Report: Former 5-Star QB Malachi Nelson Commits to UTEP from BSU in Transfer Portal
Jan 5, 2025
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 16: Malachi Nelson #7 of the Boise State Broncos warms up before their game against the San Jose State Spartans at CEFCU Stadium on November 16, 2024 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Former Boise State quarterback Malachi Nelson committed to UTEP in the transfer portal on Sunday, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel (h/t ESPN's Paolo Uggetti).
Nelson was a 5-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class and ranked as the No. 5 quarterback as well as the No. 11 overall recruit in the country, per 247Sports' Composite rankings.
He started his college career at USC, appearing in one game during the 2023 season before transferring to Boise State. Nelson suited up in three contests with the Broncos in 2024, entering the portal on Dec. 12.
He turned down "high-profile and more lucrative opportunities" to join UTEP due to his "faith" in head coach Scotty Walden, via Uggetti.
Nelson still has three years of eligibility remaining.
The 21-year-old was initially viewed as a successor to Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams on the Trojans, but he transferred after Miller Moss appeared to be headed towards a starting job in 2024.
Nelson was expected to be a candidate for the first-string role in Boise State following the change of scenery, but he lost the battle for the top spot on the depth chart to Maddux Madsen. The Broncos thrived with Madsen under center, finishing with a 12-2 record to go along with a College Football Playoff appearance.
All three of Nelson's appearances in 2024 occurred near the end of blowout victories. He completed 70.6 percent of his passes for 128 yards and an interception.
UTEP is coming off a 3-9 season in Walden's first year as head coach, as he joined the Miners in Dec. 2023 after leading Austin Peay to a 9-3 record in his final season with the team.
Nelson should have a much easier path towards a starting role with UTEP as he attempts to show why he was one of the nation's top recruits in high school.
Upton Stout NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Western Kentucky CB
Dec 18, 2024
HONOLULU, HI - SEPTEMBER 03: Dior Scott #9 of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors makes a catch as he is tackled by Upton Stout #21 and Derrick Smith #24 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the first half of an NCAA football game at the Clarance T.C. Ching Athletic Complex on September 3, 2022 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 5'9"
WEIGHT: 181
HAND: 9"
ARM: 30"
WINGSPAN: 74⅜”
40-YARD DASH: 4.44
SHUTTLE: 4.29
VERTICAL: 37.5"
BROAD: 10'8"
POSITIVES
— Twitchy athlete with smooth backpedal and fluid transitions. Sinks his hips very well. Great acceleration and quickly closes on the ball and receiver. Shows the speed and athletic ability to match receivers.
— Willing and aggressive defender who plays with a chip on his shoulder. Doesn't let his size be a factor. Triggers quick and shows ability to blitz and play on the other side of the line of scrimmage.
— Has the versatility to play both slot and outside cornerback.
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NEGATIVES
— Undersized player who can get shielded by bigger receivers.
— Bounces off of ball-carriers at times due to his smaller frame.
Upton Stout is an undersized yet feisty cornerback from Western Kentucky who brings outstanding twitch and competitive fire to the table. At 5'9" and 182 pounds, Stout compensates for his lack of size with smooth athleticism, quickness, and versatility. A standout performer with the ability to play both outside and in the slot, Stout projects as a dynamic nickel defender with additional value as a blitzer.
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In coverage, Stout is a fluid and twitchy athlete who excels at staying in phase with receivers. He displays excellent hip fluidity and transitions smoothly without wasted movement, enabling him to match receivers stride-for-stride. His quick acceleration allows him to close ground rapidly on shorter routes and compete at the catch point. Stout's versatility is a key asset, as he can play both outside and in the slot, although his size and length make him a better fit as a nickel defender at the next level. While his aggression and competitiveness help him overcome some of his physical limitations, bigger receivers can shield him from the ball, and he occasionally struggles with contested situations.
