Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center Featured on Cover of Athletics Administration Magazine
One of the premier college athletics facilities in the country, the Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center was featured on the cover of the March 2019 issue of Athletics Administration Magazine, the official magazine of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.
Wyoming’s $44 million state-of-the-art Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center opened in August 2018. The new facility, located at the north end of War Memorial Stadium, expanded the original Rochelle Athletics Center by 71,000 square feet to a total of 118,000 square feet.
The Opponents........................... 136-139 Series Records .......................... 140-153 2023 SEASON IN REVIEW 2022 Statistics ......................... 155-167 Game-by-Game ......................... 168-176 RECORDS & HISTORY
UW's NCAA Records ................. 178-179 Top 10 All-Time ........................ 180-189 Year-by-Year Leaders ................ 190-191 Team Records................................... 192
Game times listed are all Mountain Time
BOLD AND CAPS Indicate Home games
*Indicates Mountain West Conference games
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING FUTURE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES
2025
Date Opponent
Aug. 30 at Akron
2028
Date Opponent
Sept. 2 IDAHO STATE
2032
Date Opponent
Sept. 4 at California
All-Time Scores......................... 193-203
Larry Birleffi Press Box 203 Conference Standings 204-210
I
UW All-Time Assistant Coaches ........ 211
UW All-Time Lettermen ............ 212-215 Pokes in the Pros ...................... 216-217
UW Head Coaches ........................... 229 Mission Statement ........................... 229
Sept. 6 CAL POLY
Sept. 13 UTAH
Sept. 20 at Colorado 2026
Date Opponent
Sept. 5 NORTH TEXAS
Sept. 12 NORTHERN COLORADO
Sept. 19 at Central Michigan
Nov. 28 UCONN 2027
Date Opponent
Sept. 4 at Utah
Sept. 11 SOUTHERN UTAH
Sept. 18 at North Texas
Sept. 25 CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Sept. 9 AKRON
Sept. 16 at Texas Tech
Sept. 23 UTEP 2029
Date Opponent
Sept. 8 CALIFORNIA
Sept. 15 at UConn
Sept. 29 at UTEP
2030
Date Opponent
Sept. 14 at Arizona
Sept. 21 NORTH TEXAS
CREDITS
Sept. 18 NEW MEXICO STATE 2033
Date Opponent
Sept. 17 ARIZONA
All future schedules are tentative and subject to change.
All Wyoming Home games are in CAPS and BOLD.
Design Credit: Hugh West of Hugh West Design designed both the cover and editorial pages for this year’s Wyoming Football Media Guide. It is always a pleasure to work with you, Hugh. Photography Credits: We want to extend our sincere thanks to Troy Babbitt, who provides us exceptional action photos. Thanks to Paul Kanaly for the professional, high-quality head shots of our coaches and players. Also thanks to Ted Brummond at UW Photo Service for your quality photo contributions, and thanks to Nick Seeman, John Durgee and Cobe Wastler of our Athletics Media Relations staff for the outstanding photos they provided to this year’s publication.
Content Credits: The 2023 University of Wyoming Football Media Guide was produced by the University of Wyoming Athletics Media Relations Office. Nick Seeman, Assistant Athletics Director for Media Relations. Many thanks to Diane Dodson, Media Relations Assistant Director for Operations, and Bud Denega, Assistant Media Relations Director, and Kevin DeVries and Ryan Thorburn for their contributions to this year’s guide.
THE COWBOY SPORTS NETWORK
2023 FOOTBALL WYOMING FAST FACTS
Keith Kelley
Keith Kelley and Kevin McKinney to Call Games in 2024
All Wyoming Cowboy Football games may be heard live on the affiliate radio stations of the Cowboy Sports Network throughout the states of Wyoming, Colorado and South Dakota. The flagship station for the network is KFBC 1240 AM in Cheyenne, Wyo.
Each Wyoming Football game is also broadcast on the official University of Wyoming athletics website: www.gowyo.com.
Keith Kelley enters his third season as the “Voice of the Cowboys” for Wyoming Football and Basketball in 2024. He has been selected by his peers of the National Association of Sportswriters and Sportscasters as the Wyoming Sportscaster of the Year four times. Kelley is a long-time sportscaster and newscaster for KFBC Radio in Cheyenne, Wyo. He has been the sports director at KFBC since 2004 where he also hosts the SportsZone, Cheyenne’s longest running daily sports talk show. Kelley was the play-by-play voice of Cowgirl Basketball for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, before taking over as the voice of Cowboy Football and Basketball in the 2022-23 season.
Kevin McKinney first served as color analyst for Cowboy Basketball beginning with the 1973-74 season and continues as color analyst today. The upcoming 2023-24 basketball season will be McKinney’s 52nd season providing color commentary. Since 1996, he has also added color analysis on Cowboy Football games and will continue in that role in 2023. McKinney was inducted into the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters (WAB) Hall of Fame in the summer of 2015. He was inducted into the University of Wyoming Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in the fall of 2013. In 2000, he was named Wyoming’s Sportscaster of the Year, and in 2011 he was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Wyoming State Athletics Hall of Fame. McKinney is a Cheyenne, Wyo., native and University of Wyoming graduate.
Erick Pauley will be entering his third season as sideline reporter for Cowboy Football in 2023. He is currently the Vice President of Operations for The Radio Network in Green River, Wyo. Pauley, like Kelley and McKinney, is a former Wyoming Sportscaster of the Year, winning the award in 2018. He brings a unique perspective to Cowboy Sports Network broadcasts as he is a former football lettermen at the University of Wyoming where he played defensive line. A native of Green River, Wyo., Pauley was a standout prep athlete in the state of Wyoming.
2024 Cowboy Sports Network
University of Wyoming Sports Properties
University of Wyoming Sports Properties (UWSP) is the multimedia rights holder and sports marketing arm for University of Wyoming Athletics. In addition to managing the statewide radio broadcast programing for UW Athletics, UWSP offers corporate customers a multitude of marketing and media sponsorship opportunities that include: television advertising, venue signage, event sponsorship, gameday promotions, video board features, hospitality, overall marketing partnerships and marketing opportunities on the UW official athletics website: www.gowyo.com.
Rib DeSoto, serves as General Manager of University of Wyoming Sports Properties. UWSP is a property of LEARFIELD, which manages multimedia rights for nearly 200 collegiate institutions and associations. LEARFIELD offers more than 50K hours of programming across 200+ networks and 5,000 affiliates, many of which can be found through The Varsity Network app. Listen to the local radio broadcasts alongside televised games with Sync My Game. To learn more about the company and its collegiate portfolio, visit www.learfield.com.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Laramie, Wyo.
Founded: 1886
Enrollment: 11,100
President: Dr. Edward Seidel
Athletics Director: Tom Burman
Colors: Brown & Gold
Nickname: Cowboys, Pokes
Conference: Mountain West
Stadium: Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium
Capacity: 29,181
Surface: FieldTurf Vertex CORE
FOOTBALL HISTORY
The 2024 season will mark the 128th season of Wyoming Football.
Wyoming All-Time Football Record 567-598-28 (.487) -- 1,193 Total Games
Wyoming All-Time Home Football Record 338-206-18 (.617) -- 562 Home Games
Wyoming All-Time Road Football Record 218-380-10 (.367) -- 608 Road Games
Wyoming Neutral-Site Football Record 11-12-0 (.478) -- 23 Neutral-Site Games
2024 TEAM INFORMATION
Offensive Scheme: Pro-Style, West Coast
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Starters Returning: 16 Total
(7 Offense, 8 Defense, 1 Special Teams)
Starters Lost: 8 Total
(4 Offense, 4 Defense, 1 Special Teams
Lettermen Returning: 47 Total
(23 Offense, 22 Defense, 1 Special Teams)
Lettermen Lost: 15 Total
(9 Offense, 5 Defense, 1 Special Teams)
First-Year Transfers: 7 Total
(4 Offense, 3 Defense, 0 Special Teams)
2024 Signings: 38 Total
(19 Offense, 17 Defense, 1 Special Teams, 1 Athlete)
2024 COACHING STAFF
Head Coach: Jay Sawvel (Mount Union ‘93)
Overall Record: 0-0, First Season Record at Wyoming: Same
Offensive Coaching Staff
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Jay Johnson (Northern Iowa ‘92)
Associate Head Coach/
Offensive Passing-Game Coordinator/WRs
Mike Grant (Nebraska ‘93)
Executive Director of Recruiting/RBs
Gordie Haug (Bemidji State ‘09)
Co-Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends/ Fullbacks
Shannon Moore (Black Hills State ‘00)
Offensive Line
Joe Tripodi (Northwestern ‘06)
Defensive Coaching Staff
Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
Aaron Bohl (MSU Moorhead ‘16)
Co-Special Teams Coordinator/Cornerbacks
Benny Boyd (Aurora ‘00)
Defensive Ends
Brian Hendricks (Wyoming ‘11)
Defensive Tackles
Jeff Phelps (Ball State ‘98)
Safeties
Jason Petrino (Carroll College ‘99)
Administrative Staff
Associate A.D. for Football Operations
Nick Fulton (Sioux Falls ‘04)
Director of Player Personnel
Kirby O’Meara (Central Arkansas ‘13)
Director of On-Campus Recruiting
Samantha Patten (Florida ‘20)
Kevin McKinney
Rob DeSoto General Manager
YOUR HOSTS
Nick Seeman Assistant Athletics Director (Football Contact)
Cell Phone: (612) 741-0550 nseeman@uwyo.edu
Kevin DeVries
Assistant Media Relations Director
Cell Phone: (641) 512-1847 kdevrie3@uwyo.edu
John Durgee
Director of Digital Strategy
Cell Phone: (972) 849-0715 jdurgee@uwyo.edu
Sariah Orocu Social Media/Media Relations Director
Media Relations Mailing Address: University of Wyoming Athletics Dept. 3414, 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071
Media Relations Shipping Address: University of Wyoming Athletics 16th & Gibbon Streets Laramie, WY 82071
U niversity of W yoming P rimary
NEWSPAPERS/WEBSITES
Laramie Daily Boomerang/WyoSports
314 S. 4th Street, Laramie, WY 82070
Alex Taylor, Sports Writer
David Watson, Managing Editor
Phone: (307) 742-2176
Fax: (307) 721-2973
Casper Star-Tribune
P.O. Box 80, Casper, WY 82602
Jack Nowlin, Sports Editor
Phone: (307) 266-0573 or (800) 442-6916
Fax: (307) 266-0568
Wyoming Tribune-Eagle/WyoSports
702 W. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Alex Taylor, Sports Writer
Jeremiah Johnke, Sports Editor
Phone: (307) 634-3361
Fax: (307) 778-7163
7220Sports.com
Cody Tucker, Publisher Cody@7220sports.com
TELEVISION
WYOMING NEWS NOW (CBS)
2923 E. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone: (307) 634-7755
Alex Eisman, Sports Anchor/Reporter Alex.eisman@gray.tv
WIRE SERVICES
Associated Press
320 W. 25th St., Suite 310, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Mead Gruver, News Correspondent
Phone: (800) 442-2451 or (307) 632-9351
Fax: (307) 637-8538
Email: apcheyenne@ap.org mgruver@ap.org
2023 FOOTBALL
Sources of Information for Media
Information on University of Wyoming Football is available through the following sources. We at the Wyoming Media Relations Office hope you continue to consider our staff as your primary source for information. Call us anytime at (307) 766-2256 or on our cell phones: Seeman (612) 741-0550
1.Official Website
University of Wyoming Athletics may be accessed on the web at the following address: www.gowyo.com
2.Email Addresses
You can e-mail the Wyoming Media Relations Office at: tharkins@uwyo.edu nseeman@uwyo.edu wyosid@uwyo.edu
3. Audio and Video at www.gowyo.com
Live radio broadcasts of the Wyoming Cowboys, as well as video features are available over the internet by going to the official University of Wyoming Athletics website at: www.gowyo.com
Cowboy Football and Basketball broadcasts, as well as Cowgirl Basketball broadcasts can all be heard there.
4. Social Media
Follow Us on X @wyo_football
Follow Us on Facebook facebook.com/wyofootball
Follow Us on Instragram wyo_football
m edia o U tlets
RADIO
KFBC 1240 AM
(Flagship Station for Cowboy Sports Network)
1806 Capitol Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001
Pokesnews.com
Jeff Bugher Publisher Jeff@pokesnews.com
Dave Montgomery, Owner/General Manager
Keith Kelley, Sports Director
Phone: (307) 634-4461
Fax: (307) 632-8586
Email: sports@kfbcradio.com
KOWB 1290 AM
P.O. Box 1290, Laramie, WY 82070
David Settle, Sports Director
Phone: (307) 745-4888
Fax: (307) 742-4576
Email: david.settle@townsquaremedia.com
KTWO 1030 AM
150 N. Nichols, Casper, WY 82601
Phone: (307) 266-5252
Fax: (307) 235-9143
KUWR 91.9 FM/Wyoming Public Radio
Dept. 3984, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071
Jeff Victor, Reporter
jvictor@uwyo.edu
Phone: (307) 766-4240 or 766-6626
Fax: (307) 766-6184
Email: jvictor@uwyo.edu
2024 FOOTBALL
MEDIA INFORMATION
WWelcome to the University of Wyoming, and Cowboy Football. The information on these pages is presented to assist the working media in its coverage of the upcoming season. The Wyoming Media Relations Office will be available throughout the year to assist you.
Credential Requests
YRequests for press box and photo credentials should be directed to the University of Wyoming Media Relations Office. To ensure consideration, requests should be submitted on company letterhead — either by email, fax or mail — two weeks prior to the game. Requests made the week of the game will be handled as space allows. No requests will be processed later than noon on the day prior to the game. Credentials will either be mailed, or will be held at Will Call.
OMedia Parking at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium
MWyoming’s Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium is located on the north side of Grand Ave. at the intersection of Grand and 22nd Street in Laramie, Wyo. Most media members will be assigned parking in the FA or S lots on the west side of War Memorial Stadium and the Arena-Auditorium. The FA or S lots may both be accessed by taking Willett Drive, which runs on the north side of War Memorial Stadium. On the west side of the Arena-Auditorium turn south off of Willett Drive into the FA or S parking lots.
Media Facilities
The War Memorial Stadium Press Box facility is located on the top of the Stadium's West Stands. Working media are accommodated in the main “Larry Birleffi Media Area”, while broadcast personnel are assigned booth space as available. The Press Box is accessible via an elevator, located in the southwest corner of War Memorial Stadium.
IPhotographic Services
NPhotographers can either shoot from designated areas on the sidelines or from the camera deck that is located in front of the press box and is accessible from the main press area. Wireless internet access is available in the press box. There is also a room available to photographers during and after games on field level in the former Stadium Club room located underneath the southwest corner of War Memorial Stadium. Wireless internet and high speed data lines will also be available in this room.
GMedia Services
Complete team and individual stats, running play-by-play and postgame coach and player quotes are provided for working media. A media folder including flip-card, updated statistics and game-day notes will be provided pregame. An internal public
address is provided for updated information and notes throughout the game. A pregame meal is served through the first quarter, and coffee, soft drinks and snacks are available during and following the game. For radio, internet lines, as well as regular land lines are available. Ample phone lines and wireless internet are available in the press box.
Ticket Information
Tickets to all University of Wyoming Athletics’ events may be purchased through the UW Athletics Ticket Office. Tickets may be ordered over the phone by calling 307766-7220, or online at www.gowyo.com, and go to the ticket links on the front page.
Practice
Media members are required to check with the Wyoming Media Relations Office prior to attending a practice sesson.
Jay Sawvel Weekly Press Conference and Interviews
Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvelwill be available on a weekly press conference each Monday during the season from Noon-12:30 p.m. The press conference will be held in the High Altitude Performance Center Team Room. Contact the UW Media Relations Office for details regarding the weekly press conference.
Player and Assistant Coach Weekly Interviews
Requested Wyoming football players and assistant coaches will be available to the media to interview during the weekly press conference each Monday following Coach Sawvel’s portion of the press conference.
Video Services
Media in need of assistance with video may contact the UW Athletics Media Relations Office.
Postgame Press Conferences
Wyoming postgame press conferences following Home Games will take place in the High Altitude Performance Center Team Room at the north end of War Memorial Stadium. Entrance for credentialed media members will be through the center doors immediately off the north end zone. Each press conference will begin approximately 10 minutes after conclusion of each home game. Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel will begin each press conference followed by select Wyoming players. Opponent postgame press conferences will be conducted in War Memorial Fieldhouse.
Wyoming postgame press conferences following Road Games will vary depending on the interview space provided by the host school.
Real Time Data Rights Policy
The acceptance of media credentials is an acknowledgment of the University of Wyoming’s rights to the game and playby-play coverage and your agreement to abide by any restrictions the University of Wyoming may place on real-time play-byplay coverage and use of comprehensive game statistics. Failure to abide by these restrictions implemented by the University of Wyoming may result in revocation of press credentials. The University of Wyoming reserves the right to grant approval for distribution of real time play-by-play, gamerelated statistics and information through the Internet.
Media Relations Office
The Wyoming Media Relations Office is located at the north end of the Intercollegiate Athletics Building in the Fieldhouse North Addition. The office is located on the second floor, Room 206. The phone number is 307-766-2256.
Cowboy Locker Room
HIGH
CENTER MICK & SUSIE M c MURRY
ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE
Strength and Conditioning Center
In the summer of 2018 a new strength and conditioning center opened for Cowboy Football. The new area contains 12,000 square feet of space, and features the newest and the best in strength training equipment.
The Team Room
MICK & SUSIE M c MURRY
HIGH ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE CENTER
New Training Table
With completion of the Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center (HAPC) in the summer of 2018, there has been a dramatic change in how the nutritional needs of studentathletes have been met. A new Training Table area opened in the HAPC and is available for UW student-athletes in all 17 NCAA-sanctioned sports offered by the University of Wyoming. The Training Table is located on the second level of the High Altitude Performance Center.
MARIAN H. ROCHELLE ACADEMIC CENTER
The Wyoming Athletics Office of Academic Support (OAS) focuses on providing UW student-athletes the academic support system they need to reach the ultimate goal of their college experience graduation. Five full-time academic counselors are part of the UW Athletics staff, and are available to assist UW student-athletes in pursuing their academic and career goals.
Malcom Floyd
An outstanding receiver for the Wyoming Cowboys from 2000-03, Malcom Floyd went on to play 12 NFL seasons, all with the San Diego Chargers.
THE
MALCOM FLOYD FAMILY
RECRUITING LOUNGE
A new addition to the High Altitude Performance Center is the Malcom Floyd Family Recruiting Lounge that was funded by a generous donation from former Wyoming Cowboy and San Diego Charger Malcom Floyd. The beautiful area overlooks Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium and is used to host Wyoming football recruits when they come to visit campus.
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
If you are looking for a wonderful college environment, look no further than the University of Wyoming. From its beautiful mountain setting in Laramie, to its wide range of academic offerings and its nationally-respected football program, UW offers a memorable college experience to its students.
UW provides an atmosphere that allows you to achieve both your academic and athletic goals.
The University of Wyoming was founded in 1886. UW offers a wide range of both undergraduate and graduate degrees and majors through seven colleges and multiple interdisciplinary programs and departments. With a small student/faculty ratio of 14:1, UW is a community of scholars and learners committed to excellence.
Wyoming’s seven colleges include: Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources; Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Physical Sciences; Health Sciences; and Law. This wide range of colleges allows each student to explore many options to find his or her career niche. Another way we contribute to the success of our students is by offering a large number of courses each semester, making it possible for students to graduate in four years.
The Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center
Opened in the fall of 2014, the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center was built to be a “Gateway” to the University of Wyoming. It houses the UW Foundation, Alumni Association, Admissions Office and Career Services Center. The Gateway Center serves as a fantastic recruiting tool for UW Athletics. The Cowboy Football team hosts recruiting functions in the Gateway Center.
