105 yards vs. Leunzinger); second on Oct. 31, 2019 (2 catches for 74 yards and 1 TD vs. CVHS).
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Receptions: 4 at Akron, 2025
Yards: 79 at Akron
Long reception: 44 at Akron
JACKSON HOLMAN CAREER STATISTICS
REX JOHNSEN
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-5, 310,SENIOR LOGAN, IOWA (LOGAN-MAGNOLIA)
2025: Johnsen appeared in and started all 12 games for the Pokes. He has played in 32 career games for the Pokes. He helped a pair of running backs earn multiple 100-yard rushing games in Tote Harris and Sam Scott. The Pokes rushed for a season-high 212 yards against Colorado State in a 28-0 victory. UW had 426 yards in the season opener against Akron for a season best.
2024: Johnsen appeared in 10 games for the Pokes along the offensive line. He started five contests including the last three of the season. He Helped the Cowboys recorded 604 yards of total offense against New Mexico for the most since recording 604 yards on Nov. 20, 2021 at Utah State. Protected for the Poke in a contest passing for 342 yards for the most since passing for 366 yards in 2015.
2023: Johnsen participated in 10 of the 13 games, appearing in his firstcareer game against Texas Tech. The Pokes were 7-3 in games in which Johnsen played. He helped pave the way for Harrison Waylee to rush for more than 100 yards in four different games with the high-water mark of 191 yards against New Mexico. Johnsen helped Wyoming rank top-15 nationally in fourth-down conversion percentage at 66.7.
2022: Johnsen redshirted for the Cowboys during his first season with the program.
High School: Rex Johnsen is rated as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports. 247 Sports ranks Johnsen as the No. 15 overall recruit in the state of Iowa this season. Johnsen was named to the 2021 Des Moines Register All-State Class A First Team as an offensive lineman. He also was named First Team All-State Class A as an offensive lineman by the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association. Johnsen played offensive tackle and defensive end for Logan-Magnolia High. His senior season, Johnsen was credited with 34 tackles, including 22 solo tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. His junior season, he made 46 tackles, with 28 of them being solo tackles. He added 9.5 TFLs and 4.0 sacks as a junior. Johnsen helped lead Logan-Magnolia to a 9-2 record his senior season and the Quarterfinals of the 2021 Class A State Playoffs. Johnsen also competes for his high school wrestling team. His junior season, he placed second at the Iowa Class 1A State Wrestling Championships at 285 pounds, while his Logan-Magnolia High team finished third in the team standings. Johnsen played for head football coach Matt Straight. Johnsen was recruited by Iowa State, Nebraska and North Dakota State.
Personal: Majoring in Construction Management at UW.
REX JOHNSEN CAREER STATISTICS
Games Played: 32 (12 in 2025, 10 in 2024, 10 in 2023)
Games Started: 17 (12 in 2025, 5 in 2024)
BRAYLON JENKINS
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-4, 314, SOPHOMORE
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (VALLEY)
2025: Jenkins appeared in all 12 games and started the last six of the season for the Cowboys. He helped a pair of running backs earn multiple 100-yard rushing games in Tote Harris and Sam Scott. The Pokes rushed for a season-high 212 yards against Colorado State in a 28-0 victory. UW had 426 yards in the season opener against Akron for a season best. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
2024: He did not appear in any games for the Cowboys and redshirted in his first season with the program.
High School: Braylon Jenkins is rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com.
63
247Sports ranked Jenkins as the No. 18 overall recruit in the state of Iowa. He was ranked as the No. 19 overall recruit and the No. 5 best offensive lineman in the state of Iowa by the Des Moines Register following his senior season at Valley High. Jenkins was named to the 2023 Des Moines Register First Team Class 5A All-State Team. He helped lead Valley High to the semifinals of the Class 5A State Playoffs before losing by just three points to the eventual state champion Southeast Polk. He was also recruited by Air Force and MAC Champion Miami (Ohio).
Personal: Majoring in Psychology at UW.
BRAYLON JENKINS CAREER STATISTICS
DAVID LEONARD
CORNERBACK
5-11, 190, SOPHOMORE ST. LOUIS MO. (ST. MARY’S )
2025: Leonard appeared in nine games for the Cowboys. He finished the season with one assisted tackle coming against Northern Iowa.
2024: He did not appear in any games for the Cowboys and redshirted in his first season with the program.
High School: Leonard prepped at St. Mary’s High School in St. Louis, Mo. A talented quarterback and defensive back in high school. As quarterback, as a senior, he passed for over 1,200 yards and recorded seven touchdown passes. He also rushed for 390 yards on the season with four touchdowns. He rushed for over 100 yards against SLU High School. On defense, he recorded 45 tackles on the season playing both ways. He also added an interception. He recorded a season-high 10 tackles against Cape Girardeau Central.
Personal: Majoring in Business Economics at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Total Tackles: 1, vs. Northern Iowa, 2025
DAVID LEONARD CAREER STATISTICS
GIOVANNI PANOZZO
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-5, 308, SOPHOMORE ARVADA, COLO. (ARVADA WEST)
50
2025: Panozzo appeared in 11 games for the Cowboys in a reserve role along the offensive line. He helped a pair of running backs earn multiple 100-yard rushing games in Tote Harris and Sam Scott. The Pokes rushed for a season-high 212 yards against Colorado State in a 28-0 victory. UW had 426 yards in the season opener against Akron for a season best. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
2024: He did not appear in any games for the Cowboys and redshirted in his first season with the program.
High School: Giovanni Panozzo is ranked as a three-star recruit by On3.com. On3 also ranked Panozzo as the No. 15 overall recruit in the state of Colorado. He was named Second Team Class 5A All-State as selected by Colorado head coaches and presented by CHSAANow.com and MaxPreps. Class 5A is the largest classification in Colorado. Arvada West advanced to the first round of the 2023 Class 5A State Playoffs both his junior and senior seasons. Panozzo was selected a team captain on both his Arvada West football team and lacrosse team. He was also recruited by Colorado State.
Personal: He is majoring in Agricultural Business at UW.
GIOVANNI PANZOOZO CAREER STATISTICS
Games Played: 11 (11 in 2025)
Games Started: None
ERIC RICHARDSON
WIDE RECEIVER
5-11, 189, SENIOR
SAINT ROBERT, MO. (NORTHWEST MISSOURI ST.)
2025: Richardson appeared in all 12 games with seven starts at wide receiver. He finished the season with 10 receptions for 112 yards with one touchdown. He averaged 11.2 yards per reception for the season. He had a 41-yard touchdown reception against Colorado for a season long. He grabbed a season-high three reception twice doing so against San Jose State and Colorado State.
Before Wyoming: Richardson played running back and wide receiver in his time at Northwest Missouri State. In 2024, Richardson recorded 25 receptions for 411 yards and a team-high six touchdowns. Against Central Oklahoma, he recorded a career-high five receptions for a career-high 92 yards. He recorded four-straight games with a score. He had five games where his longest reception was 30 or more yards. In 2024 he recorded 13 rushes for 86 yards with a touchdown.
In high school, Richardson was a First Team All-Ozark Conference selection. He was an All-District performer as well and excelled in the classroom as an honor roll student.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Receptions: 3 vs. San Jose State, vs. Colorado State, 2025 Yards: 41 at Colorado
Long reception: 41 at Colorado
ERIC RICHARDSON CAREER STATISTICS
CALEB ROBINSON
NOSE TACKLE 6-2, 306, GRADUATE OMAHA, NEB. (BURKE)
2025: Robinson missed the entire season with an injury.
2024: Robinson missed the season with an injury from the prior spring.
2023: Robinson participated in 11 games. He made nine tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass break-up. Robinson enjoyed three games with multiple tackles, recording two against Texas Tech, at Boise State and at Nevada.
2022: Robinson appeared in 13 games for the cowboys with a pair of starts. He finished the season with 14 total tackles with seven solo stops and seven assisted tackles. He recorded a season-high three tackles against Fresno State and Utah State.
2021: Robinson was in the rotation for the Pokes’ interior defensive line. He played in 10 games with two starts on the season. He finished the season with 17 total tackles with 11 solo stops and six assisted tackles. He also added a tackle for loss. He recorded a career-high four tackles for the Cowboys against Colorado State. He added three tackles in contests against Air Force, Fresno State and Hawaii. He also recorded a tackle for loss against Hawaii.
2020: He appeared in two games for the Cowboys playing against New Mexico and UNLV. He recorded three tackles on the season with two against UNLV and adding one for the Cowboys against New Mexico. He was also credited with a half tackle for loss against UNLV.
High School: Caleb Robinson was one of the most talented defensive lineman in Nebraska. Robinson was a First team All-Metro selection, He was named a two-star recruit by Rivals. He helped lead Omaha Burke to a 9-2 record. He led Omaha Burke to a State Title as a junior. As a senior he led Omaha Burke to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs. He finished his senior season recording 34 total tackles. He also added 4.5 tackles for loss. For his career, Robinson added 82 career tackles in the middle of the Omaha Burke defense. He also added three sacks for his career and racked up an impressive 15 tackles for loss. He also received recruiting interest from South Dakota State and Nebraska.
Personal: He is majoring in Communications at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 3 (vs. Hawaii, 2021)
Assisted: 3 (vs. Colorado State, 2021)
Total tackles: 4 (vs. Colorado State, 2021)
CALEB ROBINSON CAREER STATISTICS
GARY RUTHERFORD
LINEBACKER 6-1, 234, SOPHOMORE PEORIA, ILL. (PEORIA)
2025: Rutherford appeared in all 12 games for the Cowboys. He finished the season with 15 total tackles with eight solo stops and seven assisted tackles. He also added a tackle for loss. He recorded a career-high three tackles against Northern Iowa. He added his tackle for loss against Fresno State.
2024: Rutherford appeared in four games for the Cowboys and maintained his redshirt for the Brown and Gold. He recorded one tackle with his stop coming against Colorado State.
High School: Gary Rutherford is rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. 247Sports also ranked Rutherford as the No. 55 overall recruit in the state of Illinois. Rutherford was named First Team All-State Class 5A in 2023 as a linebacker/wide receiver by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association (IHSFCA). He was also named to the Peoria Journal Star First Team All-Area squad as a linebacker and was selected to the Big 12 All-Conference First Team. He helped lead Peoria High to a 6-4 record and the First Round of the 2023 Class 5A State Playoffs. Rutherford was also recruited by Indiana, Toledo and Washington State.
Personal: He is undecided on a business major.
GARY RUTHERFORD CAREER STATISTICS
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Total tackles: 3 vs. Northern Iowa, 2025
Total Tackles For Loss: 1 at Fresno State, 2025
ERIK SANDVIK
KICKER 6-1, 195, JUNIOR
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLO. (STEAMBOAT SPRINGS)
2025: Sandvik started all 12 games for the Cowboys at kicker. He finished the season going 6-of-11 in field goals and was 6-of-9 inside 50 yards with a long of 41 yards. He hit his first career field goal from 25 yards against Akron. He hit a 41 yarder against Fresno State. He recorded a career-high two field goals against Colorado. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
2024: Sandvik did not appear in any games for the Cowboys backing up All-MW kicker John Hoyland.
2023: Sandvik redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: He is a graduate of Steamboat High School. He played both football and soccer.
Personal: He is majoring in Entrepreneurship at UW.
ISAAC SCHOENFELD
TIGHT END
6-5, 257, SENIOR ROCK SPRINGS, WYO. (ROCK SPRINGS)
2025: Schoenfeld appeared in all 12 games for the Cowboys. He grabbed one reception against UNLV for a career-high eight yards. He helped a pair of running backs earn multiple 100-yard rushing games in Tote Harris and Sam Scott. The Pokes rushed for a season-high 212 yards against Colorado State in a 28-0 victory. UW had 426 yards in the season opener against Akron for a season best.
2024: Schoenfeld appeared in all 12 games for the Cowboys at tight end and on special teams. He finished the season with one catch for seven yards with his reception coming in the season opener against Arizona State.
2023: Schoenfeld participated in all 13 games. He did not record any stats.
2022: Schoenfeld redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: Isaac Schoenfeld is ranked by 247 Sports as a three-star recruit and the No. 1 recruit in the state of Wyoming. He was named First Team All-State Class 4A as a tight end by the Wyoming Coaches Association both his junior and senior seasons and was a unanimous selection as a senior. Class 4A is the largest classification in Wyoming. He was named to the Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 team as a junior. The 2021 Super 25 team will be announced in late December. Schoenfeld’s senior season, he was utilized in multiple roles for the Rock Spring High team. He had 81 rushing attempts for 670 yards and scored six rushing touchdowns and caught 35 passes for 477 yards and eight receiving touchdowns. Schoenfeld accounted for 1,169 all-purpose yards. On defense, he was credited with 27 tackles, had 6.0 sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery and three pass breakups. Schoenfeld led Rock Springs High School to a 10-2 record and the 2021 State Championship game vs. Sheridan. He played for head coach Mark Lenhardt. Schoenfeld was also recruited by Montana State.
Personal: He is majoring in Criminal Justice at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Receptions: 1 at Arizona State, 2024, vs. UNLV, 2025
2025: Seeds appeared in 10 games adding great depth to the interior of the defensive line. He recorded one tackle on the season and also recorded an interception. It was the first interception by a defensive tackle since Cole Godbout in 2023.
2024: He did not appear in any games for the Cowboys and redshirted in his first season with the program.
High School: Seeds is an offensive lineman from Douglas, Wyoming. He attended Douglas High School. Seeds was a First-Team All-State selection. He was also named the 3A East Offensive Lineman of the Year. Also excelled in basketball.
Personal: He is majoring in Outdoor Rec/Tourism Management.
TEGEN SEEDS CAREER STATISTICS
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Total tackles: 1 vs. Northern Iowa, 2025
Interceptions: 1 at San Diego State, 2025
TYSON SHAMSID-DEEN
CORNERBACK/WIDE RECEIVER
5-11, 180, SOPHOMORE
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (SOUTHWEST)
2025: Shamsid-Deen appeared in 11 games in his true freshman season. He appeared on defense, offense and special teams. He recorded seven tackles on defense along with a pass breakup. He also recorded three receptions for six yards. He had a career-high two tackles against San Jose State and Nevada. He added a career-high two catches against Nevada.
High School: A standout at Southwest High School in San Antonio, Texas. He was named to play in the San Antonio Sports All-Star Game. Deen helped lead his team to a deep playoff run in the State of Texas. He finished his career with 274 career tackles with 98 during his senior season. Deen also added seven interceptions in his career and forced five fumbles. Also a standout on the offense with over 1,500 career rushing yards and 24 touchdowns.
TYSON SHAMSID-DEEN CAREER STATISTICS
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Total Tackles: 2 vs. San Jose State, 2025
Receptions: 2 vs. Nevada, 2025
Reception Yards: 3 vs. Nevada, 2025
LANDON SIMS
QUARTERBACK
6-3, 217, JUNIOR
EVERGREEN, ALA. (EAST CENTRAL CC)
2025: Sims appeared in five games for the Cowboys before missing the rest of the season with an injury. He finished the season 6-of-8 passing for 38 yards with one touchdown. He also rushed for 97 yards on 15 carries with a score. He earned a rushing touchdown for the Cowboys in the win over Colorado State. He threw for 23 passing yards against Northern Iowa and had a career-high 52 rushing yards at San Diego State, which included a career long 37-yard rush. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
Before Wyoming: Sims played at East Central Community College in Mississippi. Last season, Sims threw for 1,760 yards completing 59.7 percent of his passes. He threw for 232 yards with two touchdowns against Jones College. Sims added three passing touchdown and 190 yards against Hinds. He threw for 13 touchdowns on the season. He rushed for 269 yards during his time at ECCC along with three touchdowns.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Completions: 3 vs. Northern Iowa, 2025
Attempts: 3 vs. Northern Iowa, 2025
Long Completion: 10 vs Northern Iowa, 2025
Rushing Attempts: 5 vs. Colorado State, 2025
Touchdown Passes: 1 at San Diego State, 2025
LANDON SIMS CAREER STATISTICS
KEVIN SJOGREN
DEFENSIVE END 6-5, 251, SENIOR PALISADE, COLO. (PALISADE)
2025: Sjogren appeared in all 12 games for the Cowboys. He finished the season with four total tackles and one tackle for loss. He recorded his tackle for loss against UNLV. He had two solo stops and two assisted tackles. He had a season-high two tackles against UNLV. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
2024: Sjogren did not appear in any contests for the Brown and Gold missing the season with injury.
2023: Sjogren participated in a pair of games against New Mexico and Hawaii. He made three total tackles, all against the Lobos, and that included his first-career tackle.
2022: Sjogren appeared in four games for the Cowboys in a reserve role. He did not record any stats during the season. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.
High School: Kevin Sjogren played both tight end and linebacker for Palisade High School in Palisade, Colo. Sjogren earned First Team AllState Class 3A honors as a junior in 2020 as selected by the Colorado High School Football Coaches and presented by the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA), Colorado Preps and MaxPreps. His senior season of 2021, he recorded 161 tackles, including 70 solo tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1.0 tackle for loss, four quarterback hurries, one interception, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles. On offense, he had seven catches for 104 yards and one receiving touchdown as a senior. For his career, he totalled 279 total tackles, 132 solo tackles, five interceptions, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and averaged 8.2 tackles per game. He helped lead Palisade to a 9-3 overall record and the Quarterfinals of the 2021 Colorado Class 3A State Championships. He played for head coach Joe Ramunno at Palisade High. Ramunno is a former Wyoming Cowboy offensive lineman who earned All-WAC honors and Honorable Mention All-America honors in 1983 and ‘84 and went on to be inducted into the UW Athletics Hall of Fame.
KEVIN SJOGREN CAREER STATISTICS
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Total tackles: 3 vs. New Mexico, 2023
Total Tackles for Loss: 1 vs. UNLV, 2023
ETHAN STUHLSATZ
LINEBACKER
6-4, 239, GRADUATE WICHITA, KAN. (LINDENWOOD)
2025: Stuhlsatz appeared in all 12 games and made one start. He finished the season with 41 tackles to go along with 1.5 tackles for loss and one pass breakup. He had 20 solo stops and 21 assisted tackles. He recorded a season-high 10 tackle for the Pokes at San Diego State. He added seven tackles in the finale against Hawai’i. He finished with 24 tackles in the final four games of the season. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
Before Wyoming: Stuhlsatz appeared in two games in 2024 but recorded 20 tackles with nine against Kansas and 11 against Central Arkansas. In 2023, He earned Second Team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors with a team-high 70 tackles. He ranked fifth in the conference in tackles. He also forced two fumbles and had four games of 10 or more tackles. He had a career-high 12 tackles in 2023 against Illinois State.
He went to Lindenwood after playing at Butler Community College. He led Butler to a top-10 ranking and had five tackles in their bowl game. He also had a career-high seven tackles against Ellsworth Community College.
He attended Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School and earned First Team All-State honors. He was also an Honorable Mention All-State honoree in basketball. He was selected to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl in 2021.
ETHAN STUHLSATZ CAREER STATISTICS
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Total tackles: 10 at San Diego State, 2025
Total Tackles for Loss: 1 at Hawai’i, 2025
JONES THOMAS
SAFETY
6-2, 202, JUNIOR FORT COLLINS, COLO. (POUDRE)
2025: Thomas appeared in and started 11 games for the Cowboys. He is the Cowboys’ leading returning tackler from 2025 with 57. He also tied for the team lead with two interceptions and added four pass breakups. He recorded an interception for a touchdown against Hawai’i. He had a career-high 12 tackles for the Pokes at Fresno State. He also tied a career-high with seven solo stops, as he also had seven against Air Force. He added eight tackles against Utah and against UNLV. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
2024: Thomas appeared in nine games and provided depth at safety and was a key special teams member. He finished the season with four tackles coming in contests against Idaho, North Texas, San Jose State and Washington State. Also excels in the classroom being named Academic All-Mountain West team.
2023: Thomas did not appear in any games and redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: Jones Thomas was named an Honorable Mention Colorado All-State Class 5A selection in 2022 as a safety and wide receiver. The All-State team is presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps. Class 5A is the largest classification in the state. Thomas was named the Front Range League Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. He also earned Honorable Mention Academic All-State honors. In 2022, Thomas was credited with an amazing 114 tackles from his safety position. He intercepted four passes for 79 yards and returned one for a touchdown. Thomas also recovered two fumbles. As a wide receiver, he caught 44 passes for 578 yards and scored seven receiving TDs. He added 64 rushing yards, 120 kickoff return yards, 50 yards in punt returns and 79 yards on interceptions for 891 all-purpose yards. Thomas scored 10 total TDs in the ‘22 season -- seven receiving, one rushing, one on an interception return and one on a fumble recovery. Over his high school career, he totalled 200 total tackles and averaged 9.5 tackles per game in 21 games. He helped lead Poudre to a 7-4 record as a senior and the first round of the Colorado Class 5A State Playoffs. He had 17 tackles for the Impalas in the first round playoff game vs. Legend High School. An outstanding track and field athlete, he placed fifth in the 300-meter hurdles at the 2022 Colorado Class 5A State Championships. He was also part of Poudre’s fourth-place 4 x 400 meter relay team at the ‘22 State Championships and the Impalas’ fifth-place 4 x 200 meter relay team. Thomas played for head football coach Eric Tonkin at Poudre High.
Personal: He is majoring in Communications at UW
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Total tackles: 12 at Fresno State, 2025
Total Tackles for Loss: 1 vs. UNLV, 2025
Interceptions: 1 vs Colorado State, at Hawai’i, 2025
2025: Williams played in 11 games with three starts during the 2025 season. He recorded 24 tackles for the season with a career-high three tackles for loss. He had 13 solo stops and 11 assisted tackles. He had a career-high 1.5 tackles for loss against San Jose State. He recorded four tackles twice on the season in back-to-back games against San Jose State and Air Force. He added three tackles three other times on the season. He had three tackles and a tackle for loss against Nevada.
2024: Williams appeared in all 12 games with one start. He recorded 28 total tackles with 14 solo stops and 14 assisted tackles. He also added 1.5 tackles for loss. Williams recorded a career-high seven tackles at Colorado State. He had five assisted stops in that contest. He had He recorded four tackles against Arizona State with a tackle for loss. Williams had three tackles in four other games during the season. He also recorded a 17-yard rush on a fake punt in the win over San Diego State.
2023: Williams redshirted during the 2023 season, his first season with the program.
High School: Jayden WIlliams earned Second Team All-District honors as a defensive lineman his senior season of 2022. His senior season, Williams was credited with 78 total tackles, including 11.5 sacks, 5.0 tackles for loss,one fumble recovery and one pass breakup. An outstanding athlete, Williams began his high school career as a linebacker before switching to the defensive line where he was voted a team captain. A three-sport standout, Williams also competes for the Rudder High wrestling team and he throws the shot put and discus on the track and field team in the spring. In the winter of 2022, Williams placed fourth in the heavyweight division at the Region 3-5A regional tournament and advanced to the Class 5A state championships. He played for head football coach Eric Ezar at Rudder High School. Williams was also recruited by UTEP and Washington State.
Personal: He is undecided on a major at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
JAYDEN WILLIAMS CAREER STATISTICS
Total Tackles: 7 at Colorado State, 2024 Tackle for Loss: 1.5 vs. San Jose State, 2025
JAKE WILSON
TIGHT END 6-5, 242, SENIOR MONTGOMERY, TEXAS (MONTGOMERY)
2025: Wilson missed the entire season with an injury.
2024: Wilson appeared in four games for the Brown and Gold at tight end and running back. He recorded one rush on the season. He maintained his redshirt status for the Pokes.
High School: Jake Wilson is rated as a three-star recruit by On3.com. Wilson was named First Team All-District 6A Division 2 as a senior, playing a combination of tight end and wide receiver. He also earned First Team Academic All-State honors from the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) as a senior in addition to earning Academic All-District honors. Wilson caught 32 passes for 465 yards and scored four receiving touchdowns in 2023. He was also utilized as a kickoff returner, with 17 returns for 293 yards. Wilson was recruited by Air Force, Army, Navy, Texas Tech and Ivy League schools Dartmouth, Harvard and Princeton.
Personal: He is a Petroleum Engineering at UW.
KEELAN ANDERSON KICKER
5-10, 166, SOPHOMORE CHEYENNE, WYO. (SOUTH)
99
2025: Anderson appeared in three games for the Cowboys. He missed a field goal of 50+ yards in his only attempt and recorded two kickoffs for the season, which were both touchbacks.
2024: Anderson did not appear in any games for the Cowboys, as he redshirted during his first season with the program. High School: Anderson is a placekicker from Cheyenne South High School. He attended Cheyenne South High School. Anderson connected on a Wyoming High School state record 61-yard field goal during the 2023 season, which the previous record was 57 yards in 1982. He also hit a 57-yard field goal and a 53-yarder last season. He was a unanimous First-Team All-State selection.
Personal: Majoring in communications at Wyoming
ELVIN AMPOFO
SAFETY
6-0, 182, R-FRESHMAN AURORA, COLO. (EAGLECREST)
13
2025: Ampofo redshirted during his first season with the program.
Before Wyoming: He was named as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com and was the No. 15 prospect in the State of Colorado. During his senior season went on to record 90 total tackles with 51 solo stops and 39 assisted tackles. He averaged 8.2 tackles per game. He also added four interceptions per game. He finished his high school career with 164 total tackles. He was named a top-25 recruit in the State of Colorado by the Coloradoan. He was an AllConference and All-State selection. He was also recruited by North Dakota State.
2025: Brook redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: He was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. He finished his career with 150 total tackles and 10 tackles for loss. As a senior, Brook recorded 34 tackles with 25 solo stops. He also added five tackles for loss. He finished his senior season with 10 sacks. Also grabbed 12 catches for 285 yards with five touchdowns on offense. He is a multiple time All-conference and All-State selection. Also excels in basketball. He was named a top-25 recruit in the State of Colorado by the Coloradoan. He was also recruited by Washington State and Colorado State.
GAGE BROOK
TIGHT END
6-4, 240, JUNIOR FORT COLLINS, COLO. (ROCKY MOUNTAIN)
15
2025: Brook did not appear in any games for the Cowboys. He moved to tight end following the season.
2024: Brook did not appear in any games for the Cowboys but added depth to the quarterback room.
2023: Brook redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: Gage Brook comes to Wyoming after an outstanding high school career at Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins, Colo. Brook was injured much of his senior season, suffering a broken ankle in the second game of the 2022 season, but he came back to play in the postseason and lead Rocky Mountain to an upset win in the first round of the 2022 Colorado Class 5A State Playoffs -- the largest classification in Colorado. Rocky entered the state playoffs seeded No. 20 in Class 5A and defeated No. 13 seeded Mountain Vista by a score of 20-13. Brook sparked the Lobos offensive attack when he completed a touchdown pass early in the game to give Rocky Mountain a 6-0 lead on way to their playoff victory. The Lobos season came to an end in the second round, losing to No. 4 seed Grandview, 20-0. His junior season, Brook completed 91 of 163 passes (.558) for 1,693 yards and 13 touchdowns in eight games. As a sophomore, he completed 62 of 125 passes for 914 yards and seven TDs in seven games. For his high school career, Brook completed 178 of 332 passes (.536) for 2,817 yards and 21 touchdowns and accounted for 3,054 yards of total offense in 17 career games. He played for his father, Mark Brook, who was head coach at Rocky Mountain High School.
DONTAE BURCH
RUNNING BACK
5-7,
190,
SOPHOMORE KANSAS CITY, MO. (CHRIST PREP ACADEMY)
27
2025: Burch did not appear in any games for the Cowboys.
2024: Burch redshirted during his first season with the program.
Before UW: Dontae Burch is ranked by On3.com as a three-star recruit. His senior season, he accounted for 1,683 yards, averaged 140.25 yards per game, averaged 8.23 yards per carry and scored 24 total touchdowns without fumbling once. He was also an outstanding receiver out of the backfield. He helped lead Christ Preparatory Academy to a 9-3 record and the 2023 National Home School Football Association National Tournament. Christ Preparatory entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed in Division I. They advanced to the National Championship Game in Panama City Beach, Fla., by defeating No. 3 seed Oklahoma City in the semifinals. The Patriots finished as the national runner-up after losing to Tomball Christian of Tomball, Texas in the Championship Game. Burch was named an NHFA All-Star his senior season. He also attended the Six Star Football Midwest Showcase in December of 2023.
Personal: He is undeclared on a major at UW.
CODY CRAWFORD
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
6-1, 295, JUNIOR CASPER, WYO. (NATRONA COUNTY)
2025: Crawford appeared in two games for the Pokes and missed the rest of the season with an injury. He recorded an assisted tackle against Air Force and Northern Iowa. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
2024: Crawford did not appear in any games for the Brown and Gold.
2023: Crawford redshirted during the 2023 season, his first season with the program.
2025: Bush appeared in one game and maintained his redshirt status. He played for the Pokes against Nevada.
High School: He was a standout at Whitehouse High School playing all across the offensive line. He recorded 32 pancake blocks in his career. He was named Firt Team AllDistrict 7-5A. Helped lead his team to the state playoffs as a senior. He went to same high school as Kansas City Chief quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He also recruited by Boston College and Tulsa.
High School: Cody Crawford was named to the 2022 Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 team. Crawford was a First Team Class 4A All-State selection as both an offensive lineman and defensive lineman by the Wyoming Coaches Association in 2022. He was also the Unanimous selection as the Class 4A All-State Lineman of the Year. Crawford was a First Team Class 4A West All-Conference honoree as both an offensive lineman and defensive lineman in 2022, and was named the Class 4A West Lineman of the Year. He was credited with 54 total tackles as a senior, including 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, two pass breakups and one safety. Crawford was part of a Natrona County defense that led Class 4A in total defense in 2022, allowing opponents only 238 yards per game. The Mustangs also led Class 4A in rushing defense in 2022, holding opponents to only 82 rushing yards per game. He played for head football coach Steve Harshman at Natrona County High School.
Personal: Majoring in psychology at Wyoming.
JADEN DACOSTA
SAFETY
6-0, 203, JUNIOR LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (PORTLAND STATE)
22
2025: DaCosta Appeared in all 12 games for the Cowboys. He played a key role on special teams and finished the season with three tackles. He earned a blocked punt against Northern Iowa. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
Before Wyoming: DaCosta recorded 36 total tackles in 2024 with 22 solo stops and 14 assisted tackles. He also added a forced fumble. He recorded four total tackles as a freshman. He recorded six tackles and forced a fumble against Boise State in 2024. He had a career-high eight tackles against Sacramento State. He also added seven tackles against Montana and added a pass breakup.
