The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Football Spring Preview
3/16/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
Blazers enter first spring under head coach Alex Mortensen with 49 newcomers and competition across the roster
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A new chapter of UAB football begins on the practice field this spring with a roster that looks dramatically different from the one that finished the 2025 season.
With 49 newcomers, a new defensive system and competition across nearly every position group, the Blazers open their first spring under head coach Alex Mortensen focused on evaluation, development and establishing the foundation for the program moving forward.
| SPRING QUICK FACTS | BY THE NUMBERS |
| Head Coach: Alex Mortensen (1st season) Defensive Coordinator: Todd Grantham (1st season at UAB) Returning Starters: 6 (2 offense/2 defense/2 specialists) |
41 - Transfers added 8 - High school signees 49 - Total newcomers 27 - Defensive additions 14 - Power conference transfers 17 - Group of six transfers 8 - FCS transfers 2 - JUCO transfers |
"Spring is very much about evaluating your players – especially in this current era," Mortensen said. "There are foundational aspects we try to introduce, but the most important things are evaluating the roster, developing fundamentals and understanding the basics of the systems."
For Mortensen and his staff, spring football is about understanding what the Blazers do best while continuing to build the foundation of the program.
"We're trying to find out our strengths and weaknesses, magnify our strengths and minimize our weaknesses," Mortensen said. "It's not just about coaching scheme. It's about building guys fundamentally, developing units and developing the team as a whole."
STORYLINES TO WATCH
Quarterback Competition: Ryder Burton, Nate Rogers and Adrian Posey headline a competitive quarterback room entering spring drills as the Blazers evaluate the position heading into the 2026 season. Burton and Rogers return with a combined 19 games played between them from a year ago. Burton has earned the first reps to open spring after finishing the 2025 season strong, including a standout performance against Memphis in which he completed 20-of-27 passes for three touchdowns in his first start.
Mortensen praised Burton's arm talent, athleticism and leadership, while noting the continued development of Rogers and Posey.
Rogers showed flashes of his athletic ability in a limited role, and the coaches hope to introduce the full offense to him in the spring. Posey brings significant upside with a strong arm and athletic ability as he continues gaining comfort with the offense.
Local quarterback Cam Jennings and freshman Brogan McNab add talent and depth to the position group as the Blazers evaluate their options through the spring.
| KEY RETURNERS | KEY NEWCOMERS |
| QB - Ryder Burton RB - Marquise Collins WR - Kaleb Brown TE - Antonio Ferguson OL - Adam Lepkowski DL - Nigel Tate DL - Chris Burge DB - Delvon Gulley |
RB - Bam McReynolds (ULM) RB - Ja'vin Simpkins (Coastal Carolina) RB - Roderick Robinson II (Georgia) WR - EJ Reid (Wake Forest) WR - KJ Daniels (Oklahoma) LB - Ike Esonwune (Oklahoma State) LB - Braden Sullivan (EKU) |
New Faces on Defense: UAB added 27 defensive players through the transfer portal as defensive coordinator Todd Grantham begins installing his system. Mortensen believes the Blazers have added length, size and athleticism along the defensive front and expects Grantham's system to introduce greater multiplicity.
"We need to get better on defense," Mortensen said. "I like the length and size we've added up front, and Todd's system brings more variables in the front and coverage. Now we have to see who can go do it."
The defensive line features several new additions, while Nigel Tate is expected to be a major contributor after missing last season due to injury. At linebacker, players such as Braden Sullivan, Muaaz Byard, Ike Esonwune and Colby Archie will compete for roles throughout the spring. In the secondary, UAB will evaluate a group that includes Anta'Veon McKenzie, Courage Ugo, Darrell Sweeting, Diezel Wilkinson, Jaylen Thompson and several others competing for playing time.
Replacing Offensive Production: With several of last season's top pass catchers gone, returning receivers and newcomers will compete for larger roles in the passing game. The Blazers return just 7% of their receptions from wide receivers from 2025. The same holds true at running back as UAB returns just 5% of its rushing output from a year ago.
Wide receiver is one of the most open competitions on the roster after UAB lost most of its receiving production from last season. Kaleb Brown flashed play-making ability in 2025 and could be in line for a larger role, while Jaylen Elder is another young receiver the staff hopes to see continue developing. Transfers EJ Reid, KJ Daniels, CJ Smith and Ty Mims will also have opportunities to establish themselves during spring practice as the Blazers search for reliable targets and explosive playmakers.
The running back room enters the spring with a strong mix of experience and talent. Transfer Bam McReynolds arrives with nearly 1,800 career yards of total offense, while Ja'vin Simpkins, Coastal Carolina's leading rusher last season, adds another proven option.
Former Georgia running back Roderick Robinson II brings size and talent to the position group alongside returning back Marquise Collins and freshman Hudson Higgins, one of deeper offensive rooms on the roster.
At tight end, Antonio Ferguson returns after showing flashes last season and could take on a larger role in an offense that values versatility and flexibility.
Jonah Delange returns after connecting on 10 field goals last season, including six from beyond 40 yards. Owen Simpson remains the Blazers' kickoff specialist, while transfer punter Badger Hargett joins the competition this spring alongside Evan Bishop.
Competition Across the Offensive Line: Veteran center Adam Lepkowski anchors the line, but multiple spots remain open as returners and transfers compete to establish the starting five. Mortensen described Lepkowski as a player who understands the offense, brings energy to the group and helps elevate those around him.
Returners such as Calib Perez and Kyrik Mason, along with transfers including Keyon Cox, Barrett Maddox and Cooper Young, give the Blazers depth and competition along the offensive line.
UAB will open spring practice on March 18th at Legacy Pavilion and will wrap up spring practice with its annual Spring Showcase on April 18th at the Football Operations Center.
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