Despite his smaller frame, Stout is an aggressive and willing run defender. He triggers quickly downhill to attack the line of scrimmage, often slipping past blockers with his quickness to make plays on the ball-carrier. He flashes the ability to blitz effectively, bringing pressure on the quarterback or disrupting plays in the backfield. However, his lack of size can lead to him being shielded or overpowered by larger blockers, and his smaller frame occasionally limits his ability to consistently bring down bigger ball-carriers.
Upton Stout projects as a mid-round pick with the skill set to become a high-energy role player in an NFL secondary. His quickness, athleticism, and aggressive mentality make him an ideal candidate for a nickel cornerback role, where his ability to cover short-area routes, blitz, and support the run can be fully utilized. While his lack of size may limit his effectiveness against bigger receivers, Stout's competitive nature and versatility should allow him to make an impact on defense and special teams early in his career.
Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.
Video: FIU Reveals New Miami Vice-Themed Uniforms to Debut vs. Sam Houston on Oct. 22
Oct 4, 2024
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA, UNITED STATES - 2024/08/31: Florida International University Panthers quarterback Keyone Jenkins (1) throws against Indiana University during the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football game at Memorial Stadium. Indiana Hoosiers 31-7 Florida International University. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Florida International unveiled new uniforms inspired by the 1980s NBC crime drama Miami Vice on Thursday.
The Panthers came in hot, riding a yacht on the Biscayne Bay with the new uniforms, which will make an appearance at home on Oct. 22 against Sam Houston State.
A press release announcing the uniforms explained the importance of the show to Miami. Of note, FIU is the only NCAA university with an on-campus football stadium in the city.
"Miami Vice was more than just a popular television program that aired from 1984-89 on NBC. It was a cultural phenomenon that had a profound impact on the city of Miami. The show's vibrant colors, pulsating music, and stylish fashion made it an instant hit, capturing the imagination of audiences around the world. But Miami Vice did more than just entertain.
"It put Miami on the map, showcasing the city's diverse culture and stunning beauty to a global audience, helping to establish the city as a top tourist destination.
"And perhaps Miami Vice's most lasting impact is the way it shaped Miami's cultural identity. The show's portrayal of the city as a vibrant, multicultural, and dynamic metropolis helped redefine Miami's image. Nearly forty years after its debut, Miami Vice's impact on the city of Miami is still felt today."
ESPNU will be the home for the FIU-Sam Houston St. game on Oct. 22, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Western Kentucky Unveils New Helmet Inspired by 'Big Red' Mascot in Video, Photos
Oct 3, 2024
BOCA RATON, FL - DECEMBER 18: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers mascot Big Red waves a towel in celebration of a touchdown during the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the Appalachian State Mountaineers on December 18, 2021 at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, FL. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Western Kentucky's new football helmet drew inspiration from its beloved Big Red mascot.
The Hilltoppers unveiled the all-red helmets on Thursday, which feature the mascot's eyes on the sides.
Big Red, who debuted in 1979, is an undefined entity. Western Kentucky's official website describes it as a "huge, furry, lovable creature" that will often shake and slide its belly when something good happens on the field or basketball court.
This isn't the first time that the Hilltoppers have designed a jersey combination that pays tribute to the creature.
Western Kentucky has been putting Big Red on its helmet in each of the past three seasons, including 2024. The previous two iterations featured a full-body portrait of the mascot, with the 2023 design being specified to each position group.
For instance, a lineman's helmet showed Big Red lined up with his hand in the dirt. The running back helmet showed him striking the Heisman pose.
The quarterback helmet seemed to confirm Big Red is a left-handed thrower, though he could also be ambidextrous. You can't put physical limitations on a unique being like Big Red.
Western Kentucky will debut the new all-Big Red look when UTEP comes to Houchens Industries–L.T. Smith Stadium on Oct. 10.
Hopefully for the Hilltoppers, Big Red's jerseys will get them back on track after a 21-20 loss to Boston College on Sept. 28 when Jerand Brandley caught the go-ahead touchdown with 3:33 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Western Kentucky is starting the Conference USA part of its schedule after a 3-2 start in non-conference games.