He was rated as a three-star commit coming out of high school at Inglewood High School. He was lettered in both football and track and field. He was the Ventura County jumps champion. He was a four-time scholar athlete in high school.
KYLE FRENDT
TIGHT END
6-5, 236, SOPHOMORE WOODBURY, MINN. (EAST RIDGE)
83
2025: Frendt appeared in nine games for the Cowboys during his true freshman season. He recorded two receptions for 25 yards. He has one reception for 12 yards against Air Force and one for 13 yards in the season finale. He helped a pair of running backs earn multiple 100-yard rushing games in Tote Harris and Sam Scott. The Pokes rushed for a season-high 212 yards against Colorado State in a 28-0 victory. UW had 426 yards in the season opener against Akron for a season best. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
High School: He is a three-star recruit according to 247Sports. com. He was ranked as the ninth-best recruit in the State of Minnesota. He recorded 1,695 offensive yards in his career with 12 touchdowns. He recorded 1,524 yards receiving with nine scores. He averaged 14.9 yards per catch for his career. Also played defense recording 73 total tackles with four interceptions. He was named to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune Dream Team. He was also recruited by Iowa State, Kent State, Ball State and North Dakota State. 73
CALEB HALL
OFFENIVE LINE
6-5, 305, SOPHOMORE CARMICHAEL, CALIF. (JESUIT)
2025: Hall appeared in seven games in a reserve role for the Cowboys. He helped a pair of running backs earn multiple 100-yard rushing games in Tote Harris and Sam Scott. The Pokes rushed for a season-high 212 yards against Colorado State in a 28-0 victory. UW had 426 yards in the season opener against Akron for a season best. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
2024: Hall did not appear in any games for the Cowboys and redshirted in his first season with the program.
High School: Hall preps at Jesuit High School in Carmichael, Calif. He is a three-star recruit accord to 247Sports.com.. He was a First Team All-Delta League honoree. He led an offensive line that helped clear the way for 2,633 yards. His father played at Notre Dame. He was also recruited by Nevada and San Diego.
Personal: Majoring in Construction Management at UW.
NICO HAMILTON
RUNNING BACK
5-10, 207, SOPHOMORE AUSTIN, TEXAS (LAKE TRAVIS)
2025: Hamilton appeared in one game for the Pokes during the season. He did not record any statistics.
2024: Hamilton appeared in one game for the Cowboys and redshirted in his first season with the program.
High School: Hamilton preps at Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas. It is the same high school as Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets and Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Bucs. As senior, Hamilton rushed for over 1,200 yards and averaged 6.6 yards per carry. He also had nine catches for 53 yards. He finished the season with nine touchdowns on the ground as a senior. Hamilton rushed for four scores in a game during the 6A State Playoffs For his career, Hamilton rushed for 3,345 yards with 29 touchdowns. He was also recruited by Air Force and a host of Ivy League schools.
Personal: Undecided on major at UW.
TYLER HAMPTON
TIGHT END 6-4, 246, SENIOR HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. (GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE)
44
2025: Hampton did not appear in any games for the Cowboys during the season.
2024: Hampton did not appear in any games for the Cowboys. He added depth to a talented tight end room.
Before Wyoming: Hampton played at Golden West College a junior college program in Huntington Beach, California. Last season, he recorded 12 catches for 160 yards with one touchdown. His longest reception was 45 yards. He is a graduate of Edison High School in Huntington Beach. He was rated as a three-star recruit our of high school by 247Sports.
Personal: Majoring in Communication and Sociology at UW.
JASON HANDY
DEFENSIVE END
6-4, 240, R-FRESHMAN CEDAR PARK, TEXAS (VISTA RIDGE)
47
2025: Handy redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: Handy played at Vista Ridge Hgh School. He earned Austin Sports Journal All-Metro team his senior season and was District 25 6A’s Defensive MVP. He recorded 44 tackles in two seasons with 26 as a senior and 18 as a junior. He also finished his career with 13 sacks. He had 10 as a senior and also recorded 30 hurries in his final season. In 2023, Handy recorded three pass breakups and forced
CHARLIE HOUSTON
LONG SNAPPER
5-10, 212, R-FRESHMAN ROWLETT, TEXAS (GARLAND)
45
2025: Houston redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: Houston played at Garland High School. He is one of the top long snappers in the nation earning a fivestar rating from Kohl’s Professional Camps. He was rated as the No. 18 long snapper in the nation. At the 2024 Kohl’s Winter Texas Showcase, he finished with the highest overall charting score in the country for the 2025 class. Houston not only had the highest charting score in his class but also had an average snap time of .73 seconds.
ALEX HASWELL
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
6-5, 294, SOPHOMORE SHERIDAN, WYO. (SHERIDAN)
97
2025: Haswell did not appear in any games for the Cowboys during the 2025 season. He missed time with an injury.
2024: He did not appear in any games for the Cowboys and redshirted in his first season with the program.
High School: Alex Haswell was a unanimous selection as the 2023 Wyoming Class 4A Lineman of the Year in voting by members of the Wyoming Coaches Association. He led his Sheridan High team to its third consecutive 4A State Championship in 2023. He was a unanimous selection to the 2023 Class 4A All-State First Team as both an offensive lineman and defensive lineman in voting by the Wyoming Coaches Association. As a senior, Haswell recorded 34 tackles, including 7.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack from his defensive end position. As a junior, he was a unanimous First Team selection as a defensive end on the 2022 Class 4A All-State Team and was a Second Team selection on offense. His junior season, he was named to the 2022 Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 team in January of 2023. The 2023 Super 25 Team has not yet been released.
Personal: Majoring in Construction Management at UW.
BJ INMON
CORNERBACK
5-11, 191, JUNIOR LAS VEGAS, NEV. (SNOW COLLEGE)
2025: Inmon appeared in four games and did not record any stats.
Before Wyoming: He was a standout at Snow College in Utah. He added 14 tackles this season with two interceptions. He is also an outstanding kick returner for the Badgers with one returned for a touchdown this season. Also leads the team with seven pass breakups. He helped lead Snow College to a top-five ranking in the junior college polls. He redshirted during his first season at Snow College.
DREW JACKSON
SAFETY
5-11, 185, SOPHOMORE CHEYENNE, WYO. (EAST)
24
2025: Jackson did not appear in any games for the Cowboys.
2024: He did not appear in any games for the Cowboys and redshirted in his first season with the program.
High School: Jackson is a defensive back from Cheyenne, Wyoming. He attended Cheyenne East High School. Jackson was an All-State selection for the Thunderbirds. He also earned All-Conference honors for East High School. Jackson is a multi-sport athlete, also competing in basketball and track.
Personal: Majoring in Finance at UW.
PIERRE JACKSON
WIDE RECEIVER
5-11, 170, R-FRESHMAN CHICAGO, ILL. (MORGAN PARK)
13
2025: Jackson appeared in one game and redshirted during his first season with the program.
Before Wyoming: He went to the same high school as former Cowboy Chris Durr Jr. as the two are cousins. As a senior, Jackson grabbed 32 catches for 647 yards with 10 touchdowns. As a junior, Jackson recorded over 200 yards receiving and added a touchdown in Georgia. He was also an excellent kick returner averaging 36.3 yards per return during his senior season. He helped lead his team to a 10-2 overall record.
KALVIN JANSSEN
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-3, 302, R-FRESHMAN GRETNA, NEB. (GRETNA)
55
2025: Janssen redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: He was named a three-star recruit by On3.com and was ranked as the No. 15 recruit in the State of Nebraska by the website. An excellent athlete that also excelled on the basketball court and baseball field for Gretna High School. He earned multiple All-Conference and All-State honors. He was also recruited by Colorado State, Army, Navy, Coastal Carolina and Northern Illinois.
2025: Kimble-Turner redshirted during his first season with the program. He appeared in one game for the Cowboys against Nevada.
High School: He was ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. He was listed as the fourth-best player in the State of Idaho. He earned All-Conference honors. He recorded 24 tackles with an interception, a sack and three pass breakups last season. Also recorded five touchdowns on offense. He was also recruited by Nevada, New Mexico, Army, Idaho and Eastern Washington.
JADEN LAWRENCE
RUNNING BACK
5-10, 202, SOPHOMORE PARKER, COLO. (LEGEND)
20
2025: Lawrence redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: He was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. He was ranked as the No. 14 recruit in the State off Colorado. In his career at Legend High School, Lawrence rushed for 2,801 yards with 37 touchdowns. He had 12 games of 100 or more yards in his career. He rushed for 955 yards a senior and had 1,403 yards as a junior. He also recorded over 1,000 yards receiving in his career with 14 touchdowns and five as a senior. He was also recruited by Air Force.
TARIQ MILLER
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-3, 295, R-FRESHMAN LEON, IOWA (CENTRAL DECATUR)
74
2025: Miller redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: He was named a three-star recruit by 247Sports. com. He was named the No. 13 recruit in the State of Iowa. Miller was also named a three-star recruit from On3.com. He was a unanimous All-District pick. Also a standout on the basketball floor playing forward. He was also recruited by Montana, Northern Iowa and Southern Illinois.
PARKER MOORE
LINEBACKER
6-2, 240, R-FRESHMAN LAWRENCE, KAN.. (FREE STATE)
COOPER LAWWSON
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-4, 299, R-FRESHMAN AFTON, WYO. (STAR VALLEY)
75
2025: Lawson redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: He was named a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com and ranked as the third-best recruit in the State of Wyoming. He led Star Valley to a state title as a senior and finished his career with three-straight state titles. He was an All-State selection and Named to the Casper Star-Tribune Super 25. He was named All-Conference and Lineman of the Year. Also a standout on the basketball court for Star Valley.
33
2025: Moore appeared in four games and maintained his redshirt status. He did not record any statistics during the season.
High School: He was named a three-star recruit by 247Sports. com and was named the No. 22 ranked player in the State of Kansas. He was also named a three-star recruit by On3. com. He earned All-State honors. As a senior, Moore had 73 tackles and 14 tackles for loss with five sacks. He also
ELTOUM MURGUS
DEFENSIVE END
6-3, 223, SOPHOMORE KANSAS CITY, MO. (NORTH KANSAS CITY)
39
2025: Murgus did not appear in any games for the Cowboys during the season.
2024: He did not appear in any games for the Cowboys and redshirted in his first season with the program.
High School: Eltoum Murgus is rated as a three-star recruit by both 247Sports.com and On3.com. On.3 ranked Murgus as the No. 13 best recruit in the state of Missouri in the 2024 recruiting class. Murgus helped lead North Kansas City to the first round of the Missouri Class 5 State Playoffs. He was also recruited by Ball State, Eastern Michigan, Kent State and Toledo.
LAFAI PURCELL
SAFETY
5-11, 185, JUNIOR FREDERICK, COLO. (FREDERICK)
20
2025: Purcell did not appear in any games for the Cowboys during the season.
2024: Purcell did not appear in any games for the Cowboys but provided depth for the Brown and Gold.
2023: Purcell did not appear in any games in 2023 and redshirted for the Brown and Gold.
High School: Purcell is a graduate of Frederick High School. Competed in football and track. Purcell recorded 75 career tackles at cornerback during his high school career. He was an Honor Roll Student and member of Student Council.
TYLER NYSTROM
WIDE RECEIVER
6-2, 195, SOPHOMORE ARDEN HILLS, MINN. (MOUNDS VIEW)
23
2025: Nystrom appeared in two games for the Cowboys. He did not record any statistics during the season. He was an Academic All-MW selection.
2024: He did not appear in any games for the Cowboys and redshirted in his first season with the program.
High School: Nystrom is a wide receiver from Arden Hills, Minnesota. He attended Mounds View High School. He was a two-star athlete according to 247Sports.com and the No. 26 recruit in the State of Minnesota. He was also named a two-star recruit by On3.com. He’s also a two-time All-Conference honoree.
Personal: Majoring in Marketing at UW.
LANDON PACE
TIGHT END
6-3, 247, R-FRESHMAN ST. LOUIS, MO. (SLU HS)
88
2025: Pace redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: He is rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports. com, On3.com and Rivals.com. He is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Orlando Pace, who spent 13 seasons in the NFL and was a First Overall Pick of the 1997 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He was named All-Conference on both sides of the Ball or SLU High Football. Pace was ranked No. 14 on the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Top-30 recruiting board. He also received interest from Ohio State, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Memphis and Missouri.
STEVEN PEREZ LINEBACKER
6-1, 230, R-FRESHMAN
WILMINGTON, CALIF. (BANNING)
34
2025: Perez appeared in one game and maintained his redshirt status. He recorded one tackle with it coming against San Jose State.
High School: He was named a three-star recruit by 247Sports. com. He recorded 356 total tackles in his career with 198 solo stops and 158 assisted tackles. His senior season, Perez recorded 107 tackles averaging 10.7 per game. and added six tackles for loss. He also finished his high school career with nine interceptions. He rushed for 769 yards as a senior with 12 touchdowns. He also added 96 receptions in his career for 1,626 yards. He was an All-Conference and AllCounty selection.
SPENCER RATHBUN
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-4, 272, SOPHOMORE DENVER, COLO. (ROCK CANYON)
62
2025: Rathbun did not appear in any games during the 2025 season.
2024: He did not appear in any games for the Cowboys and redshirted in his first season with the program.
High School: Rathbun is an offensive lineman from Denver, Colorado. He attended Rock Canyon High School. Rathbun was a Second-Team All-State selection. He was also a unanimous First-Team All-Conference honoree.
Personal: Majoring in Management at UW. He is the son of former Cowboy Rob Rathbun, who played for the Cowboys in the late 90’s.
BRANDT RICE
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-5, 306, JUNIOR WAUSAU, WISC. (WEST)
64
2025: Rice did not appear in any games for the Cowboys during the 2025 season.
2024: Rice appeared in one game for the Cowboys and added depth along the offensive line.
JOSIAH PETAIA
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-3, 311, JUNIOR LONG BEACH, CALIF.. (LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE)
77
2025: Petaia appeared in one game for Cowboys in 2025. It was his first season with the program, as he played against Colorado.
Before Wyoming: Petaia started all 11 games for Long Beach City College. He earned First Team All-Conference honors. Helped anchor an offensive line that saw a passing attack that nearly averaged 300 yards per game blocking for an AllConference quarterback and running back. An outstanding athlete, Petaia was also a standout volleyball player.
2023: Rice redshirted during the 2023 season, his first year with the program.
High School: Brandt Rice is rated as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports, which also ranks him as the No. 5 overall recruit in the state of Wisconsin in the 2023 recruiting class. He was named High Honorable Mention All-State by the Associated Press in 2022, and was named All-Region 1 for Large Schools in the state of Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association. He helped lead Wausau West High to a 9-2 record in 2022 and the second round of the Wisconsin Division 1 Playoffs. Division 1 is the largest classification in Wisconsin. Rice played for head football coaches Jason Foster and Matthew Johnson during his high school career. Rice was also recruited by Air Force, Army, Columbia, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Ohio, San Jose State and Western Michigan.
HENRY REHBERG
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
6-2, 283, R-FRESHMAN OMAHA, NEB. (MILLARD
NORTH)
96
2025: Rehberg redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: He was named a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com He was named the 14th best player in the State of Nebraska. He was also named a three-star recruit by On3.com. As a senior, he recorded 47 tackles with nine tackles for loss and seven sacks. He recorded 15 sacks in his high school career and added 22.5 tackles for loss. He earned Class A All-State honors. He was also recruited by North Dakota State, Montana, North Dakota.
JOAQUIN SANDOVAL
WIDE RECEIVER
5-10, 191, SOPHOMORE
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLO. (GLENWOOD SPRINGS)
16
2025: Sandoval did not appear in any games for the Cowboys. He moved to wide receiver in the spring of 2026.
2024: He did not appear in any games for the Cowboys and redshirted in his first season with the program.
High School: Sandoval is a defensive back from Glenwood Springs, Colorado. He attended Glenwood Springs High School. Sandoval was a Second-Team All-State selection. He was also a First-Team All-Conference honoree. He recorded 4,874 total yards with 59 touchdowns. He also excelled defensively with over 101 tackles and four interceptions.
JORDAN TURNBULL
DEFENSIVE END
6-5, 254, JUNIOR EVERGREEN, COLO. (EVERGREEN)
58
2025: Turnbull missed the 2025 season with an injury.
2024: Turnbull did not appear in any games for the Cowboys but provided depth on the defensive line.
2023: Turnbull redshirted during the 2023 season, his first year with the program.
High School: Jordan Turnbull was credited with 59 total tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, one interception, one pass breakup and one blocked field goal his senior season. He helped lead Evergreen High to a 9-3 record and the quarterfinals of the 2022 Class 3A Colorado State Playoffs before losing to eventual state champion Roosevelt. Turnbull was a multi-sport athlete at Evergreen High School, playing football, basketball and participating in track and field. Turnbull played for head football coach Matt Van Praag at Evergreen High.
Personal: He is majoring in Management at UW.
KE ’ LYN WASHOM
WIDE RECEIVER
6-1, 204, R-FRESHMAN HOUSTON, TEXAS (NIMITZ)
2025: Washom redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: He was a standout at Nimitz High School in both Football and Basketball. He had an outstanding junior season with 40 receptions for 534 yards with 10 touchdowns. He was also recruited by UNLV, Washington among others.
NIKOS VARELAS
RUNNING BACK
5-10, 194, JUNIOR SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (CLARK)
2025: Varelas appeared in seven games for the Pokes on special teams. He finished the season with one tackle coming against San Diego State. He was an Academic AllMW selection.
2024: Varelas did not appear in any contests for the Brown and Gold.
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING 2026 FOOTBALL SIGNEES
Transfer Signees
2 Anthony Beavers LB 6-2
235 Sr. Baldwin Hills, Calif. (USC)
Beavers comes to Wyoming after spending four seasons at USC. He recorded 48 tackles in his career with 1.5 tackles for loss appearing in 37 games with six starts. He missed last season with an injury but was a candidate for the 2025 Allstate Goodworks Team and the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. In 2024, Beavers played in 13 games with five starts at nickelback. He recorded 18 tackles for the season with a season-high six at Minnesota. He also recorded 18 tackles in 2023. In 2022, as a redshirt freshman Beavers added 12 tackles.
18 Da’Marion Brownlee S 6-1
206 Jr. Dallas, Texas (Missouri Southern)
Brownlee comes to Wyoming after two seasons at Missouri Southern, an NCAA Division II school and member of the MIAA. He played in 12 games last season recording 49 total tackles with 37 solo stops and 12 assisted tackles. He also added 3.5 tackles for loss and broke up six passes. He recorded six tackles twice during the season for a career-high.
Butts comes to Wyoming after playing at Garden City Community College. He was listed as the No.15 linebacker in the recruiting class for junior college players by 247Sports.com. At Garden City this past season, Butts recorded 66 tackles to go along with one sack and one interception. He averaged six tackles per game on the season. He earned Jayhawk Conference All-League honors last season.
49 Nathan Curry LS 6-0
196 Sr. Murfreesboro, Tenn. (North Alabama)
Curry comes to Wyoming after spending the last three seasons at North Alabama. He has appeared in 35 career games at long snapper and has recorded six career tackles.
52 Chandler Donaway OL 6-1
307 Sr. Klein, Texas (East Texas A&M)
Donaway comes to Wyoming after spending time at East Texas A&M University. He appeared in 27 games in his career with 21 starts playing over 1,400 career snaps.
21 Jack Dunkley DE 6-4
250 Sr. Penndel, Pa. (Duquesne)
Dunkley comes to Wyoming after spending three seasons at Duquesne University. He was an All-NEC selection for the Dukes. He has appeared in 28 games in his career with 66 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks. He has also forced five fumbles in his career. This past season, he recorded 34 tackles with 9.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He recorded 27 tackles with 12.4 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in 2024.
2 Travis Franklin, Jr. S 5-11 186 Sr. Riveradle, Ga. (Jacksonville State)
Franklin Jr. comes to Wyoming after spending three seasons at Jacksonville State University. He has appeared in 37 career games and has recorded 51 career tackles. In 2025, he added a career-high 25 tackles along with three pass breakups and a forced fumble. in 2024, he added 19 total tackles and an interception. He has broken up six total passes in his career.
51 Thaddeus Gianaris DE 6-2 244 Sr. Park Ridge, Ill. (Dartmouth)
Gianaris played the last four seasons at Dartmouth College of the Ivy League. He was named All-Ivy League last season. He recorded 44 tackles last season along with nine tackles for loss and five sacks. In his career, he has recorded 14 tackles for loss along with nine sacks. He has broken up four passes and has 76 total tackles.
Holman comes to Wyoming after spending last season at Western Illinois. He was the Ohio Valley Conference rushing champion last season and earned All-OVC-Big South honors. He appeared in 12 games and rushed for 1,063 yards and had five games rushing for at least 100 yards. He also caught 39 passes for 314 yards. He recorded nine total touchdowns in 2025 with the Leathernecks. Prior to WIU, Holman was at Saint Francis University, as he rushed or 340 yards in ten games with two rushing touchdowns.
Hughes comes to Wyoming after spending four seasons at William & Mary. He earned Third Team All-CAA honors. He was the first quarterback in school history to pass for over 2,000 yards and rush for over 600. In 2025, Hughes threw for 2,330 yards completing 66 percent of his passes with 20 touchdowns and only three interceptions. He also rushed for 670 yards with 11 touchdowns. He was 22-of-33 passing for a career-high 296 yards against Charleston Southern throwing four touchdowns. He threw for a career-high five scores against Hampton. He rushed for a career-high 120 yards against Campbell and rushed for a career-high three scores against New Hampshire.
51 Jason Maciejczak OL 6-3 314 Jr. Pierre, S.D. (Nebraska)
He joins the Cowboys after playing at Nebraska. He appeared in 21 games for the Cornhuskers along the offensive line at the guard position, as Nebraska played in the Las Vegas Bowl this season. He played at T.F. Riggs High School his senior season of high school and led the team to a state championship. He was a three-star prospect coming out of high school.
Mackey comes to Wyoming after playing three seasons at Weber State. He has appeared in 25 career games and has recorded 23 total tackles. He has also added eight pass breakups and ha 5.5 tackles for loss. In 2025, Mackey recorded 16 total tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss and broke up eight passes. He also forced a fumble. He appeared in 10 games as a redshirt freshman in 2024 adding six tackles.
7 Junus McGraw CB 6-0 189 Jr. Anchorage, Ala.
A native of Anchorage, Alaska, McGraw spent the last two seasons at West Liberty University an NCAA Division II program in West Virginia. He appeared in 14 games in his career with 63 total tackles and nine pass breakups and two interceptions. In 2025, McGraw finished the season with 51 tackles along with five bass breakups and an interception. He had 33 solo stops and 18 assisted tackles. He ranked fourth on his team in tackles. He is a CSC Academic All-District selection.
93 Mohanad Nahhas DT 6-3
275 Jr. Latham, N.Y. (Hudson Valley CC)
Nahhas comes to Wyoming after two seasons at Hudson Valley CC in New York. He recorded 15 tackles on the season with a half of a sack. In his first season he added 11 total tackles and two sacks. He recorded 4.5 tackles for loss in his career at Hudson CC. He played at Shaker High School.
5 Justin Popovich WR 6-3
209 Sr. Louisville, Ky. (Lock Haven)
Popovich comes to Wyoming after spending three seasons at Lock Haven University, an NCAA Division II program in the Pennsylvania. He earned first team All-PSAC honors last season. Popovich, racked up 686 yards and six touchdowns on 55 receptions in 2025. He ranked in the top-10 of the conference in yards, touchdowns and yards-per-game (62.4). Popovich finished with two touchdowns twice and went over 100 yards in a pair of games, including a season-high 136 against West Chester.
44 Ja’Quan Redfern DT 6-3
285 Jr. Vineland, N.J. (Murray State)
Redfern played last season at Murray State and spent two seasons at Shippensburg University. He appeared in 11 games last season for the Racers with 10 total tackles. He had five solo stops and five assisted tackles. He added a sack and a tackle for loss. He also forced a fumble during the season. At Shippensburg in 2024, Redfern recorded 19 total tackles as a redshirt freshman. He is a graduate of Schalick High School and recorded 33 tackles in one game.
80 Tyler Siddons TE 6-5
256 Sr. Salem, Ark. (Northwestern State)
Siddons comes to Wyoming after spending last season at Northwestern State. He played in 11 games and made eight starts. He had five catches for 55 yards and had two catches for 25 yards against Houston Christian. He also spent two seasons at Central Arkansas
4 Jett Vincent S 6-2
204 Jr. Grinell, Kan. (Colorado State)
Vincent comes to Wyoming after playing the last two seasons at Colorado State. This past season, Vincent recorded nine tackles and recorded 12 tackles during the 2024 season. He has made 21 stops in his two seasons with the Rams. He was a three-star prospect coming out of high school and ranked as the No. 19 player in the State of Kansas.
19 Nathanial Watson S 5-10 180 Jr. Littleton, Colo. (Colorado)
Wingate comes to Wyoming after spending three seasons at Colorado. Played in the final 11 games of the season for the Buffs in 2025, as one of the Buffs top players on the unit. Had 149 snaps on special teams with two tackles. Played in 10 games on special teams in 2024 with three tackles. He is a graduate of Rock Canyon High School. He recorded 54 tackles with 12 pass breakups as a senior. Also added two interceptions and led his team to the second round of the playoffs.
99 Donnie Wingate DE 6-3
256 Sr. Choctaw, Okla. (Southern Illinois)
Wingate comes to Wyoming after spending last season at Southern Illinois. In his collegiate career, Wingate has recorded 11.5 sacks along with 20 tackles for loss. Prior to SIU, Wingate played three seasons at Lindenwood University, as he played with Cowboy linebacker Ethan Stuhlsatz. Last season at Southern Illinois, Wingate earned Honorable Mention All-Missouri Valley Conference honors and All-Newcomer team honors with 37 tackle along with six tackles for loss along with four sacks. He tied for eighth in the conference in sacks. He played in 24 games at Lindenwood and had 53 tackles with 14 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
High-School Signees
29 Ryken Banks RB 6-0
185 Fr. Parker, Colo. (Legend)
Banks is a three-star recruit according to 247Sports.com. He is listed as the No. 29 best recruit in the State of Colorado. He played at Legend High School, the same school as former Cowboy and current NFL linebacker Chad Muma. He has led his team to a top-10 ranking in the State of Colorado. He is averaging over 100 yards per game this season and adds 40 yards per game receiving with 25 touchdowns. He rushed for over 1,200 yards as a senior. An outstanding athlete, Banks also competes in track and field and lacrosse. He was also recruited by Ohio, Air Force and Army.
40 Dante Bruley LB 6-1
220 Fr. Chandler, Ariz. (Basha)
Bruley was a three-star prospect according to 247Sports.com. He was named the No. 46 player in the State of Arizona. An outstanding defender, Bruley led 5A School in Arizona with 13 sacks and added over 25 tackles for loss. He had over 75 tackles as a senior and scored two touchdowns on the defensive side of the ball. He has recorded 134 career tackles and 15 career sacks to go along with 27 hurries with 23 coming during his senior season. His father John Bruley played defensive tackle for the Cowboys from 1990-1992.
54 MacGregor Byers DT 6-4
255 Fr. Houston, Texas (Strake Jesuit)
Byers was named a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. He was also named a three-star recruit by Rivals. As a senior, Byers recorded over six tackles per game in the interior of the defensive line with 13 tackles for loss. He also added a trio of sacks. Byers earned All-District honors. He also excelled in baseball at Strake Jesuit. He also was recruited by Army, Air Force and UNLV.
72 Pierce Decker OL 6-7
255 Fr. Fort Collins, Colo. (Pudre)
Decker was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. He was named the No. 26 prospect in the State of Colorado and the sixth ranked offensive lineman. He served as team captain and played both offensive tackle and defensive end. An excellent athlete,he also competed in basketball and track and field. On defense, he added over four tackles per game. He was also ranked as a three-star recruit by Rivals. He was named All-Conference and was named to the Coloradoan All-22 Team. He was also recruited by Air Force.
86 Colin Ford TE 6-4
215 Fr. Naperville, Ill. (Waubonsie Valley)
Ford is ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. He was ranked as the No. 29 recruit in the State of Illinois. The website also listed him as the fourth best tight end in the state. He was also rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals. He spent time playing quarterback at Waubonsie Valley high School.
28 Boston Gable LB 6-0
190 Fr. Gering, Neb. (Gering)
Gable who also goes by Bo was named a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. He was listed as the No. 17 recruit in the State of Nebraska. He was listed as a three-star recruit by Rivals. He averaged over 10.2 tackles per game as a senior at Gering High School. He has recorded over 330 tackles in his high school career and over 220 over the last two seasons. He has also added 14 tackles for loss and three interceptions. He was an All-District and All-State selection. He helped lead Gering to their best start in a dozen years.
68 Jackson Garrett OL 6-5
290 Fr. Cheyenne, Wyo. (Central)
Garrett was listed as a three-star recruit according to 247Sports.com. He was listed by the service as the second ranked recruit in the state. He was listed as a three-star recruit by Rivals. He was a 4A All-State selection and All-Conference performer. He played both ways for Central High School. He helped the Indians rank in the top-five in the state in rushing. On defense, Garrett recorded 33 total tackles with seven tackles for loss to go along with three sacks. He was a big reason why Central ranked third in the state in rush defense. He was named to the Casper Star-Tribune’s Super 25. He also excels in baseball playing for Cheyenne Post 6.
24 Jarell Gary WR 5-11
195 Fr. Round Rock, Texas (McNeil)
He was a talented player and helped lead McNeil High School. He did it all offensively in high school with over 2,000 yards receiving along with 1,200 yards rushing in his career. As a senior, he recorded 39 catches for nearly 800 yards with eight touchdowns. He recorded 23 total touchdowns in his high school career catching the football. As a senior, he also rushed for 10 touchdowns and added 676 yards rushing. He owns a school record with a 99-yard touchdown and was named KVUE Athlete of the Week after the contest. He was also recruited by Florida Atlantic, North Texas and New Mexico State.