The Roy & Caryl Cline President’s Room in the Gateway Center
The McMurry Family UW Legacy Hall in the Gateway Center
UNIVERSITY OF
WYOMING
The Jonah Bank Atrium is the centerpiece of the beautiful College of Business building. Wyoming’s College of Business building features a trading room, behavioral and multi-media laboratories, an executive boardroom, conference and seminar rooms and an auditorium. College of Business students benefit from the latest wired and wireless technologies, including high-definition playback and projection systems in each classroom, a video production and editing facility, video conferencing capabilities, financial data feeds and a stock ticker in the atrium.
The American Heritage Center, Home to UW’s Art Gallery and Archives Wyoming’s College of Business
Construction of the College of Business Building was completed in the Fall of 2010
At UW, we encourage students to develop their full potential by becoming involved as active members of the university, local community and the world. Opportunities for involvement in some 200 recognized student organizations include student government, publications, the speech and debate team and religious and cultural organizations. Many of our students also take advantage of exceptional international opportunities to become part of the world community through Study Abroad and International Programs. With so many choices, our students enjoy the benefits of meeting new people, making good friends, developing leadership skills and gaining invaluable life experiences.
UW offers a true college-town atmosphere. Laramie has a population of approximately 30,000 with a student enrollment of 11,100. The Laramie campus is composed of 80 major buildings on 785 beautifully landscaped acres. There is a pleasant mix of modern and traditional structures, many built of native Wyoming sandstone quarried northeast of Laramie. At the heart of the campus is the Wyoming Student Union. Fresh from a new multi-million dollar renovation, the Union is where students can kick back between classes, have a sandwich, meet friends, check out an art exhibit or study.
UW is the perfect place for learning in a friendly yet achievement-oriented environment.
As the state’s sole four-year educational institution, the university receives strong support from the state and its residents. There is a dedication to making UW the best it can be in terms of its facilities, programs, people and aesthetics. Capital improvements on campus are a high priority, reflecting a commitment to maintaining UW’s world-class stature.
The College of Health Sciences
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
The Late Dr. Jerry Buss, The owner of the Los Angeles Lakers
Dick Cheney, Former Vice President of the United States
The Late Curt Gowdy, The Most Decorated National Sportscaster in History
Jay Novacek, Former All-Pro Tight End with the Dallas Cowboys
Gen. Pete Schoomaker, Former U.S. Army Chief of Staff
Alan Simpson, Former United States Senator Gerry Spence,
and
FOOTBALL OFFICES
Head Coach’s Office in the Rochelle Athletics Center
In 2014, the football offices in the Rochelle Athletics Center underwent a renovation to modernize the space and present a new image for Cowboy Football moving forward.
Pictured here is a photo of head coach Jay Sawvel's office.
Entryway
to Head Coach’s Office
Just outside the head coach’s office is a glass entryway highlighted by modern wall graphics depicting the rich tradition of Cowboy Football.
View of Head Coach’s Office Looking West
The Wyoming head football coach’s office as seen looking toward the west window.
FOOTBALL OFFICES
Welcome to Cowboy Football
The entry into the Wyoming Football offices features an open, contemporary reception area for visitors to relax in upon arrival.
Hallway to Assistant Coaches’ Offices
The hallway leading to the assistant football coaches’ offices is filled with fresh new graphics of Cowboy Football.
WYO Wall
The reception area also displays a beautiful wooden wall with the raised letters WYO. Behind the letters is the iconic image of Wyoming’s Teton Mountain Range.
Wyoming hosted the No. 2 ranked Texas Longhorns before a sellout crowd in War Memorial Stadium in 2009. Texas made its first-ever appearance in Laramie, and went on to finish the 09 season as the national runnerup.
In 2008, Wyoming defeated the Tennessee Volunteers, 13-7, in Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium, becoming the first team from a non-automatic qualifying BCS conference to win there since 1986.
SUCCESS VS. THE FBS
In 2019,
The biggest home game in University of Wyoming school history was played in 2011, as Wyoming hosted Nebraska for the first time before a sellout crowd.
In the 2009 season, Wyoming hosted the then No. 2 ranked Texas Longhorns. It was the Longhorns’ first-ever appearance in Laramie, Wyo. Wyoming led the Longhorns 10-6 late in the first half before losing to the eventual national runnerup in front of a sellout crowd in War Memorial Stadium.
Not only have the Cowboys played the best in the nation, but over the past 19 seasons, Wyoming has enjoyed success against those teams, recording victories over:
• Texas Tech of the Big 12 (35-33 in Overime in Laramie in 2023)
• Missouri of the Southeastern Conference (37-31 in L aramie, Wyo., in 2019)
• Tennessee of the Southeastern Conference (13-7 in Knoxville, Tenn., in 2008)
• Virginia of the Atlantic Coast Conference (23-3 in Laramie, Wyo., in 2007)
• Ole Miss of the Southeastern Conference (37-32 in Laramie, in 2004, and 24-14 in Oxford, Miss., in 2005)
• UCL A of the Pacific-10 Conference (24-21 in the Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl in 2004)
UW has faced numerous Top 25 ranked programs over the past 26 years, including: Ohio State (1997); Colorado (1997); Georgia (1998); Tennessee (1999, 2002 and 2008); Auburn (2000); Texas A&M (2000, 2001, 2004); Kansas (2001, 2003); Washington (2002); Oklahoma State (2003); Ole Miss (2004, 2005); Florida (2005); Virginia (2006, 2007), Texas (2009 and 2010), Nebraska (2011, 2013, 2016), Michigan State (2014), Oregon (2014 and 2017), Missouri (2018, 2019), Washington State (2018), Illinois (2022) and BYU (2022), Texas Tech (2023) and Fresno State (2023).
Logan Wilson (#30) and Cassh Maluia (#46) helped lead Wyoming to a 37-31 win over SEC member Missouri in Laramie.
WYOMING
IN THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
WYOMING vs. NEBRASKA
The Biggest Event in the History of War Memorial Stadium
On Sept. 24, 2011, Wyoming hosted Nebraska in the Cornhuskers first-ever appearance in Wyoming s War Memorial Stadium. The sellout crowd and regional appeal of the game made it the biggest event in the history of War Memorial Stadium.
National Television Coverage in 2016
This aerial view of the 2016 Mountain West Conference Championship Game was taken by ESPN during the game hosted by the University of Wyoming. The Cowboys were featured on ESPN networks seven times in 2016, and were featured on CBS Sports Network four times.
The Mountain West Conference’s television package includes exciting partnerships with CBS Sports and FOX Sports for the coming season.
Wyoming Cowboy Football is accustomed to playing on national television and against some of the top college football programs in the country -- and they’ve enjoyed success against the best in the country.
Wyoming will be featured numerous times this season on CBS Sports Network and on FS1. Wyoming will face BYU in a night game on CBS Sports Network.
In addition to wide-ranging television coverage of University of Wyoming football games, CBS Sports Network aired a special on Wyoming Football entitled “College Football Confidential” in 2010.
ESPN Televises MW Championship From Laramie
ESPN announcers (left to right) Steve Levy, Todd McShay and Brian Griese meet with Wyoming Cowboys Lucas Wacha and Josh Allen prior to the 2016 Mountain West Championship Game played in Laramie.
Marcus Harris
Wide Receiver 1993-96
• 1996 Biletnikoff Award Winner as Nation’s Outstanding Receiver
• 1996 Consensus All-American
• Placed Ninth in 1996 Heisman Trophy Balloting
• 1995 American Football Coaches Association First Team All-American
• Ended his college career as the NCAA’s career leader in receiving yards (4,518), still ranks No. 5 in NCAA history in receiving yards
WINNING TRADITION
Eddie “Boom Boom” Talboom
Tailback/Place-Kicker 1949-50
• Wyoming’s First All-American in 1950
• Led Wyoming to School’s First Bowl Game, the 1951 Gator Bowl
• Still Ranks No. 6 in NCAA History in Career Scoring Average
• Inducted Into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000
For over 125 years, University of Wyoming Football has thrilled Cowboy fans with some of the greatest players and coaches in college football. Wyoming’s Football Tradition has been built by such legendary coaches as Bowden Wyatt, Bob Devaney, Paul Roach and Joe Tiller, who all walked the sidelines of War Memorial Stadium.
Great All-Americans like Eddie Talboom (1950), Mike Dirks (1967), Ken Fantetti (1978), Galand Thaxton (1987), Ryan Yarborough (1993), Marcus Harris (1996), Brian Lee (1997), John Wendling (2006) and Logan Wilson (2019) were all recognized among the greatest players of their eras.
Other Cowboy greats like Jerry Hill, Jim Kiick, Jay Novacek, Logan Wilson and Marcus Epps went on to play for Super Bowl teams with the Baltimore Colts, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively.
The 2024 college football season will mark the 128th season of Wyoming Cowboy Football.
Ken Fantetti
Linebacker, 1975-78
• 1978 Football Writers All-American
• WAC Defensive Player of the Year in 1978
• Two-time First Team All-Conference
WYOMING
Conference Championships
2016 Mountain West Conference Mountain Division Champions
1996 Western Athletic Conference Pacific Division Champions
1993 Western Athletic Conference Tri-Champions
1988 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1987 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1976 Western Athletic Conference Co-Champions
1968 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1967 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1966 Western Athletic Conference Champions
1961 Skyline Conference Co-Champions
1960 Skyline Conference Co-Champions
1959 Skyline Conference Champions
1958 Skyline Conference Champions
1956 Skyline Conference Champions
1950 Skyline Conference Champions
1949 Skyline Conference Champions
WINNING TRADITION
Bob Devaney
Head Coach 1957-61
• Won Four Skyline Conference Championships in Five Seasons
• Best Winning Percentage in School History, 35-10-5 (.750)
• Inducted Into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981
Paul Roach
Head Coach 1987-90
• Won Back-to-Back Conference Championships in 1987 and ‘88
• Took Wyoming to three bowl games in four years as head coach
• Also a Wyoming assistant coach in the late 1960s and later Athletics Director in the 1980s and 90s, he was part of six of Wyoming’s bowl appearances and six of seven WAC titles
Mitch Donahue
Defensive End 1987-90
• 1990 First Team All-American and placed Fourth in 1990 Outland Trophy Balloting
• Wyoming’s only two-time WAC Defensive Player of the Year (1989 and ‘90)
• Played in three bowl games in four seasons at Wyoming
•Wyoming’s career sack leader with 49
Jay Novacek
Tight End 1982-84
• 1984 Consensus All-American
• Still Holds NC AA Record for Average Yards per Catch by a Tight End in a Single Season (22.6 yards per catch)
• Inducted Into College Football Hall of Fame in 2008
Bowden Wyatt
Head Coach 1947-52
• Coached Wyoming’s First Bowl Game, the 1951 Gator Bowl
• Won Back-to-Back Skyline Championships in 1949 and ‘50
• Inducted Into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997
Galand Thaxton
Linebacker 1984-87
•1987 Associated Press All-American
•Wyoming’s Career Tackle Leader (467)
•Captained 1987 WAC Championship Team
WYOMING
Conference Players of the Year
2018 Cooper Rothe, K, Special Teams Player of the Year
1996 Marcus Harris, WR, Offensive Player of the Year
1990 Mitch Donahue, DE, Defensive Player of the Year
1989 Mitch Donahue, DE, Defensive Player of the Year
1988 Randy Welniak, QB, Offensive Player of the Year
1988 Pat Rabold, DT, Defensive Player of the Year
1978 Ken Fantetti, LB, Defensive Player of the Year
1967 Paul Toscano, QB, Offensive Player of the Year24
GAMEDAY
ATMOSPHERE
Gameday at War Memorial Stadium is the place to be in the state of Wyoming on Saturdays.
As the only NCAA Division I university in Wyoming, everyone is a Cowboy fan.
There is nothing like a college football gameday. From pregame tailgating to the pageantry of bands, cheerleaders and mascots entertaining loyal fans, college football is unmatched in the excitement it generates.
Sharing the day with a group of close friends makes the experience that much more exciting.
And when the game is over and another Wyoming home victory is a reality, the team and Cowboy fans celebrate together by singing the traditional victory song — Ragtime Cowboy Joe.
GAMEDAY TRADITIONS
There are many traditions associated with Wyoming Football gamedays. From Pistol Pete to the Cowboy Joe Pony and a new tradition, the Cowboy Walk.
The Cowboy Walk sees fans lineup to wish the Cowboys well as they make their way to the locker room prior to each home game. And of course prior to the game plenty of tailgating activities can be found centered around Wyoming s Tailgate Park.
Marcus Harris
1996 Biletnikoff Award Winner and Consensus All-American
Marcus Harris accepts the Biletnikoff Award in 1996. The award is symbolic of the nation’s outstanding receiver. Harris also finished ninth in the 1996 Heisman Trophy balloting, and was named a Consensus All-American.
NATIONAL AND CONFERENCE AWARD HONOREES
Mitch Donahue finished fourth in balloting for the Outland Trophy his senior season of 1990. The Outland Trophy is given to the top college lineman in the nation each season. Donahue was also a twotime conference Defensive Player of the Year for the Cowboys in 1989 and ‘90.
Marcus Epps was one of three national finalists for the 2018 Burlsworth Trophy, honoring the most outstanding football player in America who began his career as a walk-on. Epps is pictured with his son Braxton, wife Megan and the Burlsworth Trophy.
WYOMING
Conference Award Winners
2018 Cooper Rothe, K, Special Teams Player of the Year
2018-19 Nick Smith, MW Scholar-Athlete of the Year
2016 Logan Wilson, LB, Freshman of the Year
2012-13 Luke Ruff, MW Scholar-Athlete of the Year
2011 Brett Smith, QB, Freshman of the Year
2009 Austyn Carta-Samuels, QB, Freshman of the Year
1996 Marcus Harris, WR, Offensive Player of the Year
1993 Steve Scifres, OT, Freshman of the Year
1991 Robert Rivers, RS, Special Teams Player of the Year
1990 Mitch Donahue, DE, Defensive Player of the Year
1989 Mitch Donahue, DE, Defensive Player of the Year
1989 Randy Welniak, QB, WAC Student-Athlete of the Year
1988 Randy Welniak, QB, Offensive Player of the Year
1988 Pat Rabold, DT, Defensive Player of the Year
1988 Dabby Dawson, RB, Newcomer of the Year
1986 Anthony Sargent, WR, Newcomer of the Year
1984 Galand Thaxton, LB, Newcomer of the Year
1982 Jay Haynes, OLB, Newcomer of the Year
1978 Ken Fantetti, LB, Defensive Player of the Year
1977 Myron Hardeman, RB, Newcomer of the Year
1967 Paul Toscano, QB, Offensive Player of the Year
Logan Wilson was awarded the 2016 Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year Trophy.
Randy Welniak earned accolades on and off the field his senior season. He was selected as the conference’s Offensive Player of the year in the fall of ‘88, and was named conference Student-Athlete of the Year at the conclusion of the 1988-89 academic year.
ALL-AMERICANS
Brian Lee, Free Safety
1997 Consensus All-American and First Team Academic All-American
Brian Lee was voted a Consensus AllAmerican in 1997, while leading the nation in interceptions as a free safety. In addition, he earned First Team Academic All-America honors, becoming the first Cowboy to achieve both honors in the same season.
Jack
Weil, Punter
1983 Consensus All-American
Jack Weil led the nation in punting in 1983, averaging 45.6 yards per punt. He became the first Cowboy in history to earn Consensus AllAmerica honors. The other three are Jay Novacek (1984), Marcus Harris (1996) and Brian Lee (1997).
Dewey McConnell
End, 1950 & 1951 All-American
Dewey McConnell led the nation in receiving in 1951, earning him Associated Press All-America honors. He grew up in the hometown of the Cowboys, Laramie, Wyo. He was also an AP Honorable Mention All-American in 1950.
Ryan Yarborough Wide Receiver, 1992 and ‘93 All-American
Ryan Yarborough became the first Cowboy to receive First Team All-America honors in consecutive seasons. He was a First Team selection by the Football Writers Association of America in 1992. In ‘93, he was a First Team honoree by both the Associated Press and the Football Writers.
1997 Brian Lee, Free Safety
Ken Fantetti
Linebacker, 1978 All-American
Ken Fantetti was a Football Writers Association of America All-American in 1978. He also was the WAC Defensive Player of the Year that season.
1996 Marcus Harris, Wide Receiver
1984 Jay Novacek, Tight End
1983 Jack Weil, Punter
(Consensus All-Americans are those individuals who received First Team All-America honors from the majority of All-America teams that received nationwide circulation in a given year as determined by the NCAA.)
ALL-AMERICANS
Logan Wilson
Linebacker, 2019 All-American
Logan Wilson was selected as an AllAmerican in 2019. A native of Casper, Wyo., Wilson was one of only six finalists for the 2019 Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s best college linebacker. Wilson was named a First Team All-American by Pro Football Focus, a Second Team All-American by USA Today and a Third Team AllAmerican by Associated Press. He ended his career with 421 career tackles to rank No. 4 in both Wyoming school history and Mountain West Conference history. Wilson was selected as the first pick in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
WYOMING ALL-AMERICANS
Hill – Running Back – Third Team College Sports Madness All-American 2006: John Wendling – Strong Safety – Second Team CollegeFootballNews.com All-American
2005: Jovon Bouknight – Wide Receiver – Honorable Mention College Football News All-American 2001: J.D. Wallum – Place-kicker – Second Team Football News All-Amecrian
Lee – Free Safety – Consensus & First Team FWAA, Football News, AP & Walter Camp All-American
Marcus Harris – Wide Receiver – Consensus & First Team AP, FWAA, AFCA, Walter Camp & Football News
Steve Scifres – Offensive Tackle – First Team FWAA All-American Cory Wedel – Place-kicker – First Team AFCA, Walter Camp All-American
1995: Marcus Harris – Wide Receiver – First Team AFCA All-American Brian Gragert – Punter – Second Team AFCA All-American
1993: Ryan Yarborough – Wide Receiver – First Team AP & FWAA All-American
1992: Ryan Yarborough – Wide Receiver – First Team FWAA All-American
1990: Mitch Donahue – Defensive End – First Team FWAA, Sporting News and NFL Draft Report All-American
1988: Pat Rabold – Defensive Tackle – Second Team AP All-American 1987: Galand Thaxton – Linebacker – Third Team AP All-American 1984: Jay Novacek – Tight End – Consensus & First Team Kodak All-American
1983: Jack Weil – Punter - Consensus & First Team FWAA & AP All-American
1978: Ken Fantetti – Linebacker – First Team FWAA All-American
1977: Dennis Baker – Offensive Tackle - First Team AP All-American
1976: Paul Nunu – Linebacker – First Team Football News All-American
1969: Bob Jacobs - Place-Kicker – First Team Sporting News and FWAA-Look Magazine All-American
1967: Jerry DePoyster – Place-Kicker – First Team AP and Sporting News All-American
Mike Dirks – Defensive Tackle – First Team FWAA, NEA & Look Magazine All-American
1962: Glen Hopkins – Tackle – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Joe Vitale – Guard – Honorable Mention AP All-American
1960: Jerry Hill – Running Back – Honorable Mention AFCA All-American
Marty Hamilton – End – Honorable Mention Williamson Rating System All-American
Richard Williams – Center – Honorable Mention Williamson Rating System All-American
1959: Jerry Hill – Running Back – Honorable Mention All-American
Len Kuczewski – Guard/Linebacker – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Jim Walden – Quarterback – Honorable Mention AP All-American
1956: Jim Crawford – Halfback – First Team Look & NEA, Second Team Williamson Rating and INS & Third Team AP, UPI and Football Digest All-American
Buster Elder – End – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Vince Guinta – Center – Honorable Mention AP All-American
John Watts – Quarterback – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Larry Zowada – Back – Honorable Mention AP All-American
1953: Joe Mastrogiovanni – Back – Honorable Mention UPI All-American
1951: Dewey McConnell – End – First Team AP All-American
Harry Geldien – Back – Honorable Mention UPI All-American
Doug Reeves – Center – Honorable Mention UPI All-American
1950: Eddie Talboom – Tailback – First Team NEA & INS All-American, Second Team AP All-American
Mike Dirks
Defensive Tackle, 1967 All-American
Mike Dirks, #66 in the photo, was one of the leaders of a Wyoming defense that led the nation in rushing defense in both 1966 and ‘67. His senior season the Cowboys earned a berth in the Sugar Bowl, and Dirks was named an All-American by the Football Writers and Look Magazine.