Western Kentucky to Wear Red Uniforms for 'White Out' Game After EKU Forces Switch
Sep 4, 2024
BLOOMINGTON, IN - SEPTEMBER 17: A Western Kentucky Hilltoppers helmet sits on the sidelines before the college football game between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the Indiana Hoosiers on September 17, 2022, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Western Kentucky's plan to have a "white out" game in the Battle of the Bluegrass on Saturday has been squashed by Eastern Kentucky.
The Hilltoppers announced on Wednesday that Eastern Kentucky exercised its right as the visiting team to wear its white uniforms and NCAA rules require both teams to agree on a potential uniform switch.
When Western Kentucky released its promotional schedule for the 2024 season in June, the white out game was advertised for Sept. 7 against Eastern Kentucky.
As recently as Tuesday, the Hilltoppers were promoting the white out for their home opener.
The white out is most commonly associated with Penn State. The Nittany Lions unofficially started the trend in 2002 for a game against Nebraska due to some concerns that Cornhuskers fans would swarm the stands with red.
Penn State wound up defeating No. 8 Nebraska 40-7 in that game, but it took two more years before the white out became a staple of Happy Valley. The first official game was in 2004 against Purdue when the white out was only limited to the student section.
It was opened up to include fans in every section starting in 2005.
Even though Western Kentucky won't be able to wear its white uniforms, the school's statement did note fans attending Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium are still being encouraged to come dressed in white.
There could be a level of gamesmanship at play by Eastern Kentucky. This is the first game in the Battle of the Bluegrass since 2017. The programs played every year from 1946 to 2000 and six consecutive years from 2003 to 2008 before Western Kentucky moved from the FCS to FBS.
"I just tried to let them know that this is what it might feel (like)," Eastern Kentucky head coach Walt Wells told reporters about the matchup. "It may not be like our typical, go to a Group of Five stadium where it's half full, maybe a fourth full, and play. It might be packed. It might be loud. We might see some hatred. And that's a good thing."
Western Kentucky leads the all-time series 47-35-3. The Hilltoppers opened the 2024 season with a 63-0 loss at Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Aug. 31, while Eastern Kentucky lost 56-7 to Mississippi at Davis-Wade Stadium on the same day.
Charlotte Unveils 'Gold Rush' Uniforms for 2024 CFB Season in New Video
Aug 15, 2024
DALLAS, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: Charlotte 49ers quarterback Trexler Ivey (11) passes during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the Charlotte 49ers on September 30, 2023 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Charlotte 49ers football players will don gold when the team's second season in the American Athletic Conference begins this fall.
The 49ers announced on Thursday that they will wear their "gold rush" uniforms on Aug. 31 for a home opener against James Madison.
It’s time for the 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝘀𝗵 🆚 JMU 🕗 8pm 🏟️ Jerry Richardson Stadium
The uniforms feature gold helmets with the word "Charlotte" written in green on the back and the player's number on the side.
Players will also wear a matching gold shirt, as wear as white pants with gold stripes down the side.
The uniforms are an homage to North Carolina's history as the site of a gold rush after the precious metal was discovered in what is now the Charlotte metro area in 1799.
The Charlotte athletics program underwent rebranding in 2020, featuring its current logo of a "C" with a gold-mining pick inside.
The 49ers are looking to improve on two consecutive 3-9 seasons during the team's second season under head coach Biff Poggi. Conference play begins on Sept. 28 against Rice.
Pitbull Buys Naming Rights to FIU's Football Stadium in $6M Contract Agreement
Aug 6, 2024
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - DECEMBER 10: Pitbull performs on stage during The Trilogy Tour at Rogers Arena on December 10, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Andrew Chin/Getty Images)
Florida International's football stadium will bear Pitbull's name as part of a naming rights deal.
Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, the FIU board of trustees will vote on Tuesday to approve a five-year deal that will pay the school $1.2 million annually to rename the Panthers' stadium to Pitbull Stadium.
According to CBS Sports' Shehan Jeyarajahand Richard Johnson, "EA Sports has been aware of this situation for a while and is working with FIU to reflect the Pitbull Stadium name change in a forthcoming update to the recently released 'College Football 25' video game."