He was named a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com and was one of the top defensive backs in the State of Illinois. He is the third recruit from Morgan Park High School in the last three seasons. He was also named the three-star recruit by Rivals. He recorded 45 tackles during his senior season and recorded five pass breakups. He was also recruited by Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan and Cornell.
15 Taylor Hasselbeck QB 6-2 180 Fr. Nashville, Tenn. (Ensworth)
Hasselbeck was listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. He was listed as a three-star recruit by Rivals. He has helped lead Enswoth High School to become one of the top teams in Tennessee. He earned All-Region honors. As a junior, He completed 134 of 190 passes (70.5%) for 1,790 yards with 18 touchdowns and three interceptions in 2024 while helping to lead Ensworth to a TSSAA DII-AAA state semifinal.Hasselbeck was also a standout on the baseball team. He was also recruited by Eastern Michigan.
He is the son of former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck, who played eight seasons in the NFL and is an analyst at ESPN. His father played at Boston College. His father serves as Ensworth’s head coach. His uncle Matt played 18 seasons in the NFL at quarterback.
94 Beck Haswell DE 6-3
210 Fr. Sheridan, Wyo. (Sheridan)
Haswell was the top recruit in the State of Wyoming and was listed a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com and Rivals. He will join his brother Alex on the Cowboys. He was named the Casper Star Tribune’s Super 25 Defensive Player of the Year. He was also named to the publications Super 25 Team. He was an All-State and All-Conference selection. He won a state title in every season he played at Sheridan, as the school has won 55-straight games. He recorded 41 tackles as a senior with 10 tackles for loss to go along with six sacks.
91 Xavier Jackson DT 6-2
295 Fr. O’Fallon, Mo. (Ft. Zumwalt North)
Jackson was named a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. The service also listed him as the fourth best defensive tackle in the state. He was named to the St. Louis Dispatch Super 30 Team ranking No. 16 on the list. In his career, Jackson earned All-State, All-District, All Metro and All-Conference honors. As a senior, he recorded 59 tackles with seven tackles for loss and six sacks. He also added an interception. He was also recruited by Arkansas State, Ball State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Kent State.
60 Grant Lott OL 6-4
286 Fr. St. Peter’s, Mo. (Ft. Zumwalt South)
A talented player at Fort Zumwalt South High School he played both offensive tackle and defensive end. He earned AllConference and All-District honors, as he was a three-year starter. He is also a standout on the basketball team. He was also recruited by Arkansas State.
50 Tanielu Maafaia-Barbasa DT 6-1
253 Fr. Las Vega, Nev. (Arbor View)
Maafala-Barbasa was ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. He was listed as the No. 25 recruit in the State of Nevada and ranked as the second-best defensive tackle in the state. He was also ranked as a three-star recruit by Rivals. He was also recruited by Air Force, UNLV and Central Michigan.
85 Ishmael Muhammad TE 6-3
210 Fr. Dallas, Texas (Bishop Lynch)
Muhammed was a standout at Bishop Lynch. He was listed as a three-star recruit by Rivals. He has recorded 96 catches in his high school career for over 1,200 yards. He also has over 10 touchdowns in his career. As a senior, in nine games he recorded 34 catches for 455 yards. He is also a standout forward on the basketball team. During his career he earned AllState and All-District honors. He was also recruited by North Texas and Pitt.
54 Jonathan Pearcy OL 6-3
305 Fr. Liberty, Mo. (Liberty)
He was named a three-star recruit by 247Sports. He was named the No. 25 recruit in the State of Missouri. The service also listed him as the third-rated interior offensive lineman in the state. He was named his conference’s offensive player of the Year as an offensive lineman. He recorded 96 knockdown blocks in 32 quarters of action and allowed only two pressures all season. He earned All-State, All-Conference and All-District honors. He was also recruited by Army, Central Michigan and Brown of the Ivy League.
81 Jordan Styles WR 6-0
200 Fr. The Woodlands, Texas (College Park)
Styles is a standout offensive weapon for College Park High School. He was listed as a three-star recruit by Rivals. He has recorded over 110 receptions in his career for nearly 1,700 yards. He has also hauled in 17 career touchdowns. Last season, he rushed for over 160 yards on only 18 carries. He earned All-District honors and was invited to the Navy AllAmerican Combine. He was also recruited by Navy and Air Force.
11 Jayden Williams WR 5-8
167 Fr. Las Vegas, Nev. (Arbor View)
Williams joins the Cowboys from Arbor View High School in Las Vegs and will enroll early. He was high school teammates with fellow signee Tanielu Maafala-Barbasa. He was named a three-star commit by 247Sports.com and was the No. 22 recruit in the State of Nevada. For his career, Williams recorded 162 catches for 2,898 yards and 35 touchdowns. As a senior, Williams has 50 receptions for 909 yards with 13 touchdowns. He had 55 catches for over 800 yards as a junior, as he added 11 touchdowns. He is an All-Southern Nevada selection by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He was also recruited by Washington State and UNLV.
25 Therman Williams S 5-10 186 Fr. Riverside, Calif. (Centennial)
Williams also goes by Boogie was named a three-star recruit by 247Sports. He was listed as the No. 78 prospect in the talent rich state. He was also named a three-star recruit by Rivals. During his senior season, he recorded 44 stops with 40 solo tackles. He recorded six interceptions on the season and added eight pass breakups. For his career, he recorded eight interceptions. He was also recruited by Akron, Colorado and Colorado State.
Wright was listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com and was the No. 30 recruit in the State of Missouri. He recorded over 100 tackles in his career and recorded over 15 sacks in his high school career. He earned All-District honors in football. He is also a standout in baseball. He was also recruited by Army, Navy and Yale among others.
THE OPPONENTS
General Information
Location: Fort Collins, Colo.
Enrollment: 34.412
Nickname: Rams
Colors: Green and Gold
Stadium: Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium (41,000)
Playing Surface: Shaw Sports Artificial Turf Conference: Pac-12
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Jim Mora
Alma Mater: Washington (1983)
Career Record: 73-53 (11th season)
Record at Colorado State: First Season
Team Information
2025 Record: 2-10 (1-7 in MWC)
Media Information
Football SID: Jeff Schmidt
E-mail: jeff.schmidt@colostate.edu
Phone: (970) 305-7382
Website: csurams.com
COLORADO STATE
Sept. 5
Fort Collins, Colo., 4 p.m.
2026 Schedule
Sept. 5 vs. Wyoming
Sept. 12 vs. Southern Utah
Sept. 19 vs. BYU
Sept. 26 at UTSA
Oct. 3 vs. Oregon State
Oct. 15 at Texas State
Oct. 24 vs. San Diego State
Oct. 31 at Utah State
Nov. 7 vs. Boise State
Nov. 14 at Washington State
Nov. 21 at Fresno State
Nov. 28 vs. TBD
2025 Results
Aug. 30 at Washington L, 21-38
Sept. 6 vs. N. Colorado W, 21-17
Sept. 20 vs. UTSA L,, 17-16
Sept. 27 vs. Washington St. L, 3-20
Oct. 3 at San Diego State L, 24-45
Oct. 10 vs. Fresno State W, 49-21
Oct. 18 vs. Hawai'i L, 19-31
Oct. 25 at Wyoming L, 0-28
Nov. 8 vs. UNLV L, 10-42
Nov. 15 at New Mexico L, 17-20
Nov. 22 at Boise State L, 21-49
Nov. 28 vs. Air Force L, 21-41
General Information
Location: Mount Pleasant, Mich.
Enrollment: 14,171
Nickname: Chippewas
Colors: Maroon and Gold
Stadium: Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/ Shorts Stadium (30,255)
Playing Surface: AstroTurf Gameday Grass Conference: Mid-American Conference
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Matt Drinkall
Alma Mater: Western Illinois (2005)
Career Record: 49-23 (8th season)
Record at Central Michigan: 7-6 (2nd season)
Team Information
2025 Record: 7-6 (5-3 in MAC)
Media Information
Football SID: Greg Hotchkiss
E-mail: hotch1ga@cmu.edu
Phone: (412) 491-5296
Website: cmuchippewas.com
General Information
Location: Greeley, Colo.
Enrollment: 9,800
Nickname: Bears
Colors: Blue and Gold
Stadium: Nottingham Field (8,533)
Playing Surface: Synthetic Turf Conference: Big Sky
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Ed Lamb
Alma Mater: BYU (1996)
Career Record: 50-77 (12th season) Record at Northern Colorado: 5-30 (4th season)
•The Cowboys and Akron met for the first time on the girdiron on Thursday.
• The Pokes record in season openers stands at: 81-46-2. The Cowboys are 21-28-1 in road games to begin the season.
UW vs. Non-Conference Opponents in Season Openers 67-29-1. UW’s record vs. Non-Conference Opponents on the Road in Season Openers 16-180.
•The Pokes are now 13-6 all-time against teams from the Mid-American Conference.
•The contest marked the first trip to the State of Ohio since playing at Bowling Green in 2011.
•The contest saw two players on offense make their first starts for the Brown and Gold.
•The contest also saw seven players on defense make their first start for the Cowboys.
•Theshutout was the first since doing so to GardnerWebb in 2017 and first in a season opener since a 0-0 tie against Air Force in 1977.
OFFENSIVE NOTES
•Cowboy wide receivers Bricen Brantley and Jackson Holman each caught their first career passes on the opening drive. Charlie Coenen added a reception on the second drive.
•Holman grabbed three catches for 35 yards on the night.
•Running back Sam Scott recorded his second career 100-yard game with 132 on the night. It was a career-high passing his 115 yards against Utah State last season.
•Wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. hauled in eight passes for a career-high 190 yards with a career-long reception of 49 yards. It was the most yards since Chris McNeil added 219 yards against Idaho in 2021.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
•Defensive lineman Lucas Samsula and Chisom Ifeanyi added a half sack for their first of their careers in the Brown and Gold.
•Defensive tackle Ben Florentine recorded his second career sack in the first half. It marks backto-back games with a sack after recording one at Washington State to close the season.
•Linebacker Brayden Johnson added eight tackles in his debut. He also added an interception in the contest stalling a Zip drive in the third quarter.
•Safety Andrew Johnson added six tackles in the game for a career-high for the Brown and Gold.
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES
•Cowboy kicker Erk Sandvik connected on a 25-yard field goal in the second quarter for the first of his career.
NORTHERN IOWA RECAP
Box Score (Final)
The Automated ScoreBook UNI vs Wyoming (Sep 06, 2025 at Laramie, Wyoming)
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Total UNI 0 7 0 0 7 Wyoming 7 10 7 7 31
•The Cowboys hosted the Northern Iowa Panthers for the second time on Saturday.
•The Cowboys are now 2-0 all-time against the Panthers.
•Wyoming moves to 53-12-1 in non-conference home openers.
•The Cowboys had their shutout streak snapped with a touchdown by the Panthers in the second quarter. Wyoming went seven-plus quarters without allowing a point.
•The Pokes held UNI to only 170 yards of total offense. It was the fewest since allowing 147 yards to Northern Colorado 2022.
•The Pokes allowed only 58 yards rushing on defense for back-to-back weeks allowing fewer than 100 yards rushing.
OFFENSIVE NOTES
•Cowboy running back Sam Scott recorded 58 rushing yards in the contest with a score. It was his sixth career touchdown run.
•Tight end John Michael Gyllenborg led the team with five receptions for 65 yards. He also added a score for the seventh touchdown pass of his career.
•Wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. hauled in his second touchdown reception of the season in the third quarter. He had four catches for 54 yards in the contest.
•Freshman running back Samuel Harris recorded a career-best 61 yards rushing on eight carries. He also added his first career score.
•Running back Terron Kellman rushed for 88 yards on seven carries. He added 12.4 yards per carry. It was the most rushing yards in a game in his career.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
•Safety Andrew Johnson recorded a sack on third down in the first quarter for the first sack of his career.
•Defensive end Esaia Bogar made his Brown and Gold debut with four tackles.
•Defensive tackle Ben Florentine had a strong day with five tackles and a sack. He has a sack in threestraight games dating back to last season.
•Linebacker Brayden Johnson added six tackles to tie for the team lead in the contest.
•Nickel Desman Hearns recorded his fourth career interception and first with the Cowboys on the opening drive of the second half.
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES
FUMBLES: UNI-None. Wyoming-Anderson,Kaden 1-1.
SACKS (UA-A): UNI-None. Wyoming-None.
UNI (1-1) vs. Wyoming (2-0)
Date: Sep 06, 2025 • Site: Laramie, Wyoming • Stadium: Jonah Field at War M
Attendance: 25009
Kickoff time: 2:07pm • End of Game: 5:20pm • Total elapsed time: 03:13
Officials: Referee: McNeil,Cal; Umpire: Orsot,Rico; Linesman: Shoup,George; Line judge: Holland,Garr; Back judge: Adams,Byron; Field judge: Turner,Terrell; Side judge: Hewitt,Josh; Temperature: 73 • Wind: N 9mph • Weather: Sunny
Date: Sep 13, 2025 • Site: Laramie, Wyoming • Stadium: Jonah Field at War M
Attendance: 23500
Kickoff time: 6:03pm • End of Game: 9:15pm • Total elapsed time: 03:12
TEAM NOTES
•The Cowboys and Utes met for the 84th time on Saturday.
•The Pokes and Utes met for the first time since the 2010 season and it marked the first meeting. That contest took place in Laramie.
•Wyoming is now 31-52-1 all-time against Utah in a series that dates back to 1904.
•Wyoming is 20-21 against Utah all-time in Laramie
OFFENSIVE NOTES
•Wide receiver Jaylen Bean hauled in a reception on third-down in the first quarter. The 12-yard reception was the first of his career.
•Tight end Evan Svoboda made his first career catch in the fourth quarter.
•Running back Samuel Harris rushed for 68 yards for a career-best. He also added a career-best three catches for 37 yards.
•Wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. added five catches for 40 yards.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
•Nose tackle Ben Florentine recorded a sack in the first quarter. It was his third of the season. He has a sack in four-straight games dating back to last season.
•Linebacker Evan Eller recorded 12 tackles for the Cowboys for a career-high with Wyoming. He had 17 tackles against Samford in 2022 playing at VMI.
•Safety Andrew Johnson recorded a career-high 11 tackles and recovered a fumble.
•Nickel Desman Hearns recorded eight tackles tying a career-high.
•Safety Jones Thomas recorded a career-high eight tackles for the Pokes.
•Defensive end Brayden Wilson added four tackles and tackle for loss for a career-best for the Pokes.
•Defensive tackle Aneesh Vyas added five tackles. He had six tackles twice in his career at Bucknell.
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES
•Punter Bart Edmiston punted the ball six times and averaged a career-high 45.7 yards per punt. He had two punts inside the 20-yard line including one on the one yard line.
•Defensive tackle Aneesh Vyas blocked a field goal in the first half. It was the third of his collegiate career having two in one game at Bucknell in 2023.
•The Pokes have two blocked field goals on the season and a blocked punt with one in each game.
Officials: Referee: Watson,Christia; Umpire: Williams,David; Linesman: Stahmer,Joe; Line judge: Kilmer,John; Back judge: Bailey,Christop; Field judge: Wilson,Kenny; Side judge: Furqueron,Buddy; Temperature: 52 • Wind: NE 7mph • Weather: Cloudy
Kickoff time: 8:25pm • End of Game: 11:52pm • Total elapsed time: 03:26
Game Starters: Wyoming
Officials: Referee: Richmond,Luke; Umpire: Henderson,Micha; Linesman: Conti,Catherine; Line judge: Garmond,Keith; Back judge: Johnston,Joe; Field judge: DeLeon,Gabriel; Side judge: Heiman,Steven; Temperature: 68 • Wind: N 5mph • Weather: Cloudy
Pos ## OFFENSE
WR 2 Richardson,Eric
WR 8 Sargent,Jaylen
QB 12 Anderson,Kaden
WR 13 Durr,Chris
RB 2H Harris,Samuel
OT 65 Geiger,Nathan
OT 70 Johnsen,Rex
OG 72 Barnett,Caden
OG 78 King,Wes
OC 79 Walsh,Jack
TE 86 Svoboda,Evan
Colorado
Pos ## OFFENSE
QB 3 Salter,Kaidon
WR 5 Williams,Hykeem
WR 17 Hardge,Isaiah
RB 2T Taylor,DeKalon
RB 29 Welch,Micah
OL 52 Roye Jr.,Andre
OC 58 McGill,Zarian
OG 71 Hill,Xavier
OG 72 Crisler,Zy
OT 77 Seaton,Jordan
WR 82 Timmons, Jr.,Te
TEAM NOTES
•The Cowboys and Buff met for the first time since 2009.
•The Cowboys trail the all-time series 3-24-1 dating back to 1900.
•The Cowboys are 3-18-1 against CU in Boulder.
OFFENSIVE NOTES
•Running back Samuel Harris broke a career-long run of 50 yards in the second quarter.
•Harris rushed for a career-high 126 yards on 19 carries.
•Harris is the first true freshman running back to rush for 100 yards since Titus Swen did so against UNLV in 2019.
•Tight end Evan Svoboda hauled in a 27-yard reception in the second quarter for the longest of his career.
•Wide receiver Eric Richardson hauled in his first touchdown reception as a Cowboy on a 41-yard pass from Kaden Anderson.
•It marked the seventh touchdown reception of Richardson career after having six last season at Northwest Missouri State.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
•Defensive end Brayden Wilson recorded four tackles and has eight over his last two games.
•Wilson also recorded a sack and TFL. He now has 13.0 sacks in his college career along with 30.5 tackles for loss.
•Cornerback Dainsus Miller recorded a forced fumble in the third quarter. It was the first of his career.
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES
•Punter Bart Edmiston punted the ball four times with two inside the 20-yard line.
•Kicker Erik Sandvik knocked in a pair of field goals for a career-high.
•Defensive tackle Aneesh Vyas blocked a kick in the fourth quarter. It was his second block of the season, as UW has blocked a kick in three-straight games and have four total blocks on the season to lead the nation.
UNLV RECAP
Box Score (Final) The Automated ScoreBook UNLV vs Wyoming (Oct 04, 2025 at Laramie, Wyoming)
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Total UNLV 17 7 0 7 31 Wyoming 3 0 7 7 17
Officials: Referee: Ray,Kenneth; Umpire: Arnick,Curneliu; Linesman: Wetterstrom,Sco; Line judge: Hoslett,Steve; Back judge: Majors,William; Field judge: Hubbard,Thomas; Side judge: Aragon,Joah; Temperature: 41 • Wind: SW 20mph • Weather: Cloudy
Game Starters:
UNLV
Pos ## OFFENSE
WR 0 Omeire,Troy
WR 4D Irvin Jr.,DeAng
WR 6 Bradley,Jaden
RB 9 Thomas,Jai'Den
QB 10 Colandrea,Antho
OL 60 McGowan,Malik
OL 64 Williams,Reid
OL 72 Thomas,Will
OL 73 Makihele,Alani
OL 79 Boyd,Austin
TE 84 Elksnis,Nick
Wyoming
Pos ## OFFENSE
WR 2 Richardson,Eric
WR 8 Sargent,Jaylen
QB 12 Anderson,Kaden
WR 13 Durr,Chris RB 2H Harris,Samuel
OG 70 Johnsen,Rex
OT 71 Davies,Jake
OT 72 Barnett,Caden
OG 78 King,Wes
OG 79 Walsh,Jack
TE 86 Svoboda,Evan
TEAM NOTES
•The Cowboys and Rebels met for the 27th time on Saturday.
•The Cowboys move to 14-13 all-time against UNLV in the series that dates back to 1978.
•The Cowboys are now 8-5 against the Rebels in Laramie.
•The Cowboys are now 9-10 against UNLV in the MW portion of the series.
•The Contest marked the 100th homecoming game in school history. Wyoming is 50-47-3 all-time in homecoming games.
OFFENSIVE NOTES
•Wide receiver Deion DeBlanc recorded his first career touchdown to open the second half. He rushed it in from 12 yards out.
•DeBlanc added three rushed for 26 yards in the game.
•Running back Sam Scott added 49 yards rushing to lead the team.
•Scott added two catches for 45 yards. He added a 36 yard reception and has a reception of 36 or more yards in back-to-back games.
•Wide receiver Jaylen Sargent recorded a season high four catches for a season-high 55 yards.
•The Cowboys had 13 different players record a reception in the contest.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
•Linebacker Evan Eller recovered a fumble on the opening play from scrimmage. It was his third fumble recovery of his career after having two at VMI.
•Eller also added a sack in the contest. He now has 2.5 sacks in his career. It was his first since recording one against Wake Forest in 2002 while playing at VMI.
•Safety Andrew Johnson added six tackles and a tackle for loss.
•Johnson also added a tackle for loss for his second of the season and third of his career.
•Defensive end Tyce Westland added a sack in the third quarter. It was his first of the season, as he now has 4.5 in his career.
•Safety Jones Thomas recorded eight tackles to lead the team tying a career-high.
SPECIAL TEAM NOTES
•Cowboy kicker Erik Sandvik connected on a 36yard field goal in the first quarter for the fifth of his season and career.
SAN JOSE STATE RECAP
Box Score (Final) The Automated ScoreBook San Jose St. vs Wyoming (Oct 11, 2025 at Laramie, Wyoming)
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Total San Jose St. 14 14 0 0 28 Wyoming 7 7 0 21 35
Qtr Time Scoring play
1st 12:39
TEAM NOTES
•The Cowboys and Spartans met for the 15th time on Saturday.
•The Cowboys and the Spartans series is now at 8-7 in favor of the Cowboys.
•The Cowboys are 4-3 against the Spartans in Laramie.
•It was the largest comeback since trailing 17-0 to Texas Tech in the season opener in 2023. It was also the first two score comeback since defeating App State in 2023, as UW trailed 20-7 in that contest.
OFFENSIVE NOTES
•Wide receiver Michael Fitzgerald recorded a 35-yard touchdown reception for his first with the Cowboys and the ninth of his collegiate career.
•Tight end Evan Svoboda recorded a career-high four catches for 24 yards.
•Wide receiver Eric Richardson added three receptions for 27 yards. It was his career-high in receptions in the Brown and Gold.
•Wide Receiver Charlie Coenen recorded his first career touchdown reception that tied the game. It was a career-long of 45 yards as well.
•Quarterback Kaden Anderson threw for over 300 yards for the second time in his career. He did so against New Mexico last season.
PASSING: San Jose St.-Eget,Walker 23-37-0-295; Ward,Xavier 3-10-1-15; Amisone,Tama 5-8-0-30; TEAM 0-1-0-0. Wyoming-Anderson,Kaden 23-39-2-304; TEAM 0-1-0-0.
Kickoff time: 5:07pm • End of Game: 8:59pm • Total elapsed time: 03:52
•The Cowboys recorded a season-high nine tackles for loss in the contest. Wyoming has recorded 17 in the last two games after recording eight against UNLV.
•A pair of safeties made their first career starts in Justin Taylor along with Brooklyn Cheek.
•Defensive end Tyce Westland recorded a strip sack in the third quarter. His second strip sack of his career.
•Westland now has two sacks this season and a sack in back-to-back weeks. He has 5.5 sacks in his career.
•Westland added a season-high seven tackles in the contest.
•Defensive end Chisom Ifeanyi added a fumble recoverery for his first as a Cowboy and third of his collegiate career.
•Linebacker Brayden Johnson recorded his second interception of the season and returned it 65-yards for a touchdown for the first of his career.
•It was the first interception returned for a touchdown since Wrook Brown did so last season at New Mexico.
•Linebacker Enock Sibomana added recorded a season-high seven tackles
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES
•Freshman Deion DeBlanc recorded a 73-yard punt return in the first quarter. It was the first for the Cowboys since Austin Conway took one back from 60-yards against UNLV on Nov. 12, 2016 against UNLV.
Officials: Referee: Reed,Gray; Umpire: Tucker,Rod; Linesman: Marks,Rob; Line judge: Kuntz,Jack; Back judge: Wirfel,Brian; Field judge: Smith,Toreland; Side judge: Moku,Duane;
OG 79 Walsh,Jack TE 80 Erb,Justin TE 86 Svoboda,Evan
•The punt return for a touchdown was the longest return for a touchdown by a Cowboy since Chris McNeil returned a punt for a score from 76-yards against UNLV on Nov. 15, 2011.
AIR FORCE RECAP
Box Score (Final) The Automated ScoreBook Wyoming vs Air Force (Oct 18, 2025 at USAF Academy, Colora)
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Total Wyoming 7 0 7 7 21 Air Force 3 3 8 10 24
Officials: Referee: Carrell,Brad; Umpire: Wright,Austin; Linesman: Downum,Gregory; Line judge: Wright,Tony; Back judge: Aaronian,Michae; Field judge: Castleberry,Tre; Side judge: Cason,Antoine; Temperature: 64 • Wind: NW 12mph • Weather: Sunny
Game Starters: Wyoming
Pos ## OFFENSE
WR 2 Richardson,Eric
WR 8 Sargent,Jaylen
QB 12 Anderson,Kaden
WR 13 Durr,Chris
RB 2H Harris,Samuel
OL 63 Jenkins,Braylon
OG 70 Johnsen,Rex
OT 72 Barnett,Caden
OG 78 King,Wes
OG 79 Walsh,Jack
TE 84 Gyllenborg,John
Pos ## DEFENSE
Air Force
Pos ## OFFENSE
RB 5 Carson,Dylan
RB 8 Frew,Kade
QB 9S Szarka,Liam
WR 21 Harris,Cade
OL 52 Elwood,Nathan
OC 62 Burnett,Jack
OG 67 Cooley,Costen
OL 75 Falk,Alec
OL 78 Tate,Trevor
WR 81 Dawson,Jonah
TE 88 Fleischmann,Bru
Pos ## DEFENSE
TEAM NOTES
•The Cowboys and Falcons met for the 63rd time on Saturday.
•The Cowboys are now 28-32-3 all-time against the Falcons.
•The Cowboys are now 12-21-1 all-time against the Falcons at The Air Force Academy.
OFFENSIVE NOTES
•Running back Terron Kellman scored on a 23-yard scamper in the first quarter. His last two rushes to that point in the season were for 51-yards and two touchdowns.
•Tight end Kyle Frendt made his first career catch in the second quarter.
•Quarterback Kaden Anderson threw for 211 yards on 23-of-29 passing.
•Running back Samuel “Tote” Harris rushed for 83 yards along with Kellman to lead the team. He recorded a season-high four receptions.
•Wide receiver Jaylen Sargent recorded a seasonhigh five catches for 65 yards.
•Wide receiver Michael Fitzgerald II recorded a touchdown reception for one in back-to-back games.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
•Defensive end Chisom Ifeanyi added a strip sack in the first quarter for his fifth career forced fumble and 14th sack of his career.
•Defensive end Tyce Westland added a tackle for loss in the second quarter, as he now has one in four-straight games. He finished with two on the night.
•Westland recorded 14 tackles. His career-high was eight last season against Colorado State.
•Cornerback Dainsus Miller recorded a tackle for loss for his third of the season, as he has one in each of the last three games.
•Miller added five tackles for the most in his career at Wyoming. His collegiate career-best was six last season against North Dakota State as a member of Mercer.
COLORADO STATE RECAP
Box Score (Final)
The Automated ScoreBook Colorado St. vs Wyoming (Oct 25, 2025 at Laramie, Wyoming)
•The Cowboys and Rams met for the 117th time on Saturday.
•The Cowboys are now 52-60-5 all-time against the Rams.
•The Pokes are now 32-26 in the Bronze Boot Portion of the series.
•The Wyoming is now 14-13 in the Mountain West portion of the series.
•The Cowboys won the Bronze Boot in front of a sold out crowd of 25,609
•The Pokes shutout the Rams for the second shutout of the season. It marked the first time since 1966 that Wyoming has had two shutouts in a single season. Those also came in the same games of the season coming in the first game of the season and the eighth of the season.
OFFENSIVE NOTES
•Quarterback Landon Sims recorded his first career rushing touchdown in the first quarter.
•Running back Sam Scott recorded three rushes for 68 yards. He added his second touchdown of the season and the seventh of his career.
•Wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. recorded seven receptions for 67 yards with a touchdown.
•Durr Jr. now has 37 catches for 398 yards this season , which is a career high in both.
•Wide receiver Michael Fitzgerald II added a touchdown reception in the game and has a touchdown in three-straight games.
•Quarterback Kaden Anderson was 16-of-24 passing with 154 yards with two touchdowns.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
•Nickel Desman Hearns recorded his second interception of the season and the fifth of his career.
•Safety Jones Thomas recorded his first career interception in the contest. His grandfather Earlie Thomas is a Colorado State Athletics Hall of Famer Earlie Thomas.
•Cornerback Markie Grant recorded his first career interception in the third quarter.
•Linebacker Evan Eller recorded a sack in the contest for his second sack of the season.
•Cornerback Tyrese Boss tied a career-high with six tackles.
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES
•Punter Bart Edmiston recorded six punts on the night averaging 50.2 yards per punt with five punts inside the 20 yard line and four punts of 50 or more yards.
Wyoming
Pos ## OFFENSE
WR 2 Richardson,Eric
RB 5 Kellman,Terron
WR 8 Sargent,Jaylen
QB 12 Anderson,Kaden
OL 63 Jenkins,Braylon
OG 70 Johnsen,Rex
OT 72 Barnett,Caden
OG 78 King,Wes
OG 79 Walsh,Jack
TE 84 Gyllenborg,John
SAN DIEGO STATE RECAP
Box Score (Final)
The Automated ScoreBook
Wyoming vs San Diego State (Nov 01, 2025 at San Diego, Californi)
INTERCEPTIONS: Wyoming-Seeds,Tegen 1-8; Taylor,Justin 1-4. San Diego State-Phillips,Bryce 1-28; Chambliss,Owen 1-2; McDougle,Dwayne 1-0.
SACKS (UA-A): Wyoming-None. San Diego State-None.
FUMBLES: Wyoming-Fitzgerald,Mich 1-1. San Diego State-None.
Wyoming (4-5,2-3) vs. San Diego State (7-1,4-0)
Date: Nov 01, 2025 • Site: San Diego, Californi • Stadium: Snapdragon Stadium
Attendance: 24325
Kickoff time: 4:10pm • End of Game: 7:31pm • Total elapsed time: 03:20
TEAM NOTES
•The Cowboys and Aztecs met for the 40th time on Saturday.