Steve Scifres
Offensive Tackle, 1996 All-American
Steve Scifres was one of the greatest offensive linemen in school history, starting every game of his college career — 47 consecutive. He was selected by the Football Writers of America as a First Team All-American in 1996.
Jim Crawford
Running Back, 1956 All-American
C.T. Hewgley – Tackle – Second Team AP All-American
Dick Campbell – Back – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Tom Drost – End – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Dewey McConnell – End – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Selmer Pederson – Safety – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Doug Reeves – Center – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Marlin Smith – Guard – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Marvin Strauch – Tackle – Honorable Mention AP All-American
Jerry Taylor – Guard – Honorable Mention AP All-American
A native of Greybull, Wyo., Jim Crawford led the nation in rushing his senior season of 1956 to earn All-America recognition from the Football Writers Association of America. Among the running backs he beat for the rushing title in ‘56 were Jim Brown of Syracuse and Tommy McDonald of Oklahoma.
FORMER GREAT NFL
Josh Allen
Buffalo Bills (2018-Present)
Quarterback
NFL COWBOYS CURRENT
Chad Muma
Jacksonville Jaguars (2022-Present)
Linebacker
Logan Wilson Cincinnati Bengals (2020-Present)
Linebacker
Marcus Epps
Minnesota Vikings/Philadelphia Eagles/ Las Vegas Raiders (2019-Present)
Safety
Andrew Wingard
Jacksonville Jaguars (2019-Present)
Safety
New Orleans Saints (2019-Present)
Defensive End
Carl Granderson
WYOMING BOWL HISTORY
1968 Sugar Bowl
Wyoming had posted a perfect 10-0 record in 1967 entering its game versus LSU in the 1968 Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 1968. While Wyoming lost to the Tigers, 13-20, the Cowboys appearance in the Sugar Bowl is still remembered by Cowboy fans as one of the greatest moments in school history.
Bowden Wyatt
Wyoming Head Coach of 1951 Gator Bowl Champions
Bowden Wyatt guided the Wyoming Cowboys to their first-ever bowl appearance in the 1950 season, when on Jan. 1, 1951, Wyoming defeated Washington & Lee, 20-7, to complete an undefeated, 10-0, season.
1987 Holiday Bowl
The Wyoming defense, seen swarming an Iowa ballcarrier here, played an outstanding game in the 1987 Holiday Bowl. UW’s defense held the Hawkeyes to only one offensive touchdown. But Iowa returned a blocked punt for a TD and returned an interception for another score to give the Hawkeyes a one-point, 20-19, victory.
2004 Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl Champions
Wyoming seniors Guy Tuell, Trenton Franz, J.J. Raterink and Zach Morris helped lead the Cowboys to the biggest upset of the 2004 bowl season as Wyoming defeated UCLA, 24-21, in the Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl.
1968 Sugar Bowl
BOWL HISTORY WYOMING
2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Champions
Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen accepts the Most Valuable Player Award for his performance in Wyoming’s 37-14 win over Central Michigan in the 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Jim Kiick
MVP of the 1966 Sun Bowl
Wyoming running back Jim Kiick scored two touchdowns, including one on a 43-yard run in leading Wyoming to a 28-20 victory over Florida State in the 1966 Sun Bowl to earn Most Valuable Player honors.
WYOMING BOWL APPEAREANCES
16, Toledo 15
27, Ohio 30 (1OT)
52, Kent State 38
38, Georgia State 17
1955 Wyoming Cowboys
Capture Sun Bowl Championship, Jan. 2, 1956
The 1955 Wyoming Cowboys defeated Texas Tech, 21-14, on Jan. 2, 1956, to capture the 1956 Sun Bowl Championship. The following season of 1956, Wyoming posted a perfect 10-0 record.
37, Central Michigan 14
21, BYU 24
24, UCLA 21
19, Iowa 20
7, Oklahoma 41
13, LSU 20
28, Florida State 20
14, Hardin-Simmons 6
21, Texas Tech 14
20, Washington & Lee 7
WYOMING GREATS IN THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
Jay Novacek receives his Hall of Fame Award from NFF Board of Director and 1974 and ‘75 Heisman Trophy
Winner Archie Griffin
The University of Wyoming is proud to have seven former football greats inducted into the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame. Former Cowboy head coaches Bob Devaney (Inducted 1981), William H. “Lone Star” Dietz (2012), Pat Dye (2005), Dennis Erickson (2019) and Bowden Wyatt (1972 Player, 1997 Coach), along with former Wyoming AllAmericans Eddie “Boom Boom” Talboom (2000) and Jay Novacek (2008) have all been elected to the distinguished Hall.
Devaney coached five five years (1957-61) as head coach at Wyoming, posting a record of 35-10-5 and a winning percentage of 75.0 percent, which still ranks as the best winning percentage in Wyoming Football history. Devaney became head coach at Nebraska after leaving Wyoming, and he led the Cornhuskers to two national championships in 1970 and ‘71, a 32-game unbeaten streak and a 101-20-2 (.829) record. He was named the National Coach of the Year in 1971. His combined head-coaching record was 136-30-7 (.806), which when he retired in 1972 was the winningest among active coaches at the time.
Dietz coached Washington State to a 7-0 mark and a Rose Bowl victory over Brown in 1915. He coached three seasons at Wyoming from 1924-26, where he also spent time coaching the baseball team
Dye was Named National Coach of the Year in 1983 at Auburn. He is one of only seven coaches in history to have coached a winner of the Heisman, Outland and Lombardi trophies. Dye was the head coach at Wyoming for one season in 1980.
Erickson’s 23-year career as a head coach was highlighted by two national titles at Miami in 1989 and ‘91, He coached the Cowboys for one season in 1986.
Wyatt was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1972 and as a coach in 1997. He became the third man to be elected in both categories. In this respect he followed A.A. Stagg and Bobby Dodd. He played end for Tennessee 1936-38 and in his senior year was a team captain and All-American. Wyatt served in the Navy in World War II. He was head coach at Wyoming 1947-52. His 1949 and 1950 teams won Skyline Conference championships. The 1950 team went to the Gator Bowl, beating Washington & Lee 20-7, and finished with a 10-0 record.
Talboom was Wyoming’s first All-American in 1950 and led the Cowboys to their first bowl appearance and bowl victory that season in the Gator Bowl.
Novacek was a Consensus All-America tight end at Wyoming in 1984. He went on to win three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys following the 1992, ‘93 and ‘95 seasons.
The mission of the National Football Foundation is to promote the power of amateur football in developing the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, competitive zeal and the drive for academic excellence in America’s young people. The NFF was founded in 1947.
The Wyoming Chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) was founded in 1993 by former UW head coach and athletics director Paul Roach when he gathered a group of interested ex-players, businessmen, coaches, athletic administrators, educators and football fans together.
The Wyoming Chapter is currently the largest in the nation out of 120 chapters. If you would like to become a member or help support the Wyoming Chapter as it strives to continue to be No. 1 please contact the Wyoming Chapter at: wyofootballfoundation@gmail.com
Bob Devaney
Pat Dye
William H.
“Lone Star” Dietz
Eddie Talboom
Dennis Erickson
Bowden Wyatt
Joe Tiller
Wyoming Head Coach 1991-96
• Won conference championships in 1993 and ‘96 with the Cowboys
• His 1996 Cowboy squad led the nation in passing offense
• Twice Named AFCA Region Coach of the Year at Wyoming
Some of the greatest names in college football have held the position of head coach of the Wyoming Cowboys. Bowden Wyatt, Phil Dickens, Bob Devaney, Lloyd Eaton, Fred Akers and Craig Bohl, Paul Roach and Joe Tiller have all led the Cowboy Football program to exciting victories, conference championships and bowl games as head coach of the Cowboys.
Five former Wyoming head coaches have been enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Those five are Wyatt, who was inducted in 1997 Devaney, inducted in 1981 Pat Dye, who went on to great success at Auburn and was inducted in 2005 Lone Star Dietz in 2012 and Dennis Erickson in 2019.
Bob Devaney
Wyoming Head Coach 1957-61
Won four Skyline Conference Championships in five seasons at Wyoming before he went on to great success at the University of Nebraska
COACHING GREATS
National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Coaches
Bob Devaney
Inducted in 1981 Years at Wyoming: 1957-61
Bowden Wyatt
Inducted in 1997 Years at Wyoming: 1947-52
Pat Dye
Inducted in 2005 Year at Wyoming: 1980
William H. “Lone Star” Dietz
Inducted in 2012 Years at Wyoming: 1924-26
Dennis Erickson
Inducted in 2019 Year at Wyoming: 1986
American Football Coaches Association District/ Regional Coaches of the Year 1996 Joe Tiller, AFCA Region 4 1993 Joe Tiller, AFCA Region 5 1988 Paul Roach, AFCA Region 5 1987 Paul Roach, AFCA Region 5 1976 Fred Akers, AFCA District 8 1967 Lloyd Eaton, AFCA District 6
Conference Coaches of the Year
2016 Craig Bohl, Mountain West
2011 Dave Christensen, Mountain West
1996 Joe Tiller, Western Athletic
1988 Paul Roach, Western Athletic
1987 Paul Roach, Western Athletic
1976 Fred Akers, Western Athletic
1967 Lloyd Eaton, Western Athletic
1966 Lloyd Eaton, Western Athletic
1959 Bob Devaney, Skyline
1958 Bob Devaney, Skyline
1950 Bowden Wyatt, Skyline
ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS
Trenton Franz was a First Team Academic All-American in 2004, and earned a prestigious Postgraduate Fellowship from the National Football Foundation. After completing his bachelor s degree in civil engineering, he pursued his graduate studies at Princeton where he earned his master s degree in civil and environmental engineering in June 2007 and his Ph.D. in January 2011. Franz was also a team captain of Wyoming s 2004 Las Vegas Bowl Championship Team.
Luke Ruff
Wyoming's Most Recent
First Team Academic All-American, 2012
Luke Ruff, a civil engineering major with a 3.66 cumulative grade-point average was named First Team Capital One Academic All-American in 2012.
The University of Wyoming Football program has enjoyed a rich tradition of attracting outstanding student-athletes to UW. The quality of these young men is perhaps best represented by the number of Academic All-Americans who have worn the Cowboy colors.
Since 1952, when the College Sports Information Directors of America began selecting Academic All-America teams, the University of Wyoming has produced 18 First Team Academic All-Americans.
In both 1996 and 1997, Wyoming’s football program led the nation in First Team honorees with two First Team selections in 1996 and three in 1997.
The most recent honoree was senior free safety Luke Ruff in 2012. Ruff graduated from UW in 2013, earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a 3.66 cumulative grade-point average. He chose to continue his graduate studies at the University of Wyoming, where he completed his master’s degree in environmental engineering in December 2014.
At the conclusion of his undergraduate studies, Ruff was chosen to receive an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, helping him to pursue his graduate studies in engineering at Wyoming.
Among his other honors were: being named a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation’s William V. Campbell Trophy, also referred to as the “Academic Heisman”; being selected as one of 30 football national finalists for the Senior CLASS Award; and being honored by the National Football Foundation as a 2013 Hampshire Honor Society member. He was a 2012 Preseason First Team All-Mountain West Conference selection by conference media members. His junior season, Ruff earned Second Team All-Mountain West Conference honors for his achievements on the football field.
Brian Lee
First Team Academic All-American and Consensus All-American
Cory Wedel and Jay Korth
Two-Time Academic All-Americans
Teammates Jay Korth and Cory Wedel share the distinction of being the only two Wyoming Cowboys to earn First Team Academic All-America honors twice. Wedel and Korth were both named to the Academic All-America First Team in 1996 and 1997.
WYOMING
First Team Academic All-Americans
Year Academic All-Americans
1959 Marty Hamilton, End
1960 Marty Hamilton, End Fran Miknis, Guard
1965 Bob Dinges, Defensive End
1967 George Mills, Offensive Guard
1973 Mike Lopiccolo, Offensive Tackle
1984 Bob Gustafson, Offensive Tackle/Tight End
1987 Pat Arndt, Offensive Guard
1994 Ryan Christopherson, Running Back
1995 Joe Cummings, Defensive End
1996 Jay Korth, Offensive Lineman
Cory Wedel, Place-kicker
1997 Jay Korth, Offensive Lineman
In 1997, Brian Lee accomplished a very rare feat as he earned First Team Academic All-America honors and Consensus All-America honors in the same season. He is the only Cowboy in school history to achieve both those honors.
Brian Lee, Free Safety
Cory Wedel, Place-kicker
1998 Brian Brown, Linebacker
2004 Trenton Franz, Center
2012 Luke Ruff, Free Safety
NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION
SCHOLAR-ATHLETES
John Wendling was one of only 17 national finalists for the National Football Foundation s Draddy Trophy in 2006. The Draddy Trophy, renamed the Campbell Trophy in 2009, is often referred to as the Academic Heisman . It is awarded each year to the top football scholar-athlete in the country. Here Wendling is pictured with 2006 NFF
Chris Prosinski
2006 NFF High School West Region Scholar-Athlete
Chris Prosinski (far right) with two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin and fellow 2006 NFF High School Scholar-Athletes Barry Gallup Jr. (far left) and Bryant Browning (second from right)
Each year since 1959, the National Football Foundation (NFF) has honored the nation’s best all-around college football players with its National Scholar-Athlete program. The top college football student-athletes have been recognized by the NFF for their athletic ability, academic prowess and civic leadership.
Through the years, four Wyoming Cowboys have received this prestigious honor. Pat Smyth in 1959, Marty Eliopulos in 1986, Trenton Franz in 2004 and John Wendling in 2006 were chosen by the National Football Foundation for this elite honor.
Wyoming’s most recent honoree, John Wendling, was named one of only 17 national finalists for the NFF’s Draddy Trophy in 2006. The Draddy Trophy, renamed the Campbell Trophy in 2009, is presented annually by the NFF to the top football scholar-athlete in the country. It is often referred to as the “Academic Heisman”. By being named a finalist, Wendling was also named to the NFF’s National Scholar-Athlete team, and he was awarded an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship.
NFF National Scholar-Athletes
From the University of Wyoming
Beginning in 1959, the National Football Foundation (NFF) has honored the nation’s best all-around college football players with its National Scholar-Athlete program.
The top college football student-athletes have been recognized by the NFF for their athletic ability, academic prowess and civic leadership.
Four Wyoming Cowboys have been honored as NFF National Scholar-Athletes through the years. Those four are listed below.
Pat Smyth 1959
Former Cowboy center Trenton Franz earned the honor in 2004. Franz went on to pursue his graduate studies in engineering at Princeton University, where he earned a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering in June 2007 and then received his Ph.D. in January 2011.
Former Wyoming Cowboy Chris Prosinski joined some very elite company when the National Football Foundation (NFF) selected him as one of only five high school student-athletes in the nation to be honored in its 2006 NFF High School Scholar-Athlete Class. Prosinski was the West Region honoree.
Over one million high school student-athletes play football each season. The NFF, through its 120 chapters nationwide, honor approximately 2,500 of these high school student-athletes with over $800,000 in annual scholarships.
From that group of 2,500 scholarship recipients, the NFF chooses only five for the distinct honor of National High School Scholar-Athlete.
Marty Eliopulos ........ 1986
Trenton Franz 2004
John Wendling .......... 2006
THE AND THE
BORDER WAR ”
BORDER WAR BRONZE BOOT
The annual Wyoming-Colorado State “Border War” football game has evolved into one of the most bitterly contested rivalries in college football.
The series began in 1899, and has been played in three different centuries. Wyoming and CSU have waged the “Border War” every year but six since the schools began playing, and the 2024 season will mark the 79th consecutive season the two border rivals will meet, dating back to 1946. This year will mark the 116th overall meeting.
In 1968, the ROTC detachments of the respective schools initiated the “Bronze Boot”, traveling trophy awarded to the winner of the contest each year. The Boot was originally worn in Vietnman by Dan Romero, a CSU ROTC instructor. The boot has rested in UW’s possession in 31 of the 56 years since its inception.
The “Bronze Boot” has become one of the most famous traveling trophies in college football. This year’s 2024 meeting will be the 57th time the trophy has been fought over.
1968 Wyoming 46, Colorado State 14 Ft. Collins
1969 Wyoming 39, Colorado State 3 Laramie
1970 Wyoming 16, Colorado State 6 Ft. Collins
1971 Wyoming 17, Colorado State 6 Laramie
1972 Wyoming 28, Colorado State 9 Ft. Collins
1973 Wyoming 35, Colorado State 3 Laramie
1974 Colorado State 11, Wyoming 6 Ft. Collins
1975 Colorado State 3, Wyoming 0 Laramie
1976 Colorado State 19, Wyoming 16 Ft. Collins
1977 Wyoming 29, Colorado State 13 Laramie
1978 Wyoming 13, Colorado State 3 Ft. Collins
1979 Colorado State 20, Wyoming 16 Laramie
1980 Colorado State 28, Wyoming 25 Ft. Collins
1981 Wyoming 55, Colorado State 21 Laramie
1982 Colorado State 9, Wyoming 3 Ft. Collins
1983 Wyoming 42, Colorado State 17 Laramie
1984 Wyoming 43, Colorado State 34 Ft. Collins
1985 Colorado State 30, Wyoming 19 Laramie
1986 Colorado State 20, Wyoming 15 Ft. Collins
1987 Wyoming 20, Colorado State 15 Laramie
1988 Wyoming 48, Colorado State 14 Ft. Collins
1989 Wyoming 56, Colorado State 35 Laramie
1990 Colorado State 17, Wyoming 8 Ft. Collins
1991 Wyoming 35, Colorado State 28 Laramie
1992 Wyoming 31, Colorado State 14 Ft. Collins
1993 Colorado State 41, Wyoming 21 Laramie
1994 Colorado State 35, Wyoming 24 Ft. Collins
Colorado State 31, Wyoming 24 Laramie 1996 Wyoming 25, Colorado State 24
Wyoming 24 Ft. Collins
2021 Wyoming 31, Colorado State 17 Laramie
2022 Wyoming 14, Colorado State 13 Ft. Collins 2023
24, Colorado State 15 Laramie
The Bronze Boot Series Wyoming 31 Wins, CSU 25 Wins
The statue “Fanning a Twister”, depicting the great Wyoming bucking horse Steamboat was erected in 1991 north of War Memorial Stadium to welcome visitors to the University of Wyoming Athletics complex. Sculptor Peter Fillerup from Cody, Wyo., created Fanning a Twister
BUCKING HORSE AND RIDER
SYMBOL OF WYOMING
Cowboy Tough Statue
The sculpture “Cowboy Tough” was added to the UW Athletics facilities in the early 2000s. Casper, Wyo., artist Chris Navarro created this new bucking horse and rider sculpture.
There are two full-size originals of the statue that are located in the UW Athletics Department — one is on the second floor of the Rochelle Athletics Center and the second sits at the north endzone of War Memorial Stadium. It has become a tradition for the Wyoming Cowboy players and coaches to touch “Cowboy Tough” as they enter and exit the field at War Memorial Stadium on gamedays.
The symbol on the Wyoming Cowboy football helmet depicts a Cowboy riding a bucking horse. That symbol has been a part of the University of Wyoming Athletics Department since the early 1920s, when UW equipment manager Deane Hunton obtained a photograph of cowboy Guy Holt riding the world famous bucking horse “Steamboat” at the Albany County fairgrounds in 1903. Hunton traced the photo of Steamboat and Holt and turned it into a logo for use on athletics equipment. Steamboat was born on a ranch between Laramie and Bosler, Wyo., in 1901, and is regarded as one of the greatest bucking horses in history.