Pitbull is from Miami and uses the nickname "Mr. 305" as an homage to the city's area code. He appears frequently at sporting events in the Florida area, including representing South Florida at the Daytona 500 in February.
Most recently, Pitbull was the halftime performer for the WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix on July 20.
Florida International University's campus is located in Miami-Dade County in Westchester, Florida. The football team has played at its 20,000-seat stadium since 1995.
The stadium has been named Riccardo Silva Stadium since April 2017. It was named after businessman Riccardo Silva for his support given to the FIU athletic department. The 54-year-old Silva is also a co-owner of USL Championship club Miami FC.
FIU is going into its third season with head coach Mike MacIntyre. Since joining FBS in 2004, the program has made five bowl appearances and posted four winning seasons.
The Panthers will open the 2024 campaign on Aug. 31 against Indiana. Their first home game will be against Central Michigan on Sept. 7.
Video: Western Kentucky Unveils 2 New Helmets Ahead of 2024 CFB Season
Jul 25, 2024
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 18: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers celebrate defeating the Old Dominion Monarchs 38-35 in overtime during the Famous Toastery Bowl at Jerry Richardson Stadium on December 18, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
Western Kentucky unveiled a pair of new helmets on Thursday, both a throwback to the red helmets the football program wore in the past.
One of the helmets reads "WKU" on both sides, while the other reads "Tops" on both sides in cursive script, a shortened version of the team's "Hilltoppers" nickname.
The Hilltoppers will be hoping to claim a fifth winning season in the last six years under head coach Tyson Helton while sporting a slightly new look. Last year, the team went 8-5 and won the Famous Toastery Bowl, its third straight bowl win.
Western Kentucky was predicted to finish second in Conference USA in the 2024 CUSA Football Media Predicted Order of Finish, while Elijah Young, Upton Stout, Hosea Wheeler, Quantavious Leslie and Lucas Carneiro were selected to the CUSA Preseason Watch List.
Liberty is the conference's defending champion, but Helton thinks the championship race will be a toss-up this season.
"So excited about the season, excited about where we're headed, excited about the opponents that we get to play in the conference," he told reporters this week. "I think there's a lot of parity in this conference. I think it's anybody's game."
"We're just going to grind," Young added. "They've got us second in the conference—that don't mean nothing. We're just going to work. We've got new guys, new linemen, a new offensive coordinator (Will Friend)—we're going to go run for it."
New helmets, too.
Southern Mississippi CFB Player M.J. Daniels Killed at Age 21 in Shooting
Jun 12, 2024
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 10: A
Southern Miss Golden Eagles helmet rest on the sidelines during the game between the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Southern Mississippi defensive back M.J. Daniels, 21, was killed in a shooting on Tuesday night.
Per WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the shooting occurred at the Ivy Row complex that serves as the Southern Miss housing center.
Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem identified the shooting victim as Daniels, and his body was being sent to a medical examiner for an autopsy.
Per TMZ Sports, the Hattiesburg Police Department confirmed that Daniels was shot and killed in his car.
Southern Mississippi issued a statement about Daniels after his death was confirmed:
"The University of Southern Mississippi and the Department of Athletics mourn the loss of M.J. Daniels whose life was lost Tuesday evening during an incident that occurred off campus. We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.
"Daniels, from Lucedale, Mississippi, was a member of the Golden Eagle football team. He played his first season with the Golden Eagles last fall, after transferring from The University of Mississippi. In his lone season with the Golden Eagles, he registered 29 tackles in 12 games played and tied for the team lead in interceptions with three."
Southern Miss mourns the loss of MJ Daniels 💛
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Daniels family, friends, and Southern Miss community.
Daniels began his college career at the University of Mississippi as a member of the 2021 recruiting class. He appeared in 16 games over two seasons with the Rebels, primarily playing on special teams.
Following the 2022 season, Daniels transferred to Southern Mississippi. He appeared in all 12 games for the Golden Eagles, recording 28 total tackles and three interceptions.