•The Cowboys are now 19-21 all-time against the Aztecs in a series that dates back to 1978.
•The Cowboys are 7-13 all-time against Aztecs in San Diego.
•The Cowboys played in San Diego for the first time since the 2019 season.
OFFENSIVE NOTES
•Running back Sam Scott hauled in a touchdown reception on the opening drive of the game for the second of his career and first since the North Texas game in 2024.
•Quarterback Landon Sims threw his first touchdown pass of his career on the opening drive.
•Sims also added a career-high 37 yard rush on the opening drive. He rushed for 52 yards in the game.
•Wide receiver Michael Fitzgerald added three catches. Two of his catches came on third down in the first half.
•Fitzgerald now has a catch in seven-straight games.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
•Linebacker Ethan Stuhlsatz recorded 10 tackles. It was his first double-digit tackle game of his career and most since he had 12 against Illinois State while playing for Lindenwood in 2023.
•Defensive tackle Tegen Seeds recorded an interception in the second quarter. It was his first career interception and first by a defensive tackle since Cole Godbout did so against Fresno State in 2023.
•Safety Justin Taylor recorded an interception in the first half. It marked his first career interception.
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES
•Punter Bart Edmiston punted the ball six times averaging 50.5 yards per punt with a long of 59.
•Punt returner Charlie Coenen recorded a return of 37 yards in the fourth quarter for the longest return of his career.
Officials: Referee: Watson,Christia; Umpire: Britt,Anthony; Linesman: Winter,John; Line judge: Massingill,Sean; Back judge: Baldwin,David; Field judge: Binford,Matt; Side judge: Hoeft,Danny; Temperature: 73 • Wind: N 3mph • Weather: Sunny
•The Cowboys and Bulldogs met for the 16th time on Saturday.
•The Cowboys are 6-10 all-time against the Bulldogs.
•The Cowboys are 1-7 all-time against Fresno State in Fresno.
OFFENSIVE NOTES
•Wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. hauled in a 40 yard reception in the first quarter
•Quarterback Mason Drube recorded his first career snap in the first quarter.
•Running back Samuel Tote Harris recorded 96 yards rushing. He had 450 yards coming into the game for the season, as he went over 500 yards for the season.
•Wide receiver Chris Durr, Jr. recorded a 40-yard reception in the first quarter for his 11th chunk play of the season.
•Tight end John Michael Gyllenborg added five catches for 36 yards.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
•Defensive end Esaia Bogar recorded a sack in the first quarter for the first of his career.
•Defensive tackle Ben Florentine added a tackle for a loss for the seventh of the season to lead the team. It came on a fourth down in the second quarter.
•Linebacker Evan Eller recorded nine tackles for the night. He entered the game with 286 career tackles and is now five away from 300.
•Safety Jones Thomas added a career-high tackles. His pervious career best was eight coming against UNLV.
•Linebacker Brayden Johnson added nine tackles on the night.
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES
•Kicker Erik Sandvik connected on a 41-yard field goal in the first quarter for the sixth field goal of his career.
Game Starters: Wyoming
Pos ## OFFENSE
WR 8 Sargent,Jaylen
WR 1M Fitzgerald,Mich
QB 12 Anderson,Kaden
RB 2H Harris,Samuel
OL 63 Jenkins,Braylon
OG 70 Johnsen,Rex
OT 72 Barnett,Caden
OG 78 King,Wes
OG 79 Walsh,Jack Gyllenborg,John
Fresno St.
Pos ## OFFENSE
WR 5W Freeman,Josiah
RB 6 Donelson,Bryson
TE 15 Beachem,Kamron
QB 1Q Conklin,Carson
RB 3R Ramirez,Brandon OL 69 Spomer,Jacob
OL 71 Fullwood,Rolan OL 72 Fonua,Edward OL 74 Polendo,Julian Walton,Brayden
NEVADA RECAP
Box Score (Final) The Automated ScoreBook Nevada vs Wyoming (Nov 22, 2025 at Laramie, Wyoming)
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Total Nevada 0 7 3 3 13 Wyoming 0 0 7 0 7
Date: Nov 29, 2025 • Site: Honolulu, Hawaii • Stadium: Clarence T.C. Ching
Attendance: 15194
Kickoff time: 6:07pm • End of Game: 9:16pm • Total elapsed time: 03:08
Officials: Referee: Carrell,Brad; Umpire: Tucker,Rod; Linesman: Downum,Gregory; Line judge: Kilmer,John; Back judge: Aaronian,Michae; Field judge: Castleberry,Tre; Side judge: Cason,Antoine; Temperature: 77 • Wind: S 6mph • Weather: Sunny
TEAM NOTES
•The Cowboys and Rainbow Warriors met for the 29th time on Saturday.
•The Cowboys are 17-12 all-time against Hawai’i.
•The Cowboys and Rainbow Warriors play for the Paniolo Trophy, marking the 28th meeting for the trophy between the two schools.
•The Cowboys are 8-8 all-time against the Rainbow Warriors in Honolulu.
•The Cowboys lead the MW portion of the series 5-4.
OFFENSIVE NOTES
•Quarterback Mason Drube saw extensive action and finished the game with a career-high 17 completions for a career-high 179 yards.
•Wide receiver Charlie Coenen added two catches for a 38 yards. It was a career-high in catches.
•Tight end John Michael Gyllenborg recorded a career-high six catches for 39 yards and finished his career with the Brown and Gold with over 1,000 receiving yards as he entered the game with 984 yards.
•Gyllenborg has three or more catches in 17 games in his career.
•Wide receiver Deion DeBlanc added four catches, tying a career best and finished with a career-high 39 yards for a careerhigh.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
•Safety Jones Thomas recorded his second interception of the season in the first quarter. It was returned 50-yards for a score, which marked the second for the Cowboys this season.
•Safety Andrew Johnson added five tackles in his final game for the Brown and Gold. He entered the game with 88 career tackles
•Linebacker Ethan Stuhlsatz added seven tackles to lead the team.
•Stuhlsatz added 1.5 tackles for loss for a season best
•Defensive end Bryaden Wilson added one tackles for loss. He had 32 tackles for loss coming into the game for his career, as he finishes with 33 as a collegiate player
•Linebacker Evan Eller, who entered the game with 305 career tackles added six in his final collegiate game.
(The NCAA only recognizes regular-season totals, which are reflected here. School records throughout the rest of this section include bowl-game statistics.)
MARCUS HARRIS (#23) became the greatest receiver in NCAA history during his career from 1993-96. Harris set NCAA records for most yards receiving (4,518) and most 100-yard receiving games (24). He also became the first receiver in NCAA history to amass 1,400 yards receiving in three different seasons. For his performance, Harris was named the recipient of the 1996 Biletnikoff Award, signifying the top receiver in the country. Harris currently ranks No. 5 in NCAA history in career receiving yards.
I nd I v I dual n C aa R ank I ngs
Marcus Harris, Wide Receiver, 1993-96
Most Career Receiving Yards: No. 5 4,518 - 1993-96
Most 1,400-Yard Receiving Seasons: Tie No. 1 3 - 1993-96
Most Touchdown Receptions in a Career: Tie No. 20 38 - 1993-96
Single-Season Yards per Game: Tie No. 20 137.5 - 1996
Ryan Yarborough, Wide Receiver, 1990-93
Most Career Receiving Yards: No. 8 4,357 - 1990-93
Most Touchdown Receptions in a Career: Tie No. 7 42 - 1990-93
Highest Average Gain Per Reception (Min. 200 catches): No. 1 19.0 - 1990-93 (229 for 4,357)
Single-Season Yards per Game: Tie No. 20 137.5 - 1993
Jerry DePoyster, Placekicker/Punter, 1965-67
Avg. FG Attempts Per Game in a Career (3 Years): No. 1 3.10 - 1965-67 (93 in 30)
Average Field Goal Attempts Per Game in a Season: No. 1 3.80 - 1966 (38 in 10)
Most Field Goal Attempts of 40 Yards or More in a Single Season: No. 1 25 - 1966 (6 made)
Most Field Goal Attempts of 50 Yards or More in a Single Season: No. 1 17 - 1966 (5 made)
Most Field Goals Made of 50 Yards or More in a Single Game: Tie No. 1 3 - vs. Utah, Oct. 8, 1966 (54, 54 and 52, one of five players)
Aron Langley, Punter, 1996-98
Career Punting Average (150-249 Punts): No. 24 44.7
Sean Fleming, Placekicker, vs. Arkansas State 1990
Cory Wedel, Placekicker, vs. Idaho 1996
Single-Game Field Goals Made: Tie No. 3 6
Dan Christopoulos, Placekicker, 1976-78
Longest Field Goal Made: Tie No. 11 62 yards vs. Colorado State 1977
Kevin Lowe, Running Back, 1981-84
Highest Average Gain per Rush in a Single-Game (min. 10 rushes): No. 1 30.2 - vs. South Dakota State, Nov. 10, 1984 (302 in 10)
Jay Novacek, Tight End, 1982-84
Highest Average Gain per Reception by a Tight End in a Single-Season: No. 1 22.6 - 1984 (745 in 33)
Most Yards of Total Offense in a Single Game: No. 10 640 - vs. Hawai’i, Nov. 23, 2013 (498 passing, 142 rushing)
ANDREW WINGARD (#28)
concluded his Wyoming career with 454 career tackles. That tied him for the Mountain West Conference record, ranked him No. 2 on the Wyoming career list and ranked him No. 20 in NCAA history.
Quarterback Gaining 400 Yards Passing and 100 Yards Rushing in a Single Game (one of 13 players): 640 - vs. Hawai’i, Nov. 23, 2013 (498 passing, 142 rushing)
Brian Hendricks, Linebacker, 2008-11
Most Tackles in a Single Game: Tied No. 21 23 - vs. Air Force, Oct. 17, 2009
Andrew Wingard, Safety, 2016-18
Most Tackles in a Career: Tied No. 21 454 Total Tackles - 2016-18
Most Solo Tackles in a Career: No. 15 274 Solo Tackles - 2015-18
John Hoyland, Place-kicker, 2020-present
Season Field Goals Made Per Game: No. 22 2.17 (13/14)
Season Field-Goal Percentage: No. 22 .929
Field-Goal Percentage: 2020 annual champion .929
(The NCAA only recognizes regular-season totals, which are reflected here. School records throughout the rest of this section include bowl-game statistics.)
I nd I v I dual n C aa R ank I ngs
Eddie Talboom, Tailback/Placekicker, 1948-50
Highest Average Points Scored per Game in a Career: No. 6 10.8 - 1948-50 (303 points in 28 games, 34 touchdowns and 99 extra points)
Season Points Per Game: No. 21 14.4 - 1950 (130 points in 9 games, 15 touchdowns
Randy Welniak, Quarterback, 1984-88
A Quarterback Gaining 300 Yards Passing and 100 Yards Rushing in a Single-Game (one of several players): 467 Total Yards - vs. Air Force 1988 (359 Passing and 108 Rushing)
Brian Hill, Running Back, 2014-16
A player to rush for at least 200 yards and have at least 100 receiving yards in a game in NCAA history. (one of several):
281 yards rushing and 106 receiving vs. Fresno State 2014
I nd I v I dual n C aa a nnual C hamp I ons
RECEIVING
Marcus Harris, 1996, Average Receiving Yards Per Game, 137.50 (1,650 yards, 12 games)
Marcus Harris, 1994, Average Receiving Yards Per Game, 119.25 (1,431 yards, 12 games)
Ryan Yarborough, 1993, Total Receiving Yards, 1,512 yards (67 receptions)
Ryan Yarborough, 1992, Total Receiving Yards, 1,351 yards (86 receptions) Dewey McConnell, 1951, Total Receptions, 47 receptions (725 yards)
RUSHING
Jim Crawford, 1956, Total Rushing Yards, 1,104 yards (200 rushes)
TOTAL OFFENSE
Josh Wallwork, 1996, Total Offense, 350.75 yards per game (4,209 yards, 12 games)
FIELD GOALS
Bob Jacobs, 1969, Total Field Goals Made, 18 field goals (18 of 27, 1.8/game)
Bob Jacobs, 1968, Total Field Goals Made, 14 field goals (14 of 29, 1.4/game)
Jerry DePoyster, 1966, Total Field Goals Made, 13 field goals (13 of 38, 1.3/game)
KICKOFF RETURNS
Earl Ray, 1941, Total Kickoff Return Yards, 496 yards (23 kickoff returns) PUNT RETURNS
Vic Washington, 1966, Total Punt Return Yards, 443 yards(34 punt returns) INTERCEPTIONS
Brian Lee, 1997, Interception Average, 0.73 interceptions per game (8 in 11)
PUNTING
Jack Weil, 1983, Punting Average, 45.6 yards per punt (2369 in 52)
Chuck Spaulding, 1951, Punting Average, 43.5 yards per punt (1610 in 37)
Ryan Yarborough (#16) ranks No. 8 in NCAA history in total receiving yards (4,357). He led the nation in total receiving yards in both 1992 (1,351) and 1993 (1,512).
SCORING
Most Points Scored, Both Teams (Regulation or Overtime): No. 4 135 - Nov. 12, 2016 at UNLV – UNLV 69, Wyoming 66 (3OT)
Most Points Scored in a Single Game: 103 - vs. Colorado State College Nov. 5, 1949 (15 TDs, 13 XPt.)
Most Touchdowns Scored in a Game: 15 - vs. Colorado State College Nov. 5, 1949 (9 Rush., 6 Pass.)
Most Extra Points Made Kicking 13 - vs. Colorado State College in a Single-Game: Nov. 5, 1949
DEFENSE
Highest Average Rushing Yards Lost Per Game by Opponent in a Single Season: 70.1 - 1968 (701 in 10 games on 458 rushes)
Highest per Game Average of Opponent Turnovers in a Single Season: 5.44 - 1950 (49 in 9 games, one of four teams)
LONGEST SERIES
Wyoming vs. Colorado State - 24th longest series in NCAA History
eam n C aa
nnual C hamp I ons
Undefeated and Untied Teams
1967 (10-0), 1956 (10-0), 1950 (9-0)
Passing Offense
1996 359.2 yards per game
Total Defense
1968 206.8 yards per game 1960 149.6 yards per game
Turnovers Forced 2017
Turnover Margin 2017 14/38 Rushing Defense
Brian Lee (#45) led the nation in 1997 in interception average, picking off eight passes in 11 contests, or 0.73 per game.
Marcus Harris (#23) owns virtually every receiving record in University of Wyoming history — most yards receiving in a career (4,518), career receptions (259), receiving yards in a single season (1,650), receptions in a single season (109), yards in a single game (260) and receptions in a single game (16). Harris also led the nation in receiving for two seasons, 1994 and 1996, and ranked second in 1995.
C a R ee R
R y and m I s C ellaneous
TOTAL YARDS
Career: 4518 -Marcus Harris, 1993-96
Single-Season: 1650 -Marcus Harris, 1996
Single-Game: 260 -Marcus Harris, vs. Fresno State 1994
YARDS PER GAME
Career: 98.2 -Marcus Harris, 1993-96 (4518 in 46)
Single-Season: 137.5 -Marcus Harris, 1996 (1650 in 12)
AVERAGE YARDS PER RECEPTION
Career: 21.7 -Isiah Neyor, 2019-21 (1,126 in 19,20,21)
Single-Season: 24.7 -Archie Gray, 1973 (988 in 40)
Single-Game: 47.5 -Josh Barge, vs. Ole Miss 2004 (95 in 2) 43.0 -Josh Doctson, vs. Colorado St. 2011 (129 in 3)
TOTAL RECEPTIONS
Career: 259 -Marcus Harris, 1993-96
Single-Season: 109 -Marcus Harris, 1996
Single-Game: 16 -Marcus Harris, vs. Iowa State, 1996, and CSU, 1996
AVERAGE RECEPTIONS PER GAME
Career: 5.6 -Marcus Harris, 1993-96 (259 in 46)
Single-Season: 9.1 -Marcus Harris, 1996 (109 in 12)
TOTAL TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS
Career: 42 -Ryan Yarborough, 1990-93
Single-Season: 16 -Ryan Yarborough, 1993
Single-Game: 4 -Robert Herron, vs. Hawai’i 2013 4 -Marcus Harris, vs. Oklahoma State 1995
AVERAGE TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS PER GAME
Career: 0.9 -Ryan Yarborough, 1990-93 (42 in 46)
Single-Season: 1.3 -Ryan Yarborough, 1993 (16 in 12)
CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH AT LEAST ONE RECEPTION
Career: 49 -Dominic Rufran, vs. Weber State 2011 to New Mexico 2014
47 -Jovon Bouknight, vs. Tennessee 2002 to SDSU 2005 41 -Wendell Montgomery, vs. W. Michigan 1996 to SDSU 1999
Single-Season: 14 -Tanner Gentry, 2016
Casey Bramlet (#14) holds the UW career record for passing yards. Bramlet, who played from 2000-03, concluded his career with 9,684 yards passing.
C a R ee R
s umma R y and m I s C ellaneous
Career: 9684 Casey Bramlet, 2000-03
Single-Season: 4090 Josh Wallwork, 1996
Single-Game: 498 Brett Smith, vs. Hawai’i 2013 AVERAGE YARDS PER GAME
Career: 293.3 Josh Wallwork, 1995-96 (6453 in 22)
Single-Season: 340.8 Josh Wallwork, 1996 (4,090 in 12)
AVERAGE YARDS PER PASS ATTEMPT
Career (Min. 200 Att.): 8.9 Josh Wallwork, 1995-96 (6453 in 729)
Single-Season (Min. 100 Att.): 9.2 Eddie Talboom, 1950 (920 in 100)
Single-Game (Min. 15 Att.): 15.3Josh Wallwork, vs. UNLV 1996 (305 in 20)
AVERAGE YARDS PER PASS COMPLETION
Career (Min. 134 Comp.): 17.7 Steve Cockreham, 1971-73 (2,702 in 153)
Single-Season (Min. 67 Comp.): 19.9 Scott Runyan, 1984 (1353 in 68)
Single-Game (Min. 10 Comp.): 25.4 Gary Fox, vs. Arizona 1971(305 in 12)
Single-Game (Min. 10 Comp.): 90.9% Gary Fox, vs. AFA 1969 (10 of 11)
TOTAL TOUCHDOWN PASSES
Career: 76 Brett Smith, 2011-13
Single-Season: 33 Josh Wallwork, 1996
Single-Game: 7 Brett Smith, vs. Hawai’i 2013
AVERAGE TOUCHDOWN PASSES PER GAME
Career: 2.5 Josh Wallwork, 1995-96 (54 in 22)
Single-Season: 2.8 Josh Wallwork, 1996 (33 in 12)
PASS ATTEMPTS WITHOUT BEING INTERCEPTED
Consecutive: 183 Brett Smith, 10/20/12 to 8/31/13
Single-Game: 51 Casey Bramlet, vs. Air Force 2003
LOWEST PERCENTAGE OF PASS INTERCEPTIONS THROWN
Career (Min. 200 Att.): 2.30% Brett Smith, 2011-13 (28 of 1212)
Single-Season (Min. 100 Att.): 1.38% Phil Davis, 1981 (2 of 145)
MOST PASS INTERCEPTIONS THROWN
Career: 48 Casey Bramlet, 2000-03
Single-Season: 21 Rick Costello, 1974
Single-Game: 6 Rick Costello, vs. Arizona 1974 6 Casey Bramlet, vs. SDSU 2001
HIGHEST AVERAGE PASS INTERCEPTIONS THROWN PER GAME
Career: 1.3 Craig Burnett, 1986-87 (22 in 17)
Single-Season: 1.9 Rick Costello, 1974 (21 in 11)
LONGEST PASS PLAY
93 – Brett Smith to Robert Herron, vs. San Jose State 2013 PASSING EFFICIENCY
Single Season: Josh Allen, 127.78
ranks sixth on the Wyoming career passing yardage list. Hughes had the third best single-season passing total in school history when he threw for 3,372 yards in 1993.
Joe Hughes (#7)
Josh Wallwork (#7) became the first player in Wyoming history to pass for more than 4,000 yards in a single season (4,090 in 1996), and was one of the most accurate passers in school history, completing 61.6 percent of his passes from 1995-96. In 1996, he guided Wyoming’s offense to the No. 1-ranking in the NCAA in passing. He ranks 10th in NCAA history in career passing efficiency, with a rating of 152.7.
Devin Moore (#5) became Wyoming’s career rushing leader during the final game of the 2008 season. In his career, Moore rushed for 2,963 yards.
C a R ee R CAREER YARDS
CAREER RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS
s umma R y and m I s C ellaneous
Career: 4287 Brian Hill, 2014-16
Single-Season: 1860 Brian Hill, 2016
Single-Game: 302 Kevin Lowe, vs. South Dakota State 1984
AVERAGE YARDS PER GAME
Career: 112.8 Brian Hill, 2014-16 (4287 in 775)
Single-Season: 135.9 Brian Hill, 2015 (1631 in 12)
AVERAGE YARDS PER RUSH
Career (Min. 200 Rushes): 6.7 Kevin Lowe, 1981-84 (2188 in 327)
Single-Season (Min. 100 Rushes): 8.0 Kevin Lowe, 1984 (857 in 107)
Single-Game (Min. 10 Rushes): 30.2 Kevin Lowe, vs. South Dakota State 1984 (302 in 10)
TOTAL RUSHES
Career: 775 Brian Hill, 2014-16
Single-Season: 349 Brian Hill, 2016
Single-Game: 37 Ryan Christopherson, vs. NE Louisiana 1994 37 Steve Cockreham, vs. Arizona State 1972
AVERAGE RUSHES PER GAME
Career: 20.4 Brian Hill, 2014-16 (775 in 28)
Single-Season: 25.0 Ryan Christopherson, 1994 (300 in 12)
TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS RUSHING
Career: 35 Brian Hill, 2014-16
Single-Season: 22 Brian Hill, 2016
Single-Game: 5 Alvester Alexander, 2010
AVERAGE TOUCHDOWNS RUSHING PER GAME
Career: 0.9 Brian Hill, 2014-16 (35 in 38) 0.9 Phil Davis, 1978-81 (30 in 33)
Single-Season: 1.6 Brian Hill, 2016 (22 in 14)
MOST 100-YARD RUSHERS IN ONE GAME
3 – Alvester Alexander (151), Robert Herron (122) and Austyn Carta-Samuels (119) vs. New Mexico 2010
3 – Len Sexton (151), Jermaine McDowell (122) and Marques Brigham (117) vs. SDSU 1995
LONGEST RUSH
98 – Titus Swen, vs. Utah State 2021
Brett Smith (#16) totaled 10,365 yards of total offense in his stellar career, which spanned from 2011-13. He became UW’s all-time leader in that category after his junior season.
s
Touchdowns-Responsible-For,
s umma R y and m I s C ellaneous
TOTAL YARDS
Career: 10365 Brett Smith, 2011-13
Single-Season: 4209 Josh Wallwork, 1996
Single-Game: 640 Brett Smith, vs. Hawai’i 2013 AVERAGE YARDS PER GAME
Career: 307.0 Josh Wallwork, 1995-96 (6753 in 22)
Single-Season: 350.8 Josh Wallwork, 1996 (4209 in 12)
AVERAGE YARDS PER PLAY
Career: 8.0 Josh Wallwork, 1995-96 (6753 in 845)
Single-Season: 8.0 Josh Wallwork, 1996 (4209 in 525)
TOTAL PLAYS
Career: 1674 Casey Bramlet, 2000-03
Single-Season: 592 Brett Smith, 2013
Single-Game: 75 Casey Bramlet, vs. UNLV 2001
AVERAGE PLAYS PER GAME
Career: 45.5 Brett Smith, 2011-13 (1593 in 35)
Single-Season: 49.3 Brett Smith, 2013 (592 in 12)
TOTAL POINTS RESPONSIBLE FOR (POINTS SCORED AND PASSED FOR)
Career: 582 Brett Smith, 2011-13
(Passed for 76 TDs, rushed for 20 and caught one TD)
Single-Season: 222 Randy Welniak, 1988 (Scored 16 TDs rushing and passed for 21 TDs)
Single-Game: 48 Brett Smith, vs. Hawai’i 2013 (Passed for seven TDs and rushed for one)
AVERAGE POINTS RESPONSIBLE FOR PER GAME
Career: 16.6 Brett Smith, 2011-13 (582 in 35)
Single-Season: 19.8 Eddie Talboom, 1950 (178 in 9)
Josh
the nation in total offense in 1996, averaging 350.8 yards per game, while quarterbacking the Cowboy offense to a No. 1 national ranking in passing.
Wallwork led
Randy Welniak was the 1988 WAC Offensive Player of the Year.
ee
Cooper Rothe (#40) is the greatest scorer in University of Wyoming history.
Career: 366 John Hoyland, 2020-24
Single-Season: 132 Brian Hill, 2016 (22 TDs)
Single-Game: 30 Alvester Alexander, vs. Colorado State, 2010 (5 TDs) AVERAGE POINTS SCORED PER GAME
Career: 10.8 Eddie Talboom, 1948-50 (303 in 28)
Single-Season: 14.4 Eddie Talboom, 1950 (130 in 9)
s umma R y and m I s C ellaneous
TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS SCORED
Career: 42 Ryan Yarborough, 1990-93
Single-Season: 22 Brian Hill, 2016
Single-Game: 5 Alvester Alexander, vs. Colorado State, 2010
AVERAGE TOUCHDOWNS SCORED PER GAME
Career: 1.2 Eddie Talboom, 1948-50 (34 in 28)
Single-Season: 1.7 Eddie Talboom, 1950 (15 in 9)
TOTAL POINTS SCORED BY KICKING (Extra Points and Field Goals)
Career: 366 John Hoyland, 2020-24 (73 Field goals, 147 Extra Points)
Single-Season: 110 Sean Fleming, 1988 (17 Field goals, 59 Extra Points)
Single-Game: 20 Cory Wedel, vs. Idaho 1996 (6 Field goals, 2 Extra Points) 20 Sean Fleming, vs. Arkansas State 1990 (6 FGs, 2 XPTs)
AVERAGE POINTS SCORED BY KICKING
Career: 6.8
Single-Season: 9.16
Sean Fleming, 1988-91 (324 in 48)
John Hoyland, 2020 (55 in 6)
TOTAL EXTRA-POINT ATTEMPTS
Career: 169 Cooper Rothe, 2016-19
Single-Season: 64 Cooper Rothe, 2016
Single-Game: 9 Cory Wedel, vs. Hawai'i 1996; Steve Tobin, vs. UTEP 1981
Eddie Talboom, vs. Colorado State College 1949
Eddie Talboom, vs. Idaho State 1949
AVERAGE EXTRA-POINT ATTEMPTS PER GAME
Career: 4.8
Single-Season: 5.0
Eddie Talboom, 1948-50 (133 in 28)
Eddie Talboom, 1950 (45 in 9)
TOTAL EXTRA POINTS MADE
Career: 165 Cooper Rothe, 2016-19
Single-Season: 64 Cooper Rothe, 2016
Single-Game: 9 Cory Wedel, vs. Hawai’i 1996; Steve Tobin, vs. UTEP 1981 AVERAGE EXTRA POINTS MADE PER GAME
Career: 3.4
Cory Wedel, 1994-97 (139 in 41)
Single-Season: 4.6 Cooper Rothe, 2016 (64 in 14)
HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF EXTRA POINTS MADE
Career: 99.0% Cory Wedel, 1994-97 (139 of 140)
Single-Season: 100.0% Erik Sandvik, 2025 (24-24)
John Hoyland, 2022 (28-28); John Hoyland, 2021 (40-40); John Hoyland, 2021 (16-16); Cooper Rothe, 2016 (64 of 64); Stuart Williams, 2014 (31 of 31); Derric Yaussi, 2004 (36 of 36); Cory Wedel, 1997 (38 of 38); Cory Wedel, 1996 (48 of 48); Cory Wedel, 1995 (39 of 39); Sean Fleming, 1990 (31 of 31); Sean Fleming, 1988 (59 of 59); Rick Donnelly, 1984 (30 of 30) CONSECUTIVE EXTRA POINTS MADE
Career: 128 Cory Wedel, from UNM game 1994 to Fresno St. 1997
Single-Season: 64 Cooper Rothe, 2016
MOST TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPTS
Season: 13 Jimmy Walden, 1959
MOST SUCCESSFUL TWO-POINT CONVERSIONS SCORED
Season: 4 Kevin Ward, 1959
MOST SUCCESSFUL TWO-POINT CONVERSIONS RESPONSIBLE FOR SCORING
Season: 7 Jimmy Walden, 1959 (Passed for 6, Rushed for 1) TOTAL FIELD-GOAL ATTEMPTS
Career: 93 Sean Fleming, 1988-91; 93 – Jerry DePoyster, 1965-67
Single-Season: 38 Jerry DePoyster, 1966
Single-Game: 6
Sean Fleming, vs. Arkansas State 1990
Jerry DePoyster, vs. New Mexico 1967
Jerry DePoyster, vs. Brigham Young 1966
Cory Wedel, vs. Idaho 1996
AVERAGE FIELD-GOAL ATTEMPTS PER GAME
Career: 3.1
Single-Season: 3.8
Career: 73
Single-Season: 22
Single-Game: 6
Jerry DePoyster, 1965-67 (93 in 30)
Jerry DePoyster, 1966 (38 in 10)
TOTAL FIELD GOALS MADE
John Hoyland, 2020-24
John Hoyland, 2022
Sean Fleming, vs. Arkansas State 1990
Cory Wedel, vs. Idaho 1996
AVERAGE FIELD GOALS MADE PER GAME
Career: 1.3
1.2
Single-Season: 1.8
62
Cory Wedel, 1994-97 (54 in 41)
Bob Jacobs, 1968-70 (37 in 30)
Bob Jacobs, 1969 (18 in 10) and J.D. Wallum, 2001 (20 in 11)
LONGEST FIELD GOAL MADE
Dan Christopulos, vs. Colorado State 1977
Jovon Bouknight 2002-05
Wyoming's career leader in all-purpose yardage.
Darnell Clash 1980-82
Wyoming's career leader in total return yardage.
