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Ohio Valley Conference preseason favorite UT Martin will come to Morgantown on Sept. 12 for the first-ever meeting between the Mountaineers and the Skyhawks.
Led by 21st-year head coach Jason Simpson, UT Martin has won at least a share of the OVC Championship in four of the last five seasons. In 2025, the Skyhawks recovered from a 1-5 start to the season to finish 6-6.
The Skyhawks were best at running the ball last season, racking up 2,205 yards on the ground, an average of 163.1 yards per game. Four players rushed for more than 400 yards for UT Martin last season, with two returning in 2026, Tommy Ansley and Chris Franklin.
Both named OVC players to watch, Ansley ran for a team-high 565 yards and two touchdowns last season, while catching 18 passes for 143 yards and another score. Franklin rushed for 450 yards and three scores and made 16 receptions for 96 more yards.
Offensive lineman Travis Gray, wide receiver Phaizon Wilson (35 receptions, 450 yards, one touchdown) and tight end Kaleb Costner were also named offensive players to watch by the OVC. Receiver Deuce Oliver was also recognized for his special teams contributions, averaging 6.9 yards on 23 punt returns last season.
Senior quarterback Julian Calvez could be in line for the starting role after serving as the Skyhawks’ primary backup for the past two seasons. He’s completed 20-of-33 career pass attempts for 150 yards and a touchdown.
On defense, tackle Broderick Tommie Jr., safety Trey Cotton and linebacker Jamarcus Smith were all named OVC players to watch. The team also added FBS transfers in cornerback Anton Pierce (Arkansas) and linebacker Gabriel Cepicky (Memphis).
The Skyhawks are well-represented at the specialists positions, led by All-American long snapper Hayden King. A first-year starter in 2025, King was named all-conference and all-American first team last season, and preseason first-team All-American heading into 2026.
Punter Max Zuluaga was NJCAA All-America first team last season at Trinity Valley Community College before joining UT Martin this offseason.
UT Martin’s last win over an FBS opponent came in 2024, with a 24-13 victory over Kennesaw State. That was Kennesaw State’s first season as an FBS team, however. The Skyhawks’ only other FBS victory was a 20-17 win at Memphis in 2012.
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