Who Is UTEP Football? Team Overview & Facts

By Sarah Miller · December 3, 2039

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) football team, known as the Miners, is a collegiate American football program representing UTEP in Conference USA. Competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the Miners play their home games at the Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, a venue with deep historical roots dating back to 1963. With a legacy shaped by competitive conference play and notable alumni, UTEP football continues to develop as a resilient mid-major program.

Overview of UTEP Football

The UTEP Miners represent the University of Texas at El Paso in NCAA Division I FBS college football. As a longstanding member of Conference USA (C-USA), the program has built a reputation for grit and determination on the field. The team competes annually against other southwestern and southern universities, contributing to the rich tradition of college football in Texas.

Key Facts About UTEP Football

Team Name: UTEP Miners
University: University of Texas at El Paso
Division: NCAA Division I FBS
Conference: Conference USA
Home Stadium: Sun Bowl Stadium
Stadium Capacity: 51,500
First Season: 1914
Head Coach: Scotty Waldyn (as of 2025)

History and Legacy

Established in 1914, UTEP football has evolved from a regional contender into a recognized FBS program. Originally known as Texas Western College until 1967, the school made national history not just academically but athletically—most famously through its 1966 NCAA basketball championship. While that achievement was in basketball, it elevated the profile of all UTEP athletics, including football.

Milestones in UTEP Football History

First bowl appearance: 1952 Sun Bowl
Most successful era: Late 1980s under coach Mike Brumbelow
Recent bowl appearances: 2014 New Mexico Bowl
Notable NFL alumni: Trevor Vittatoe, Rod Breedlove, and Henry Phillips

Conference USA and Competitive Landscape

UTEP joined Conference USA in 2005, transitioning from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The move aligned the Miners with geographically closer rivals, enhancing travel efficiency and regional fan engagement. Conference USA features teams primarily from the South and Southwest, creating a competitive yet accessible schedule for UTEP.

Current C-USA Rivals Include:

UTSA Roadrunners
North Texas Mean Green
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Liberty Flames
Florida International Panthers

Season	Record (Overall)	Conference Record	Bowl Game	Head Coach
2020	3–5	2–4	None	Dana Dimel
2021	3–9	2–6	None	Dana Dimel
2022	4–8	3–5	None	Dana Dimel
2023	3–9	2–6	None	Dana Dimel
2024	5–7	4–4	Eligible but not selected	Scotty Waldyn

Table data source:1, 2

The recent performance data shows gradual improvement in UTEP's win totals, particularly in the 2024 season under new leadership. A 5–7 overall record and a 4–4 conference mark indicate stronger competitiveness within Conference USA, suggesting progress in program development despite continued challenges in achieving bowl eligibility through selection.

Home Field: The Sun Bowl Stadium

One of the most iconic aspects of UTEP football is its home venue—the Sun Bowl Stadium. Opened in 1963, the stadium seats over 51,000 fans and hosts not only UTEP games but also the annual NCAA Sun Bowl game every December. Its high-altitude location (approximately 3,800 feet above sea level) can pose challenges for visiting teams unaccustomed to thinner air, giving the Miners a subtle environmental edge.

Stadium Highlights

Location: El Paso, Texas
Opened: 1963
Capacity: 51,500
Elevation: ~3,800 ft
Hosts: UTEP Miners & annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

About the Current Coaching Staff

As of 2025, Scotty Waldyn serves as head coach after being promoted following Dana Dimel’s tenure. Waldyn, a former UTEP player and long-time assistant, brings continuity and familiarity with the program’s culture. His offensive background emphasizes a balanced attack, aiming to modernize the Miners’ approach while maintaining physicality.

Coaching Philosophy Goals

Develop quarterback talent through improved passing schemes
Strengthen recruiting pipelines in Texas and northern Mexico
Increase non-conference win potential
Return to consistent bowl eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions About UTEP Football

What does UTEP stand for in football?

UTEP stands for the University of Texas at El Paso. In football, it refers to the Miners, the school’s NCAA Division I FBS team competing in Conference USA.

When did UTEP last go to a bowl game?

UTEP last appeared in a bowl game in 2014, when they played in the New Mexico Bowl against Nevada. They have remained close to bowl eligibility in recent years, notably going 5–7 in 2024 but were not selected.

Who is the current UTEP football coach?

As of 2025, Scotty Waldyn is the head coach of the UTEP Miners. He was promoted after serving as offensive coordinator and previously played quarterback at UTEP in the early 2000s.

What conference is UTEP football in?

UTEP football competes in Conference USA (C-USA), having joined the league in 2005. The conference includes schools from Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Tennessee.

Where do the UTEP Miners play their home games?

The UTEP Miners play their home games at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas. The 51,500-seat stadium, opened in 1963, also hosts the annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl every December.