Selmer Pederson 1949-51
Wyoming’s career leader in punt return yardage
s umma R y and m I s C ellaneous KICKOFF RETURNS
TOTAL YARDS
Career: 2,016 Jovon Bouknight, 2002-05
Single-Season: 723 Marcell Gipson, 2009
Single-Game: 219 Jovon Bouknight, vs. Utah 2005 AVERAGE YARDS PER GAME
Career: 51.6 Prentice Rhone, 1992-93 (1186 in 23)
Single-Season: 56.1 Prentice Rhone, 1993 (617 in 11) AVERAGE YARDS PER RETURN
Career (Min. 12): 33.7 Harry Geldien, 1950-52 (506 in 15)
Single-Season (Min. 1 Per Game): 39.0 Tyler Hall, 2017 (508 in 13)
Single-Game (Min. 2): 64.5 Vic Washington, vs. BYU 1966 (129 in 2)
TOTAL RETURNS
Career: 87 Jovon Bouknight, 2002-05
Single-Season: 32 Marcell Gipson, 2009
Single-Game: 8 Jovon Bouknight, vs. Utah 2005 AVERAGE RETURNS PER GAME
Career: 2.5 Prentice Rhone, 1992-93 (58 in 23)
Single-Season: 2.8 Prentice Rhone, 1993 (31 in 11)
TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS SCORED BY KICKOFF RETURN
Career: 2 Tyler Hall, 2017
Single-Season: Same as career list above.
Single-Game: 1 Cameron Stone, 2021 Tyler Hall, Two Times, 2017 Devin Moore, 2007 Alex English, 1999 Peter Gunn, 1988 Archie Gray, 1972 Vic Washington, 1966 Dick Behning, 1960 Sonny Jones, 1948 LONGEST KICKOFF RETURN
100 – Sonny Jones, vs. Colorado State College 1948
PUNT RETURNS
TOTAL YARDS
Career: 1080 Selmer Pederson, 1949-51
Single-Season: 565 Vic Washington, 1967
Single-Game: 145 Vic Washington, 1967
AVERAGE YARDS PER GAME
Career: 50.4 Vic Washington, 1966-67 (1008 in 20)
Single-Season: 56.5 Vic Washington, 1967 (565 in 10)
AVERAGE YARDS PER RETURN
Career (Min. 25): 13.0
Single-Season (Min. 1.5 Per Game): 16.1
Single-Game (Min. 3): 36.3
Selmer Pederson, 1949-51 (1080 in 83)
Selmer Pederson, 1949 (386 in 24)
Selmer Pederson, vs. Montana St. 1949 (109 in 3)
TOTAL RETURNS
Career: 114 Austin Conway, 2016-19
Single-Season: 53 Vic Washington, 1967
Single-Game: 9 Vic Washington, vs. Wichita State 1967
AVERAGE RETURNS PER GAME
Career: 4.4 Vic Washington, 1966-67 (87 in 20)
Single-Season: 5.3 Vic Washington, 1967 (53 in 10)
summa R y and m I s C ellaneous
TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS SCORED BY PUNT RETURN
Career: 3 Vic Washington, 1966-67
Single-Season: 2 Vic Washington, 1966
Single-Game: 1 Deion DeBlanc vs. SJSU 2025
Austin Conway, vs. UNLV 2016
Chris McNeill, vs. UNLV 2011
Josh Barge, vs. Ole Miss 2004
Kevin Parma, vs. Utah 1995
Eddie Pratt, vs. San Diego State 1994
Prentice Rhone, vs. San Diego State 1993
Robert Rivers, vs. Southwest Louisiana 1991
Robert Rivers, vs. Cal-Berkeley 1990
Tim Mara, vs. UTEP 1989
Chuck Kimbrough, vs. Houston 1987
Vic Washington, vs. Arizona 1967
Vic Washington, vs. UTEP 1966
Vic Washington, vs. Wichita State 1966
Vince Guinta vs. Montana 1956
Selmer Pederson vs. Montana State 1949
LONGEST PUNT RETURN
95 – Sonny Jones, vs. Montana State 1948
TOUCHDOWNS SCORED ON BLOCKED PUNTS
Career: 2 - Derrick Martin, 2003-05
Single-Game: 1 – Ghaali Muhammad vs. Texas 2009; Derrick Martin vs. Appalachian St. 2004; Derrick Martin vs. Montana St. 2003; Kofi Shuck vs. Hawaii 1996; John Burrough vs. NE Louisiana 1994; Vince Guinta vs. Montana 1956
COMBINED KICKOFF AND PUNT RETURNS
TOTAL YARDS
Career: 2286 Darnell Clash, 1980-82
Single-Season: 1018 Darnell Clash, 1980
Single-Game: 219 Jovon Bouknight, vs. Utah 2005
AVERAGE YARDS PER GAME
Career: 79.9 Prentice Rhone, 1992-93 (1837 in 23)
Single-Season: 92.5 Darnell Clash, 1980 (1018 in 11)
AVERAGE YARDS PER RETURN
Career (Min. 40): 15.4 Prentice Rhone, 1992-93 (1837 in 119)
Single-Season (Min. 2 Per Game): 26.0 Jerry Marion, 1962 (519 in 20)
Single-Game (Min. 5): 27.4 Jovon Bouknight,vs.Utah 2005 (219 in 8)
TOTAL RETURNS
Career: 153 Darnell Clash, 1980-82
Single-Season: 65 Darnell Clash, 1980
Single-Game: 13 Prentice Rhone, vs. Oregon State 1993 AVERAGE RETURNS PER GAME
Career: 5.2 Prentice Rhone, 1992-93 (119 in 23) Vic Washington, 1966-67 (103 in 20)
Single-Season: 5.9 Darnell Clash, 1980 (65 in 11)
TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS SCORED BY KICKOFF AND PUNT RETURNS
thrilled Wyoming crowds with his kickoff and punt returns during the 1992 and 93 seasons. He was named the WAC Special Teams Player of the Year in his junior season of 92.
Galand Thaxton (#90) is Wyoming's career and single-season tackle leader. Thaxton, who helped lead the Cowboys to the 1987 WAC Championship, was an All-Western Athletic Conference selection in 1986 and 1987. He also earned Third Team Associated Press All-America honors in '87.
p un TI ng TOTAL PUNTS
Career: 292 Austin McCoy, 2008-11
Single-Season: 84 Bob Jacobs, 1970
Single-Game: 12 Bob Jacobs, vs. Arizona State 1970 Bob Jacobs, vs. Houston 1969 Eddie Talboom, vs. Idaho 1950
AVERAGE PUNTS PER GAME
Career: 7.8 Bob Jacobs, 1968-70 (235 in 30)
Single-Season: 8.4 Bob Jacobs, 1970 (84 in 10) AVERAGE YARDS PER PUNT
Career (Min. 60 Punts): 45.8 Rick Donnelly, 1981-84 (3802 in 83)
Single-Season (Min. 30 Punts): 47.5 Rick Donnelly, 1984 (2990 in 63)
Single-Game (Min. 5 Punts): 57.3 Chuck Spaulding, vs. New Mexico 1951(458 in 8)
LONGEST PUNT
90 – Sean Fleming, vs. Louisville 1989 CAREER PUNTING AVERAGE
LEADERS
(Min. 60 Punts) (Beginning in 1951) Punter, Year (Yards, Punts)
3. Clayton Stewart 2022-24 (5761 yards, 134 punts) 43.0
4. Billy Vinnedge, 2006-07 (5,535 yards, 129 punts) 42.9
5. Jack Weil, 1980-83 (9,840 yards, 231 punts)
6. Adam Brooks, 2004-05 (3,590 yards, 85 punts)
7. Luke Donovan, 2001-03 (7,488 yards, 178 punts)
8. Joe Marion, 1973-75 (7,366 yards, 175 punts) 42.1
9. Tom Waring, 1999-00 (4,666 yards, 111 punts) 42.0
10. Bob Jacobs, 1968-70 (9,834 yards, 235 punts) 41.8
SINGLE-SEASON
PUNTING
AVERAGE LEADERS
(Min. 30 Punts) (Beginning
PUNTING AVERAGE
d efens I ve l eade R s
CAREER TACKLE LEADERS
(Beginning in 1965 when defensive records began)
Logan Wilson, 2016-19
John Salley 1979-82
Gabe Knapton 2008-11
Easton Gibbs 2019-23
Ken Fantetti 1975-78
344 Lucas Wacha 2013-16
SINGLE-SEASON TACKLE LEADERS
(Beginning in 1965 when defensive records began)
158 Galand Thaxton 1986
143 Galand Thaxton 1987 143 John Salley 1982
Chad Muma 2021
Chris Prosinski 2009
Bruce Mowry 1984
Jim Talich 1996
Brian Brown 1997
Jordan Stanton 2013
Al Duyn 1973
defens I ve leade R s (C on T.)
SINGLE-GAME TACKLE LEADERS
(Beginning in 1965 when defensive records began)
1. 23 Brian Hendricks, at Air Force 2009
2. 21 Frank Erzinger, vs. New Mexico 1972
3. 20 Marqueston Huff, at Utah State 2013
20 Paul Nunu, vs. New Mexico 1976
5. 19 Daniel Gleason, at BYU 1968
19 Jim Talich, at SMU 1997
7. 18 Chad Muma, at Colorado State 2020
18 Jordan Stanton, vs. Colorado State 2013
18 Marqueston Huff, at Nebraska 2013
18 Brian Hendricks, at Colorado 2009
18 Gabe Knapton, at UNLV 2008
18 Ward Dobbs, vs. Air Force 2006
18 Ward Dobbs, at Utah 2005
18 Jim Talich, vs. Air Force 1996
18 Daryl Harris, at Air Force 1989
18 Galand Thaxton, at Hawaii 1986
18 Ken Fantetti, vs. Utah State 1977
18 Ken Fantetti, vs. Utah 1978
18 Don Meadows, vs. Arizona 1971
18 Tom Gordon, vs. New Mexico 1970
18 Jim House, vs. Colorado State 1967
CAREER SACK LEADERS
(Beginning in 1980 when sacks became a stat)
1. 49 Mitch Donahue 1987-90
2. 30 Pat Rabold 1985-88
30 Jeff Knapton 1984-87
4. 27 Patrick Chukwurah 1997-00
5. 24 John Fletcher 2006-09
24 Thomas Williams 1989-93
7. 23 David Edeen 1986-88
23 Doug Rigby 1988-91
9. 21.5 Eddie Yarbrough 2012-15
10. 19 Brent Schieffer 1991-94
19 Craig Schlichting 1986-89
SINGLE-SEASON SACK LEADERS
(Beginning in 1980 when sacks became a stat)
1. 22 Mitch Donahue 1990
2. 19 Jeff Knapton 1987
3. 16 Pat Rabold 1988
4. 14 Pat Rabold 1987
5. 11 Brent Schieffer 1993
11 Thomas Williams 1990
11 Craig Schlichting 1988
11 David Edeen 1988
9. 10.5 John Fletcher, 2007
10. 10 Mitch Donahue 1989
10 Mitch Donahue 1988
10 David Edeen 1987
10 Jim Eliopulos 1981
SINGLE-GAME SACK LEADERS
(Beginning in 1980 when sacks became a stat)
1. 5.0 Dave Edeen, vs. BYU 1988
2. 4.0 Korey Jones, vs. Texas State 2001
3. 3.5 Josh Biezuns, vs. Colorado State 2010
3.5 John Fletcher, vs. UNLV 2007
5. 3.0 17 times in UW history, most recently by: Chad Muma, at UNLV 2020
Carl Granderson, vs. Boise State, 2017
Eddie Yarbrough, vs. Idaho 2013
Eddie Yarbrough, vs. UNLV 2012
Gabe Knapton, vs. New Mexico 2010
Mitch Donahue, vs. Utah 1990
Mitch Donahue, vs. New Mexico 1990
Mitch Donahue, vs. UTEP 1990
Doug Rigby, vs. UTEP 1990
CAREER
TACKLES FOR LOSS LEADERS
(Beginning in 2000 when TFL became a stat)
1. 39.0
2. 36.0
3. 35.5
4. 35.0
Eddie Yarbrough 2012-15
John Fletcher 2005-09
Carl Granderson, 2015-2018
Logan Wilson, 2016-19
5. 31.0 Josh Biezuns 2008-11
6. 26.5 Zach Morris 2001-04
7. 25.5 Cole Godbout 2019-23
8. 25.0 Andrew Wingard, 2015-2018
9. 24.0 Ward Dobbs 2005-08
10. 23.5 John Flora 2004-05
SINGLE-SEASON TACKLES FOR LOSS
(Beginning in 2000 when TFL became a stat)
1. 19.0
2. 16.0
3. 15.5
4. 14.0
5. 13.5
6. 13.0
Patrick Chukwurah 2000
Carl Granderson, 2017
Youhanna Ghaifan, 2017
John Fletcher 2007
Braden Siders, 2022
DeVonne Harris, 2022 13.0 Weston Johnson 2009
John Fletcher 2009 12.5
Zach Morris 2004
Eddie Yarbrough 2013
Alijah Haliburton, 2019 11.0
LEADERS
Logan Wilson 2018 11.0 Kevin Prosser 2016 11.0 Josh Biezuns 2011 11.0
11.0
Mitch Unrein 2007
Randy Tscharner 2003
SINGLE-GAME TACKLES FOR LOSS LEADERS
(Beginning in 2000 when TFL became a stat)
1. 4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
Youhanna Ghaifan vs. Texas St. 2017
Eddie Yarbrough at UNLV 2012
Korey Jones, vs. Texas State 2011
Josh Biezuns, vs. Colorado State 2010
4.0 Ward Dobbs, at Tennessee 2008
4.0
4.0
8. 3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
John Fletcher, vs. Weber State 2009
Randy Tscharner, vs. BYU 2003
Chad Muma, at UNLV 2020
Carl Granderson, vs. Boise St. 2017
Eddie Yarbrough, vs. Idaho 2013
John Fletcher, vs. UNLV 2007
Zach Morris, vs. San Diego State 2004
Eddie Yarbrough, vs. San Jose State
Mitch Donahue (#49) is Wyoming's career sack leader with 49. Donahue earned All-WAC honors in 1988, 89 and 90. He was the WAC Defensive Player of the Year in 89 and 90 and was a 1990 All-America selection.
I n T e RC ep TI on l eade R s
TOTAL YARDS
Career: 211 Marcus Epps, 2015-2018
Single-Season: 165 Paul Toscano, 1966
Single-Game: 100 Jacque Finn, vs. BYU 2002
99 Blair Burns, vs. Colorado State 2012
* 98 Pete Benedetti, vs. Utah 1984
*Indicates an intercepted fumble return.
AVERAGE YARDS PER GAME
Career: 10.2 Paul Toscano, 1965-67 (203 in 20)
Single-Season (Min. 4 Int.): 21.5 Blair Burns, 2011 (86 in 4) 16.5 Paul Toscano, 1966 (165 in 10)
AVERAGE YARDS PER INTERCEPTION
Career (Min. 6 Int.): 29.0 Paul Toscano, 1965-67 (203 in 7)
Single-Season (Min. 4 Int.): 27.5 Paul Toscano, 1966 (165 in 6)
Single-Game (Min. 2 Int.): 33.5 Marcus Epps, at Easter Michigan 2016 (67 in 2)
TOTAL INTERCEPTIONS
Career: 17 Brian Lee, 1994-97
Single-Season: 8 Brian Lee, 1996 and 1997
Single-Game: 3 Shamiel Gary, vs. Weber State 2009
3 Selmer Pederson, vs. Denver 1950
3 Brian Lee, vs. SMU 1996
3 Brian Lee, vs. Montana 1997
TOTAL INTERCEPTIONS RETURNED FOR TOUCHDOWNS
Career: 2 Chad Muma, 2018-21; Logan Wilson, 2016-19; Ward Dobbs, 2005-08; Brian Lee, 1994-97; Chuck Kimbrough, 1986-87; Jerry Berry, 1969
Single-Season: 2 Chad Muma, 2021; Ward Dobbs, 2008; Chuck Kimbrough, 1987; Jerry Berry, 1969
Single-Game: 1 Held by many, most recently by Jones Thomas vs. Hawai’i, 2025 Brayden Johnson vs. SJSU, 2025
Chad Muma vs. Nothern Illinios, 2021
Chad Muma vs. Ball State, 2021
Logan Wilson vs. Utah State, 2019
Kevin Prosser vs. Utah State, 2017
CAREER INTERCEPTION LEADERS
(Beginning in 1965 when defensive records began)
1. 17 Brian Lee 1994-97
2. 14 Paul Wallace1989-92
3. 10 Mark Thomas 1983-86
10 Andrew Wingard, 2015-18
10 Logan Wilson, 2016-19
6. 9 Tashaun Gipson 2008-11
9 Julius Stinson 2004-07
9 Steve McMillon 1984-1988
9 Michael Davis 1980-81
9 Kevin McClain 1974-76
9 Marcus Epps, 2015-18
SINGLE-SEASON INTERCEPTION LEADERS
(Beginning in 1965 when defensive records began)
1. 8 Brian Lee 1997
8 Brian Lee 1996
3. 6 Mark Thomas 1986
6 Bruce Small 1980
6 Michael Davis 1980
6 Dick Speights 1966
6 Paul Toscano 1966
8. 5 Andrew Wingard, 2017
5 Julius Stinson 2007
5 Chris Dixon 2003
5 Je’Ney Jackson 1997
5 Paul Wallace 1992
5 Junior Marcellus 1992
5 Paul Wallace 1990
5 Darnell Clash 1982
5 Lee Mitchell 1981
5 Mike Dennis 1978
SINGLE-GAME INTERCEPTION LEADERS
(Beginning in 1965 when defensive records began)
1. 3
Brian Lee, vs. Montana 1997
3 Brian Lee, vs. SMU 1996
3 Shamiel Gary, vs. Weber State 2009
3 Selmer Pederson, vs. Denver 1950 5. 2 50 times in UW history; most recently by: Andrew Wingard, vs. New Mexico 2017
Marcus Epps, at Eastern Michigan 2016
Antonio Hull, vs. Air Force 2016
Tyran Finley, vs. Fresno State 2014
Blair Burns, vs. Bowling Green 2011
Tashaun Gipson, vs. UNLV 2009
Chris Prosinski, vs. North Dakota State 2008
Julius Stinson, vs. Virginia 2007
Dorsey Golston, at TCU, 2006
Julius Stinson, vs. Louisiana-Monroe 2005
Brian Lee (#45) holds Wyoming records for career interceptions (17), single-season interceptions (8) and single-game interceptions (3). The single-game record he shares with Selmer Pederson and Shamiel Gary.
(The names and statistics in bold indicate single-season records for most receptions or most total yards gained.)
(The names and statistics in bold indicate single-season records for most receptions or most total yards gained.)
(The names and statistics in bold indicate single-season records for most receptions or most total yards gained.)
o ffense s I ngle - s eason PASSING
Total Yards: 4310 1996
Avg. Yards Per Game:
1996 (4310 in 12)
Avg. Yards Per Pass Attempt: 9.2 1958 (899 on 98)
Avg. Yards Per Pass Completion: 22.5 1958 (899on 40)
Total Pass Attempts: 573
Avg. Pass Attempts Per Game:
Total Pass Completions:
Avg. Pass Completions Per Game:
Highest Pass-Completion Percentage:
(564 in 12)
1986 (305 in 12)
2013 (297 of 473)
Total Touchdown Passes: 35 1996
Lowest % of Pass Interceptions Thrown: 1.7% 2009 (7 of 410)
Most Pass Interceptions Thrown: 25 1970
Most Interception Return Yards Allowed:
Highest Avg. Int. Yards Allowed Per Game:
Highest Avg. Int. Yards Allowed Per Return:
Most Int. Returns for Touchdowns Allowed: 3 1989, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2007 and 2008
Total Yards: 3245 1983
Avg. Yards Per Game:
Avg. Yards Per Rush:
Total
Avg. Rushes Per Game:
Total
Avg. Yards Per Game:
Avg. Yards Per Play:
1949 (2841 in 10)
1996 (5987 in 904)
Total Plays: 1023 1987
Avg. Plays Per Game:
1986 (959 in 12)
Total Points: 511 1988
Avg. Points Scored Per Game: 39.3 1988
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total First Downs:
Avg. First Downs Per Game:
1996 (315 in 12)
Total First Downs by Rushing: 180 1983
Total First Downs by Passing: 193 1996
Total First Downs by Penalty: 29 2005 and 2007
Total Fumbles: 51 1975
Total Fumbles Lost: 32 1977
Total Yards: 857 1981
Avg. Yards Per Game:
1950 (803 in 9) Total Penalties: 97 1994
Total Yards: 499 vs. Houston 1987
Total Pass Attempts: 65 vs. San Diego State 1986
Total Pass Completions: 37 vs. San Diego State 2005 37 vs. San Diego State 1986
Highest Pass-Comp. % (Min. 15 Att.): 76.6% vs. Air Force 2025 (23 of 30)
Total Touchdown Passes 7 vs. Hawai’i 2013 RUSHING
Total Yards: 504 vs. Colorado State College 1949
Avg. Yards Per Rush: 11.5 vs. Colorado State College 1949 (505 in 44)
Total Rushes: 85 vs. Arizona State 1972
Total Yards: 871 vs. Colorado State College 1949
Avg. Yards Per Play: 14.8 vs. Colorado State College 1949 (871 in 59)
Total Plays: 99 vs. Colorado State 1969 SCORING
Total Points: 103 vs. Colorado State College 1949
Total Touchdowns Scored: 15 vs. Colorado State College 1949
Total Extra-Point Attempts: 15 vs. Colorado State College 1949
Total Extra Points Made: 13 vs. Colorado State College 1949
Most Two-Point Conversion Attempts: 8 vs. Montana 1959
Most Successful Two-Point Conversions: 4 vs. Montana 1959
Total Field-Goal Attempts: 6 vs. Idaho 1996, vs. Arkansas State 1990, vs. New Mexico 1967, vs. Brigham Young 1966
Total Field Goals Made: 6 vs. Idaho 1996, vs. Arkansas State 1990 KICKOFF RETURNS
Total Yards: 228 vs. Colorado State 2007
Avg. Yards Per Return (Min. 3 Returns): 42.0 vs. Denver 1946 (168 in 4)
Total Returns: 9 vs. BYU 2006, vs. Utah 2005, vs. LSU 1977, vs. Utah 1973, vs. UTEP 1970, vs. USC 1965
Total Touchdowns Scored: 2 vs. New Mexico 1950 PUNT RETURNS
Total Yards: 195 vs. Arizona 1967
Avg. Yards Per Return (Min. 5 Returns): 28.0 vs. UNLV 1981 (140 in 5)
Total Returns: 12 vs. Wichita State 1967
Total Touchdowns Scored: 2 vs. Denver 1959
PUNTING
Avg. Yards Per Punt (Min. 5 Punts): 57.3 vs. New Mexico 1951 (458 in 8)
Total Punts: 17 vs. Denver 1946 FIRST DOWNS
Total First Downs: 35 vs. SDSU 1994
Total First Downs by Rushing: 25 vs. Richmond 1980, vs. New Mexico 1968
Total First Downs by Passing: 24 vs. Oklahoma State 1987
Total First Downs by Penalty: 6 vs. La.-Monroe 2005, vs. Hawaii 1981 FUMBLES
Total Fumbles: 11 vs. UTEP 1975
Total Fumbles Lost: 7 vs. Brigham Young 1977 PENALTIES
Total Yards: 178 vs. Colorado State 1981
Total Penalties: 18 vs. Colorado State 1989
d efense s I ngle - s eason
PASSING DEFENSE
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 576 1949
Fewest Yards Allowed Per Game: 57.6 1949 (576 in 10)
Fewest Pass Attempts Allowed: 97 1954
Fewest Pass Attempts Allowed Per Game: 9.7 1954 (97 in 10)
Fewest Pass Completions Allowed: 46 1961 and 1954
Fewest Pass Comp. Allowed Per Game: 4.6 1961 and 1954 (46 in 10)
Lowest Pass-Completion % Allowed: 29.8% 1949 (48 of 161)
Fewest Touchdown Passes Allowed: 1 1949
RUSHING DEFENSE
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 385 1966
Fewest Yards Allowed Per Game: 38.5 1966 (385 in 10)
Lowest Avg. Yards Allowed Per Rush: 1.1 1966 (385 in 357)
Fewest Rushes Allowed: 319 1961
Fewest Rushes Allowed Per Game: 31.9 1961 (319 in 10)
TOTAL DEFENSE
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 1490 1960
Fewest Yards Allowed Per Game: 149.0 1960 (1490 in 10)
Lowest Avg. Yards Allowed Per Play: 2.8 1966 (1883 in 668)
Fewest Plays Allowed: 438 1961
Fewest Plays Allowed Per Game: 43.8 1961 (438 in 10)
SCORING DEFENSE
Fewest Total Points Allowed: 52 1950
Fewest Points Allowed Per Game: 5.8 1950 (52 in 9)
Fewest Total Touchdowns Allowed: 8 1950
Fewest Touchdowns Allowed Per Game: 0.9 1950 (8 in 9) KICKOFF RETURN COVERAGE
Lowest Avg. Yards Allowed Per Return: 14.1 1974 PUNT RETURN COVERAGE
Lowest Avg. Yards Allowed Per Return: 4.6 2016 FIRST DOWNS ALLOWED
Fewest Total First Downs Allowed: 76 1961 and 1950
Fewest First Downs Allowed Per Game: 7.6 1961 (76 in 10)
Fewest First Downs Allowed by Rushing: 29 1967
Fewest First Downs Allowed by Passing: 19 1949 FUMBLES CAUSED
Most Total Fumbles by Opponent: 48 1974
Most Total Fumbles Lost by Opponent: 28 1950 INTERCEPTIONS AND INTERCEPTION RETURNS
Total Yards: 349 2016
Avg. Yards Per Game: 29.5 1959 (295 in 10)
Avg. Yards Per Interception (Min. 10): 23.3 2016 (349 in 15)
Total Interceptions: 24 1997
Avg. Interceptions Per Game: 2.3 1959 (23 in 10)
Total Touchdowns Scored: 4 1969
PASSING DEFENSE
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 0 vs. Oklahoma State 1954 vs. Denver 1946
Fewest Yards Allowed Per Pass Attempt: 0.0 vs. Oklahoma State 1954 vs. Denver 1946
Fewest Yards Allowed Per Pass Comp.: 0.0 vs. Oklahoma State 1954 vs. Denver 1946
Fewest Pass Attempts Allowed: 2 vs. Oklahoma State 1954
Fewest Pass Completions Allowed: 0 vs. Oklahoma State 1954 vs. Denver 1946
RUSHING DEFENSE
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: -104 vs. Utah State 1968
Fewest Yards Allowed Per Rush: -3.0 vs. UTEP 1968 (-60 in 20)
Fewest Rushes Allowed: 18 vs. Virginia 2007, vs. UTEP 1965
TOTAL DEFENSE
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 25 vs. Wichita State 1966
Fewest Yards Allowed Per Play: 0.4 vs. Wichita State 1966 (25 in 57)
Fewest Plays Allowed: 31 vs. Denver 1946
PUNTING
Most Opponent Punts Forced: 17 vs. San Jose State 1969
Most Opponent Punts Blocked: 2 vs. Colorado Western 1956, vs. Denver 1949 FIRST DOWNS
Fewest Total First DownsAllowed: 2 vs. Montana State 1950
Fewest First Downs Allowed by Rushing: 0 vs. San Jose State 1967, vs. Wichita State 1966 vs. Colorado State College 1948
Fewest First Downs Allowed by Passing: 0 vs. Many teams, most recently at Air Force 2011 FUMBLES CAUSED
Most Total Fumbles by Opponent: 10 vs. New Mexico 1962, vs. Colorado State 1950
Most Total Fumbles Lost by Opponent: 8 vs. Colorado State 1950 INTERCEPTIONS AND INTERCEPTION RETURNS
Total Yards: 119 at Eastern Michigan 2016
Total Interceptions: 6 vs. Brigham Young 1977, vs. Arizona 1974, vs. SDSU 2001
TURNOVERS FORCED
Turnovers: 8 vs. Central Michigan, 2017
(1-0-0)
FRED HESS 1893, *1894, 1898
4-4-0, .500 Record three seasons
J. F. SOULE
*1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1899
8-1-1, .850 Record five seasons
*Hess and Soule were co-head coaches during the 1894 season.