In later years, the symbol used by Wyoming Athletics more closely resembled the logo on the state’s automobile license plates., which depicted another famous bucking horse “Deadman” with a rider by the name of “Stub” Farlow atop it. “Deadman” was owned by the Jackson Hole Frontier Association. The license plate design was developed by the then Secretary of State, Lester C. Hunt, who later became the Governor of Wyoming and a United States Senator in 1935. Hunt utilized a photograph of “Deadman” and Farlow for the design of the state’s license plates, which first appeared in 1936.
While there are differing opinions on exactly which horse and rider are depicted on all of UW’s athletics uniforms today, it is the symbol that is important. The bucking horse and rider represents the toughness, and the never-say-die spirit that is Wyoming. Whether it is “Steamboat” or “Deadman”, the bucking horse and rider logo is without a doubt one of the best and most distinctive symbols in college sports.
WAR MEMORIAL STADIUM
War Memorial Stadium, Circa 1990s
This aerial photo of War Memorial Stadium, looking toward the southwest, shows a sellout crowd in the 1990s, prior to artificial turf being installed in “The War”, and prior to the Rochelle Athletics Center being built at the north end of the field.
Stadium Dedication
Sept. 23, 1950, Versus Baylor
War Memorial Stadium was dedicated on Sept. 23, 1950, in a game versus Baylor. The Bears came to Laramie nationally ranked. They were led by quarterback Hayden Fry, who later went on to a College Hall of Fame career as head coach at SMU and Iowa. But Wyoming recorded a 7-0 victory over the Bears led by single-wing tailback Eddie “Boom Boom” Talboom, who would also later be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a player. Wyoming went on to achieve an undefeated season, 10-0-0, and earned the school’s first bowl bid to the 1951 Gator Bowl.
Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium
2005 — First Season of Artificial Turf
In 2005, artificial turf was installed in War Memorial Stadium for the first time after 55 seasons of featuring a natural grass surface in the stadium. This photo from the 2005 TCU game shows the artificial surface that was installed in the summer of 2005 at a cost of slightly more than $1 million.
In conjunction with the installation of the artificial surface, the field at War Memorial Stadium was named Jonah Field to recognize a very generous gift of $5 million by the John and Mari Ann Martin and Mick and Susie McMurry families to the UW Athletics Department. The Martin and McMurry families developed the Jonah Field natural gas field in western Wyoming.
War Memorial Stadium Attendance Highs
Single Game Attendance
34,745 vs. Colorado State (10/18/97)
34,231 vs. BYU (11/10/90)
32,617 vs. Nebraska (9/24/11)
32,210 vs. UTEP (11/5/88)
31,742 vs. BYU (10/18/86)
31,620 vs. Virginia (9/1/07)
31,017 vs. Texas (9/12/09)
Season Attendance
162,144 in 2023 (7 games)
149,625 in 1990 (7 games)
148,860 in 2016 (7 games)
144,299 in 2017 (7 games)
142,516 in 1988 (6 games)
138,042 in 2019 (6 games)
137,484 in 1987 (6 games)
133,138 in 2007 (6 games)
132,974 in 2011 (6 games)
Attendance Average
24,831 in 1977 (5 games)
23,753 in 1988 (6 games)
23,163 in 2023 (7 games)
23,007 in 2019 (6 games)
22,965 in 1978 (5 games)
22,914 in 1987 (6 games)
22,190 in 2007 (6 games)
Million Milestones
Attendance Entering 2023 Season: 7,229,345,
The First Million:
Oct. 7, 1967 vs. Brigham Young (UW won 26-10) (75th game in stadium)
The Second Million: Sept. 17, 1977 vs. UTEP (UW won 27-17) (128th game in stadium)
The Third Million:
Oct. 11, 1986 vs. Utah (UW won 38-14) (181st game in stadium)
The Fourth Million: Oct. 28, 1995 vs. Colorado State (UW lost 24-31) (231st game in stadium)
The Fifth Million:
Oct. 8, 2005 vs. TCU (UW lost 14-28) (289th game in stadium)
The Sixth Million: Oct. 19, 2013 vs. Colorado State (UW lost 22-52) (338th game in stadium)
The Seventh Million:
Sept. 16, 2022 vs. Air Foce (UW won 17-14) (389th game in stadium)
WAR MEMORIAL STADIUM
War Memorial Stadium, 2021
Wyoming’s Jonah Field is pictured as it appeared during the 2021 season. The Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center (HAPC) can be seen in the north end zone. The HAPC opened in 2018.
Pictured in the upper center of the photo is Wyoming’s Indoor Practice Facility, which opened in 2007.
Wyoming’s uniquely designed FieldTurf Vertex CORE playing surface was installed in 2023.
First Night Game
in War Memorial
Sept. 1, 1988, Versus BYU
The first night game played in War Memorial Stadium took place on Sept. 1, 1988, versus Brigham Young. The Cowboys captured a 24-14 victory over the Cougars on way to an 11-2-0 season and the 1988 Western Athletic Conference Championship.
War Memorial Stadium, 2010
Wyoming’s night game versus Boise State was played on Sept. 18, 2010. The game, played before a capacity crowd, put on display Wyoming’s newly-constructed Wildcatter Stadium Club & Suites, which opened in 2010.
WYOMING’S RECORD IN WAR MEMORIAL STADIUM
Number of Games Played in The War Entering 2023
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 1950s
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 1960s
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 1970s
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 1980s
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 1990s
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 2000s
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 2010s
Wyoming’s Home Record in the 2020s
Wyoming s All-Time Home Record in War Memorial Stadium
JONAH FIELD AT WAR MEMORIAL STADIUM
The words Jonah Field are displayed prominently on the playing surface in War Memorial Stadium to recognize the generous gift of the John and Mari Ann Martin and Mick and Susie McMurry families.
Martin and McMurry Gift Makes Jonah Field Surface Possible
The University of Wyoming named the playing surface at War Memorial Stadium, “Jonah Field” following a $5 million gift from the John and Mari Ann Martin and Mick and Susie McMurry families. Pictured at the press conference are left to right: UW’s former NCAA 400-meter hurdle champion Shauna Smith, Senator Alan K. Simpson, the late Susie McMurry, the late Mick McMurry, John Martin, Mari Ann Martin and former UW quarterback Corey Bramlet.
In the summer of 2023, a new FieldTurf Vertex CORE playing surface was installed in War Memorial Stadium. The new Jonah Field replaced the FieldTurf Revolution playing surface that was installed in June 2013. The new Jonah Field will once again include a distinctive Wyoming design that was originally unveiled in 2013. FieldTurf has been installed at many of the top NCAA and NFL football stadiums in the country for its grass-like performance and safety.
Jonah Field will continue as the name of Wyoming Football’s playing surface to commemorate the generous donations to UW Athletics by Casper entrepreneurs the late Susie McMurry and the late Mick McMurry and John and Mari Ann Martin and their families.
Sporting one of the finest grass gridirons for its first 55 seasons, the initial switch to artificial turf, in one of the most picturesque stadiums in the country, was completed in August of 2005.
The Martin and McMurry families donated $5 million to UW Athletics in May 2005. That gift was matched by the state of Wyoming for a total of $10 million. The new surface was originally named Jonah Field to recognize not only the prolific natural gas field in Sublette County (Wyoming) that made the Martin-McMurry gift possible, but also to recognize the financial contributions to state funding projects, including higher education, made over time by Wyoming’s extractive industries.
Gifts totalling $2 million by George and Dianna Archuleta of La Barge and Ron and Linda Flack of Cheyenne, launched UW’s Intercollegiate Athletics capital campaign for facilities. Their gifts were made in March of 2004. Many other alumni, friends and Cowboy supporters also contributed through the Strategic Plan for Intercollegiate Athletics,
The elements of the 2023 design include the words “Jonah Field” prominently displayed on both sidelines. A depiction of Wyoming’s iconic mountains are prevalent in both end zones along with the traditional words “WYOMING” and “COWBOYS” in brown on a gameday gold background in opposite end zones. Those words appear in a western-style font. Also included is the lettering “7220 Feet” on both sidelines, indicating the elevation of War Memorial Stadium as the highest NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision field in the nation. Wyoming’s traditional “Steamboat” symbol of a bucking horse and rider will remain at midfield in brown, outlined in white and gameday gold.
The original 2013 field design was provided by award-winning graphic designer David Coleman, who is a Wyoming native and UW graduate.
The project was supervised by the Mountain West Regional Vice President for FieldTurf Jed Easterbrook, who is also a UW graduate and Cowboy baseball letterwinner.
A view of Wyoming’s 80,000 square-foot Indoor Practice Facility from above.
INDOOR PRACTICE FACILITY
The Indoor Practice Facility shown on gameday just north and east of War Memorial Stadium.
Wyoming’s expansive Indoor Practice Facility: In the background, the many banners commemorating Wyoming’s bowl appearances and conference championships through the years hang from the ceiling. The banners span the time from Wyoming’s first Skyline Conference Championship in 1949 through the Cowboys’ most recent bowl appearance.
INDOOR PRACTICE FACILITY
In the fall of 2007, Wyoming’s new Indoor Practice Facility (IPF) opened for use. Containing over 80,000 square feet, the facility includes a full-size 100-yard by 50-yard football field, featuring a state-of-the-art artificial turf surface. A new FieldTurf surface was installed in the summer of 2018.
The Indoor Practice Facility was built at a cost of $11 million.
Wyoming’s Indoor Practice Facility is a full-size football field, allowing the Cowboys’ workouts to be as efficient as possible with no limitations due to size.
The exterior of the Indoor Practice Facility as you approach from the adjoining War Memorial Stadium.
Wyoming’s spacious Premier Bone & Joint Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center within the High Altitude Performance Center allows UW student-athletes to receive the best in treatment from Wyoming’s outstanding athletic training staff.
HEALTH STUDENT-ATHLETE
Hydrotherapy Area
The hydrotherapy area, contained within the High Altitude Performance Center, assists student-athletes in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries.
Underwater Treadmill
In 2014, a new underwater treadmill pool was added to the hydrotherapy area to further aid all UW student-athletes in injury treatment and rehabilitation. This new pool also features an underwater camera system that allows the athletic-training staff to evaluate and monitor rehab sessions on the treadmill.
The Premier Bone & Joint Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center is located in Wyoming’s High Altitude Performance Center.
The University of Wyoming athletic-training staff utilizes the most current preventive and rehabilitative techniques in treating UW student-athletes.
A staff of full-time certified athletic trainers, work to meet the needs of Wyoming’s student-athletes.
LARAMIE …BEAUTIFUL COLLEGE TOWN
One of the best things about Laramie is its location between two beautiful mountain ranges — the Snowy Range to the west and the Laramie Range to the east. It’s a place of blue skies and clean air. Much of the area surrounding Laramie is public National Forest land. That means great access! You can head for the nearby mountains and find yourself on a hiking, biking or skiing trail within 15 minutes. There’s also nearby rock climbing at the impressive Vedauwoo formations. You can be downhill skiing in the Snowy Range within 45 minutes. Laramie is convenient to the world-class skiing offered in Steamboat Springs and other nearby resorts.
For a different kind of fun, you can be in Denver within two and a half hours. There is an amazing array of culture throughout the area, plus the tremendous sports heritage of the Rockies, Broncos, Nuggets and Avalanche.
With its colorful Western heritage, cultural activities and outstanding outdoor recreation, the Laramie area captivates visitors from all over the world.
WYOMING
…THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE IT
They say it’s beauty is like no other, and you fall in love with its people. Wyoming, it is like no place on earth. Within it’s boundaries is America’s first and largest national park, Yellowstone. The unbounding beauty there includes “Old Faithful” geyser and Yellowstone Lake, the world’s largest high-mountain lake. There is Yellowstone Falls, so awe-inspiring, it’ll take your breath away. There are over 260 different species of animals and birds located there. Wyoming’s wonders seem to be unending. There is Grand Teton National Park, whose centerpiece is the spectacular Teton Mountain Range. There is Devil’s Tower, America’s first national monument. There is the world’s largest mineral hot springs located in Thermopolis. There is the beauty of Ten Sleep Canyon and a hundred other places.
For breathtaking beauty, Wyoming is unmatched. Its reputation brings millions of visitors to its borders each year. Plus, some of the best skiing in America can be found in Wyoming. Tourists and sportsmen can’t wait to get here to enjoy the clean mountain air and limitless outdoor attractions.
The history of the great American West can be heard whistling through the trees of Wyoming. Wyoming had an historic place in the taming of the West in the late 1800’s. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were two of Wyoming’s most famous citizens during the era of lawlessness. There remain plenty of reminders of an age that will live forever in American lore.
People are Wyoming’s strongest resource. These folks are down to earth, friendly and helpful. And, oh how proud they are of their Cowboys. Wyoming has some of the best fans in America. As their only four-year university, Wyoming folks are tremendously supportive of their teams.
Yet, as down to earth as they are, many Wyomingites are on the cutting edge of politics, entertainment and business. Among some of the most famous are: former Vice President of the United States Dick Cheney; the late Dr. Jerry Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers; Dean Conger, former chief photographer of the National Geographic Society; the late Curt Gowdy, the most decorated national sportscaster in history; Alan Simpson, former United States Senator; Gerry Spence, attorney and television personality; and General Pete Schoomaker, former U.S. Army Chief of Staff.
For great people, great scenery and a great education, there is no place quite like Wyoming.
SEASON OUTLOOK
COWBOYS OPEN THE JAY SAWVEL ERA WITH NEW COORDINATORS, VETERAN SQUAD
Craig Bohl, the longest tenured head coach in the 131-year history of Wyoming football, walked off into the Tucson sunset after the Cowboys’ dramatic 16-15 victory over Toledo in the Arizona Bowl to cap a 9-4 season.
Tom Burman had the succession plan in place when the longtime UW Athletics Director introduced Jay Sawvel as UW’s 33rd head coach on Dec. 6, 2023, which was also the day Bohl publicly announced his retirement.
The smooth transition from Bohl, who stabilized the program with six winning seasons and four bowl victories in six postseason appearances over his 10 years on the sideline, to Sawvel led to minimal roster attrition as the Cowboys enter the 2024 campaign with 17 returning starters – seven on offense, eight on defense and two on special teams.
Sawvel announced before spring practice that Evan Svoboda, who showed flashes of brilliance as the backup last season, will be the starting quarterback of an offense that returns four starters on the line, dynamic running back Harrison Waylee and emerging star tight end John Michael Gyllenborg.
The veteran defense is led by defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole, defensive end DeVonne Harris, middle linebacker Shae Suiaunoa, cornerback Tyrecus Davis, nickel back Wrook Brown and
Harrison Waylee
Jordan Bertagnole
safeties Wyett Ekeler and Isaac White.
John Hoyland, who made three field goals in the Arizona Bowl, including the game-winner as time expired on the Bohl era, returns for his fifth and final season as the Pokes placekicker.
New Coordinators
Sawvel, UW’s defensive coordinator the past four seasons, handed those duties over to linebackers coach Aaron Bohl, who helped develop current NFL players Logan Wilson, Chad Muma and Easton Gibbs.
“I don’t have to worry about him,” Sawvel said of Aaron Bohl. “He’ll be really good in that role that he’s in. He’s ready for it and he’ll still do a great job with the linebackers. I’m comfortable with him calling everything defensively. We’re fortunate with that.”
Sawvel hired Jay Johnson, a former offensive coordinator at Minnesota, Colorado and most recently Michigan State, to the same position at UW. Johnson, a finalist for the 2021 Broyles Award given to the nation’s top assistant, has 17 years of play-calling experience and will also be the Cowboys’ quarterbacks coach.
During spring practice, Johnson began implementing a more balanced scheme designed to consistently get the football into the hands of the team’s top playmakers.
“This day and age, philosophically for me, you’ve got to be
able to run it and you have to be able to throw it,” Johnson said. “And you probably have to be able to do both those things when everyone in War Memorial Stadium knows what you’re going to do.”
Sawvel also hired Jason Petrino (safeties) and Jeff Phelps (defensive tackles) to fill out his staff. Mike Grant (wide receivers), Benny Boyd (cornerbacks, special teams), Gordie Haug (running
Jack Walsh
OFFENSIVE GUARD
backs), Brian Hendricks (defensive ends), Shannon Moore (fullbacks, tight ends, special teams) and Joe Tripodi (offensive line) were retained..
“One of the reasons we had another winning season last year is we had good chemistry in the locker room, and that wasn’t by chance.
“Every year is a new year, but it (2022) was probably one of the most enjoyable years I’ve had as a head football coach because I thought the team chemistry was outstanding. We had a lot of guys who achieved close to their potential, which is one of the things you always look for in a program. It was a good year for us.”
Exciting Home Schedule
Phase I of the “Restore the War” project, in which the lower stands on the west side of War Memorial Stadium were demolished and rebuilt with the addition of approximately 3,000 new chairback seats, was completed during the offseason in time for UW’s home opener Sept. 7 vs. Idaho.
The Pokes’ attractive home slate features the return of former conference rival BYU, now a member of the Big 12, on Sept. 14. Mountain West play begins vs. Air Force on Sept. 28 with San Diego State (Oct. 12), Utah State (Oct. 26) and Boise State (Nov. 23) also visiting Laramie.
Shae Suiaunoa
UW opens the season on Aug. 31 at Arizona State and closes the campaign on Nov. 30 at Washington State. The Sun Devils are entering their first season in the Big 12 while the Cougars are one of the two remaining Pac-12 programs, along with Oregon State, that made a scheduling agreement with the Mountain West.
The Cowboys also play a non-conference road game at North Texas (Sept. 21) and conference road games at San Jose State (Oct. 19), New Mexico (Nov. 2) and Border War rival Colorado State (Friday, Nov. 15).
The Mountain West championship game is scheduled for Dec. 6. The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff includes automatic bids for the five highest-ranked conference champions and seven at-large spots.--
OFFENSE Quarterbacks
Andrew Peasley signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent after a successful two-year run running UW’s offense. There is a lot of excitement inside the program about Svoboda taking the reins after the 6-foot-5, 245-pound junior played with poise in his first career start at Texas and took the Cowboys down the field during the game-winning drive in the Arizona Bowl.
“The guy has never changed who he is. He’s QB1, everybody knows it, but he’s still the same leader,” Gyllenborg said of Svoboda. “He’ll talk to all the young guys. Nothing has changed about him. In my opinion, that’s the best thing about him. He’s just the most coachable dude you can find.”
Jayden Clemons, who was Peasley’s backup in 2022 before getting leapfrogged by Svoboda, enters the season No. 2 on the depth chart again after a spring rebirth in Johnson’s offense.
“Jayden Clemons has a role for our football team, and I appreciate his attitude and the mindset that he has brought back this offseason,” Sawvel said. “We met in December, and he just wanted an opportunity. He knew the conditions to continue past the spring. He has met those.”
Developing behind the two upperclassmen are 6-4 redshirt freshmen Kaden Anderson and Gage Brook and 6-5 true freshman Deyon Batiste.
Running Backs
Even though the Cowboys are focused on making the passing game more efficient and explosive than it has been in recent years, the offense’s bread and butter will be running the ball.
Waylee, a senior who averaged 94.7 yards (5.8 yards per carry) with five touchdowns in 10 games last season, leads the way. Sam Scott (237 yards, two touchdowns) and Jamari Ferrell (188 yards, one touchdown) also return from the 2023 rotation.
The star of the spring game was DJ Jones, who rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown. The talented North Carolina transfer is expected to have a significant role in UW’s offense.
Dawaiian McNeely, the projected starter before suffering a torn ACL in fall camp before the 2023 opener, is on track to be healthy and contribute this season.
