The UAB Blazers secured bowl eligibility for the first time since 2022 with a commanding 36-10 win over Temple on the road. The victory on Saturday pushed UAB’s record to 6-4, meeting the threshold required for postseason play in their debut season in the American Conference under head coach Alex Mortensen.
This season has seen a clear turnaround for the Blazers after missing out on bowl games since their final year in Conference USA. UAB has won three of its last four games, each by double digits, including a 30-17 overtime victory against East Carolina on October 15, a nationally televised Thursday night game. That win helped position UAB fourth in the conference standings behind UTSA, Memphis, and North Texas.
Much of the Blazers’ improvement traces back to their defense, led by veteran coordinator Todd Grantham, whom Mortensen hired on December 30, 2025. UAB’s scoring defense climbed from 135th nationally in 2025, allowing 38.3 points per game, to 52nd this season, at 22.4 points per game. Their total defense ranking jumped from 119th to 18th, conceding just 293 yards per game. UAB currently holds the No. 1 passing defense in the FBS, limiting opponents to 118 passing yards per game on a 55.3 completion rate.
Quarterback Ryder Burton has been a steady presence on offense, calling plays in the huddle during recent games, including the decisive win over Temple. The Blazers’ offense complemented the defense well, producing 36 points and controlling the game throughout.
UAB’s conference record now stands at 4-2 with two games remaining against UTSA and North Texas. These final matchups offer chances for the Blazers to secure statement wins in Mortensen’s first full season as head coach.
The upcoming bowl will be the seventh in the program’s history. UAB enters postseason play with a 3-3 record in previous bowl games, having last won the 2022 Bahamas Bowl against Miami (OH).
The Blazers head into the final stretch of the season with momentum and a defense ranked among the nation’s best, aiming to build on their recent success.
According to Yahoo Sports.
