The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Spring Spotlight: Adam Lepkowski Sets the Tone Up Front
3/28/2026 10:31:00 AM | Football
From walk-on to leader, veteran lineman anchors culture in new era of UAB football
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Adam Lepkowski doesn't say much about himself. He doesn't have to.
The Hoover native has built his reputation the hard way- starting his journey as a walk-on, earning a scholarship and developing into one of the most trusted voices on UAB's offensive line. Now, as a graduate student entering his sixth year in the program, he's taking a leading role in defining the identity of the 2026 Blazers. That identity showed up the moment the Blazers put on full pads this spring. "I feel like everybody was playing free today…a lot of cohesion," Lepkowski said. "I think that was really good to see."
For Lepkowski, the transition into pads is where everything starts to take shape. "When you're not wearing pads, you're mainly focused on using your hands…hand placement," he said. "When you put on the pads, that's when it all culminates together." That physicality has been years in the making.
After arriving in 2021, Lepkowski spent two seasons working his way up the depth chart before earning his opportunity in 2023, starting five games and helping UAB set a single-season school record with 450.0 yards per game. His momentum was halted in 2024 when a training camp injury sidelined him for the entire season. He responded with his best year yet.
In 2025, Lepkowski started all 12 games and emerged as one of the top linemen in the conference, earning recognition as PFSN College's highest-graded center in the American Conference. Now, his focus extends well beyond his own performance- he's thinking like a coach. "We knew we were going to have a bunch of new guys," Lepkowski said. "We didn't want our culture to change…we wanted to bring them into our culture."
That culture has been built on accountability and trust- values Lepkowski has embraced as a veteran leader. His work on and off the field hasn't gone unnoticed. "Adam Lepkowski has been a really good player for us, and we are very pleased to have him back this season," said head coach Alex Mortensen. "He's exemplified good leadership through having a positive attitude, work ethic and bringing energy to practice and games. Further, he's an intelligent player who makes the guys around him better."
Part of how he makes his teammates better is his commitment to accountability, even when it's difficult. "You can't think about what people think about you," he said. "You just have to be able to call your brother out…that's how it spreads." It's also reflected in how this year's team is coming together. The collection of student-athletes the UAB staff has brought to Birmingham has only strengthened the cohesiveness of the Blazers locker room. "I definitely think this year we've got not just solid players, but solid dudes," Lepkowski said. "Great people. And that's what also helps our culture."
Off the field, Lepkowski's impact is just as consistent. Over the past three-plus years, he has logged more than 100 hours of community service throughout Birmingham, working with organizations such as Bundles of Hope, Food for Our Journey and Habitat for Humanity. His efforts have included everything from food distribution and youth outreach to neighborhood cleanup initiatives.
It's a reflection of the same approach he brings to football- steady, selfless and team-first. "I think it's just kind of a maturity thing," Lepkowski said. "You just kind of got to grow up and realize…you can't be scared of the moment."
From walk-on to scholarship player. From injury setback to all-conference-level performer. From contributor to leader. Lepkowski's journey hasn't been handed to him- it's been earned. And now, as UAB builds toward a new season, he's making sure the standard up front and in the locker room is exactly where it needs to be.