“I wouldn’t say our philosophy has changed. I think maybe some of the ways that we do it will maybe change a little bit,” running backs coach Gordie Haug said. “We’re going to do what we normally do and still be Cowboy tough and run the ball. That’s exciting obviously every year when you’re the tailback coach and you feel pretty good about the room right now.
Tight Ends and Fullbacks
Gyllenborg had 23 receptions for 360 yards (15.7 yards per catch) and three touchdowns during a breakout season. Sawvel wants to see the 6-5, 245-pound junior targeted much more this fall as the Cowboys look to replace Treyton Welch and Colin O’Brien.
“Last year was a lot of looking up to a guy like
BACKFIELD (15)
John Michael Gyllenborg
Treyton and there were a lot of veteran guys in the receiver group. So, I was looking after them and I had more of like a specified role,” Gyllenborg said. “There were certain things I did, and I was good at them. This year it’s more like you’ve got to block and do all these things that Treyton was able to do so well.
“I know that I’m ready. I take a lot of pride in working out and trying to get bigger, faster, stronger in the offseason. I think all that will apply and carry over to my skillset.”
Nick Miles, a 6-5, 255-pound senior, will help solidify the run blocking on the edge. Isaac Schoenfeld, a 6-5, 253-pound sophomore from Rock Springs, had five catches for 45 yards in the spring game and should carve out a role this fall. Transfers Clay Nanke (Colorado State) and Justin Erb (Western Iowa) add depth to the room.
Starting fullback Caleb Driskill, the bruising senior from Gillette, will also be lining up at tight end at times.
“I definitely think in this new offense I’m going to get to do a lot of different things that maybe I haven’t
done in the past,” Driskill said. “I’m excited for the new opportunity.”
Driskill is backed up at fullback by another instate player, junior Kimball Madsen of Mountain View. Cooper Mailand, a freshman from Dallas, adds depth at fullback and tight end.
Wide Receivers
RECEIVERS (21)
their eligibility in 2023, but an influx of skill and speed should help Svoboda in the passing game.
Alex Brown, Will Pelissier and Caleb Cooley are the senior leaders of a deeper unit with a list of potential breakout stars that includes junior Jaylen Sargent, redshirt freshman Justin Stevenson and true freshman Chris Durr Jr.
Two transfers who started their careers as touted recruits in big programs, Devin Boddie Jr. (Vanderbilt)
and Tyler King (Texas Tech), add track speed to the mix. Gillette redshirt freshman Kayden LaFramboise caught the game-winning 37-yard touchdown from Svoboda to deliver the Brown’s 17-10 win over the Gold in the spring game. Bricen Brantley (6-3) and Jaylan Bean (6-4) are big targets.
“It was an offense that we learned quickly,” Boddie said. “I feel like we can move fast and be explosive and score touchdowns. Everything checks off, and I feel like everybody loves the scheme.”
Offensive Line
The Pokes lose left tackle Frank Crum, the Laramie
W lost a lot of experience with Ayir Asante, Wyatt
Wieland, Ryan Marquez and Gunner Gentry exhausting
legend now playing for the Denver Broncos, but starters Wes King (sophomore left guard), Nofoafia Tulafono (senior center), Jack Walsh (junior right guard) and Caden Barnett (junior right tackle) all return.
Barnett will move to left tackle to replace Crum. Two promising redshirt freshmen, Jake Davies and Nate Geiger, are viable contenders at right tackle.
Tulafono anchors the unit and is expected to be a candidate for the Rimington Trophy awarded to the nation’s top center. The versatile Walsh is also an allMountain West level player.
Sophomore Luke Sandy gained starting experience last season at guard. Rex Johnsen, JJ Uphold, Dante Gavito and Quinn Grovesteen-Matchey will also compete for spots in the rotation.
Alex Conn, who began his career at Nebraska, was injured during the spring but could win the starting right tackle spot once fully healthy.
“We have four starters back but it’s getting to where we’re more comfortable with nine guys in that whole group,” Sawvel said before fall camp. “There’s some growth and maturity and coaching we still have
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (21)
Centers Ht. Wt. Cl.
57 Luke Sandy 6-2 230 So. 77 Nofoafia
72
Offensive
50
Sabastian Harsh
to do.”g to find out who our eighth would be.”
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Harris, the productive goggle-wearing sixth-year senior, leads what should be an improved pass rush with Sabastian Harsh and Braden Siders both returning healthier and stronger. The trio expects combined 111 tackles, 11.0 sacks and 18.0 tackles for loss in 2023.
Kevin Sjogren and Tyce Westland accrued meaningful snaps in key situations as part of the rotation. Sophomore Ethan Day and freshmen Jordan Turnbull and Tell Wade add depth on the edge.
Bertagnole, an all-Mountain West defensive tackle from Casper, opted to use his extra year of eligibility for one final ride with the Cowboys. The Pokes need 6-4, 286-pound sophomore Jaden Williams and 6-3, 285-pound redshirt freshman Jayden Williams to step into the spotlight with Cole Godbout graduating and Caleb Robinson suffering a season-ending knee injury during the spring.
Junior Ben Florentine adds experience and will compete for the starting spot next to Bertagnole. Sophomore Dante Drake and redshirt freshmen Lucas Samsula and Cody Crawford are viable candidates to contribute on the interior of the defensive line after performing well on the scout team in 2023.
“Our defensive line is doing a good job,” Sawvel said. “I think we have the ability to pressure a quarterback in multiple ways.”
“I think our strength is going to be our defensive front this year,” said Bohl. “We have three defensive tackles who we believe are really bona fide quality players. Cole Godbout is a sixth-year guy who got hurt last year. He’s right at 290. Cole was having an
outstanding year before he got hurt and played very well for us two years ago. Jordan Bertagnole, like Cole, is an experienced and talented interior D-lineman for us, and Gavin Meyer really played well last year and had a great spring. Those three have separated themselves as our three best interior defensive linemen. Ben Florentine, a sophomore, would be our fourth. We
75
feel really good about the defensive tackle position.
“Our defensive end group is another one where
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (18)
Nose Tackles Ht. Wt. Cl.
94 Ben Florentine 6-1 276 Jr.
Defensive Tackles Ht. Wt. Cl.
68 Cody Crawford 6-1 285 RFr.
91 Jaden Williams 6-4 286 So.
92 Dante Drake 6-3 261 So.
95 Caleb Robinson 6-2 286 Sr.
96 Jordan Bertagnole 6-4 290 Sr.
97 Lucas Samsula 6-4 285 RFr.
98 Jayden Williams 6-3 285 RFr.
99 Nathan Murphy 6-3 265 Fr.
Ends Ht. Wt. Cl.
34 Braden Siders 6-3 246 Jr.
39 Eltoum Murgus 6-3 200 Fr.
40 Tyce Westland 6-5 239 Jr.
54 Sabastian Harsh 6-3 242 Jr.
55 Kevin Sjogren 6-5 240 So.
58 Jordan Turnbull 6-5 228 RFr.
59 Ethan Day 6-4 254 So.
88 Tell Wade 6-3 249 RFr.
93 DeVonne Harris 6-4 240 Sr.
we believe we will have good depth. The top guy coming into last season, Sabastian Harsh, got hurt in our last scrimmage in fall camp and missed the entire season. But he is back full speed. We feel really good about his ability. We have DeVonne Harris back from an outstanding season, and we have another young defensive end in Braden Siders, who played extremely well last year as a redshirt freshman. Those three will provide us with a strong core of talent at defensive end. They are all good pass rushers. They drop into
2024 COWBOY OUTLOOK
coverage at times, and we’re anticipating great things from them. We’re looking for a fourth guy right now to include in that rotation.
“Our front, between our defensive tackles and defensive ends, have good depth with experienced and talented players.”
Linebackers
Suiaunoa has moved from weak-side linebacker
to the middle after making 93 tackles last season playing alongside Gibbs, who led the team with 109 tackles before joining the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. UW’s recent run of all-Mountain West players at the position began with Wilson (Cincinnati Bengals) and Muma (Jacksonville Jaguars).
LINEBACKERS (11)
Tyrecus Davis
“I know the people that came before, so I’m trying to carry on the tradition,” Suiaunoa said. “At the end of the day, I’m just out there playing football. Even though I’ve got some more responsibility on me, I asked for that and I want that. I’m ready.”
Connor Shay is prepared to step into the starting lineup on the weak side after making 15 tackles in 13 games as a backup in 2023. Graduate transfer Evan Eller, who had 106 tackles last season at VMI, will get a lot of snaps for the Pokes this season. Read Sunn and Cole DeMarzo add experience to a solid rotation.
Aaron Bohl is also excited about the future at linebacker with Micah Young, Adrian Onyiego and Nic
Talich showing promise.
“We’re really solid, we’ve got a lot of returning guys, which is great,” Shay said. “I think all of us really know how to play together. It’s going to be something special.”
Secondary
The back end of UW’s defense should be one
of the strengths of the team with Davis emerging as a shutdown cornerback, Wrook Brown’s knack for making big plays at nickel back and Ekeler and White combining for 138 tackles, 14 pass breakups and three interceptions last season.
The Cowboys finished tied for fourth in the FBS in allowing the fewest plays of 20 or more yards (36). Iowa (20), Michigan (32) and Ohio State (33) were the only defenses that allowed fewer.
Sophomores Keany Parks and Ian Bell are the leading candidates to win the starting cornerback spot opposite Davis. Naz Hill, a 6-foot-3 redshirt freshman, could also be a factor this season. Due to a lack of healthy bodies in the spring, Caleb Merritt made the transition from receiver to cornerback.
Former Cheyenne Central standout Andrew Johnson is expected to play more at safety behind Ekeler and White after seeing action in all 13 games as a reserve last season.
Some of the developing players in the secondary include Malique Singleton, Koa McIntyre, TJ Urban, Myles Tucker, Jones Thomas, Garrett McGriff, Nikos Varelas, Lafai Purcell and Jevon Davis.
“We lived a blessed life last year with Wrook and Ekeler and Isaac White and the fact that they rarely came off the field,” Sawvel said of the importance of having
Isaac White SAFETY
SECONDARY (24)
more depth. “That’s difficult to sustain.”
Place-kickers, Punters, Long Snappers and Holders
oyland, who has made 57 of 72 (79.2%) career field goals and earned most valuable player honors in the Arizona Bowl, is one of the nation’s top returning placekickers. The senior made four field goals of 50 or more yards in 2022 and hit 56-yarders against Texas Tech and Portland State and a 52-yard boot against Toledo last season.
Redshirt freshman Erik Sandvik and true freshman Keelan Anderson, who are also capable of making long-range field goals, will have a chance to develop
behind Hoyland this season. Sandvik made a 20-yard field goal in the Brown & Gold Game. Anderson broke the state high school record with a 61-yard field goal last season for Cheyenne South.
At punter, with the graduation of both starter Clayton Stewart and backup Ralph Fawaz, UW added VMI transfer Jack Culbreath to the roster to fill the void.
The 6-4, 235-pound senior was a two-time All-American at the FCS level and averaged 43.1 yards on 67 punts with a long of 76 yards last season.
UW also returns long snapper Carson York. Cooley will likely be the starting holder and punt returner. Boddie, Jones and King are potentially explosive kickoff return candidates.
SPECIALISTS (5)
ALPHABETICAL ROSTER
71 Jake Davies OT 6-7 286
Casper, Wyo. (Natrona County)
Yorkville, Ill. (Yorkville) 32D Jevon Davis FS 6-0
Casper, Wyo. (Black Hills State) 12D Tyrecus Davis
5-10
59 Ethan Day DE 6-4
1L Greenville, Texas (Navarro C.C., Texas)
Copperopolis, Calif. (Modesto C.C, Calif.) 25 Cole DeMarzo LB 6-4 239 Jr. 2L Hilton Head, S.C. (Michigan State University)
83 Will Pelissier WR 6-3 210 Gr. 3L Big Horn, Wyo. (Big Horn)
84 John Michael Gyllenborg TE 6-5 245 Jr. 2L Leawood, Kan. (Rockhurst)
85 Clay Nanke TE 6-6 235 Jr. TR Denver, Colo. (Colorado State)
86 Nick Miles TE 6-5 255 Sr. 3L Parker, Colo. (Chaparral) 87 Isaac Schoenfeld
Rock Springs, Wyo. (Rock Springs) 88 Jaylan Bean
Dallas, Texas (Garden City CC, Kan.) 88D Tell Wade
89 Garrett Combs DT 6-3
89D Jake Wilson TE 6-5
RFr.
Wray, Colo. (Wray)
Belton, Texas (Lake Belton)
Montgomery, Texas (Montgomery) 91 Jaden Williams DT 6-4
Inglewood, Calif. (Campbell Hall)
(Robinson)
Big Lake, Minn. (Big Lake)
Florentine
Anaheim, Calif. (Servite) 95 Caleb Robinson
Omaha, Neb. (Burke)
Bertagnole
Casper, Wyo. (Natrona County) 97 Lucas Samsula
99D Nathan Murphy DT 6-3
Player Pronunciation
Abraham Bangoura bang-OR-uh
Jordan Bertagnole burt-uh-NO-lee
Devin Boddie Jr. BAH-dee (BODY)
Keelan Cox KEE-lun
Tyrecus Davis tie-REEK-us (Rhymes with SEEK)
Jaxon Galiga gul-EE-cha
John Michael Gyllenborg GILL-un-borg (GILL not JILL)
DeVonne Harris (duh-VONN)
Cooper Mailand MAY-lund
Plano, Texas (Plano West
Texas (Rudder)
Cheyenne, Wyo. (South)
Fr. HS Bryan, Texas (Bryan)
Player Pronunciation
Dawaiian McNeely duh-WHY-un (Rhymes with Hawaiian)
Keany Parks kee-ON-ee
Will Pelissier pell-uh-SEAR (Rhymes with DEAR)
Lucas Samsula sam-SOO-luh
Forrest Scheel (Rhymes with FEEL)
Kevin Sjogren SHOE-green (Like a shoe you wear)
Shae Suiaunoa SUE-ee-ow-noah (Ow Rhymes with Wow)
Nofoafia Tulafono nuh-fo-FEE-hu, two-luh-PHONO
Kuba Tyska KOO-buh, TISH-kuh
Brenndan Warady WORE-uh-dee (Rhymes with MORE)
PERSONNEL PICTURE
Starters Returning (16)
Defensive Starters Lost (3)
Special Teams Starters Lost (1)
Starters Lost (8)
2023 SEASON OUTLOOK 2023 SEASON OUTLOOK
PERSONNEL PICTURE
Lettermen Returning (47) (23 Offense, 22 Defense, 2 Special Teams)
Lettermen Returning
Horn, Wyo. (Big Horn)
PERSONNEL PICTURE
Lettermen Lost (14)
(Texas State) All positions listed are the positions played in 2023.
COWBOY COACHES
JAY SAWVEL
(Mount Union ‘93) Head Coach, University of Wyoming
Jay Sawvel was introduced by University of Wyoming Athletics Director Tom Burman as the new head coach of the Wyoming Cowboys on Dec. 6, 2023. He officially replaced Craig Bohl following Wyoming's Bowl victory against Toledo in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl on Dec. 30.
"Jay has done a masterful job in his time at Wyoming building strong relationships with players and staff," Burman said. "His defense embodies Wyoming's culture in that we play physical, disciplined and with passion."
Sawvel is the 33rd coach in Wyoming history and served as the team's defensive coordinator and safeties coach since February of 2020. Over his career, he has been part of 21 teams who advanced to postseason play, including 14 bowl appearances and seven NCAA Playoff appearances.
"His vision on the future of Cowboy Football energized me and I feel he will help us reach a Mountain West Championship in the near future," Burman said.
Sawvel has learned from some of the top minds in college football history. Some of the names include Craig Bohl, Lou Holtz, Roy Kidd and Jerry Kill. Of the seven head coaches that Sawvel has worked for, the group owns over 1,200 wins.
"I'm excited and honored to be the next head football coach at the University of Wyoming," Sawvel said. "I have loved working and learning under head coach Craig Bohl for the last four years. The infrastructure Coach Bohl has put into this program makes me very excited to be
the next leader of this program." In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. The Cowboy defense ranked No. 26 in the nation in turnovers gained, which ranked third in the MW. The Cowboys rank seventh in the nation with 11 fumble recoveries. The Wyoming defense ranks No. 24 in the nation in fewest yards allowed per pass attempts. Sawvel's 2023 defense ranks No. 2 in the Mountain West Conference in scoring defense (allowing only 22.3 points per game) and ranks No. 3 in the MW in total defense (allowing opponents only 357.8 yards per game).
Linebacker Easton Gibbs, a first-team All-MW selection finished the 2023 regular season averaging 8.8 tackles per game to rank No. 4 in the Mountain West and No. 29 in the nation. Gibbs recorded over 360 tackles as a Cowboy to rank in the top-10 in school history. He signed as a priority free agent with Seattle Seahawks in April. Defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole, was a second-team All-MW selection ranking No. 3 among all Mountain West defensive linemen in tackles this season, averaging 4.3 tackles per game. Safety Wyett Ekeler ranked third on the Cowboy team in tackles this season with 77 and ranked No. 9 among MW defensive backs in tackles, averaging 5.9 per game. Ekeler was twice named MW Defensive Player of the Week in 2023 and was an honorable mention All-MW selection.
Sawvel's 2022 defense ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 21 in the nation in sacks, averaging 2.85 per game. His defense
also ranked No. 2 in the MW and No. 33 in the FBS in defensive touchdowns scored, with two. Sawvel's defense featured three All-MW honorees as selected by coaches and media. Those three were: Easton Gibbs (LB), who earned First Team All-MW; and defensive end DeVonne Harris and cornerback Cam Stone, who both earned Honorable Mention honors. Phil Steele's All-MW team included: Gibbs and Stone on his First Team; defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole on his Second Team; and Harris on Steele's Fourth Team. Freshman defensive end Braden Siders was also named an Honorable Mention Freshman All-American by College Football News.
The Wyoming Cowboys entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country. But given that, the Cowboys went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the '22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai'i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming's 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons. The Cowboy defense in 2021 was one of the top pass defenses in the nation. Wyoming allowed opponents only 189.8 passing yards per game to rank No. 1 in the Mountain West and No. 12 in the nation. The Cowboy defense was also No. 13 in the nation in defensive touchdowns scored, with three. Wyoming held opponents to 23.7 points per game in the 2021 season to rank No. 5 in the MW and No. 43 in the country out of 130 FBS programs. The Cowboys posted a 7-6 record and won their
Sawvel has learned from some of the top minds in college football history. Some of the names include Craig Bohl, Lou Holtz, Roy Kidd and Jerry Kill.
Sawvel was named the 33rd head coach in Cowboy history in December
third consecutive bowl game, with a convincing 52-38 win over Kent State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Linebacker Chad Muma was one of six national finalists for the Butkus Award in 2021. Muma earned Second Team All-America honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation and Pro Football Focus and was a Third Team selection by Associated Press. He was selected as the Sixth Pick in the Third Round (70th overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 NFL Draft. Sawvel also had six of his defenders earn AllMountain West Conference honors in 2021. Muma was a First Team selection (MW Coaches/ Media and Pro Football Focus), cornerback C.J. Coldon (Second Team MW Coaches/Media), nose tackle Cole Godbout (Second Team Pro Football Focus and Honorable Mention MW Coaches/Media), cornerback Azizi Hearn (Second Team Pro Football Focus), defensive end Garrett Crall (Honorable Mention MW Coaches/Media), linebacker Easton Gibbs (Honorable Mention Pro Football Focus).
In his first season guiding the Wyoming defense as defensive coordinator in 2020, the Cowboys were among the best in the country, ranking No. 16 in the nation in total defense, allowing opponents only 328.0 yards per game. UW's defense also ranked No. 21 in rushing defense (125.3 yards per game), No. 24 in scoring defense (21.0 points per game) and No. 29 in pass defense (202.7 yards per game). Three of his Cowboy defenders earned All-Conference recognition in 2020. Junior linebacker Chad Muma earned First Team All-Mountain West honors from MW head coaches and media. Senior free safety Esaias Gandy earned Honorable Mention honors from the conference head coaches and media, and sophomore cornerback C.J. Coldon earned Fourth Team AllMW from Phil Steele.
