El Paso’s UTEP Miners Make List of Worst Football Teams

It’s that time of year again: football season. Unfortunately for me, that means I’m about to get ghosted by some friends as they get ready to cheer on their favorite team- mainly because I don’t watch football. But, across the country, fans are clearing their calendars, stocking up on snacks, and getting ready to hunker down in front of the TV.

In fact, a new poll found that 71% of Americans admit to skipping, rescheduling, or flat-out turning down plans just to watch football. For most, that means staying home rather than shelling out for stadium tickets because 69% say they’re cutting back on attending games due to rising costs.

And while the NFL remains king for 60% of fans, college football is where the season really starts to heat up. Unfortunately for Miner fans here in El Paso, UTEP just made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

UTEP Miners Land on “Worst College Football Teams” List

According to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI), which crunches the numbers to predict performance, the UTEP Miners landed at No. 5 on the list of the “10 Worst College Football Teams” heading into 2025.

It’s no secret that UTEP has struggled over the years. Since joining Conference USA in 2005, the Miners have only reached four bowl games, with 2017 marking rock bottom at 0-12. Last season under new head coach Scotty Walden was another tough one, ending 3-9.

There is a glimmer of hope: new quarterback Malachi Nelson, a highly touted five-star recruit who’s bounced from USC to Boise State before landing in El Paso. Fans are hoping Nelson can help turn things around for a program desperate for momentum.

Loyal Fans Keep Showing Up

If the study on football-watching habits proves anything, it’s that people will move mountains to support the game they love- and UTEP fans are no exception! The Sun Bowl still glows orange and blue on Saturdays, a testament to El Paso’s loyalty.

Yes, the Miners may be facing uphill battles, but in a city where football is a way of life, the stands (and living rooms across town) will still be full. Because here in El Paso, hope for a winning season never really dies- it just gets pushed to next week’s kickoff. Also, at least we're not NMSU, who ranked No. 2!

GO MINERS: Former UTEP Miners Who Have Played in the NFL

It's not just in recent memory that former UTEP Miners football players would play in the NFL; it's been going on for years. Some have gone on to win the Super Bowl too. Here are some former UTEP Miners that have played in the NFL.

Gallery Credit: Daniel Paulus