1893
Captain: none
F22 CHEYENNE HIGH W 14-0 1894
(3-0-0)
Captain: Herbert Brees
O13 LARAMIE TOWN TEAM W 14-0
N29 WILSON BEAUTIES W 16-0
D25 NO. 5 HOSE COMPANY W 16-6 1895
(1-0-0)
Captain: Herbert Brees
N29 NORTHERN COLORADO W 34-0 1896
(2-0-0)
Captain: Herbert Brees
O31 at Northern Colorado W 10-6
N 7 DENVER MANUAL W 18-14
(2-0-0)
Captain: Harry Houston
N25 ALUMNI W 4-0
D16 CHEYENNE HIGH W 16-0 1898
(0-4-0)
Captain: Harry Houston
O15 COLORADO MINES L 0-29
(0-1-1) Captain: Fred Brees N30 at Colorado State L 0-12 D16 NORTHERN COLORADO T 5-5
(3-3-0)
WILLIAM M CMURRAY 1900-1906 16-11-1, .589 Record seven seasons
1900
Captain: Charles Ponting
O27 LARAMIE TOWN TEAM W 27-0
N 3 at Denver Athletic Club L 0-33
N10 at Colorado L 6-10
N17 at Utah YMCA W 16-0
N24 at Colorado State L 0-16
N29 NORTHERN COLORADO W 56-0 1901
(1-0-0) Captain: none
N28 LARAMIE ATHLETIC CLUB W 38-0 1902
(1-0-0) Captain: none
D13 CHEYENNE HIGH W 18-0 1903
(3-2-0) Captain: Julius Merz
O16 LARAMIE HIGH W 15-0
O24 LARAMIE ATHLETIC CLUB W 6-0
N14 at Colorado State L 0-17
N21 at Utah State L 0-46
N26 LARAMIE ATHLETIC CLUB W 11-0
(4-1-1)
1904
1905
(3-4-0)
(2-1-0)
1906
3-3-0, .500 Record two seasons
1907
M.E. Corthell O12 FORT WARREN W 12-2
at Colorado Mines L 0-77
FORT WARREN
(3-5-0)
0-20 H. I. DEAN 1909-1911
11-12-1, .479 Record three seasons
1909
Captain: M.E. Corthell
O 2 at Cheyenne High W 30-0 O 9 at Denver
0-56 O12 LARAMIE HIGH
1912
1914
25-0 O16 at Colorado State
1910
3-32
1911
1917
1918
(3-5-0)
1919
Captain: Andrew W. Willis
S27 COLORADO STATE L 0-28
O 4 at Colorado State L 0-14
O11 MONTANA STATE W 6-0
O18 COLORADO MINES W 16-6
O25 at Denver W 36-6
N 8 NEBRASKA WESLEYAN L 10-14
N15 at Creighton L 0-41
N20 UTAH STATE L 0-6
(4-5-1)
1920
Captain: Milward Simpson
O 2 COLORADO STATE L 0-13
O 9 at Denver W 10-7
O16 at Colorado State L 0-42
O23 COLORADO L 0-7
O30 at Colorado Mines W 14-7
N 2 at Nebraska Wesleyan W 14-7
N 6 at Colorado College L 17-20
N13 DENVER L 0-3
N20 at Utah T 0-0
N25 at Ogden Athletic Club W 3-0
1921
(1-4-2) Captain: Robert Steele Wilson
O 1 at Colorado State T 7-7
O 8 COLORADO COLLEGE L 0-10
O11 at Utah State L 3-4
O15 at Utah L 3-14
O22 COLORADO MINES W 14-7
O29 at Denver T 9-9 N11 at Idaho L 3-31
(1-8-0)
1922
Captain: George Hegewald
S30 at Colorado College L 0-20
O 7 at Colorado Mines L 0-32
O14 COLORADO STATE L 0-60
O25 UTAH L 0-27
N 4 at Denver L 0-7
N11 at Utah State L 0-25
N14 at Brigham Young L 0-7
N21 at Gonzaga L 0-77
N30 BRIGHAM YOUNG W 13-0
1923
(0-8-0) Captain: C.E. Wittenbraker
S29 at Colorado State L 0-33
O 6 COLORADO COLLEGE L 7-34
O13 at Utah L 0-79
O20 FACULTY L 0-14
O27 COLORADO MINES L 0-20
N 3 at Denver L 0-45 N16 UTAH STATE L 6-20 N24 at Colorado L 3-20
W. H. (LONE STAR) DIETZ
1924
(2-6-0) Captain: George Mabee
O11 at Denver L 0-7
O18 NORTHERN COLORADO W 33-8
O25 COLORADO L 0-21
N
N
1925
(6-3-0)
O
34-0
O10 at Western State W 7-0
O17 COLORADO MINES W 43-0
O24 REGIS W 24-0
O30 at Montana State W 7-0
N 5 at Utah State L 13-26
N11 NORTHERN COLORADO W 13-10
N18 UTAH L 6-7
N26 at Colorado State L 0-40
1926
(2-4-2) Captain: none O 6 NEBRASKA WESLEYAN L 7-14
O 9 KEARNEY STATE W 48-0
O16 at Colorado T 13-13
(4-5-0)
GEORGE M cLAREN 1927-1929
7-19-0, .269 Record three seasons
1927
1932
(2-6-1) Captain: none
1 CHADRON STATE W 28-6 O 7 at St. Louis L 6-20 O15 MONTANA STATE W 13-7 O22 at Colorado College L 6-15
O29 BRIGHAM YOUNG L 0-25 N 5 at Denver L 0-7 N11 NORTHERN COLORADO T 0-0 N18 at Creighton L 0-34 N24 at Colorado State L 0-23
Captain: none
S24 BLACK HILLS STATE W 31-6
O 1 at Creighton
0-13 O 8 at Denver
0-7 O15 CHADRON STATE W 30-13
at Utah State
0-42
1928
(2-7-0)
Captain: none
S22 BLACK HILLS STATE W 31-6
S29 KEARNEY STATE W 19-6
O 6 at Chicago L 0-47
O19
1929
(1-7-0)
S27
HILLS
Captain:
WILLARD
1936
1937
1939
(0-7-1) Captain: none
S29 at New Mexico L 7-34
O 7 at Utah L 0-60
O13 at Denver L 7-32
O28 COLORADO L 7-27
N 4 at Colorado State L 0-22
N10 at St. Louis L 6-39
N18 UTAH STATE L 13-20
N25 BRIGHAM YOUNG T 7-7
(1-7-1)
OKIE BLANCHARD
1-7-1, .167 Record one season
(4-5-0)
BOWDEN WYATT 1947-1952 39-17-1, .693 Record six seasons
1947
Captain: Ed Chenoweth
S27 at Arizona L 7-27
O 4 BRIGHAM YOUNG W 12-7
O11 COLORADO MINES W 53-6
1953
1948
(4-5-0)
Captain: none
S28 NEW MEXICO W 7-3
O 5 COLORADO STATE T 0-0
O12 at Brigham Young
O19 at Denver
O26 at
0-62
N 2 CHADRON STATE L 9-12
N 9 UTAH L 7-34
N16 at Wichita State L 0-2
6-20-2, .250 Record six seasons, 1943-45 no team because of WWII 1940
BERNARD
(BUNNY) OAKES 1941-1946
N23 at Utah State L 0-16 1941
(2-7-1) Captain: none
S26 at Northern Colorado W 19-6
O 4 at Colorado State L 0-27
O11 at Utah L 6-60
O18 DENVER L 0-40
O25 at Colorado L 0-27
N 1 at Colorado College L 0-16
N 8 BRIGHAM YOUNG L 7-23
N15 UTAH STATE W 12-6
N20 COLORADO MINES T 0-0
N29 at New Mexico L 0-28
(3-5-0) Captain: none
S26 COLORADO STATE L 0-10
O 2 at Brigham Young W 13-6
O10 NORTHERN COLORADO W 33-0
O17 at Denver L 14-17
O24 at Colorado Mines W 26-6
O31 at Colorado L 7-28
N14 UTAH L 7-34
N21 at Utah State L 6-14
(9-1-0)
S17 at Idaho State
S24 at New Mexico
1949
Captain: Carl Rollins
41-14
S21 NORTHERN COLORADO W 7-0 S28 COLORADO MINES T 7-7
O 5 COLORADO STATE L 0-7
O12 COLORADO
N
N12 at Baylor
7-32 N24 at Denver
1950
(10-0-0)
Captain: Dick Campbell
S16 MONTANA STATE W 61-13
S23 BAYLOR W 7-0
O 7 COLORADO STATE W 34-0
O14 at Utah State
at Utah
O28 NEW MEXICO
N 4 at Idaho (UW ranked 18th)
N11 at Brigham Young (UW ranked 14th)
N23 at Denver (UW ranked 12th) W 42-12 GATOR BOWL
J 1 Washington & Lee (UW ranked 12th, W&L 18th)W 20-7
(UW finished 12th in final AP polls)
1951
(7-2-1)
S15 at Florida
S22 IDAHO
S29 DENVER
O 6 UTAH STATE
O20 BRIGHAM YOUNG
Captain: James Martin
0-13
28-0
20-20 O27 at Utah
13-0 N 3 at
1952
(8-3-0)
1958
Captain: Dale Memmelaar
S20 at Kansas State L 14-17
S27 Montana (in Billings) W 21-14
O 4 DENVER W 15-12
O11 OREGON STATE W 28-0
O18 at Colorado State W 7-6
O25 NEW MEXICO L 12-13
N 1 UTAH W 25-20
N 8 at Utah State W 41-13
N15 at Air Force L 6-21
N22 at Brigham Young W 22-14 SUN BOWL
D31 Hardin-Simmons W 14-6
(9-1-0)
1959
Captain: Len Kuczewski
S19 Montana (in Billings) W 58-0
S26 AIR FORCE L 7-20
O 3 UTAH STATE W 27-2
O10 COLORADO STATE W 29-0
O17 BRIGHAM YOUNG W 21-6
O24 at Utah W 21-7
O31 at North Carolina State W 26-0
N 7 at San Jose State W 28-7
N14 at New Mexico W 25-20
N21 at Denver W 45-0
(UW finished 16th in final AP polls)
(8-2-0)
1960
Captain: Mark Smolinski
S17 Montana (in Billings) W 14-0
S24 NEW MEXICO W 13-3
O 1 at Arizona L 19-21
O 8 DENVER W 41-2
O15 at Colorado State W 40-8
O22 AIR FORCE W 15-0
O29 UTAH W 17-7
N 5 at Utah State (USU ranked 18th) L 13-17
N12 at Texas Tech W 10-7
N19 at Brigham Young W 30-6
1961
(6-1-2) Captains: Bob Bisacre & Chuck Lamson
S16 at Montana W 29-0
S23 NORTH CAROLINA STATE W 15-14
S30 at Kansas T 6-6
O 7 UTAH STATE T 6-6
O14 COLORADO STATE W 18-7
O21 BRIGHAM YOUNG W 36-8
O28 at Utah W 13-6
N 4 at Arizona L 15-20
N11 at New Mexico W 33-7
LLOYD EATON 1962-1970 57-33-2, .630 Record nine seasons
1962
(5-5-0) Captain: Bruce Wright
S15 at Montana W 13-0
S22 NEW MEXICO* L 21-25
S29 WASHINGTON STATE L 15-21
O 6 UTAH* W 16-7
O13 at Texas-El Paso W 14-6
O20 ARIZONA* W 31-8
O27 at Colorado State W 28-7
N 3 at Air Force L 14-35
N10 at Utah State L 6-20
N17 at Brigham Young* L 7-14
1963
(6-4-0) Captains: Mack Balls & Tom Delaney
S21 at Montana W 35-0
S28 UTAH STATE W 21-14
O 5 KANSAS L 21-25
O12 COLORADO STATE W 21-3
O19 BRIGHAM YOUNG* W 41-14
O26 at Utah* W 26-23
N 2 at Arizona* L 7-15
N 9 at New Mexico* L 6-17
N16 at Arizona State* L 6-35
D 7 at Texas El-Paso W 7-6
1964
(6-2-2) Captains: Dick Barry, Jeff Hartman & Bill Levine
S19 COLORADO STATE W 31-7
S26 at Washington State W 28-7
O 3 at Kansas W 17-14
O10 UTAH* W 14-13
O17 TEXAS-EL PASO W 20-6
O24 at Arizona* L 7-15
O31 NEW MEXICO* L 6-17
N 7 at Utah State T 20-20
N14 at Air Force T 7-7
N21 at Brigham Young* W 31-11
1965
(6-4-0) Captains: Darryl Alleman & Tom Wilkinson
S18 AIR FORCE W 31-14
S25 at Colorado State W 33-14
O 2 ARIZONA*
O 9 at Utah*
O16 TEXAS-EL PASO
O23 BRIGHAM YOUNG*
N 6 at New Mexico*
N13 at Army
N20 at Arizona State*
N27 at USC (USC ranked 8th)
1966
19-0
3-42
38-14
34-6
27-9
0-13
10-14
6-56
(10-1-0) Captains: Rick Egloff & Tom Frazier
S17 at Air Force W 13-0
S24 ARIZONA STATE* W 23-6
O 1 ARIZONA*
36-6 O 8 UTAH*
37-7 O22 UTAH STATE
O29 at Colorado State (UW ranked 10th)
N 5 at Wichita State
N12 at Texas-El Paso
1970
FRITZ SHURMUR 1971-1974
15-29-0, .341 Record four seasons
1971
(5-6-0) Captains: Mick Carter & Gary Fox
55-0
31-7
N19 at Brigham Young* W 47-14
SUN BOWL
D24 Florida State W 28-20
1967
(10-1-0) Captains: Mike Dirks & Jim Kiick
S16 at Arizona* W 36-17
S23 AIR FORCE W 37-10
S30 COLORADO STATE W 13-10
O 7 BRIGHAM YOUNG*
26-10
O14 at Utah* W 28-0
O21 WICHITA STATE (UW ranked 10th) W 30-7
O28 at Arizona State* (UW ranked 8th) W 15-13
N 4 at San Jose State (UW ranked 8th) W 28-7
N11 at New Mexico* (UW ranked 7th) W 42-6
N18 at Texas-El Paso (UW ranked 6th) W 21-19
SUGAR BOWL
J 1 Louisiana State (UW ranked 7th) L 13-20 (UW finished season ranked 6th)
1968
(7-3-0) Captains: Jim House & Gene Huey
S14 at Nebraska (Nebraska ranked 14th) L 10-13
S21 UTAH STATE W 48-3
S28 at Air Force (UW ranked 20th) L 3-10
O 5 ARIZONA STATE* (ASU ranked 14th) W 27-13
O12 at Brigham Young* W 20-17
O19 UTAH* W 20-9
O26 NEW MEXICO* W 35-6
N 2 at Colorado State* W 46-14
N16 at Texas-El Paso* (UW ranked 20th) W 26-19 N23 at Arizona* (UW ranked 20th) L 7-14
1969
(6-4-0) Captains: Larry Nels & Tommy Tucker
S20 ARIZONA* W 23-7
S27 at Air Force W 27-25
O 4 COLORADO STATE* (UW ranked 19th) W 39-3
O11 TEXAS-EL PASO* (UW ranked 18th) W 37-9
O18 BRIGHAM YOUNG* (UW ranked 16th) W 40-7
O25 SAN JOSE STATE (UW ranked 16th) W 16-7
N 1 at Arizona State* (UW ranked 15th)
8 at Utah*
14-30
10-34 N15 at New Mexico*
12-24 N22 at Houston (UH ranked 19th)
1973
1974 (2-9-0) Captains: Al Duyn, Mike Lopiccolo
COWBOY COACHES
(2-9-0) Captains: Andy Dixon & Aaron Kyle
S13 IDAHO STATE L 3-16
S20 at Colorado L 10-27
S27 ARIZONA* (Arizona ranked 15th) L 0-14
O 4 COLORADO STATE* L 0-3
O11 at Utah* L 13-16
O18 TEXAS-EL PASO* W 31-14
O25 BRIGHAM YOUNG* L 20-33
N 1 at Utah State L 21-27
N 8 at Arizona State* (ASU ranked 10th) L 20-21
N15 at New Mexico* L 32-38
N22 at Air Force W 24-10 1976
(8-4-0) Captains: Ray Davies, Steve Edwards, Kevin McClain & Paul Nunu
S11 SOUTH DAKOTA W 48-7
S18 at Michigan State L 10-21
S25 UTAH STATE W 20-3
O 2 ARIZONA STATE* W 13-10
O 9 at Brigham Young* W 34-29
O16 NEW MEXICO* W 24-23
O23 UTAH* W 45-22
O30 at Colorado State* L 16-19
N 6 at Arizona* W 26-24
N13 at Texas-El Paso* W 14-10
N20 at Air Force L 21-41
FIESTA BOWL
D25 Oklahoma (OU ranked 8th) L 7-41
14-20-1, .414 Record three seasons FRED AKERS 1975-1976 10-13-0, .435 Record two seasons
1977
(4-6-1) Captains: Francis Chesley, Dave Clements & Walter Howard
S10 AIR FORCE T 0-0
S17 TEXAS-EL PASO* W 27-17
S24 at Michigan State L 16-34
O 1 ARIZONA* W 13-12
O 8 at Utah* L 13-23
O22 BRIGHAM YOUNG* (BYU ranked 17th) L 7-10
O29 COLORADO STATE* W 29-13
N 5 at Arizona State* (ASU ranked 19th) L 0-45
N12 at Utah State L 31-32
N19 at New Mexico* W 23-21
N26 at Louisiana State L 7-66
1978
(5-7-0) Captains: Ken Fantetti & Marc Cousins
S16 SOUTH DAKOTA W 30-11
S23 at Texas (UT ranked 6th) L 3-17
S30 UTAH STATE L 13-20
O 7 NEW MEXICO* L 15-19
O14 SAN DIEGO STATE* W 31-22
O21 UTAH* W 34-21
O28 at Colorado State* W 13-3
N 4 at Brigham Young* L 14-48
N11 at Nevada-Las Vegas L 10-12
N18 at Hawaii L 22-27
N25 at Texas-El Paso* W 51-21
D 2 at Louisiana State L 17-24
1979
(5-7-0) Captains: Pat Ogrin, Danny Pittman, Vic Baginski, Mike Dennis, Scott Winfield & Hugh Albora
S 8 at Washington (UWash ranked 15th) L 2-38
S15 at Northwestern L 22-27
S22 RICHMOND W 9-7
S29 COLORADO STATE* L 16-20
O 6 TEXAS-EL PASO* W 23-3
O13 at Utah* L 14-24
O20 BRIGHAM YOUNG* (BYU ranked 13th) L 14-54
O27 NEVADA-LAS VEGAS L 24-28
N 3 at San Diego State* L 21-31
N10 ARKANSAS STATE W 17-14
N17 at Hawaii* W 21-13
N24 at New Mexico* W +3-17 + Forfeit win for Wyoming
N10 BRIGHAM YOUNG* (UW ranked 25th, BYU was 8th)L 14-45
N17 at Hawaii* L 17-38 COPPER BOWL
D31 California L 15-17
(4-6-1)
(6-6-0)
1994
Captains: John Burrough, Ryan Christopherson & Tyrone Williams
S 3 UTEP* W 36-13
S10 at Oregon State L 31-44
S17 TULSA W 17-7
S24 at Utah* L 7-41
O 1 at Nebraska# (Nebraska ranked 2nd) L 32-42
O 8 NE LOUISIANA W 28-14
O15 at Fresno State* L 24-38
O22 SAN DIEGO STATE* W 52-35
O29 AIR FORCE* L 17-34
N 5 at Colorado State* (CSU ranked 14th) L 24-35
N12 NEW MEXICO* W 38-28
N19 at Hawai’i* W 13-10
#Eventual National Champion
1995
(6-5-0) Captains: Joe Cummings & Jeremy Gilstrap
S 9 at Air Force* L 10-34
S16 HAWAI’I* W 52-6
S23 OKLAHOMA STATE W 45-25
O 7 at Tulsa L 6-35
O14 LOUISVILLE W 27-20
O21 at Brigham Young*
JOE
1991
Captains: Tom Corontzos, Robert Rivers & Doug Rigby
A31 HAWAII* L 17-32
S 7 at Colorado (Colorado ranked 12th) L 13-30
S14 S. WESTERN LOUISIANA W 28-15
S21 TEXAS TECH W 22-17
S28 TEXAS-EL PASO* T 28-28
O 5 at Air Force* L 28-51
O12 UTAH* L 42-57
O19 at New Mexico* W 39-19
O26 COLORADO STATE* W 35-28
N 2 at San Diego State* L 22-24
N 9 at Brigham Young* L 31-56
1992
(5-7-0) Captains: Dorell Drake, Jarod Thiele & Matt Swenson
S 5 NEVADA W 25-6
S12 at Texas Tech L 32-49
S19 AIR FORCE* L 28-42
S26 at Louisville W 26-24
O 3 SAN JOSE STATE L 24-26
O10 NEW MEXICO* W 35-21
O17 BRIGHAM YOUNG* L 28-31
O24 at Colorado State* W 31-14
O31 at Fresno State* L 31-42
N 7 SAN DIEGO STATE* W 17-6
N14 at Utah* L 7-38
N21 at Hawaii* L 18-42
(8-4-0)
1993
Captains: Kurt Whitehead, Mike Jones & Joe Hughes
S 4 OREGON STATE L 16-27
S11 NORTHERN IOWA W 45-42
S18 at San Jose State W 36-25
S25 UTAH* W 28-12
O 2 at Air Force* W 31-18
O 9 at Texas-El Paso* W 33-26
O23 HAWAII* W 48-10
O30 FRESNO STATE* W 32-28
N13 at New Mexico* (UW ranked 23rd) L 7-10
N20 COLORADO STATE* L 21-41
N27 at San Diego State* W 43-38
COPPER BOWL
D30 Kansas State (KSU ranked 20th) L 17-52
1999
(7-4-0) Captains: Dan Delcorio, Robbie Duncan, Jared Jarnagin, Wendell Montgomery, Brian Van Emmerik
20-23
O28 COLORADO STATE* L 24-31
N 4 UTAH* L 24-30
N11 at San Diego State* (SDSU ranked 25th) W 34-31
N18 FRESNO STATE* W 38-10
N25 at UTEP* W 42-19 1996
(10-2-0) Captains: Marcus Harris, Brent Leu & Steve Scifres
A31 IDAHO W 40-38
S 7 at Iowa State W 41-38 ot
S14 HAWAI’I* W 66-0
S21 AIR FORCE* W 22-19
S28 at UNLV* W 33-21
O 5 at San Jose State* (UW ranked 25th) W 45-22
O12 WESTERN MICHIGAN (UW ranked 24th) W 42-28
O19 FRESNO STATE* (UW ranked 23rd) W 42-21
N 2 SMU* (UW ranked 17th) W 59-17
N 7 at San Diego State* (UW ranked 16th) L 24-28
N16 at Colorado State* (UW ranked 23rd) W 25-24
D 7 vs. Brigham Young# (UW ranked 22nd, BYU was 6th) L 25-28 ot (UW finished ranked 22nd) #Inaugural WAC Championship Game
1997
2001
Captains: Leo Caires, Adam
2002
(2-10-0) Captains: Jon Aimone, Casey Bramlet, Ryan McGuffey, J.D. Wallum & Herman White A31 vs. Tennessee (in Nashville) (UT ranked 4th) L 7-47
(8-5-0) Captains: Marques Brigham, Jay Korth, Jeff Leonard, Donovan McComb, Jim Talich, Cory Wedel A28 at Ohio State (OSU ranked 9th)
S 6 IOWA STATE
10-24
56-10
S13 at Hawai’i* W 35-6
S20 SAN JOSE STATE* W 30-10
S27 at Colorado# (Colorado ranked 16th) L# 19-20
O 4 MONTANA W 28-13
O11 at Nevada W 34-30
O18 COLORADO STATE*
O25 at SMU*
N 1 SAN DIEGO STATE*
7-14
17-22
41-17 N 8 UNLV*
N15 at Air Force*
N22 at Fresno State*
35-23
3-14
7-24 #Win by forfeit
1998
(8-3-0) Captains: Brian Brown, Demetrius Hamilton, Zach Keiter, Aron Langley, Jeff Smith, Greg Van Leer
S12 MONTANA STATE W 17-9
S19 at Georgia (Georgia ranked 12th)
S26 LOUISIANA TECH
O 3 UTAH*
O10 SMU*
O17 at UNLV*
9-16
31-19
27-24
12-7
28-25 ot O24 RICE*
O31 at TCU*
N 7 at Colorado State*
34-24
34-27
27-19
N14 AIR FORCE* (UW ranked 25th, AF was 23rd) L 3-10
N21 at Tulsa L 0-35 * Western Athletic Conference Game
(4-8-0)
JOE GLENN
2003-2008
30-41-0, .423 six seasons
2003
Captains: Casey Bramlet & Tyler Gottschalk
A 30 MONTANA STATE W 21-10
S 6 at Oklahoma State L 24-48
S13 KANSAS L 35-42
S20 at Air Force* L 29-35
S27 at Boise State L 17-33
O11 at Utah State W 48-21
O18 BRIGHAM YOUNG* W 13-10
O25 at San Diego State* L 20-25
N1 COLORADO STATE* W 35-28
N15 at Utah* L 17-47
N22 NEW MEXICO* L 3-26
N29 UNLV* L 24-35
2004
(7-5-0) Captains: Corey Bramlet, Trenton Franz, Zach Morris, Guy Tuell
S 4 APPALACHIAN STATE W 53-7
S 11 at Texas A&M L 0-31
S 25 OLE MISS W 37-32
O 2 LOUISIANA-MONROE W 31-10
O 9 SAN DIEGO STATE* W 20-10
O 16 at Brigham Young* L 13-24
O 22 at Colorado State* L 7-30
O 30 AIR FORCE* W 43-26
N 6 at UNLV* W 53-45 (3ot)
N 13 UTAH* (Utah ranked 7th) L 28-45
N 20 at New Mexico* L 9-16
LAS VEGAS BOWL
D 23 vs. UCLA W 24-21
2005
(4-7-0) Captains: Corey Bramlet, Dusty Hoffschneider, Ron Rockett
S 3 at Florida (Florida ranked 10th) L 14-32
S 10 LOUISIANA-MONROE W 38-0
S 17 at Air Force* W 29-28
S 24 at Ole Miss W 24-14
O 1 UNLV* W 42-17
O 8 TCU* L 14-28
O 15 NEW MEXICO* L 24-27
O 22 at Colorado State* L 31-39
N 5 at Utah* L 13-43
N 12 BRIGHAM YOUNG* L 21-35
N 19 at San Diego State* L 21-34
2006
(6-6-0) Captains: Chase Johnson & John Wendling
S 2 UTAH STATE W 38-7
S 9 at Virginia L 12-13 (1ot)
S16 BOISE STATE L 10-17
S23 AIR FORCE* L 24-31
S30 at Syracuse L 34-40 (2ot)
O 7 at New Mexico* W 14-10
O14 UTAH* W 31-15
O21 COLORADO STATE* W 24-0
O28 at TCU* L 3-26
N 4 SAN DIEGO STATE* W 27-24
N 9 at Brigham Young* (BYU ranked 25th) L 7-55 N18 at UNLV* W 34-26
2007
(5-7-0) Captains: Wade Betschart, Sean Claffey, Michael Medina, Devin Moore
S 1 VIRGINIA W 23-3
S 8 UTAH STATE W 32-18
S 15 at Boise State L 14-24
S 22 at Ohio W 34-33
O 6 TCU* W 24-21
O 13 NEW MEXICO* L 3-20
O 20 at Air Force* (AF was receiving votes) L 12-20
O 27 UNLV* W 29-24
N 3 at San Diego State* L 24-27
N 10 at Utah* L 0-50
N 17 BRIGHAM YOUNG* L 10-35
N 23 at Colorado State* L 28-36
2008
(4-8-0) Captains: Ward Dobbs & Devin Moore
A 30 OHIO W 21-20
S 6 AIR FORCE* L 3-23
S 13 NORTH DAKOTA STATE W 16-13
S 20 at Brigham Young* (BYU ranked 14th) L 0-44
S 27 BOWLING GREEN L 16-45
O 4 at New Mexico*
O 11 UTAH* (Utah ranked 14th)
O 25 at TCU* (TCU ranked 15th)
0-24
7-40
7-54
N 1 SAN DIEGO STATE* W 35-10
N 8 at Tennessee W 13-7
N 13 at UNLV*
14-22 N 22 COLORADO STATE* L 20-31
DAVE CHRISTENSEN 2009-2013 27-35-0, .435 five seasons
2009
(7-6-0) Captains: Russ Arnold, John Fletcher Weston Johnson, Darius Terry
S 5 WEBER STATE W 29-22
S 12 TEXAS (UT ranked 2nd) L 10-41
S 19 at Colorado L 0-24
S 26 UNLV* W 30-27
O 3 at Florida Atlantic W 30-28
O 10 NEW MEXICO* W 37-13
O 17 at Air Force* L 0-10
O 31 at Utah* (Utah ranked 19th) L 10-22
N 7 BRIGHAM YOUNG* (BYU ranked 25th) L 0-52
N 14 at San Diego State* W 30-27
N 21 TCU* (TCU ranked 4th) L 10-45
N 27 at Colorado State* W 17-16 NEW MEXICO BOWL
D 19 vs. Fresno State W 35-28 (2ot)
2010
(3-9-0) Captains: Chris Prosinski, David Leonard, Brian Hendricks, Austyn Carta-Samuels
S 4 SOUTHERN UTAH W 28-20
S 11 at Texas (UT ranked 5th) L 7-34
S 18 BOISE STATE (BSU ranked 3rd) L 6-51
S 25 AIR FORCE* (AF was receiving votes) L 14-20
O 2 at Toledo W 20-15
O 9 at TCU* (TCU ranked 5th)
O 16 UTAH* (UW ranked 11th)
O 23 at Brigham Young*
0-45
6-30
20-25
O 30 SAN DIEGO STATE* (SDSU was receiving votes) L 38-48
N 6 at New Mexico*
N 13 at UNLV*
31-34
16-42
N 20 COLORADO STATE* W 44-0
(8-5-0)
2011
Captains: Selected each game
S 3 WEBER STATE W 35-32
S 10 TEXAS STATE W 45-10
S 17 at Bowling Green W 28-27
S 24 NEBRASKA (Nebraska ranked 9th) L 14-38
O 8 at Utah State L 19-63
O 15 UNLV* W 41-14
O 29 at San Diego State* W 30-27
N 5 TCU* (TCU was receiving votes) L 20-31
N 12 at Air Force* W 25-17
N 19 NEW MEXICO* W 31-10
N 26 at Boise State* (BSU ranked 7th) L 14-36
D 3 at Colorado State* W 22-19 NEW MEXICO BOWL
D 17 vs. Temple L 15-37
2012
(4-8-0) Captains: Korey Jones, Nick Carlson, Luke Ruff, Brett Smith
S 1 at Texas (UT ranked 15th) L 17-37
S 8 TOLEDO L 31-34
S 15 CAL POLY
2013
22-24
S 22 at Idaho W 40-37
O 6 at Nevada*
O 13 AIR FORCE*
O 20 at Fresno State*
O 27 BOISE STATE* (BSU ranked 21st)
28-35
27-28
14-42
(5-7-0) Captains: Marqueston Huff, Patrick Mertens, Brett Smith,
61-60-0, .504 ten seasons
2014
Strong
(4-8-0) Captains: Colby Kirkegaard, Dominic Rufran, Darrenn White, Eddie Yarbrough
2015
(2-10-0) Captains: Eddie Yarbrough, Cameron Coffman, Shaun Wick, Chase Roullier, Siaosi Hala’api’api, Lucas Wacha
2016
(8-6-0)
Captains: Marcus Epps, Josh Allen, Lucas Wacha, Chase Roullier, Jacob Hollister S03 NORTHERN ILLINOIS W 40-34 (3ot) S10
2017
2018
(6-6-0) Captains: Marcus Epps, Nico Evans, Conner Cain, Austin Fort, Andrew Wingard, Logan Wilson
A25 at New Mexico State W 29-7
S01 WASHINGTON STATE L 19-41
S08 at Missouri L 13-40
S15 WOFFORD W 17-14
S29 BOISE STATE * L 14-34
O06 at Hawai’i * L 13-17
O13 at Fresno State * L 3-27
O20 UTAH STATE * L 16-24
O26 at Colorado State * W 34-21
N03 SAN JOSE STATE * W 24-9
N17 AIR FORCE * W 35-27
N24 at New Mexico * W 31-3
2019
(8-5-0) Captains: Sean Chambers, Austin Conway, Josiah Hall, Josh Harshman, Logan Wilson
A31 MISSOURI W 37-31
S07 at Texas State W 23-14
S14 IDAHO W 21-16
S21 at Tulsa L 21-24
S28 UNLV* W 53-17
O12 at San Diego State* L 22-26
O19 NEW MEXICO* W 23-10
O26 NEVADA* W 31-3
N09 at #21 Boise State* L 17-20 (ot)
N16 at Utah State* L 21-26
N22 COLORADO STATE* W 17-7
N30 at Air Force* L 6-20
D31 vs Georgia State# W 38-17
#NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl - Tucson, Ariz.