Before coming to Wyoming, Sawvel served as the defensive coordinator at Wake Forest University in 2017 and '18. He was named the defensive coordinator at Wake Forest in January 2017 and helped the Deacons to the 2017 Belk Bowl. During his first season at the helm of the Wake Forest defense, the Deacons set school records for tackles for loss in a single season and finished the season ranked No. 7 nationally in tackles for loss.
As the cornerbacks coach in 2017, Sawvel coached Essang Bassey, who set a sophomore school record with 19 passes defended and earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors.
Prior to coaching at Wake Forest, Sawvel served as the defensive coordinator at the University
Over his career, he has been part of 21 teams who advanced to postseason play, including 14 bowl appearances and seven NCAA Playoff appearances.
of Minnesota where he constructed a Top 25 ranked defense and helped the Gophers to their best record in 13 seasons in 2016. Minnesota posted a 9-4 record in 2016 and defeated Washington State, 17-12, in the Holiday Bowl. In the Holiday Bowl victory, Minnesota held Washington State's explosive passing offense to just 264 yards, 86 yards below its average, and held the Cougars to their lowest point total of the season.
Sawvel spent six seasons as an assistant at Minnesota. He was the defensive backs and special teams coach from 2011 to 2015. After Jerry Kill's retirement as the head coach at Minnesota, Tracy Claeys was elevated to head coach and Sawvel became the Gophers' defensive coordinator.
Under Sawvel's direction, the 2016 Golden Gopher defense was ranked in the Top 25 in a number of defensive categories including: rushing defense (14th), turnover margin (18th), scoring defense (21st), total defense (21st) and sacks (22nd). In addition, Minnesota ranked 27th nationally in team pass efficiency defense. Sawvel has helped develop several players who went on to play in the NFL. In 2015, two of his players at Minnesota, Eric Murray and Briean Boddy-Calhoun, earned opportunities in the NFL. Murray was a fourth round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs while Boddy-Calhoun signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent. In 2014, both Murray and Boddy-Calhoun were named to the All-Big Ten Team following a season in which the Gophers were 18th in the nation in pass defense.
Brock Vereen, a 2014 First Team All-Big Ten selection and another one of Sawvel's pupils, was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
For three seasons from 2014 through 2016, Sawvel had at least one of his secondary players selected in the NFL Draft. Sawvel was part of teams that advanced to four conference championships as a collegiate coach. Prior to his time at Minnesota, he served as the defensive backs coach on Kill's coaching staff at Northern Illinois for three seasons from 200810. As secondary coach at Northern Illinois, he mentored Jimmie Ward, a first round pick of the San Francisco 49ers.
Sawvel was a member of the Southern Illinois staff under Kill for seven seasons from 2001-07, working with the secondary and special teams. His first full-time coaching position came at Ferris State for two seasons from 1999-2000, where he coached the defensive backs and special teams.
Sawvel was a three-year letterwinner and an All-Conference linebacker in 1993 at Division III power Mount Union. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1993 in sports management with minors in business administration, information systems and physical education. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Eastern Kentucky in 1994 and moved to Notre Dame as a graduate assistant coach for the 1996-98 seasons. Sawvel owns master's degrees from both Eastern Kentucky and Notre Dame, where he completed his master's in administration.
Sawvel has two daughters, Mackenzie and Miranda.
Jay Sawvel's Coaching Expereince
Year-by-Year Coaching History
2024-Pres. Wyoming Head Coach
2011-15 Minnesota Secondary/Special Teams
2008-10 N. Illinois Secondary/Special Teams
2001-07 S. Illinois Secondary/Special Teams
1999-2000 Ferris State Secondary/Special Teams
1996-98 Notre Dame Graduate Assistant
1994-95 E. Kentucky Graduate Assistant
Postseason Expereince
2022 Wyoming Arizona Bowl 2021 Wyoming Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Champions
Wake Forest Belk Bowl Champions
2016 Minnesota Holiday Bowl Champions 2015 Minnesota Quick Lane Bowl Champions 2014 Minnesota Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
Minnesota Texas Bowl
Minnesota Texas Bowl
Northern Illinois Humanitarian Bowl Champions 2009 Northern Illinois International Bowl 2008 Northern Illinois Independence Bowl
2007 Southern Illinois FCS Semifinals
2006 Southern Illinois FCS Quarterfinals
2005 Southern Illinois FCS Quarterfinals
2004 Southern Illinois FCS First Round
2003 Southern Illinois FCS First Round
1998 Notre Dame Gator Bowl
1997 Notre Dame Independence Bowl
1995 Eastern Kentucky FCS First Round
Jay Sawvel's Career Coaching History
College Head-Coaching Record
College Assistant-Coaching Record
Mike Grant
MIKE GRANT
(Nebraska ‘93) Associate Head Coach/ Offensive Pass-Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers
Wyoming football announced on Jan. 21, 2022, the promotion of Mike Grant to the position of Associate Head Coach. Grant has been on the Wyoming coaching staff since 2016. The 2024 season will be Grant’s ninth season with the Cowboys and his 32nd in college coaching. He will continue to serve as the Offensive Passing Game Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach for the Pokes under head coach Jay Sawvel.
During his time at Wyoming, Grant has coached former Cowboy standout receivers Ayir Asante, Tanner Gentry, Isaiah Neyor, Austin Conway, Jake Maulhardt and Raghib Ismail Jr.
Among the 18 bowl bids he has been part of as a coach are six bowl appearances in his eight previous seasons at Wyoming. Grant has been part of 23 total bowl appearances as a player and coach, including five as a player at his alma mater, the University of Nebraska, where he played quarterback for the Huskers.
In 2023, Grant led the wide receiver group led by Wyatt Wieland and Ayir Asante. Wieland led the team with 44 catches for 280 yards with five touchdowns. Asante, averaged 17.7 yards per reception with six scores on the season. he ranked eighth in the conference in touchdowns. Asante signed a free agent deal with the New York Giants.
In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. Grant was promoted to Offensive Pass-Game Coordinator in February of 2021. Prior to coming to Wyoming, Grant spent the previous five seasons at the University of North Texas where he coached the wide receivers, the running backs and served as recruiting coordinator during his time there. UW’s passing game in 2022 was led by Honorable Mention All-Mountain West quarterback Andrew Peasley and tight end Treyton Welch, who earned First Team All-MW honors from Pro Football Focus. UW’s offense ranked No. 1 in the MW and No. 14 in the nation in red-zone offense (90.6 percent) and No. 3 in the MW and No. 44 nationally in rushing offense (181.4 yards per game). The offense also ranked No. 3 in the league and No. 25 nationally in fewest tackles for loss allowed (4.46 per game) and ranked No. 3 in the conference and No. 30 in the nation in fewest sacks allowed (1.46 per game). The Wyoming Cowboys entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country. But given that, the Cowboys went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the ‘22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai’i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming’s 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
In 2021, Grant coached Cowboy wide receiver Isaiah Neyor, who earned Second Team All-Mountain West Conference honors while leading the conference and ranking No. 8 in the nation in touchdown receptions, with 12. Neyor also led the Mountain West and ranked No. 6 in the FBS in average yards per reception (19.95 yards per catch). Wyoming’s rushing attack ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 20 in the NCAA in 2021, averaging 211.7 yards per game. UW’s passing attack was fourth best in the MW and No. 38 in the nation in average yards per completion (13.06 yards). The Cowboys posted a 7-6 record and won their third consecutive bowl game, with a convincing 52-38 win over Kent State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The 52 points scored in the bowl victory was a school record for a bowl game. Wyoming scored 40 or more points four times during the season in victories at Northern Illinois (50 points), vs. Ball State (45), at eventual MW champion Utah State (44) and vs. Kent State.
Wyoming’s 2020 offense featured one of the most effective rushing attacks in the country. The Pokes ranked No. 14 in the nation in rushing, averaging 219.5 rushing yards per game. UW’s passing attack also ranked No. 7 nationally in passing yards per completion (14.84 yards per pass completion). The Cowboys ranked No. 24 in fewest turnovers committed (9 total turnovers) and were No. 32 in red-zone offense (converting 23 of 26 red-zone opportunities into points). Wide receiver Neyor earned Honorable Mention All-Mountain West honors from MW head coaches and media, while averaging 31.0 yards per reception. If Neyor would have caught four more passes, he would have met the NCAA minimum of 2.0 catches per game and would have led the nation in yards per catch.
The 2019 season saw the Cowboy offense rank No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 23 in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 214. 8 yards per game. The Cowboy offense also ranked No. 10 in the NCAA in passing yards per completion (14.75 yards per completion), No. 14 in fewest tackles for loss allowed (4.62 per game), No. 26 in fewest fumbles lost (6), No. 32 in third-down conversions (43.3 percent), No. 32 in fewest sacks allowed (1.62 per game) and No. 33 in fewest turnovers committed (15). The Cowboys concluded the season with an 8-5 record and captured the Arizona Bowl championship.
In 2018, the Wyoming Cowboys would win their last four games of the season to earn bowl eligibility at 6-6. In spite of the UW offense being in transition after former Cowboy quarterback Josh Allen became the No. 7 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Wyoming offense hit its stride during that four-game winning streak to end the 2018 season. During that four-game win streak, the Pokes averaged 31.0 points and 415.5 yards per game. UW’s 2018 offense also ranked No. 1 in the MW and No. 4 in the nation in fewest turnovers, committing only 11 total turnovers for the year Grant helped coach a Wyoming offense in 2017 that was extremely efficient in the red zone, scoring on 33 of 34 red-zone opportunities to rank No. 2 in the nation. The offense also did an excellent job of protecting the ball, committing only 14 turnovers to rank No. 19 in the country. UW’s offense combined with its defense (38 turnovers forced) to rank No. 1 in the nation in turnover margin, with a +24 turnover margin. Wyoming would record eight wins for the second straight season, and the Pokes posted a convincing 37-14 win in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl over Central Michigan. In that bowl victory, all three of Wyoming’s offensive touchdowns came on touchdown passes to Wyoming wide receivers.
During Grant’s first season with the Wyoming Cowboys in 2016, he coached senior wide receiver Tanner Gentry, who earned Second Team AllMountain West honors and signed a free-agent contract with the Chicago Bears in the spring of 2017. Gentry was named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List for the second consecutive year. He caught 14 touchdown passes in 2016 to lead the Mountain West Conference and rank No. 9 in the nation. Gentry’s 1,326 receiving yards in 2016 also led the MW and ranked 12th in the NCAA. He averaged 94.7 receiving yards per game, ranking him No. 3 in the conference and No. 21 in the country. His 18.42 yards per reception was 27th best in the nation. Grant also coached senior wide receiver Jake Maulhardt, who was invited to the New Orleans Saints rookie camp in the spring of 2017.
Grant was part of a coaching staff that led the 2016 Cowboy offense to a very productive season. The Pokes averaged 35.9 points per game to rank No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 25 in the nation. The passing game, averaged 15.3 yards per completion to rank No. 8 in the NCAA, and in red-zone offense the Pokes converted 90.6 percent of their red-zone opportunities into scores to rank 14th in the country. Wyoming’s offense ranked No. 1 in the MW and No. 22 in the NCAA in first downs (312), was No. 32 in the nation in time of possession (31:34), ranked No. 33 in the country in passing efficiency (143.82 rating) and No. 36 in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 205.4 yards per game.
Grant earned his first full-time coaching position in 1997, coaching the wide receivers and tight ends at James Madison University. Grant has coached at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level for the past 24 seasons, including: nine seasons at Iowa State (1998-06), one season at Southern Miss (2007), three at Western Michigan (2008-10), five seasons at North Texas (2011-15) and now six seasons at Wyoming (2016-Present).
While at North Texas, Grant started out as the running backs coach for two seasons in 2011 and ‘12. As the running backs coach, Grant coached Lance Dunbar, who became the career rushing leader in North Texas history and earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors. Grant took over as the wide receivers coach from 2013-15 and added recruiting coordinator responsibilities in 2014 and ‘15. Among the top receivers he coached at North Texas were Brelan Chancellor, who in 2013 became the first player in Conference USA history to earn First Team All-Conference honors as both a punt returner and kickoff returner. Chancellor also earned Second Team All-Conference honors at wide receiver. Wide receiver Darnell Smith was an Honorable Mention All-Conference honoree in 2013. In 2015, wide receiver Carlos Harris finished his career No. 2 in North Texas school history in career receptions, No. 5 in career receiving yards and No. 9 in career all-purpose yards.
While coaching the wide receivers at Western Michigan from 2008-10, Grant coached four All-Mid-American Conference receivers. In 2010, he had two receivers, Jordan White and Juan Nunez, record 1,000-yard receiving seasons and each caught over 90 passes. White set a school single-season record with 1,378 receiving yards in 2010 on way to earning Honorable Mention All-America honors from CNN/SI and First Team All-MAC honors. He also concluded his career as Western Michigan’s career record holder for receiving yards. Nunez had 1,032 yards receiving in 2010 and also earned First Team All-MAC honors. In 2008, Grant coached wide receiver Jamarko Simmons, who led the MAC in receptions (98) and receiving yards (1,100). Simmons ranked No. 3 in the NCAA in receptions in 2008 and earned Second Team All-America honors.
Grant’s time at Iowa State included him coaching two receivers who would break the Iowa State career receiving record. In 2002, Lane Danielson became the Cyclones’ all-time leading receiver and earned All-Big 12 recognition. Then three years later in 2005, Todd Blythe broke Danielson’s record on way to earning First Team All-Big 12 honors. Grant also coached First Team All-Big 12 running back Ennis Haywood in 2000.
In his four seasons (1993-96) as a recruiting assistant and graduate assistant at his alma mater, the University of Nebraska, he was part of Husker teams that won National Championships in 1994 and ‘95. Nebraska posted back-to-back undefeated seasons in 1994 (13-0) and ‘95 (12-0), and posted an 11-2 record in 1996, finishing that season ranked No. 6 in the national polls. Grant helped coach the tight ends and offensive tackles at NU. He was on the same staff at Nebraska in 1995 and ‘96 as current Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl.
Grant has continued to develop his coaching skills throughout his career. He participated in the 2009 NCAA Football Coach’s Academy, the 2013 NCAA/NFL Coach’s Academy and the Bill Walsh NFL Minority Internship Program, serving an internship in 2013 with the Buffalo Bills.
A quarterback at Nebraska from 1988-92, he was a three-year letterwinner and was named to the Phillips 66 Academic All-Big Eight Honor Roll. He earned his bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Nebraska in 1993, added a second bachelor’s degree in journalism with a concentration in advertising in 1995 and has completed his course work for his master’s degree in mass communication.
University of Wyoming head football coach Jay Sawvel announced the hiring of veteran coach Jay Johnson as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on January 10. He has spent 28 years in college football with 17 seasons as an offensive play caller.
“Jay Johnson has proven himself to be a very good offensive coordinator at many different stops in his career,” Sawvel said. “He was a Broyles Award finalist in 2021 and has been an excellent quarterback coach for a very long time. His offense has been about balance and physicality, and we are excited for him to join our program.”
Johnson was a 2021 Broyles Award nominee for the nation’s top assistant coach and spent four seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Michigan State prior to coming to Wyoming.
An experienced coach, Johnson has coached in national championship games along with a host of Bowl Games in his career including coaching three bowl game MVP quarterbacks. Johnson and Sawvel coach together at Minnesota in 2016.
“I’m truly excited to be a part of Cowboy football and the community in Laramie,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to get to work with the players and staff and continue to build on what has been built and look forward to a bright future for Wyoming Cowboy Football.”
At Michigan State, Four Spartans earned All-Big Ten honors on offense in 2022, including wide receiver Jayden Reed, a second-team selection who closed out his Spartan career ranked among MSU’s all-time leaders in receptions (sixth with 147), touchdown catches (tied for seventh with 18) and receiving yards (12th with 2,069). Reed was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft (No. 50 overall) by the Green Bay Packers and became the fifth Spartan offensive player drafted over the last two years.
During his second season at Michigan State in 2021, Johnson oversaw a resurgent Spartan offense that ranked third in the Big Ten in scoring with 31.8 points per game and featured record-breaking performances at running back and quarterback, earning him a nomination for the Broyles Award. Kenneth Walker III became the first Spartan to win the Walter Camp National Player of the Year and Doak Walker Award after ranking second in the FBS and first in the Power 5 with 1,636 rushing yards (136.3 ypg). Johnson’s offense showcased the skills of Walker, who led the nation in carries of 20-plus yards (21) and ranked tied for fifth in the nation in rushing touchdowns (18) en route to earning unanimous first-team All-America and Big Ten Running Back of the Year honors. Walker went on to become a finalist for NFL Rookie of the Year in his first season with the Seahawks after rushing for 1,050 yards in 2022.
In addition, during his first year as the full-time starting quarterback, redshirt sophomore Payton Thorne set an MSU single-season record with 27 touchdown passes, surpassing Kirk Cousins’ mark of 25 in 2011, and also ranked among the school’s single-season leaders in total offense (second with 3,421 yards), passing yards (third with 3,240), passing efficiency (sixth with 148.1 rating), pass completions (sixth with 235) and pass attempts (seventh with 389). Thorne was named the National Quarterback of the Week by the Manning Award after throwing for 261 yards and four TDs in the win at No. 24 Miami on Sept. 18. He also completed a Spartan bowl record 29 passes and threw for a career-high 354 yards in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl victory over No. 12 Pitt.
Statistically, the Spartans had their highest offensive output in scoring (31.8 ppg) and total offense (429.3 ypg) since 2015, and those marks ranked among the best in school history (eighth in scoring, sixth in total offense). A staple of Johnson’s offense has been explosive plays – the Spartans scored nine touchdowns from scrimmage of 50-plus yards in 2021, and the 12 overall plays of 50-plus yards ranked third most in the Big Ten and tied for 13th in the FBS. Thorne threw 14 TD passes of 20-plus yards, tied for second in the Big Ten and sixth in the FBS.
A total of 11 Spartans garnered All-Big Ten honors on offense in 2021. Three players on MSU’s offense were selected in the 2022 NFL Draft – Walker (second round, Seahawks), wide receiver Jalen Nailor (sixth round, Vikings) and tight end Connor Heyward (sixth round, Steelers). Additionally, Reed earned first-team All-America honors by the AFCA as an all-purpose player after recording career-highs in receptions (59), receiving yards (1,026) and TD catches (10).
Johnson's offense in 2019 at Colorado helped feature wide receiver Laviska Shenault, who earned second-team All-Pac 12 honors after leading the Buffaloes with 56 catches for 764 yards and five TDs. The multi-dimensional Shenault, who ranks eighth in CU history with 149 receptions, was a second-round NFL Draft selection (No. 42 overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020.
Johnson spent two seasons as an offensive analyst at Georgia (2017-18) and was instrumental to the Bulldogs' success, as he assisted in all off-field phases of game planning and recruiting on Kirby Smart's staff. During Johnson's time at UGA, the Bulldogs posted a 24-4 record, including the 2017 SEC Championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. The Bulldogs ranked third in the SEC and No. 20 in the FBS in scoring offense (35.4 ppg) during the run to the CFP National Championship game, and also featured the SEC's top-ranked rushing offense (258.4 ypg), which was No. 9 in the nation. In 2018, Georgia again had the SEC's No. 1 rushing offense (238.8 ypg) and ranked No. 2 in the SEC and No. 14 in the FBS in scoring offense (37.9 ppg) while ranking No. 18 in the country in total offense (464.9 ypg).
Johnson has previous coaching experience in the Big Ten at Minnesota, where he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Gophers in 2016 under head coach Tracy Claeys. Minnesota's offense averaged nearly 30 points a game (29.3 ppg), the fourth-highest scoring average in the Big Ten, en route to a 9-4 record that included a win over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl.
