Laramie – The Wyoming Cowboys are set to kick off their 2026 home slate this Saturday with a matchup against the Northern Colorado (UNC) Bears. The game begins at 2 p.m. and will be streamed exclusively on MW+. For Cowboys fans, it’s an early‑season test against a program that has been steadily improving on both sides of the ball.
Key players to watch
Quarterback Kenny Lueth, a senior transfer from Northern Illinois, has shown poise in his first two starts. He is completing nearly 63 % of his passes, has not turned the ball over, and has amassed 427 passing yards with two touchdowns. Lueth also adds 122 rushing yards and two rushing scores, proving he can extend plays with his legs.
Coach Jay Sawvel praised Lueth’s versatility, saying, “He can hit you with a quarterback draw, scramble a little, and we have some good boot actions and misdirection plays. That gives him a chance to run if a route isn’t open.”
Running back Mathias Price is another offensive catalyst. The 220‑pound junior averages 5.2 yards per carry and has already logged 140 rushing yards and a touchdown on 27 attempts.
On the receiving end, senior wide receiver Trey Olsen, who transferred from Wyoming after a brief stint at the FBS level, has recorded six catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. His experience adds depth to a receiving corps that also includes Marcus Mozer, Garrett Harstad, and Jordan Herron.
UNC Bears overview
The Bears are coming off a 38‑23 loss to South Dakota but have shown offensive firepower, averaging 431 total yards per game. Their defense, however, has been porous, allowing an average of 6.7 yards per play – roughly 381 yards per contest – and has surrendered eight touchdowns so far.
UNC’s offense is balanced, with a mix of passing and rushing production, while their secondary has struggled to contain opponents. Safety Frankly Morales leads the defensive backfield with 12 tackles, two pass break‑ups, and an interception.
Historical context
Wyoming has traditionally dominated FCS opponents at home, winning eight of its last ten home meetings. Yet the Cowboys have faced close calls, including a 17‑13 loss to Idaho in Coach Sawvel’s debut and narrow defeats to North Dakota, Montana State, and Wofford in recent seasons.
“We put every bullet in the gun to try to win, as we should,” said graduate assistant Cameron Murray, referencing the team’s preparation and desire to prove themselves against a respected opponent.
What the Cowboys hope to achieve
Beyond the win‑loss column, the game offers a chance for the Cowboys to test their new offensive schemes and gauge the effectiveness of Lueth’s dual‑threat skill set. A strong performance could set the tone for the rest of the season, especially as Wyoming looks to improve its conference standing in the Big Sky.
Fans can expect a competitive contest at War Memorial Stadium, where the Bears will try to exploit Wyoming’s defensive vulnerabilities while the Cowboys aim to capitalize on their balanced attack and home‑field advantage.
Game details
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Kickoff: 2 p.m. MT
- Location: War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, WY
- Broadcast: MW+ streaming platform
Tickets are available through the university’s athletics website, and the stadium will open its gates early for fans eager to support the Cowboys in what promises to be an exciting season opener.
Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.