2020
(2-4-0) Captains: Sean Chambers, Garrett Crall, Keegan Cryder, Chad Muma
O24 at Nevada L 34-37
O30 HAWAI’I W 31-7
N05 at CSU L 24-34
N27 at UNLV W 45-14
D05 at New Mexico L 16-17
D12 BOISE STATE L 9-17
2021
(7-6-0) Captains: Sean Chambers, Garrett Crall, Keegan Cryder, Chad Muma, Xazavian Valladay
S4 MONTANA STATE W 19-16
S11 at Northern Illinois W 50-43
S18 BALL STATE W 45-12
S25 at UConn W 24-22
O9 at Air Force* L 14-24
O16 FRESNO STATE* L 0-17
O23 NEW MEXICO* L 3-14
O30 at San Jose State* L 21-27
N6 COLORADO STATE* W 31-17
N12 at Boise State* L 13-23
N20 at Utah State* W 44-17
N27 HAWAII* L 14-38
D21 vs. Kent State# W 52-38
#Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - Boise, Idaho
*Mountain West Conference Games
2022
(7-6-0) Captains: Andrew Peasley, Treyton Welch, Easton Gibbs and Cole Godbout
A27 at Illinois L 38-6
S3 TULSA W 40-37, 2OT
S10 NORTHERN COLORADO W 33-10
S16 AIR FORCE* W 17-14
S24 at BYU L 38-24
O1 SAN JOSE STATE* L 33-16
O8 at New Mexico* W 27-14
O22 UTAH STATE* W 28-14
O29 at Hawaii* W 27-20
N11 at Colorado State* W 14-13
N19 BOISE STATE* L 20-17
N25 at Fresno State* L 30-0
D30 vs Ohio# L 30-27, OT
#Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl – Tucson, Ariz.
*Mountain West Conference Games
Larry Birleffi
LARRY BIRLEFFI, flanked by former UW Athletics Director Paul Roach (on left) acknowledges the crowd on Oct. 17, 1992, the day UW dedicated the press area in the War Memorial Stadium Press Box as “The Larry Birleffi Press Room”.
In 1992 the University of Wyoming Athletics Department honored long-time newspaper, radio and TV personality Larry Birleffi, by naming the working press area in the War Memorial Stadium media facility after him.
For over 50 years, and 1200 events, Birleffi covered the Cowboys and Cowgirls for newspaper, radio and television. While coaches, players and fans have come and gone, Birleffi was there. He was the one common thread through the tapestry that is Wyoming tradition. He carried the word of Wyoming athletics longer, and more effectively, than any other. He was inducted into the University of Wyoming Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996.
Born in Hartville, Wyoming’s first incorporated town on April 17, 1918, Birleffi graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1942. He had begun covering the Cowboys for the UW student newspaper the Branding Iron in 1937.
Birleffi died on September 27, 2008.
(9-4-0)
2023
Captains: Andrew Peasley, Treyton Welch, Easton Gibbs and Cole Godbout
S2 TEXAS TECH W 35-33 2OT
S9 PORTLAND STATE W 31-17
S16 at #4 Texas L 10-31
S23 APPALACHIAN STATE W 22-19
S30 NEW MEXICO* W 35-26
O7 FRESNO STATE* W 24-19
O14 at Air Force* L 27-34
O28 at Boise State* L 7-32
N3 COLORADO STATE* W 24-15
N10 at UNLV* L 14-34
N18 HAWAI’I* W 42-9
N25 at Nevada* W 42-6
D30 vs. Toledo# W 16-15
#Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl – Tucson, Ariz. *Mountain West Conference Game
(3-9-0)
JAY SAWVEL
2024-Present 7-17, .292 Two seasons
2024
Captains: Nofoafia Tulafono, Evan Svoboda, Shae Suiaunoa and Jordan Bertagnole
A31 at Arizona State L 7-48
S7 IDAHO L 13-17
S14 BYU L 14-34
S21 at North Texas L 17-44
S28 AIR FORCE* W 31-19
O12 SAN DIEGO STATE* L 24-27
O19 at San Jose State* L 14-24
O26 UTAH STATE* L 25-27
N2 at New Mexico* W 49-45
N15 at Colorado State* L 10-24
N23 #12 BOISE STATE* L 13-17
N30 at Washington State W 15-14
*Mountain West Conference Game
2025
(4-8-0)
Captains: None
A28 at Akron W 10-0
S6 Northern Iowa W 31-7
S13 #20 Utah L 6-31
S20 at Colorado L 20-37
O4 UNLV* L 17-31
O12 San Jose State* W 35-28
O19 at Air Force* L 21-24
O26 Colorado State* W 28-0
N2 at San Diego State* L 7-24
N15 at Fresno State* L 3-24
N23 Nevada* L 7-13
N30 at Hawai’i* L 7-27
*Mountain West Conference Game
As of end of 2024 season
56 weeks ranked in the AP poll No. 6 (1967) UW’s highest AP ranking No. 11 ASU (1972) highest ranked opponent UW has defeated 11-67 all-time record vs. ranked opponents
10-63 UW unranked, vs. ranked opponents
1-4 UW ranked, vs. ranked opponents
28-9 UW ranked, vs. unranked opponents
7-21 UW vs. ranked at home
3-40 UW vs. ranked on the road
1-6 UW vs. ranked at neutral locations
2025
Conference
UNLV
2024
Conference
2016
2023
Conference Overall W L Pct. W L Pct.
UNLV 6 2 .750 9 5 .643
Jose State 6 2 .750 8 5 .615
State 6 2 .750 8 6 .571
Force 5 3 .625 9 4 .692 Wyoming 5 3 .625 9
*Colorado State received a forfeit win over Utah State and the Aggies received a forfeit loss. The win and loss are reflected in the 2020 conference-only standings and, per the NCAA, do not count toward either institution’s overall won-loss record.
2019
*Divisional Champion
2022
*Divisional Champion ! Mountain West
2018
2021
Conference Overall W L Pct. W L Pct. Fresno State 5 3 .625 6 7 .462 San Diego State 5 3 .625 7 5 .583
4 4 .500 7 5 .583 Hawai’i 3 5 .375 4 9 .308
San Jose State 2 6 .250 3 9 .250 UNLV 1 7 .125 2 11 .154
2013
Mountain Division Conference Overall W L Pct. W L Pct.
Utah State 7 1 .875 9 5 .643 Boise State 6 2 .750 8 5 .615 Colorado State 5 3 .625 8 6 .571
3 5 .375 5 7 .417
Mexico 1 7 .125 3 9 .250
Force 0 8 .000 2 10 .167 West Division Conference Overall W L Pct. W L Pct. Fresno State 7 1 .875 11 2 .846 San Diego State 6 2 .750 8 5 .615
0 8 .000 1 11 .083
2012
Conference Overall W L Pct. W L Pct. Boise State 7 1 .875 11 2 .846
The 1967 Cowboy Coaching Staff (Back Row left to right: Burt Gustafson, Jack Taylor, Paul Roach, Bill Baker and Fritz Shurmur. Kneeling in front is Head Coach Lloyd Eaton.)
2026 COWBOY TRADITION
Below listed alphabetically are the University of Wyoming's football players from 1893 through 2025. Prior to 1930 all squadsmen are listed. From 1930 through 2026 only lettermen are listed.
Marcus Harris is presented with the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver in 1996. One of Wyoming’s most decorated football players, Marcus Harris was a consensus All-American in 1996, being selected First Team All-American by the Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, American Football Coaches Association, Walter Camp Football Foundation, and Football News. In 1996, he won the Biletnikoff Award (named after former Oakland Raiders receiver Fred Biletnikoff), symbolic of the nation’s top receiver. He also finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1996. During his college career, Harris became the NCAA’s all-time leader in receiving yards with 4,518 career yards, and he remains the only receiver in NCAA history to have three 1,400 yard receiving seasons. With his 1,650 yards in 1996, Harris led the nation in receiving yards, earned FirstTeam All-Western Athletic Conference honors for the third straight year, and was named the WAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year.
1996
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
Class of 1993 (Inaugural Year)
Dick Ballinger, Wrestling, 1958-60
Fennis Dembo, Basketball, 1985-88
Mike Dirks, Football, 1965-67
Jerry Hill, Football, 1958-60
Glenn “Red” Jacoby, Athletic Director, 1946-73
Jay Novacek, Football & Track, 1982-84
Kenny Sailors, Basketball, 1941-46
Ev Shelton, Basketball Coach, 1939-59
Johnny Winterholler, Baseball, Basketball, Football, 1936-39
1943 NCAA Championship Basketball Team
Class of 1994
Paul N. Carlin, Track, 1951-53
Dr. George “Duke” Humphrey, UW President, 1945-64
Dr. Everett D. Lantz, Wrestling Coach, 1937-65
Flynn J. Robinson, Basketball, 1963-65
Mary F. Shea, Volleyball, 1980-83
William Strannigan, Basketball Coach, 1960-73
Kenneth Sturman, Football, 1937-39
Edward Talboom, Football, 1948-50
Bowden Wyatt, Football Coach, 1947-52
1950 Gator Bowl Champion Football Team
Class of 1995
Jack B. Aggers, Athletic Trainer, 1958-84
James L. Crawford, Football, 1954-56
John C. Corbett, Coach/Administrator, 1915-39
Robert S. Devaney, Football Coach, 1957-61
John J. Kosich, Baseball, Football, 1946-49
Dewey L. McConnell, Football, 1949-51
Patricia L. Miller-Davis, Track & Field 1980, 1982
Class of 1996
Lawrence V. Birleffi, “Voice of the Cowboys”, 1947-86
Charles W. “Tub” Bradley, Basketball, 1979-81
Glenn R. “Bud” Daniel, Baseball Coach, 1951-71
Michele D. Hoppes, Basketball, 1984-87
James F. Kiick, Football, 1965-67
Mark S. Miller, Swimming, 1985-88
Milward L. Simpson, Football, Basketball, Baseball, 1917-21
Class of 1997
Joseph W. Alexander, Rodeo, 1968-69
C. Keith Bloom, Basketball, Football, Baseball, 1947-50
Willard A. “Dutch” Witte, Basketball Coach, 1931-39
John Wodny, Cross Country, 1986-89
Ryan Yarborough, Football, 1990-93
Bill Young, Administration, 1960-82
1959-60 Wrestling Team
Class of 2004
Reese Andy, Wrestling, 1994-96
Leon Clark, Basketball, 1963-66
Marcus Harris, Football, 1993-96
Bill Levine, Football, 1961, 1963-64
Jimmi Jo Martin Ripsam, Rodeo, 1988-90
Pat Rabold, Football, 1984, 1986-88
Andy Welsh, Diving, 1981-85
Class of 2005
Ryan Butler, Track & Field, 1995-96
Phil Dickens, Football Coach, 1953-56
Joe Dowler, Wrestling Coach, 1973-87
Ann Melander, Skiing, 1984-85
Theo Ratliff, Basketball, 1991-94
Vic Washington, Football, 1966-67
1989 Volleyball Team
Class of 2006
Ryan Christopherson, Football, 1991-94
Jerry Depoyster, Football, 1965-67
Stan Dodds, Basketball, 1967-70
Bob Hammond, Special Achievement
Milo Komenich, Basketball, 1942-43, 1946
Stacey Ward Straley, Skiing, 1980-81
1956 Baseball Team
Class of 2007
Elsie Jo Bonger, Football Secretary, 1962-78
Brenday Graham Gray, Track & Field, 1980-84
Jerry Jester, Football, 1953-55
Dave McCleave, Golf, 1989-92
Dick Sherman, Basketball, 1963-66
Randy Welniak, Football, 1985-88
1968 Ski Team
Class of 2008
Tom Garrison, Track & Field, 1987-91
Walker “Sonny” Jones, Jr., Football, 1948-49
Geir Kvernmo, Skiing & Track, 1979-80
Brian Lee, Football, 1994-97
Dave Myers, Wrestling, 1989-92
Steve Scifres, Football, 1993-96
1978-79 Cowgirl Basketball Team
Class of 2009
Jesseca Cross, Basketball, 1994-98
Sean Fleming, Football, 1988-91
Quincy Howe, Track & Field, 1999-2002
Gene Huey, Football, 1966-68
Mike Jackson, Basketball, 1980-83
Al & Pete Simpson, Special Achievement
1961 Rodeo Team
Class of 2010
Staale Engen, Skiing & Track, 1970-75
Jerry Frude, Wrestling, 1959-62
Steiner Hybertsen, Skiing, 1973-75
Bob Jacobs, Football, 1968-70
Chuck Lamson, Football, 1961-62
Karen Sanford Gall, Track & Field, 1979-82
1966 Football Team
Class of 2011
Mike English, Volleyball Coach, 1986-89, 1991-93
Wesley Maiyo, Track & Field, 1974-75
Dr. Robert Mason, Wrestling, 1949-51
Shauna Smith, Track & Field, 2002-05
Scott Usher, Swimming, 2002-05
Jim Walden, Football, 1958-59
1986-87 “Sweet 16” Men’s Basketball Team
Class of 2012
Dick Campbell, Football, 1948-50
Len Kuczewski, Football, 1957-59
Jordan Lintz, Golf, 1997-2000
Chris Lull, Volleyball, 1985-89
Selmer Pederson, Football, 1949-51
Ray Sanchez, Wrestling, 1967-68
Class of 2013
Carrie Bacon, Basketball, 1999-2000, 2002-03
Josh Davis, Basketball, 1999-2002
Jason Gervais, Track & Field, 1999-2001
Jim House, Football, 1966-68
Mike LaHood, Football, 1965-67
Kevin McKinney, Administration
1959 Football Team
Class of 2014
Dennis Baker, Football, 1975-77
Becky Simning Eriksson, Skiing, 1979-81, 1984-85
LeRoy Gabriel, Administration, 1961-95
Harry Hall, Basketball, 1966-69
Duane Schopp, Track & Field Coach, 1984-97
Mark Smolinski, Football, 1958-60
Jack Weil, Football, 1980-83
1933-34 Men’s Basketball Team
Class of 2015
Marcus Bailey, Men’s Basketball, 1999-2003
Ashley Elliott, Women’s Basketball, 2002-05
David Hearn, Men’s Golf, 1998-2001
Jeff Huson, Baseball, 1984-85
Don Miller, Wrestling, 1965-68
Joe Ramunno, Football, 1981-84
Quentin Skinner, Skiing Coach, 1971-80
Class of 2016
Jerry Durling, Football, 1965-66
Aaron Kyle, Football, 1972-75
Frank Shepperson, Rodeo, 1961-64
Lynn Stetson, Men's Swimming, 1980-83
Dave Walsh, Special Achievement
John Watts, Football, 1954-56
Hanna Zavecz, Women's Basketball, 2005-08
1976 Cowboy Football Team
Class of 2017
Dr. Robert Curnow and Dr. David Kieffer, Special Achievement
Vince Guinta, Football, 1954-56
Mike Hamel, Wrestling, 1983-86
C.T. Hewgley, Football, 1949-50
Jim Weir, Men's Basketball, 1941-43, 1946
1991 National Champion Cowgirl Rodeo Team
2007 WNIT National Champion Cowgirl Basketball Team
Class of 2018
Sean Dent, Men's Basketball, 1984, 1986-88
Jessica Fox, 2003-05, Track & Field
Art Howe, Baseball, 1967-69
Steven Suder, Westling, Athlete 1975-79, and Coach, 1989-2008
Cory Wedel, Football, 1994-97
1987 WAC Champion Football Team
Class of 2019
Andrea Everett Blocher, Cross Country and Track, 1982-83
Wes Gasner, Wrestling, 1983-84
Jay Martin, Skiing, 1965-67
Mack Peyton, Basketball and Baseball, 1947-49
Courtney Stapp Pool, Basketball, 1995-98
Larry Zowada, Football, 1955-57
1966-67 Men’s Basketball Team
Class of 2020-21
Jon Cogdill, Football & Wrestling, 1986-90
Dennis Dreher, Special Category
Brandon Ewing, Men’s Basketball, 2006-09
Wiles Hallock, Administration, 1949-60
Kevin Mannon, Track & Field, 1998-99
Mike Schenbeck, Football, 1985-88
Tom Wilkinson, Football & Baseball, 1964-65
Class of 2022
Walter Goffigan, Football, 1980-83
Wayne Jensen, Track & Field, 1969-71
Mary Johnson, Administration
Erin Kirby, Volleyball & Track, 2011-15
Grant Salisbury, Football, 1986-88
Les Witte, Men's Basketball, 1931-34
1988 WAC Championship Football Team
Class of 2023
Kenneth "Dabby" Dawson, Football, 1988-89
Chad Lavin, Women's Basketball Coach, 1986-98
Larry Nance Jr., Men's Basketball, 2012-15
Audrey Vandiver. Women's Basketball, 2007-11
1968-69 Men's Basketball Team
1984-85 and 1985-86 Wrestling Teams
Class of 2024
Jovon Bouknight, Football, 2002-2005
Kelsey Conci, Swimming, 2009-2012
Diane Dodson, Administration
Adam Goldberg, Football, 1999-2002
Joe Legerski, Women's Basketball Coach, 2004-2019
Jim Sanchez, Cross Country Coach, 1981-2003
Jil Robins Thomason, Volleyball, 1991-1994
Class of 2025
Josh Allen, Football, 2015-17
Casey Bramlet, Football, 2000-03
Curt Jimerson, Men's Basketball, 1961-63
Hugh Lowham, Wrestling, 1962-64
Mike Mulvaney, Baseball, 1985-88
Lori Kline Waddell, Women's Basketball, 1979, 1981-83
John Wendling, Football, 2003-06
Class of 2026
Josh Adams, Men's Basketball, 2013-16
Hillary Carlson, Women's Basketball, 2008-2011
Dave Hampton, Football, 1966-68
Chris Prosinski, Football, 2007-10
Gregg Sawyer, Men's Basketball/Track and Field, 1995-98
Ron Whitman, Wrestling, 1982-85
1996 Cowboy Football Team
MOUNTAIN WEST
This is the Mountain West
Since its founding in 1999, the Mountain West has remained steadfast in its commitment to excellence in intercollegiate athletics while advancing the academic missions of its member institutions. Central to that mission is the holistic development of our studentathletes—championing their success not only in competition but also in the classroom and in their personal growth. Beginning with the 2026–27 season, the Mountain West will feature a comprehensive membership model that brings together full-time, all-sport institutions alongside select sport-specific members. The Conference’s all-sport members—United States Air Force Academy; University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa; University of Nevada, Reno; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; University of New Mexico; San José State University; University of Texas at El Paso, and University of Wyoming, will compete across the full Mountain West portfolio, including football. University of California, Davis, and Grand Canyon University will join as all-sport members outside of football, while Colorado College (women’s soccer), North Dakota State University (football), Northern Illinois University (football and women’s gymnastics), and Utah Tech University (baseball and men’s soccer) will compete as affiliate members in designated sports.
Gloria Nevarez, a 28-year veteran of intercollegiate athletics, is the second Commissioner in the history of the Mountain West Conference. She began her tenure on Jan. 1, 2023.
Nevarez can count several accomplishments from her first three years at the Mountain West, culminating in a four-year contract extension announced in December 2025 that will keep her at the helm through 2030.
When realignment once again swept NCAA Division I in 2024, Nevarez acted quickly to add the University of California, Davis; University of Hawai'i at Manoa; and University of Texas, El Paso, as full Mountain West members and Northern Illinois University as a footballonly member, starting in 2026. Grand Canyon University became a full member of the Conference in the summer of 2025, immediately expanding the Conference’s footprint into Arizona.
Later in 2025, the Mountain West announced it would expand its sports offerings, resuming sponsorship of men’s swimming and diving and adding men’s soccer beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. NIU was added as an affiliate member for women’s gymnastics and Utah Tech was added as an affiliate for men’s soccer and baseball starting in the summer of 2026.
With the culmination of nearly a year of work and planning, Nevarez celebrated her first anniversary at the Mountain West with the release of a comprehensive strategic plan in January 2024. The five-year strategic plan, “Ascend Together: Our Path to Excellence,” establishes the league’s core values-based principles – Competitive Excellence, Academic Achievement, Integrity, Relentless Drive, and Community and Inclusion.
Nevarez also initiated significant data benchmarking and rapid threatcasting projects designed to elevate the overall strength of the Mountain West and which have concurrently positioned the Mountain West for success in the rapidly evolving intercollegiate athletics landscape.
Also, Nevarez spearheaded the addition of women’s gymnastics for the 2023-24 academic year. With the subsequent addition of men’s soccer and return of men’s swimming and diving, the Conference will boast a 21-sport portfolio beginning in July 2026.
Nevarez currently serves as the Mountain West representative on the College Football Playoff (CFP) Management Committee. In addition, she sits on the Board of Directors for Women Leaders in Sports, serving as president for 2024-25 and past president in 2025-26.
Nevarez came from the West Coast Conference (WCC), where she served as Commissioner from 2018-22. While at the WCC, Nevarez shaped nearly every facet of the internal and external operations of the WCC. She directed significant overhauls to the conference’s branding efforts, expanding the league’s national television contracts, adding a long-term title sponsor for the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, and launching groundbreaking social justice initiatives.
After an exhaustive and collaborative six-month review with WCC stakeholders, the brand, reflective of the mission and values of the WCC schools, was refreshed with a new brand identity. The WCC also embarked on a comprehensive rebranding initiative to bring consistency across all platforms. In her second full year on the job, Nevarez renegotiated the media rights agreement for the conference, resulting in unprecedented levels of national exposure for the league, including an updated eight-year agreement with ESPN and the addition of two national television partners in CBS Sports and Stadium.
During Nevarez’s tenure, the WCC became the first Division I conference to adopt a diversity hiring initiative with the groundbreaking “Russell Rule” adopted in July 2020. The “Russell Rule” requires all WCC schools to include a member of a traditionally underrepresented community in the final candidate pool for every athletic director, senior administrator, head coach, and full-time assistant coaching search.
Before her commissioner role at the WCC, Nevarez had a successful stint as the Senior Associate Commissioner, Senior Woman Administrator at the Pac-12 Conference. In her role at the Pac-12, Nevarez oversaw all conference sports and championships except football. She also served as the conference liaison for men’s basketball and tournament director of the men’s basketball tournament in Las Vegas. Nevarez led all-star teams to China and Australia and brought conference teams to China for the first-ever NCAA regular-season game. During her tenure at the Pac-12, Nevarez was instrumental in league expansion, the relocation and success of both the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, the creation and operation of the Pac-12 Networks, the development of international initiatives, and advanced the conference’s sustainability efforts.
Prior to joining what was then the Pac-10 staff, Nevarez served as Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of Oklahoma. Her responsibilities were wide-ranging, including sport administration duties and overseeing the department’s strength and conditioning, marketing, and human resources units. Her sport administrator duties included men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, soccer, men’s and women’s track and field, softball, and women’s rowing. In addition, Nevarez served Oklahoma as the senior woman administrator and oversaw the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the department’s Staff Council, Title IX compliance, and worked with the fundraising group, the Sooner Stilettos.
Before her time at Oklahoma, Nevarez spent five years working in compliance at the WCC, joining the conference in January 2002. During her first stint at the WCC, her primary emphasis was to direct the conference’s compliance efforts. In that role, she was involved in education initiatives at all member institutions and the league office. She assisted the schools with their certification, violations, waivers and rules interpretations.
Prior to the WCC, Nevarez was at the University of California, where she handled multiple roles. She was the lone compliance officer and served as an executive officer for the department and its 29 intercollegiate athletics teams. She conducted NCAA and Pac-10 rules education workshops for student-athletes, coaches, and department staff on an annual basis. Nevarez was also involved with legal matters involving the department, including lawsuits, serving as the department’s campus liaison. She was responsible for processing all departmental contracts, including game contracts, and served as the department’s campus contact for all athletic-related contracts. Her efforts at Cal went beyond the legal realm as she served as co-coordinator of the team that conceived and ran the first Cy-Bear auction, the first time a collegiate entity had partnered with an online group – Yahoo! – to host an online auction, raising more than $180,000.
Nevarez began her athletics administrative career at San José State University, where she was the first fulltime Director of Compliance in school history and developed and implemented an NCAA compliance program.
A graduate of the NCAA Fellows Program and the NACWAA Executive Institute, Nevarez completed five years as an adjunct faculty member at the University of San Francisco’s Sport Management Master’s program, teaching sports law.
Nevarez received her Juris Doctorate from the University of California. A four-year scholarship studentathlete and letterwinner in basketball at the University of Massachusetts, she graduated cum laude from UMass. While a student, Nevarez served on the La Raza Law Journal and was a co-founder of the Boalt Hall Sport and Entertainment Law Society. She served on the board of advisors for the UMass sports management department, a division of the Isenberg School of Business. In 2023, Nevarez was honored with the Elaine Sortino Alumna Award for Achievement during the school’s annual Hall of Fame enshrinement.
A native of Santa Clara, California, Nevarez is married to fellow Berkeley Law graduate Richard Young.