As Louisiana's (former UL-Lafayette) offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for five seasons (2011-15), the Ragin' Cajuns consistently ranked near the top of the Sun Belt offensive leaders as the program posted four consecutive winning seasons and four straight wins in the New Orleans Bowl. Louisiana was especially potent in the red zone, ranking among the FBS Top 10 in offensive red zone efficiency three times under Johnson (No. 5 in 2011; No. 2 in 2012; No. 10 in 2014). He coached quarterbacks Blaine Gautier (now an offensive analyst for the Spartans) and Terrance Broadway to top 20 finishes in passing efficiency and was part of 40 victories overall.
In one season as Central Michigan's quarterbacks coach in 2010, Johnson tutored Ryan Radcliff, who led the Mid-American Conference and ranked No. 12 in the FBS in passing, averaging 279.8 yards per game. Overall, CMU ranked No. 17 in the FBS in passing (284.0 ypg).
Johnson was one of the first in the nation to work in quality control in the collegiate ranks, joining Louisville's offensive staff in 2008. He returned to the field in 2009 as the Cardinals' tight ends coach, also assisting in all facets of special teams.
Johnson was a three-time All-Gateway Conference performer at quarterback for Northern Iowa, leading the Panthers to a 31-8 record, three conference titles and three Division I-AA playoff appearances (3-3 record) his sophomore through senior seasons (1990-92). Playing for Coach Terry Allen, Johnson set numerous school records at the time in completing 504-of-970 passes for 8,341 yards, with 60 touchdowns against 35 interceptions (a 137.4 NCAA rating). He still ranks among the all-time leaders in Panther history in passing yards (fourth with 8,341), passing TDs (fourth with 60) and pass completions (fifth with 504). UNI was 12-2 his senior year, reached the I-AA semifinals and was ranked No. 3 in the final coaches poll of the season. A captain for the Panthers as both a junior and senior, Johnson's teammate was Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, who took over for him for the 1993 season.
After his collegiate playing days at UNI, he moved to Columbia, Missouri, to attend graduate school at Missouri and simultaneously began his coaching career in 1993 as an assistant coach at the city's largest high school, Hickman. The following spring, he was a graduate assistant for the Tigers while finishing his degree.
His first full time position was the offensive and recruiting coordinator at Division III Augsburg (Minn.) College in the fall of 1994. He would spend the next two seasons (1995-96) back in the state of Missouri as the offensive coordinator at Truman State, where the Bulldogs were prolific on offense, averaging over 400 yards and 30 points on offense during his two years in Kirksville.
He became a graduate assistant at Kansas for the 1997 and 1998 seasons, where he was reunited with his college head coach at UNI, Terry Allen; he had the responsibility of developing the quarterbacks and helping KU in the area of breakdowns and analysis. Allen promoted him to a full-time coach in charge of the quarterbacks in 1999, and in 2001 switched him to running backs coach, with Johnson also working heavily with the special teams all three seasons in Lawrence.
After taking a year off from coaching in 2002, he was named tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at Southern Mississippi under its longtime head coach, Jeff Bower for the 2003 season. Johnson then coached the running backs in 2004, and in 2005, he took the reins as offensive coordinator for the next three seasons, the final three years of Bower's 18-year run as the Golden Eagles head coach. In his final season there, USM established a school record for total offense, eclipsing the 5,000-yard mark for the first time in finishing with 5,066 yards.
Johnson is a graduate of Northern Iowa with a bachelor's degree in science (minor in coaching) in 1992, earning his way on the Dean's List. He received his master's in exercise sciences with an emphasis in exercise physiology, earning the Superior Graduate Achievement Award with a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average at Mizzou.
Aaron Bohl Career Profile
Coaching Experience
Years at Wyoming: 8th Years as a College Coach: 8th Personal
Wife: Anna
Children: Brynnlei Mae and Aubree Marie Education
Minnesota St. Moorhead ‘16 Bachelor’s in Math Education Playing Experience
Minnesota St. Moorhead Linebacker, 2013-16 Year-by-Year Coaching History
Nebraska, Kansas and the Kansas City metropolitan area
AARON BOHL
(Minnesota State Moorhead ‘16) Deffensive Coordinator/Linebackers
University of Wyoming head football coach Jay Sawvel announced the promotion of linebacker coach Aaron Bohl to the role of defensive coordinator in January of 2024 Bohl has served as linebackers coach for the Cowboys for the last four seasons and has been with the program since 2017 and will continue to coach the position group.
"Aaron Bohl is an outstanding football coach and that has shown in the development and the play of our linebackers over the past few years," Sawvel said. "His knowledge of the defense is outstanding along with the knowledge of the concepts we have in place. He has grown as a coach in his time at Wyoming and I'm excited for him to have this opportunity with our program."
Bohl just finished his fourth season as the linebackers coach in 2023. He was named the Wyoming Cowboys' full-time linebackers coach in January 2020. He originally joined the Wyoming coaching staff in the January of 2017 as a Defensive Graduate Assistant, making the 2023 season his seventh as a college coach. He was elevated to the position of interim linebackers coach in October of 2019. Bohl has been part of six bowl-eligible teams for the Cowboys in 2017, '18, '19, '21 '22 and '23, four bowl championship teams -- the 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Champions, the 2019 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl Champions and the 2021 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Champs and 2023 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl Champs.
"I'm very excited to be in this new role," Bohl said. "We have an outstanding tradition at Wyoming of playing great defense and I look forward to continuing that with the staff that we have intact here. Our expectation is to keep moving forward as a defensive unit and I'm thankful for the opportunity Coach Sawvel for giving me the opportunity."
A former college linebacker himself at Minnesota State Moorhead from 2013-16, Bohl was a four-year starter and three-year captain.
In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. Bohl helped mentor linebacker Easton Gibbs to First Team All-Mountain West honors. He finished the season with 109 total tackles and ranks amongst the best in Cowboy Football history in career tackles. Wyoming's second highest tackler was also a linebacker in Shae Suiaunoa, as he recorded 93 on the season. The Pokes would go on to win nine games for the most since the 1996 season. Gibbs went on to sign a priority free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Wyoming's 2022 defense ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 21 in the nation in sacks, averaging 2.85 per game. UW's defense also ranked No. 2 in the MW and No. 33 in the FBS in defensive touchdowns scored, with two. Bohl coached All-Mountain West linebacker Easton Gibbs in '22. Gibbs earned First Team All-MW honors from conference head coaches and media. He also received First Team All-MW honors from Phil Steele in '22. Gibbs ranked No. 3 in the conference and No. 22 in the nation in tackles in the 2022 season, averaging 9.3 tackles per game. His 121 total tackles on the season marked Gibbs first 100-tackle season of his career and ranked as the 18th best single-season total in school history. Gibbs became the third Wyoming linebacker to earn First Team AllMountain West in the past four seasons -- Logan Wilson (2019), Chad Muma (2020 and '21) and Gibbs (2022).
The Wyoming Cowboys entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country. But given that, the Cowboys went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the '22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai'i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming's 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
The Cowboy defense in 2021 was one of the top pass defenses in the nation. Wyoming allowed opponents only 189.8 passing yards per game to rank No. 1 in the Mountain West and No. 12 in the nation. The Cowboy defense was also No. 13 in the nation in defensive touchdowns scored, with three. Wyoming held opponents to 23.7 points per game in the 2021 season to rank No. 5 in the MW and No. 43 in the country out of 130 FBS programs. The Cowboys posted a 7-6 record and won their third consecutive bowl game, with a convincing 52-38 win over Kent State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Linebacker Chad Muma was one of six national finalists for the Butkus Award in 2021. Muma earned Second Team All-America honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation and Pro Football Focus and was a Third Team selection by Associated Press. He was selected as the Sixth Pick in the Third Round (70th overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 NFL Draft. Muma ranked No. 4 in the nation in tackles (10.9 per game), No. 3 in solo tackles (6.5 per game) and tied for No. 2 in the country in interception returns for touchdowns (2 total).
Muma's accomplishments in 2021 made him the second Wyoming linebacker in three seasons to earn All-America honors, be named a finalist for the Butkus Award and be selected in the third round of the NFL Draft as former Cowboy Logan Wilson achieved all those honors in 2019.
The 2020 season saw Bohl coach Muma as he earned First Team All-Mountain West Conference and led the Mountain West and ranked No. 3 in the nation in tackles, averaging 11.8 tackles per game. The 2020 Wyoming defense was among the best in the country, ranking No. 16 in the nation in total defense, allowing opponents only 328.0 yards per game. UW's defense also ranked No. 21 in rushing defense (125.3 yards per game), No. 24 in scoring defense (21.0 points per game) and No. 29 in pass defense (202.7 yards per game).
In 2019, Bohl coached All-America linebacker Wilson and Honorable Mention All-MW linebacker Cassh Maluia. Wilson was one of six national finalists for the 2019 Butkus Award, honoring the nation's top collegiate linebacker. Wilson earned multiple All-America honors, including being named a First Team All-American by Pro Football Focus, a Second Team All-American by USA Today and a Third Team All-American by Associated Press. Wilson was the No. 1 pick in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2022, Wilson was the starting middle linebacker in Super Bowl LVI for the Cincinnati Bengals. Maluia was a sixth-round selection by the New England Patriots in the 2020 NFL Draft. UW concluded the 2019 season with an 8-5 record and a 38-17 win over Georgia State to capture the 2019 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl Championship.
The 2019 Cowboy defense ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 11 in the nation in scoring defense, allowing opponents only 17.8 points per game. The UW defense also ranked No. 3 in the conference and No. 11 in the nation in rushing defense, giving up only 107.1 rushing yards per game to opponents. Wyoming's defense ranked No. 6 in the country in red-zone defense and scored three defensive touchdowns to rank No. 12 in the FBS.
As a defensive graduate assistant in 2018, Bohl helped coach a Cowboy defense that ranked No. 19 in the nation in total defense (allowing opponents only 326.2 yards per game), were No. 25 in the NCAA in rushing defense (129.5 yards per game), ranked No. 28 in scoring defense (giving up only 22.0 points per game) and were No. 32 in pass defense (196.7 yards per game). The UW defense also ranked No. 16 in the country in fewest first downs allowed to opponents (223) on way to a 6-6 record to earn bowl eligibility for the third straight season.
In 2017, Bohl was part of a Wyoming team that posted an 8-5 record and won the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Championship. Bohl aided in coaching a defense that ranked No. 1 in the nation in takeaways in 2017, forcing 38 opponent turnovers. The Pokes ranked No. 9 in the country in scoring defense, allowing opponents only 17.5 points per game. UW ranked No. 1 in the NCAA in fumbles recovered (18), No. 2 in the nation in interceptions (20), No. 8 in defensive touchdowns scored (4 TDs), No. 13 in pass defense (174.9 passing yards allowed), and No. 23 in total defense (335.2 total yards allowed).
Bohl came to Wyoming from Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he completed his collegiate playing career in 2016. As a linebacker, he started all 11 games each of his four seasons. Bohl earned Second Team All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) honors his senior season, while recording 71 total tackles (34 solo tackles and 37 assists), 4.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. He helped lead Minnesota State Moorhead to a 7-4 overall record and 5-2 conference record placing third in the North Division of the NSIC in 2016. For his career, Bohl was credited with 273 career tackles, 8.0 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, one interception, two fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles. Bohl graduated in December 2016 from MSUM with a math education degree.
As a high school player at Lincoln East High School in Lincoln, Neb., Bohl was an Honorable Mention All-State honoree and earned All-Conference and All-City honors. He served as a team captain in high school, earning three letters in football. Bohl also lettered in basketball and track.
He and his wife Anna have three children; Brynnlei Mae, Aubree and
BENNY BOYD
(Aurora ‘00) Co-Special Teams Coordinator/Cornerbacks
Benny Boyd will coach the Wyoming cornerbacks and serve as co-special teams coordinator for the fifth season in 2024. He originally joined the Wyoming Football coaching staff in February of 2020. Boyd came to Wyoming from Eastern Illinois University. He will be entering his 23rd season as a college coach in 2023.
In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. The Cowboy defense ranked No. 26 in the nation in turnovers gained, which ranked third in the MW. The Cowboys rank seventh in the nation with 11 fumble recoveries. The Wyoming defense ranks No. 24 in the nation in fewest yards allowed per pass attempts. Sawvel's 2023 defense ranks No. 2 in the Mountain West Conference in scoring defense (allowing only 22.3 points per game) and ranks No. 3 in the MW in total defense (allowing opponents only 357.8 yards per game).
Wyoming’s 2022 defense ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 21 in the nation in sacks, averaging 2.85 per game. UW’s defense also ranked No. 2 in the MW and No. 33 in the FBS in defensive touchdowns scored, with two. Boyd’s special teams blocked two kicks in the ‘22 season to rank No. 3 in the conference and No. 36 in the nation. In ‘22, Boyd coached cornerback Cam Stone, who earned First Team All-Mountain West honors from Phil Steele, Second Team from Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Honorable Mention honors from Mountain West head coaches and media.
The Wyoming Cowboys entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country. But given that, the Cowboys went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the ‘22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai’i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming’s 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
The Cowboy defense in 2021 was one of the top pass defenses in the nation. Wyoming allowed opponents only 189.8 passing yards per game to rank No. 1 in the Mountain West and No. 12 in the nation. The Cowboy defense was also No. 13 in the nation in defensive touchdowns scored, with three. One of those interception returns for a TD was a 50-yard return by one of Boyd’s defensive backs, nickel back Keyon Blankenbaker. Wyoming held opponents to 23.7 points per game in the 2021 season to rank No. 5 in the MW and No. 43 in the country out of 130 FBS programs. The Cowboys posted a 7-6 record and won their third consecutive bowl game, with a convincing 52-38 win over Kent State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Among Wyoming’s six defenders who earned All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2021 were both of the Cowboys’ starting cornerbacks. C.J. Coldon was named Second Team All-MW by conference coaches and media, and Azizi Hearn was a Second Team All-MW selection by Pro Football Focus.
The 2021 kickoff return team for the Cowboys ranked No. 3 in the Mountain West and No. 39 in the FBS, averaging 23.0 yards per return. Leading that unit was another Cowboy cornerback, Cam Stone, who averaged 40.0 yards per kickoff return and returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown in Wyoming’s 4417 road win over eventual MW champion Utah State. Stone was named an Honorable Mention All-MW honoree by Pro Football Focus.
The 2020 Wyoming defense was among the best in the nation, ranking No. 16 in the country among all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams in total defense, allowing opponents only 328.0 yards per game. UW’s defense also ranked No. 21 in rushing defense (125.3 yards per game), No. 24 in scoring defense (21.0 points per game) and No. 29 in pass defense (202.7 yards per game). Among the Cowboys who Boyd coached in his first season at Wyoming in 2020 was cornerback Coldon. Coldon earned Fourth Team All-Mountain West honors from Phil Steele in 2020.
Boyd coached the cornerbacks and coordinated special teams at Eastern Illinois in 2019. The Panthers’ defense ranked No. 30 in the nation in total defense out of 124 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams, allowing opponents only 350.6 yards per game. EIU’s defense also ranked: No. 29 in the FCS in fewest first downs allowed to opponents (215), No. 29 in most fumbles recovered (10), No. 29 in tackles for loss (7.2 per game), No. 40 in pass defense (204.1 passing yards allowed per game), No. 40 in turnovers gained (21) and No. 44 in rushing defense (146.5 rushing yards allowed per game).
From 2015-18, Boyd coached corners and special teams at Central Washington. He was part of backto-back Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championships in 2017 & 2018 at CWU. Boyd coached First Team All-America cornerback Tyler Hasty, who ranked second in the NCAA in passes defended in 2018. Boyd’s special teams ranked second in NCAA Division II in blocked kicks in 2018. He also coached Chade DeMoor, the 2018 NCAA individual leader in blocked kicks.
In 2017, the Central Washington defense ranked second nationally in interceptions and fourth in the NCAA Division II in total defense. Boyd coached several All-Conference selections on defense and special teams while at CWU.
In 2014, Boyd served as defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator at his alma mater Aurora (Ill.) University.
He was the special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach at North Dakota for the 2011-13 seasons. UND led all FCS teams in blocked kicks all three seasons he coordinated the special teams, and he coached an All-America kick returner in 2012 and All-America kicker in 2013.
Prior to North Dakota, Boyd was the associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Luther College in Iowa from 2002-10. In 2010, he was a finalist for the AFCA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year. He coached four Division III All-Americans and three Aztec Bowl participants (Division III All-Star Game) while at Luther College. A total of 19 of his players earned All-Conference honors during his time at Luther College.
Boyd played football at Aurora (Ill.) University from 1996-99. He was a two-time All-Conference selection and held the school single-season record for passes defended. Boyd earned his bachelor’s degree in social work from Aurora University in 2000 and added a master’s degree in social work, also from Aurora University, in 2002. He has completed Bill Walsh Fellowships with four NFL teams during his career (Houston, Seattle, Oakland and Pittsburgh). Boyd is a native of Dixon, Illinois.
He and his wife, Andrea, were married in July of 2023.
Benny Boyd
Career Profile
Coaching Experience
Years at Wyoming: 5th
Years as a College Coach: 23rd
Personal
Wife: Andrea Education
Aurora University ‘02 Master’s in Social Work Aurora University ‘00 Bachelor’s in Social Work Playing Experience
Aurora (Ill.) University Cornerback, 1996-99
Year-by-Year Coaching History
2020-Pres. Wyoming Co-Special Teams Coord./ CBs
2019 Eastern Illinois Cornerbacks/Special Teams 2015-18 Central Wash. Cornerbacks/Special Teams
Aurora (Ill.) DefensiveCoordinator/ ST 2011-13 North Dakota Secondary/Special Teams 2002-10 Luther College Associate Head Coach/DC
Bemidji State ‘09 Bachelor’s in Community Health Playing Experience
Bemidji State Linebacker 2005-06 Year-by-Year Coaching History
2023-Present
GORDIE HAUG
(Bemidji State ‘09) Executive Director of Recruiting/Running Backs
Gordie Haug will be entering his 11th year as a member of the Wyoming Football staff in 2024 and his 18th as a college coach. He was promoted to the position of Executive Director of Recruiting for Wyoming Football on July 26, 2022, while continuing to coach the Cowboy running backs.
In addition to overseeing Wyoming’s recruiting efforts, the 2024 season will mark Haug’s seventh consecutive season coaching the running backs. In previous years at Wyoming, Haug has served as the Director of Player Personnel, Director of Recruiting and wide receivers coach.
In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. Haug helped the Cowboys rush for nearly 160 yards per game. running back Harrison Waylee was an Honorable mention All-MW selection. he rushed for 947 yards for the season and averaged 5.7 yards per carry to rank No. 24 in the nation. He added 94.7 yards rushing per game, a number that rank in the top-25 nationally.
Each of Haug’s first three seasons coaching the Cowboy running backs, UW had the league’s No. 1 rusher and a First Team All-Mountain West selection -- Xazavian Valladay in 2019 and ‘20 and Nico Evans in 2018. All three of those seasons also saw Valladay and Evans record 1,000-yard rushing seasons. In 2022, Titus Swen rushed for 1,039 yards and recorded the fourth 1,000-yard rushing season with Haug as the running backs coach. Swen earned Third Team AllMountain West honors in ‘22 from Phil Steele.
