Laramie – The University of Wyoming football program is in the last week of its fall camp, preparing for the season‑opening Border War against Colorado State on Sept. 5. Head coach Jay Sawvel highlighted a 95‑play scrimmage on Saturday that showed progress on both sides of the ball.
Offensive changes and new starter
After dismissing former play‑caller Jay Johnson, the Cowboys named graduate transfer Tyler Hughes as the new starting quarterback. Hughes reunites with former William & Mary offensive coordinator Christian Taylor, who originally recruited him to the FCS program in Williamsburg, Va.
Several key offensive players entered the NCAA Transfer Portal over the offseason, including former starter Kaden Anderson, running backs Terron Kellman and Damashja Harris, and leading receiver Chris Durr Jr. Their departures opened opportunities for younger talent such as Justin Popovich, Markell Holman and Ke’Lyn Washom, as well as veterans Samuel “Tote” Harris, Kyle Frendt, Jake Wilson and Eric Richardson.
Defensive outlook
Wyoming’s defense, which ranked in the top 50 nationally and was second in the nation inside the 20‑yard line behind Ohio State last season, returns several standout players. Senior safety Jones Thomas, a preseason All‑Mountain West selection, logged 57 tackles, two interceptions (including a pick‑six against Hawai’i) and four pass breakups in 2025. Nickel corner Desman Hearns also earned All‑MW honors, posting 35 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and five pass breakups.
Depth at defensive back continues with Brooklyn Cheek, Jaden DaCosta, Drew Jackson, Kaiden Kimble‑Turner and redshirt freshman Elvin Ampofo all competing for playing time.
Transfer additions
The Cowboys added several players from the transfer portal: quarterback Jett Vincent, who saw action at Colorado State, and defensive back Da’Marion Brownlee from Missouri Southern. They also brought in nickel specialist Travis Franklin Jr. from Jacksonville State.
Coach Sawvel’s assessment
“The scrimmage went well Saturday. We ran about 95 plays. Sunday we practiced with pads on, and today we did the same. We’ll give the players a day off tomorrow and then focus on our first opponent on Wednesday,” Sawvel said. “From a health perspective we’re in a solid place. A few bumps and bruises are normal, but the team is ready to move forward.”
Looking ahead
With the final week of camp underway, the Cowboys will fine‑tune their schemes and evaluate the depth chart before traveling to Fort Collins for the Border War. The rivalry game, the 118th meeting between the two programs, will be the first test of the new offensive leadership and the defense’s ability to maintain its top‑tier performance.
Fans can expect further announcements on the roster as the coaching staff finalizes starters and key contributors for the upcoming season.
Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.