Mountain States Athletic Conference
(Skyline Conference)
1938 John Winterholler, HB
1939 None
1940 None
1941
Al Lokanc, G
1943 (No official league play due to World War II)
1944 (Unofficial league play only)
None
1945 (Unofficial league play only)
None
1946
Jim Clayton, T Henry Kolasinski, HB
1947 Larry Martoglio, G
1948 Eddie Talboom, HB
1949
Charles Peterson, T Fred Taucher, C Eddie Talboom, HB
Walker “Sonny” Jones, FB
1950
Dick Campbell, LB
Tom Drost, DE
C. T. Hewgley, T
Dewey McConnell, WR
Selmer Pederson, S
Doug Reeves, C Marlin Smith, G Marvin Strauch, DT
John Townsend, DL
Eddie Talboom, HB
1951 Dewey McConnell, WR
Jim Martin, T Selmer Pederson, DB
Doug Reeves, C Bob Schildgen, DT
1952
Bill Hileman, LB
Ted Layman, DE Chuck Spaulding, HB
1953 Dale Haupt, G
Wimp Hewgley, T Joe Mastrogiovanni, HB
1954
Clarence “Bugs” Carter, WR Ray Lutterman, T
1955 Clarence “Bugs” Carter, WR Joe Mastrogiovanni, QB
1956
Jim Crawford, HB Buster Elder, WR
John Watts, FB Larry Zowada, QB
1957 (first official All-Skyline team)
Wimp Hewgley, End
1958
None
1959
Len Kuczewski, G Jim Walden, QB
1960
Marty Hamilton, E Jerry Hill, HB
Chuck Lamson, QB
Mark Smolinski, FB
1961
First Team:
Chuck Lamson, QB
Mike Walker, HB
Bob Bisacre, FB
Second Team:
Chuck Schmitt, E
Dan Grego, T Howard Colling, T Daryl Matthews, G
Honorable Mention:
Bob Knight, E
Lonnie Dunn, E
Kevin Ward, E
Bill Levine, G
Stan Popeck, C Vince Zimmer, C Dick Williams, C
WYOMING ALL-CONFERENCE PLAYERS
Western Athletic Conference
1962 Glen Hopkins, T Joe Vitale, G 1963 Mack Balls, E Don Quinn, T Bill Levine, G 1964
Darryl Alleman, E Herm Memmelaar, T Bill Levine, G 1965
Jerry Durling, G Jim Kiick, HB 1966
Jerry Marion, E Mike LaHood, T Dave Rupp, G Jim Kiick, TB Jerry DePoyster, K Tom Frazier, E Ron Billingsley, T Jerry Durling, G Dick Speights, HB Vic Washington, HB 1967
Mike LaHood, T Paul Toscano, QB Jim Kiick, TB Gene Huey, FL Jerry DePoyster, K Tim Gottberg, E Mike Dirks, T Jim House, LB Vic Washington, HB Dick Speights, HB 1968
Tommy Tucker, G Byra Kite, T Bob Jacobs, K Larry Nels, T Jim House, LB Gene Huey, HB 1969
Tommy Tucker, G Al Zerfoss, T Bob Jacobs, K Brent Engleright, LB Larry Nels, T Rich Trautwein, T 1970
Tom Gorman, LB 1971 Scott Freeman, FL Nick Bebout, T Don Meadows, G 1972 Fritz Turner, CB 1973
Al Duyn, S Frank Erzinger, LB 1974
None 1975
Dennis Baker, T Aaron Kyle, S Lawrence Gaines, FB 1976
Dennis Baker, T Walter Howard, TE Paul Nunu, LB Ray Stawowy, T Kevin McClain, S 1977
Ken Fantetti, LB Walter Howard, TE Dennis Baker, T Myron Hardeman, RB 1978
Johnny Miller, T Greg Chytka, C Myron Hardeman, RB Dan Christopulos, K Don Clayton, P Ken Fantetti, LB Michael Dennis, S 1979 Dan Pittman, WR Mike Shaft, OG Chuck Bradford, NG Jerry Eure, DB Mike Smith, P 1980 Guy Frazier, DE Chuck Bradford, NG John Salley, CB Mandel Robinson, RB Gregg Taylor, C 1981
Jim Eliopulos, LB Darnell Clash, SPEC Walter Goffigan, RB James Williams, TE Joe DiGiorgio, OC
Gary Crum, OL
1982
Joe DiGiorgio, OL
1983
Walter Goffigan, RB
Joe Ramunno, OG
Jack Weil, P
1984
Joe Ramunno, OL
Jay Novacek, TE
Pete Benedetti, DB
Rick Donnelly, P
Dave Evans, RB
Kevin Lowe, RB
Paul Chytka, DL
1985
None
1986
Galand Thaxton, LB
1987
Anthony Sargent, WR
Bill Hoffman, TE
Tony Kapushion, OT
Gerald Abraham, RB
Jeff Knapton, DT
Galand Thaxton, LB
Tom Kilpatrick, P
1988
Grant Salisbury, C
Randy Welniak, QB
Dabby Dawson, RB
Pat Rabold, DT
Mitch Donahue, DE
David Edeen, DE
Mike Schenbeck, LB
Eric Coleman, CB
1989
Mitch Donahue, DE
1990
Mitch Donahue, DE
Tyrone Fittje, OG
Paul Wallace, CB
1991
Robert Rivers, RS
1992
Ryan Yarborough, WR
Prentice Rhone, RS
1993
Mike Jones, TE
Kurt Whitehead, DE
Ryan Yarborough, WR
1994
Ryan Christopherson, RB
Brian Gragert, P
Marcus Harris, WR
1995
Joe Cummings, DE
Brian Gragert, P
Marcus Harris, WR
Steve Scifres, OL
Cory Wedel, K
1996
Marcus Harris, WR
Steve Scifres, OT
Jim Talich, LB
Lee Vaughn, DB
Josh Wallwork, QB
Cory Wedel, PK
1997
Jay Korth, C
Stuart Hanson, DT/DE
Je`Ney Jackson, CB
Brian Lee, FS
Cory Wedel, PK
1998
Marques Brigham, RB
Julian Hooker, TE
Wendell Montgomery, WR
Al Rich, FS
Mountain West Conference
1999
First Team Offense:
WR Wendell Montgomery
Second Team Offense:
OL Dan Delcorio
First Team Defense:
LB Patrick Chukwurah
DB Matt Lehning
2000
First Team Defense:
DL Patrick Chukwurah
Second Team Offense:
OL Adam Goldberg
Honorable Mention:
PK Aaron Elling
DB Lamar James
WR Ryan McGuffey
LB Kwabena Peprah
QB Jay Stoner
2001
First Team Offense:
WR Ryan McGuffey
OL Adam Goldberg
Second Team Offense:
QB Casey Bramlet
PK Jarvis Wallum
Second Team Defense:
LB Leo Caires
Honorable Mention:
WR Malcom Floyd
DB Eric Lee
DB Guy Tuell
2002
First Team Offense:
OT Adam Goldberg
Honorable Mention:
WR-PR/KR Jovon Bouknight
QB Casey Bramlet
P Luke Donovan
DB Jacque Finn
C Trenton Franz
LB Tyler Gottschalk
WR-PR/KR Scottie Vines
DB Nate Young
2003
Second Team Defense:
DL Brandon Casavan
Honorable Mention:
WR/KR Jovon Bouknight
QB Casey Bramlet
DB Chris Dixon
WR Malcom Floyd
C Trenton Franz
LB Tyler Gottschalk
WR Ryan McGuffey
OL Issac Morales
TE Aaron Robbins
PK Deric Yaussi
2004
First Team Offense:
C Trenton Franz
PK Deric Yaussi
PR/KR Hoost Marsh
First Team Defense:
DL Zach Morris
Second Team Offense:
TE John Wadkowski
PR/KR Jovon Bouknight
Second Team Defense:
DL Dusty Hoffschneider
P Adam Brooks
DB Derrick Martin
Honorable Mention:
QB Corey Bramlet
WR Jovon Bouknight
OL Chase Johnson
DB John Wendling
2005
First Team Offense:
WR Jovon Bouknight
Second Team Offense:
PR/KR Jovon Bouknight
Second Team Defense:
DL Dusty Hoffschneider
Honorable Mention:
LB Ward Dobbs
DL John Flora
OL Chase Johnson
OL Jason Karcher
DB Derrick Martin
DB Ron Rockett
DB John Wendling
2006
First Team Offense:
OT Chase Johnson
First Team Defense:
SS John Wendling
Second Team Offense:
TE Wade Betschart
C Jason Karcher
Second Team Defense:
LB Ward Dobbs
DE Corey Mace
Honorable Mention:
WR Michael Ford
FS Dorsey Golston
DE Aaron Robbins
CB Julius Stinson
2007
First Team Defense:
CB Julius Stinson
Second Team Offense:
TE Wade Betschart
Second Team Defense:
DT John Fletcher
Honorable Mention:
LB Ward Dobbs
OT Kyle Howard
DE Mitch Unrein
P Billy Vinnedge
2008
First Team Offense:
RB Devin Moore
First Team Defense:
LB Ward Dobbs
Second Team Defense:
DT John Fletcher
Honorable Mention:
C Tim Bond
OG Kyle Howard
FS Chris Prosinski
DE Mitch Unrein
2009
First Team Offense:
RB Xazavian Valladay
Second Team Offense:
C Keegan Cryder
Second Team Special Teams:
PR Austin Conway
Honorable Mention:
CB Tyler Hall
OG Logan Harris
LB Cassh Maluia
2020 First Team Offense:
RB Xazavian Valladay
C Keegan Cryder
First Team Defense:
LB Chad Muma
Second Team Specialist: K John Hoyland
Honorable Mention: S Esaias Gandy
OG Logan Harris
WR Isaiah Neyor
2021
First Team Defense: LB Chad Muma
Second Team Defense:
Knapton
S Luke Ruff
Honorable Mention: CB Blair Burns Second Team Offense: G/C Nick Carlson
Clayton Kirven
Chris McNeil Honorable Mention:
Offense:
Nick Carlson Second Team Offense:
Chris McNeill
Team Defense:
CB C.J. Coldon
Second Team Offense: C Keegan Cryder
WR Isaiah Neyor
RB Xazavian Valladay
Honorable Mention: DE Garrett Crall
OG Logan Harris
NT Cole Godbout
2022
First Team Defense: Easton Gibbs, LB Second Team Special Teams: John Hoyland, K Honorable Mention: DeVonne Harris, DE Andrew Peasley, QB Clayton Stewart, P Cam Stone, CB Treyton Welch, TE 2023
Team Defense:
Team Defense:
Eddie Yarbrough
Honorable Mention: OG Chase Roullier
2015 Second Team Defense: DE Eddie Yarbrough
S Andrew Wingard
Second Team Offense: RB Brian Hill OG Chase Roullier
2016 First Team Offense: RB Brian Hill TE Jacob Hollister
C Chase Roullier
Second Team Offense: QB Josh Allen
WR Tanner Gentry
PR/KR D.J. May
First Team Defense:
S Andrew Wingard
Honorable Mention:
LB Lucas Wacha
2017
Honorable Mention Team Offense:
QB Josh Allen
KR Tyler Hall
First Team Defense:
DT Youhanna Ghaifan
DE Carl Granderson
S Andrew Wingard
Second Team Defense:
CB Rico Gafford
2018
LB Logan Wilson
First Team Offense:
RB Nico Evans
First Team Defense:
S Andrew Wingard
First Team Specialist: K Cooper Rothe (ST POY)
Second Team Defense:
DE Carl Granderson
Honorable Mention:
LB Logan Wilson
DB Tyler Hall
2019
First Team Defense:
S Alijah Halliburton
LB Logan Wilson
First Team Defefense: Easton Gibbs, LB First Team Offense: Frank Crum, OT Second Team Defense Jordan Bertagnole, DT Honorable Mention: Wyett Ekeler, S Andrew Peasley, QB Harrison Waylee, RB Treyton Welch, TE Wyatt Wieland, WR
2024
First Team Special Teams Tanner King, KR/WR Second Team Offense: John Michael Gyllenborg, TE Jack Walsh, OL Second Team Defense Shae Suiaunoa, LB Honorable Mention: Wrook Brown, N Sabastian Harsh, DE John Hoyland, K Jaylen Sargent, WR Nofoafia Tulafono, C
2025
Second Team Offense Caden Barnett, OL Second Team Defense Brayden Johnson, LB Honorable Mention: Tyrese Boss, CB Evan Eller, LB Ben Florentine, DL Dainsus Miller, CB Jack Walsh, C
UW ADMINISTRATION
SHANE REEVES
University of Wyoming, President
Raised in Wyoming and a graduate of Rock Springs High School, Shane Reeves serves as the 29th President of the University of Wyoming. Prior to his appointment as President, he retired from the Army as a Brigadier General, most recently serving as the 15th Dean of the Academic Board at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he led the Academy’s academic enterprise and served as its chief academic officer. He oversaw more than 800 faculty and staff across 13 departments, managed a budget of approximately $80 million, and guided a curriculum spanning 36 majors and 14 minors. A respected leader, educator, and legal scholar, he has built a career defined by service, innovation, and a deep commitment to developing leaders of character. His experience speaks directly to the work of a public university: teaching and mentoring undergraduates, developing faculty, growing research and partnerships, and aligning academic programs with the needs of students and the state they serve.
A 1996 graduate of West Point, he began his Army career as an Armor officer in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, leading soldiers at the platoon and troop levels. Selected for the Army’s Funded Legal Education Program, he earned his J.D. from the College of William & Mary, graduating in the top ten percent of his class and serving on Law Review, before completing an LL.M. in Military Law at The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School. As a Judge Advocate, he served as Chief of Legal Assistance at Fort Riley, Brigade Judge Advocate in Iraq with the 1st Armored Division, Senior Trial Counsel with the 1st Infantry Division, and Deputy Legal Advisor at Joint Special Operations Command. His service was recognized with the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star.
He has spent more than a decade shaping legal and strategic thinking at West Point. As Head of the Department of Law, he founded the Lieber Institute for Law and Land Warfare, now a global hub for scholarship on the law of armed conflict, and cofounded Articles of War, an influential platform for national security practitioners and scholars. He also taught constitutional, military, international, and operational law; mentored students and faculty; and directed core academic programs. That record earned him an appointment as a Professor at the United States Military Academy, a permanent chair confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and West Point named him Professor Emeritus of Law upon his retirement.
As Dean, he led the Academy through its most significant academic modernization in more than thirty years, strengthening interdisciplinary learning and intellectual agility. He established the West Point Press, the Academy’s first publishing arm in its 224year history and, in partnership with the Association of Graduates, helped secure an $18 million endowment to support scholarly work. He also founded the West Point Werx Innovation Hub and laid the groundwork for a large-scale Technology Integration Complex. These efforts advanced faculty research and scholarship. Externally funded work and partnerships across the Department of Defense, industry, and academia also grew during his tenure. The Hub now provides a focal point for applied scholarship and experimentation, enabling cadets and faculty to engage directly with real-world problems facing the Army and the nation.
Altogether, his leadership has helped secure more than $135 million in donor support and fueled major facility upgrades exceeding $1 billion. A prolific writer with over 35 publications, his scholarship has appeared in the Harvard National Security Journal, Harvard International Review, Texas Law Review, Marquette Law Review, and other leading journals. His commentary has been featured in
Foreign Policy, Lawfare, Just Security, and War on the Rocks. He served as Managing Editor of the Oxford University Press Lieber Studies series and has edited foundational texts on U.S. military operations and the law.
A sought-after speaker and moderator, he has presented to the Federal Judges Association, Columbia Law School, UC Berkeley, the World Governments Summit in Dubai, AUSA, SXSW, and audiences around the world. Through his podcast, Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact, and a series of fireside chats, he elevated the intellectual capital of the academy’s scholars and brought in prominent leaders to spark learning. Guests included Chief Justice John Roberts, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, retired Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, technology entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey, and Coach Mike Krzyzewski.
He is admitted to practice before the Virginia State Bar, the Supreme Court of the United States, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. He is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has earned honors including the Order of St. George (Bronze Medallion) and NATO’s Serge Lazareff Prize. Before relocating to Laramie in 2026, he and his wife, Kimberly, called West Point home for 15 years. They have three children.
SHANE REEVES
TOM BURMAN
University of Wyoming, Director of Athletics
• Served as one of 13 Members on the College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee from 2020-22
• Has led well over $120 million in fundraising projects as A.D. at Wyoming
• In January 2020, Presented Citizenship Award by Wyoming We the People: the Citizen and the Constitution
• Longest Serving Athletics Director in the Mountain West, currently in his 20th Year as University of Wyoming A.D.
• A number of Wyoming’s athletics teams achieved perfect Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores of 1,000 for the most recent academic year measured.
Tom Burman is currently in his 20th year as Director of Athletics at the University of Wyoming. For the past 19 years that Burman has served as Athletics Director, many of the most successful and most memorable moments in Wyoming Athletics history have taken place.
Since Burman was named to the position of Athletics Director on Oct. 9, 2006, he has hired some of the most accomplished head coaches in University of Wyoming history. Academically, Cowboy and Cowgirl student-athletes have achieved at exceptional levels. Fundraising and season-ticket sales have reached record levels and numerous facility projects have been completed. Burman has also scheduled many of the greatest events in Wyoming Athletics history.
“I care deeply about this University, the success of UW Athletics and the well-being of our student-athletes,” Burman said upon his hiring. “We will build a program that wins championships, is a source of great pride to our alumni and generates enthusiasm across the state.”
Recent Successes
In 2025-26, The Cowboy wrestling team finished 12th at the NCAA Championships for the highest finish under head coach Mark Branch. Wyoming had three All-Americans in Joey Novak, Eddie Neitenbach and Christian Carroll for the most in 30 years. The Cowboy basketball team earned a spot in the NIT for the first time since 2003. The swimming and diving program sent six student-athletes to the NCAA Championshiips for the most in program history. Burman also secured the first jersey patch deal in school history. In April, Wyoming Athletics announced a historic new investment from leading infrastructure company Tallgrass, marking the largest corporate contribution in program history and making Tallgrass the first-ever jersey patch partner for Cowboy Football, Cowboy Basketball, and Cowgirl Basketball.
In 2024-25, Wyoming featured an individual national champion in thrower Daniel Reynolds, earning a weight throw national title for the first for UW since 2005. He also earned all-American honors three different times during the season. The Cowgirl basketball program also made an appearance in the WBIT earning an invite after making a run to the Mountain West Conference title game. The Cowboy football team and basketball team sa first-year head coaches at the helm of the program. The men's cross country program earned an NCAA Championship bid finishing the event in 30th place. The Cowboy wrestling program also featured an All-American in Joey Novak at 197 pounds.
In 2023-24, Wyoming had another great season across the board. The Cowboy Football team finished the season with nine-wins for the most since the 1996 season. Cowboy Football also went 7-0 at home and recorded the largest single-season attendance in school history. UW was featured two-times on National Television once on CBS against Texas Tech and once against Fresno State. The Pokes won the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. The Cowgirl Volleyball team got off to their best start in program history under first-year head coach Kaylee Prigge. The Cowgirl basketball team made another deep run into the WNIT. Wyoming Track and field once again earned multiple All-Americans in the Indoor and outdoor season.
In the 2022-23 season, Wyoming Football earned its fifth bowl bid in the last seven seasons and finished second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division. UW’s Cowgirl Tennis team won the 2023 Mountain West regular-season championship outright and earned a bid to the first-ever Universal Tennis NIT, marking the first time a Cowgirl Tennis team earned a postseason berth. Cowgirl Soccer captured the 2022 Mountain West regular-season championship, earned the No. 1 seed in the MW Tournament and advanced to the Mountain West Tournament Championship Game. The Cowgirl Basketball team finished second in the regular-season conference race, advanced to the MW Tournament Championship Game and
concluded the season in the Second Round of the WNIT. Cowgirl Cross Country was ranked as high as No. 34 in the nation, achieving its first national ranking in program history. Runner Katelyn Mitchem qualified for the NCAA Championships where she earned the NCAA Elite 90 award as the top scholar-athlete participating in the championship. Mitchem also was named the 2022-23 Mountain West Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Cowboy Golf earned a berth in the inaugural GOLFWEEK National Golf Invitational postseason tournament where they tied Penn State for second place. Wyoming Track and Field had six individuals, one woman and five men, qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field West First Round. Long jumper Kareem Mersal advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Championships where he earned Honorable Mention All-America honors, finishing in 20th place. Katelyn Mitchem advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 3,000-meter Steeplechase. She earned Second Team All-America honors, finishing 13th. Cowboy Wrestling continued its tradition of qualifying individuals for the NCAA Championships as three wrestlers qualified for the 2023 NCAA Championships.
The 2021-22 season saw the sports of football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, swimming and diving, track and field and wrestling all conclude their seasons with student-athletes participating in postseason competition. Football won the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl for its third consecutive bowl victory, and Cowboy linebacker Chad Muma was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft. Men’s basketball earned a bid to the 2022 NCAA Tournament after posting one of its most exciting seasons in years with a 25-9 record. Cowboy Basketball also achieved its first national ranking since the 2014-15 season. Women’s basketball advanced to the third round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament, and wrestling posted a Top 25 finish at the 2022 NCAA Championships, placing 23rd. The sports of football, swimming and diving, track and field and wrestling all had individuals earn All-America honors in 2021-22. Muma earned All-America honors in football. Diver Melissa Mirafuentes achieved All-America status at the NCAA Championships. Cowgirl long jumper Shayla Howell reached All-America status at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, while Cowboy long jumper Kareem Mersal and discus thrower Nathan Reid both earned All-America recognition at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Cowboy wrestler Stephen Buchanan placed third in the 197-pound weight class at the 2022 NCAA Championships to earn All-America honors for the second straight year.
In March of 2021, the Cowgirl Basketball team won the Mountain West Conference Tournament Championship, earning the program’s second-ever bid to the NCAA Tournament. Cowboy Wrestling qualified a program tying high of seven wrestlers for the 2021 NCAA Championships, with sophomore Stephen Buchanan earning All-America honors at 197 pounds by placing eighth. The Cowboys finished 26th in the nation as a team. In June 2021, senior discus thrower Colton Paller earned First Team All-America honors by placing seventh at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
In 2019, Cowboy Football won the 2019 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl and posted an 8-5 record. That marked the third time in four years that Wyoming earned a bowl bid. Wyoming linebackers Logan Wilson and Cassh Maluia were both selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Cowgirl Volleyball earned a postseason berth in 2019, advancing to the Second Round of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC). The Cowgirls posted a 22-9 record, which was the fifth 20-win season under the direction of head coach Chad Callihan. Senior cross country runner Chris Henry won the NCAA Elite 90 Award for the second consecutive year in November 2019. That award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals of one of the NCAA’s 90 national championships.
In January of 2020, the civic education organization “Wyoming We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” recognized Burman for his civic leadership in bringing members of the Black 14 back to the University of Wyoming campus in the fall of 2019. In the first 33 years of the organization at the state level in Wyoming, only five of these awards for significant contribution as a citizen have been presented.
The 2018-19 season began with the Grand Opening of the $44 million Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center. Among the most memorable moments of the year were: the men’s cross country team placing 12th in the nation at the NCAA Championships; Cowgirl soccer captured a share of its first-ever, regular-season Mountain West championship; Cowboy football earned bowl eligibility for the third consecutive season; Cowgirl volleyball and Cowgirl basketball both earned postseason bids; and Cowboy wrestling qualified seven individuals for the NCAA Championships and finished 34th in the nation as a team. Individually, Paul Roberts earned All-America honors at the NCAA Cross Country Championships placing 20th, while his teammate Chris Henry became the first UW student-athlete to earn the NCAA Elite 90 Award. Cowgirl track and field athletes Jerayah Davis, Ja’la Henderson, Jordan Edmonds and Shayla Howell earned a combined seven All-America honors at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Henderson also earned All-America honors at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Cowboy basketball player Justin James was the 40th overall selection by the Sacramento Kings in the 2019 NBA Draft, and Marcus Epps was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
In the 2017-18 season, Wyoming football appeared in its second consecutive bowl game and recorded a dominating win in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, defeating Central Michigan, 37-14. Wyoming wrestling placed 17th at the NCAA National Championships and senior Bryce Meredith captured second place at 141 pounds for the third All-America honor of his career and his second runner-up finish at the NCAA Championships. The Cowgirl Volleyball team earned a bid to the Women’s National Invitational Volleyball Championship. Women’s basketball went down to the last game of the season battling for the Mountain West Conference regular-season championship and earned a bid to the WNIT. And the Wyoming men’s swimming and diving team captured the 2018 Western Athletic Conference team championship -- the program’s first conference title in men’s swimming and diving in 50 years. Ja’la Henderson earned Second Team All-America honors at the 2018 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, placing 15th in the triple jump, and she earned Honorable Mention All-America honors in the long jump, placing 17th.
Tom Burman
The 2016-17 year began when Wyoming earned the right to host the 2016 Mountain West Football Championship Game by winning the Mountain Division and being the highest ranked team in the conference to end the regular season. The Cowboys defeated two Top 25 teams along the way, were named the National Team of the Week by the Football Writers Association of America for one of those wins and received votes themselves in the 2016 college football polls. The Pokes went on to post an 8-6 record and earn a bid to the 2016 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.
In the winter, Cowboy wrestling tied for 21st at the 2017 NCAA Championships, and Wyoming junior Bryce Meredith of Cheyenne placed fourth at 141 pounds and earned All-America honors for the second consecutive season. Meredith had finished as the national runner-up at 141 pounds the previous season as a sophomore in 2015-16.
A young Cowgirl basketball team captured a second-place finish in the Mountain West Conference for the 2016-17 season. The Cowgirls defeated then No. 15 ranked Colorado to conclude non-conference play. Wyoming proceeded to post a 22-10 overall record, and earned a Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) bid, advancing to the second round.
The spring season saw Cowgirl Tennis win a school record 18 matches, and post a perfect 10-0 home record. Wyoming was undefeated (5-0) in conference duals to win the Mountain Division. The Cowgirls advanced to the semifinals of the 2017 Mountain West Championships.
Cowboy golfer Ryan Wallen qualified for the 2017 NCAA Washington Regional, where he placed 38th.
Competitive Excellence
•Burman changed the course of Wyoming football in December 2013 when he hired Craig Bohl as head coach. Bohl had coached North Dakota State to three consecutive FCS National Championships in 2011, ‘12 and ‘13, was named National Coach of the Year in 2012 and ‘13 and was part of two FBS National Championship teams as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Nebraska, in 1995 and ‘97. He then hired Jay Sawvel in December of 2023, as Sawvel had served on Bohl's staff as defensive coordinator since 2020.
•The Cowboys have made seven bowl appearances during Burman’s tenure as athletics director. Wyoming won the 2009 New Mexico Bowl, earned a bid to the 2011 Gildan New Mexico Bowl, played in the 2016 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, won the 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, won the 2019 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl, won the 2021 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and appeared in the 2022 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl and one the same bowl in 2023.
•Burman help oversee Cowboy Basketball earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament in 2022 and the program's first top-25 ranking since 2014-15. He hird Sundance Wicks as the 23rd head coach in program history in May of 2024.
•In the spring of 2011, Burman hired Larry Shyatt away from his position as associate head coach at the University of Florida to return to Laramie and take over as head coach of Cowboy Basketball. Shyatt had been part of two National Championships with the Gators in 2006 and ‘07. Burman’s hiring of Shyatt received numerous positive reviews, including an “A” rating from ESPN. com. Of the 19 coaching hires that ESPN.com rated, Wyoming received one of only five “A” ratings. Shyatt’s 2015 team won the Mountain West Tournament title and earned an automatic NCAA Tournament bid.
•Cowgirl Basketball achieved a great deal of success under the direction of former head coach Joe Legerski. Wyoming won the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) National Championship in the 2006-07 season, defeating Wisconsin, 72-56, in the championship game before a sold-out crowd in Laramie. In 2007-08, the Cowgirls earned the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament berth. In the 2020-21 season under the direction of head coach Gerald Mattinson, the Cowgirls won the MW Tournament title and earned the program’s second NCAA Tournament bid in program history.
•Head wrestling coach Mark Branch was hired by Burman prior to the 2008-09 season. Branch was part of four NCAA Championships as associate head coach at his alma mater, Oklahoma State, and won two individual NCAA titles as a competitor at OSU in 1994 and ‘97. Wyoming wrestling joined the Big 12 Conference, beginning in the 2015-16 season. Branch has led the Cowboys to multiple years of success at the NCAA Championships including a All-American in Joey Novak in 2025.
•Current track and field coach Bryan Berryhill is a fifth UW head coach who has achieved a national title and was hired by Burman. Berryhill captured individual NCAA national championships in the indoor 1-mile run and outdoor 1,500-meter run in 2001 at Colorado State. Wyoming saw a national champion in multiple All-American honors in thrower Daniel Reynolds in 2025.
Academic Success
•Under Burman’s leadership, University of Wyoming teams have achieved unprecedented academic success, reaching historic levels of excellence in Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores, Academic All-Conference honorees, team grade-point averages and graduation rates.
•The most recent APR scores released in May 2026 saw numerousUW teams achieve perfect APR scores of 1,000 for the most recent academic year measured. All of Wyoming’s athletics teams far exceeded the multi-year NCAA benchmark score of 988, which is well above the national average.
•Cross country runner Katelyn Mitchem earned the NCAA Elite 90 honor at the 2022 NCAA Cross Country Championships as the top scholarathlete participating at the championship. After completing the outdoor track and field season, Mitchem was also named the 2023 Mountain West Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
•In back-to-back NCAA Cross Country Championships in 2018 and 2019, Wyoming student-athlete Christopher Henry earned the NCAA Elite 90 Award at the NCAA Championships. That award goes to the studentathlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals of one of the NCAA’s 90 national championships.
Revenue Generation/Facilities
• The Restore The War Campaign was completed prior to the 2025 season opener. The War Memorial Stadium renovation will aim to design the best fan experience, with a host of new amenities and gameday enhancements. When complete, the experience for fans in the lower west side will be dramatically different with improved seating, wider rows, and improved concessions, restrooms, and lighting. Furthermore, a renovation to the press box/media area will enhance the image of the university and the state as national media flock to UW to cover the Cowboys. It will also feature a new natatorium, which will be key for the future of Wyomiing swimming and diving.
•Burman has spearheaded over $120 million in facilities projects during his time as athletics director, including: construction of a new $11 million Indoor Practice Facility (Fall 2007); construction of the $22 million Wildcatter Stadium Club & Suites addition to War Memorial Stadium (Fall 2010); extensive renovations to the east side of War Memorial Stadium; significant upgrades to the UniWyo Sports Complex for volleyball and wrestling; completion of a new $3 million Indoor Tennis Facility (Spring 2011); a new $1.2 million golf practice facility (Summer 2014); and Phase I and II of a $30 million renovation to the Arena-Auditorium that was completed in the fall of 2017.
•The new Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center was completed in the summer of 2018 and provides all UW studentathletes with a world-class training facility. The $44 million facility was funded by $24 million in private donations and $20 million in matching funds from the state of Wyoming that were allocated with the support from the Wyoming State Legislature and then Gov. Matt Mead.
•In November of 2017, the Cowboy Joe Club, the fundraising organization for the University of Wyoming Athletics Department, announced that it had reached the 5,000-member plateau, making it the largest annual athletics scholarship fund membership in the Mountain West Conference.
•Wyoming Athletics shattered its annual fundraising record in the 2015-16 fiscal year as $20.4 million in pledges and gifts were made to UW Athletics. That broke the previous record of $12.8 million in pledges and gifts to UW Athletics that was also set during Burman’s tenure as A.D. in the 2013-14 fiscal year.
•Cowboy Joe Club annual revenue grew from $2.1 million in 2006 to over $6 million as of the end of the 2017-18 fiscal year.
•In 2011, season-ticket sales for Wyoming Football surpassed the 10,000 season-ticket mark for the first time in school history. That 10,000 season-ticket milestone was reached for only the second time in 2017. Before becoming A.D. at Wyoming, Burman had previously served as an Associate Athletics Director at UW from 1995-2000. His first position at his alma mater was as Associate Athletics Director for Development, serving as Executive Director of the Cowboy Joe Club from 1995-97. From 1997-2000, Burman was Wyoming’s Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs. During that time period, he was instrumental in raising funds for the $9.4 million Rochelle Athletics Center.
He served as Athletics Director at Portland State University from Sept. 2000 through March 2006. Burman returned to UW in March 2006 as Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement with the UW Foundation, before being selected by President Tom Buchanan as the eighth athletics director in UW history in October 2006.
Burman began his intercollegiate athletics career as Director of Marketing and Promotions (1993-95) at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. Before entering a career in college athletics, he worked as a project manager for the sports management company DeWilber & Associates in McLean, Va., from 1990-92.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wyoming in 1988 and an M.B.A. from Robert Morris University in Coraopolis, Pa., in 1991. Burman is 58 years old, born Jan. 4, 1966.
2026-27 UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING HEAD COACHES
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING ATHLETICS
MISSION STATEMENT & GUIDING PRINCIPLES
MISSION STATEMENT
The University of Wyoming Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to the development of tomorrow’s leaders by creating an environment that promotes personal growth, academic and athletic excellence in a progressive, inclusive, and transparent manner. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will support the overall University of Wyoming mission, provide an outstanding fan experience, encourage community engagement, and serve as a source of pride for alumni, supporters, and the state of Wyoming.
CORE VALUES
Dedication to Student-Athletes
We will promote the well-being of student-athletes and provide opportunities for academic, athletic, and personal success. We will foster academic excellence, graduate student-athletes, support their development as citizens, and prepare them to be leaders.
Integrity
We will demonstrate integrity in all areas. We are dedicated to financial stability, rules compliance, diversity, and personal accountability.
Respect
We will celebrate a climate of mutual respect, inclusiveness, loyalty, and sportsmanship by recognizing contributions to our teams, our department, and the university.
Competitive Success
We will endeavor to be the very best when representing the University of Wyoming and our state. We are committed to providing the resources and personnel for our teams to achieve success.
Tradition
The legacy of the University of Wyoming athletics is proud and strong. We will honor our outstanding tradition.
Excellence
We believe in a spirit of comprehensive excellence. We will strive for excellence in all we do.
M ark B ranch Wrestling
J oe J ensen Director of Men’s and Women’s Golf
D ean c lower Women’s Tennis
J osey s ten D er Women’s Golf
B ryan B erryhill Men’s & Women’s Track&Field/CrossCountry
s un D ance w icks Men’s Basketball
D ave D enniston Men’s and Women’s SwimmingandDiving