In 2022, UW’s offense ranked No. 1 in the MW and No. 14 in the nation in red-zone offense (90.6 percent) and No. 3 in the MW and No. 44 nationally in rushing offense (181.4 yards per game). The offense also ranked No. 3 in the league and No. 25 nationally in fewest tackles for loss allowed (4.46 per game) and ranked No. 3 in the conference and No. 30 in the nation in fewest sacks allowed (1.46 per game). Wyoming entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country but went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the ‘22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai’i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming’s 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
The 2021 season saw Valladay and Titus Swen share carries to form an extremely effective tandem. Valladay recorded the second 1,000-yard rushing season of his career (1,070 yards) and Swen rushed for 785 yards. Both earned All-Conference recognition in ‘21. Valladay received Second Team All-MW honors from head coaches and media. Swen was a Second Team selection by Pro Football Focus. Valladay ranked No. 3 in the Mountain West in rushing yards (82.3 yards per game). Swen ranked No. 2 in the MW and No. 26 in the nation in yards per carry (5.95).
UW’s 2021 rushing attack ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 20 in the NCAA, averaging 211.7 yards per game. UW’s passing attack was fourth best in the MW and No. 38 in the nation in average yards per completion (13.06 yards). The Cowboys posted a 7-6 record and won their third consecutive bowl game, with a convincing 52-38 win over Kent State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The 52 points scored in the bowl victory was a school record for a bowl game. Wyoming scored 40 or more points four times during the season in victories at Northern Illinois (50 points), vs. Ball State (45), at eventual MW champion Utah State (44) and vs. Kent State.
Wyoming’s 2020 offense again featured one of the most effective rushing attacks in the country among FBS teams. The Pokes ranked No. 14 in the nation in rushing, averaging 219.5 rushing yards per game. UW’s passing attack also ranked No. 7 nationally in passing yards per completion (14.84 yards per pass completion). The Cowboys ranked No. 24 in fewest turnovers committed (9 total turnovers) and were No. 32 in red-zone offense (converting 23 of 26 red-zone opportunities into points). Valladay averaged 110.0 rushing yards per game to lead the Mountain West and rank No. 17 in the nation. He also averaged 131.00 all-purpose yards per game to rank No. 27 nationally.
In 2019, the Cowboy offense ranked No. 23 in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 214. 8 yards per game. Valladay rushed for 1,265 yards to lead the league. He averaged 105.4 rushing yards per game to rank No. 18 in the nation. He also led the conference and ranked No. 26 nationally in all-purpose yards, averaging 124.08 yards per game. Valladay’s 204-yard performance in Wyoming’s 38-17 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl victory earned him a spot on the 2019 Associated Press All-Bowl Team. He also caught three passes for 91 yards in the bowl win and scored one touchdown rushing and one receiving while accounting for 295 all-purpose yards. Valladay was one of only three running backs in the nation named to the AP All-Bowl Team, joining Penn State’s Journey Brown and Florida’s Lamical Perine.
The 2019 Cowboy offense ranked No. 10 in the NCAA in passing yards per completion (14.75 yards per completion), No. 14 in fewest tackles for loss allowed (4.62 per game), No. 26 in fewest fumbles lost (6), No. 32 in third-down conversions (43.3 percent), No. 32 in fewest sacks allowed (1.62 per game) and No. 33 in fewest turnovers committed (15). The Cowboys concluded the season with an 8-5 record and captured the Arizona Bowl championship.
In his first season coaching the Cowboy running backs, Haug worked with 2018 senior Nico Evans, who led the Mountain West and ranked No. 4 in the nation in rushing as he averaged 132.5 rushing yards per game. Evans also led the MW and ranked No. 12 in the NCAA in all-purpose yards (139.1 yards per game). His 1,325 net rushing yards ranked as the No. 4 best single season in University of Wyoming history. Evans earned First Team All-Mountain West honors and played in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, an All-Star game for college seniors leading up to the NFL Draft.
In 2018, Wyoming’s rushing attack ranked No. 4 in the Mountain West and No. 39 in the NCAA in rushing as a team. UW’s offense also ranked No. 1 in the MW and No. 4 in the nation in fewest turnovers, committing only 11 total turnovers for the year. In spite of the Wyoming offense being in transition with two young quarterbacks in Sean Chambers and Tyler Vander Waal guiding the offense after former Cowboy Josh Allen moved on to the NFL as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Wyoming offense hit its stride during a four-game winning streak to end the 2018 season. During that four-game win streak, UW’s offense averaged 31.0 points and 415.5 yards per game.
Haug has been very innovative in directing recruiting efforts for Cowboy Football. He has also coordinated summer camps for Wyoming Football in the past, and has built a very extensive and productive summer satellite camp program.
In 2015 while maintaining his duties as Director of Recruiting, Haug also coached the Wyoming wide receivers. Junior wide receiver Tanner Gentry was named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List in 2015.
Haug came to Wyoming from North Dakota State where he was a member of head coach Craig Bohl’s coaching staff for the 2012 and 2013 seasons, working as an offensive assistant.
In Haug’s two years on the NDSU staff, the Bison posted a combined overall record of 29-1 and a Missouri Valley Football Conference record of 15-1, while capturing back-to-back Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championships.
The 2013 NDSU squad became the first undefeated (15-0) FCS National Champion since Marshall went 15-0 to win the 1996 title. That 15-0 record by the Bison also set a North Dakota State school record. NDSU extended its winning streak to 24 consecutive games with the 2013 FCS Championship. That tied both the FCS and NDSU records for consecutive victories. The University of Pennsylvania set the FCS record of 24 consecutive wins from 1992-95. Montana later tied the record from 2001-02. The NDSU record was originally set from 1964-66.
Haug coached the running backs at North Dakota State in 2012 and ‘13. Each of those two seasons, NDSU had two individuals rush for over 1,000 yards. In 2013, Sam Ojuri rushed for 1,398 yards and John Crockett rushed for 1,277 yards. The 2012 season saw Ojuri rush for 1,047 yards and Crockett rush for 1,038.
In 2013, the North Dakota State offense ranked No. 7 in the nation in rushing offense (257.3 yards per game), No. 10 in scoring offense (38.7 points per game), and No. 14 in total offense (457.5 yards per game).
Before joining the North Dakota State staff, Haug spent five years (2007-11) coaching at his alma mater, Bemidji State University in Minnesota. He began as a student assistant for two years (2007-08), working with the linebackers. Haug then moved into a graduate assistant role for two seasons (2009-10), working with the running backs. He became a full-time assistant coach on the staff his final season (2011), coaching the defensive line.
At Bemidji State, Haug was also involved in recruiting and assisted with the strength and conditioning program. He earned his bachelor’s degree in community health in 2009 and master’s degree in sports science in 2011, both from Bemidji State.
BRIAN HENDRICKS
(Wyoming ‘11) Defensive Ends
A former Wyoming football great returned to his alma mater in February of 2023 when Brian Hendricks was announced as the Cowboys’ new defensive ends coach. He enters his second season on the staff for the Cowboys. Hendricks, a native of Burlington, Colo., played for the Pokes from 2008-11 and was honored three times with Mountain West All-Conference honors as a linebacker.
In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. The Cowboy defense ranked No. 26 in the nation in turnovers gained, which ranked third in the MW. The Cowboys rank seventh in the nation with 11 fumble recoveries. The Wyoming defense ranks No. 24 in the nation in fewest yards allowed per pass attempts. Sawvel's 2023 defense ranks No. 2 in the Mountain West Conference in scoring defense (allowing only 22.3 points per game) and ranks No. 3 in the MW in total defense (allowing opponents only 357.8 yards per game).
Defensive end Sabastian Harsh earned Third-Team All-W honors by Phil Steele. He recorded 50 tackles and led the tea with nine tackles for loss along with three sacks. DeVonne Harris added 35 tackles along with four sacks on the season.
Hendricks returned to Wyoming from Illinois State University where he had been the defensive line coach for five seasons (2018-22) under head coach Brock Spack, who was Wyoming’s defensive coordinator in 1995 and ‘96 under the late Wyoming head coach Joe Tiller.
Prior to that, Hendricks coached for three seasons at Montana (2015-17). His first season with the Griz, Hendricks coached the defensive ends, and he coached the entire defensive line his final two seasons.
In 2013, he earned his first full-time college coaching position at Colorado Schools of Mines and coached the Oredigger defensive line for two seasons from 2013-14. Hendricks also served as a defensive graduate assistant at Colorado State prior to that, working for his former linebacker coach at Wyoming, Marty English, who Hendricks now replaces as UW’s defensive ends coach following English’s retirement announcement on Feb. 14, 2023.
The Illinois State defense in 2022 ranked No. 5 in the nation among Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams in sacks, with 35. ISU also was No. 5 in the country in pass defense (169.8 yards allowed per game), was No. 10 in total defense (318.5 yards allowed) and No. 11 in scoring defense (20.2 points allowed per game).
In 2019, the Redbirds enjoyed an outstanding season, posting a 10-5 record and advancing to the FCS Quarterfinals before losing a defensive battle by a score of 9-3 to eventual national champion North Dakota State. Illinois State was ranked No. 6 in the nation in 2019.
Hendricks’ 2019 defensive front led the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in sacks, with 52. That defensive line unit was led by All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) First Team defensive end Romeo McKnight and MVFC Honorable Mention nose tackle John Ridgeway. McKnight would go on to play in the EastWest Shrine Game and sign as a free agent with the Cleveland Browns. Earlier in their careers, McKnight was named a HERO Sports FCS Sophomore All-American and an MVFC All-Newcomer Team selection in his first season, while Ridgeway also earned MVFC All-Newcomer Team honors.
The 52 sacks in 2019 were also an Illinois State school record. The 2019 Redbird defense ranked in the Top 10 in the nation in seven defensive categories, including: leading the nation in red zone defense (61.4 percent), ranking No. 3 in turnovers gained (33), No. 4 in scoring defense (16.0 points allowed per game), No. 11 in total defense (303.5 yards allowed per game), No. 14 in rushing defense (116.7 yards allowed per game) and No. 19 in pass defense (186.8 yards allowed per game).
The 2018 season was also a strong one for the Redbird defense as it ranked No. 10 in scoring defense (20.0 points allowed per game) and No. 22 in rushing defense (126.8 yards allowed per game). Illinois State also ranked as the the second-best total defense (309.8 ypg) in the conference behind eventual national champion North Dakota State.
Hendricks came to Illinois State after serving as an assistant coach at Montana for three seasons. At Montana, Hendricks served the last two seasons as the Grizzlies’ defensive line coach. He coached the defensive ends his first season in 2015 and worked with 2015 STATS FCS Defensive Player of the Year Tyrone Holmes, who led the nation with 18 sacks. The 2015 Griz team posted an 8-5 record, advanced to the Second Round of the FCS Playoffs and earned a No. 14 national ranking.
Hendricks followed Colorado School of Mines head coach Bob Stitt to Montana. Hendricks was an assistant coach for Stitt at Mines for the 2013 and ‘14 seasons, working with the defensive line. In 2014, Mines had an overall record of 10-2 and tied for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference title with an 8-1 league mark. The Orediggers advanced to the First Round of the 2014 NCAA Division II Playoffs, and earned a No. 16 national ranking.
With Hendricks coaching the defensive front, the 2014 Orediggers’ defense ranked second in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) in scoring defense (23.4 points allowed per game), No. 1 in the RMAC and No. 36 in the nation in Division II in rushing defense (124.9 yards allowed per game) and No. 1 in the RMAC and No. 12 in the nation in sacks (38).
Hendricks coached an Oredigger defense in 2013 that ranked No. 1 in the RMAC and No. 7 in the country in scoring defense (17.0 points allowed per game).
He joined Stitt’s staff in 2013, following a short stint as a defensive graduate assistant at Colorado State, working with his former position coach at Wyoming, Marty English, who was CSU’s defensive coordinator at the time.
As a linebacker for the Cowboys from 2008-11, Hendricks earned Second Team All-Mountain West honors twice -- as a senior in 2011 and as a sophomore in 2009. He also earned Honorable Mention All-MW honors his junior season of 2010 in spite having to fight thru some nagging injuries throughout that season.
A former Wyoming team captain, Hendricks concluded his career with 309 career tackles, while playing in 45 career games for the Cowboys. He was a starter for the Pokes when they captured the 2009 New Mexico Bowl Championship, with a 35-28 double overtime win over Fresno State. In that game, Hendricks led Wyoming with 13 tackles and he and his defensive teammates posted a remarkable goal-line stand in the first overtime. Fresno State had a first and goal at the Wyoming one-yard line, but the Cowboy defense held the Bulldogs out of the end zone on four straight running plays and UW went on to capture the victory. Hendricks led the Cowboys to a second New Mexico Bowl appearance his senior season of 2011.
He ended the 2009 season ranked No. 12 in the nation in tackles, averaging 10.55 per game. His 116 tackles in the 2009 season ranks as the 24th best single-season performance in school history, and he still holds the school record for most tackles in a single game, recording 23 tackles on the road at Air Force in 2009.
Hendricks is a native of Burlington, Colo., he earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from the University of Wyoming in 2011. He and his wife Talia, who is a native of Green River, Wyo., have three children, son Hawk, daughter Quinn and son Westly.
Brian Hendricks
Career Profile
Coaching Experience
Years at Wyoming: 2nd
Years as a College Coach: 12th
Personal
Wife: Talia
Children: Hawk, Quinn and Westly
Education
Wyoming ‘11 Bachelor’s in Agricultural Business
Playing Experience
Wyoming Linebacker, 2008-11
Year-by-Year Coaching History
Shannon Moore
Career Profile
Coaching Experience
Years at Wyoming: 6th
Years as a Coach: 22nd Personal Wife: Lindsay Children: Mackenzie Rose Education
South Dakota State ‘07 Master’s in Sports Administration
South Dakota State ‘05 Master’s in Educational Administration
Black Hills State ‘00 Bachelor’s in Secondary Education
Playing Experience
Black Hills State Quarterback, 1997-99
Year-by-Year Coaching History
2019-Present
2004-05
Co-Special Teams Coord./ TEs/FBs
SHANNON MOORE
(Black Hills State ‘00) Co-Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends/Fullbacks
Shannon Moore will enter his sixth season coaching the Wyoming tight ends and fullbacks and coordinating special teams for the Pokes in 2024. He joined the Wyoming coaching staff in January 2019. Moore came to Wyoming after spending the previous three years at East Carolina University. He will be coaching in his 22nd season in ‘24.
In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. The tight end room found great success for the Brown and Gold. Treyton Welch wa named Jonorable Mention All-MW. he recorded 31 receptions for 208 yards with two touchdowns. He signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Browns. John Michael Gyllenborg added 23 catches for 360 yards along with three scores. He averaged 15.7 yards per catch for the season.
Moore coached Wyoming tight end Treyton Welch in 2022. Welch was selected as the First Team All-Mountain West tight end by Pro Football Focus (PFF) in ‘22. He also earned Third Team All-MW honors from Phil Steele and was an Honorable Mention AllMountain selection by MW head coaches and media. Welch was the only Mountain West tight end to rank in the Top 10 in the MW in TD receptions last season, tying for No. 4 with five total touchdown catches. Welch received an “A” grade from PFF for the 2022 season. Welch and fullback/tight end Parker Christensen ranked third and fourth for Wyoming in receptions in ‘22. Welch caught 22 passes for 308 yards, and Christensen had 19 catches for 169. All total, Moore’s tight-end and fullback group accounted for a total of 53 receptions for 604 yards and six TD receptions in ‘22.
Wyoming’s 2022 offense ranked No. 1 in the MW and No. 14 in the nation in red-zone offense (90.6 percent) and No. 3 in the MW and No. 44 nationally in rushing offense (181.4 yards per game). The offense ranked No. 3 in the league and No. 25 nationally in fewest tackles for loss allowed (4.46 per game) and ranked No. 3 in the conference and No. 30 in the nation in fewest sacks allowed (1.46 per game). The Cowboys also generated a 1,000-yard rusher in ‘22 in Titus Swen (1,039 yards). Moore’s special teams blocked two kicks in the ‘22 season to rank No. 3 in the conference and No. 36 in the nation.
Wyoming entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country but went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the ‘22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai’i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming’s 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
The 2021 Wyoming rushing attack ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 20 in the NCAA, averaging 211.7 yards per game.
UW’s passing attack was fourth best in the MW and No. 38 in the nation in average yards per completion (13.06 yards). The Cowboys posted a 7-6 record and won their third consecutive bowl game, with a convincing 52-38 win over Kent State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The 52 points scored in the bowl victory was a school record for a bowl game. Wyoming scored 40 or more points four times during the season in victories at Northern Illinois (50 points), vs. Ball State (45), at eventual MW champion Utah State (44) and vs. Kent State.
Moore’s tight ends and fullbacks had a productive 2021 season. Treyton Welch caught 19 passes for 163 yards. Parker Christensen had 13 receptions for 127, while Colin O’Brien caught two passes for 27 yards and Jackson Marcotte added one reception for six yards. Combined, the four tight ends caught 35 passes for 323 yards.
That 2021 tight end group helped block for Wyoming’s No. 2 all-time career rusher Xazavian Valladay and sophomore Titus Swen, who combined for an extremely effective season. Valladay recorded the second 1,000-yard rushing season of his career (1,070 yards) and Swen rushed for 785 yards. Both earned All-Conference recognition in ‘21. Valladay received Second Team All-MW honors from head coaches and media. Swen was a Second Team selection by Pro Football Focus. Valladay ranked No. 3 in the Mountain West in rushing yards (82.3 yards per game). Swen ranked No. 2 in the MW and No. 26 in the nation in yards per carry (5.95).
The 2021 kickoff return team for the Cowboys ranked No. 3 in the Mountain West and No. 39 in the FBS, averaging 23.0 yards per return. Leading that unit was Cowboy cornerback, Cam Stone, who averaged 40.0 yards per kickoff return and returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown in Wyoming’s 44-17 road win over eventual MW champion Utah State. Stone was named an Honorable Mention All-MW honoree by Pro Football Focus.
Wyoming’s 2020 offense again featured one of the most effective rushing attacks in the country among FBS teams. The Pokes ranked No. 14 in the nation in rushing, averaging 219.5 rushing yards per game. UW’s passing attack also ranked No. 7 nationally in passing yards per completion (14.84 yards per pass completion). The Cowboys ranked No. 24 in fewest turnovers committed (9 total turnovers) and were No. 32 in red-zone offense (converting 23 of 26 red-zone opportunities into points). The tight end group combined for 12 catches for 184 yards in six games, with sophomore Treyton Welch leading the group with five receptions for 95 yards. Moore’s tight ends and fullbacks were key in opening holes for junior running back Xazavian Valladay, who earned First Team All-Mountain West honors and led the league in rushing for the second consecutive season. Valladay averaged 110.0 rushing yards per game to not only lead the Mountain West but rank No. 17 in the nation. He also averaged 131.00 all-purpose yards per game to rank No. 27 nationally.
In 2019, the Cowboy offense ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 23 in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 214.8 yards per game. The Cowboy offense also ranked No. 10 in the NCAA in passing yards per completion (14.75 yards per completion), No. 14 in fewest tackles for loss allowed (4.62 per game), No. 26 in fewest fumbles lost (6), No. 32 in third-down conversions (43.3 percent), No. 32 in fewest sacks allowed (1.62 per game) and No. 33 in fewest turnovers committed (15). The Cowboy fullbacks and tight ends helped block for running back Valladay, who earned First Team All-Mountain West honors for the 2019 season. Valladay was one of only three running backs in the nation named to the Associated Press All-Bowl team. Moore’s tight ends combined for 29 receptions for 391 yards and four touchdowns in 2019, and were led by senior team captain Josh Harshman from Casper, Wyo., who had 20 catches for 264 yards and two TDs. On special teams, Wyoming ranked No. 1 in the Mountain West and No. 4 in the nation in kickoff returns, averaging 27.73 yards per return. UW was No. 4 in the MW and No. 34 in the NCAA in punt returns, averaging 10.76 yards per return, and senior punt returner Austin Conway ranked No. 2 in the conference and No. 14 nationally in punt returns (10.8 yards per return). Conway was named Second Team All-Mountain West as a return specialist in voting by conference head coaches and media.
Moore came to Wyoming from East Carolina University, which is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Moore coached at East Carolina for three seasons from 2016-18. His first two seasons, he coached the tight ends and coordinated the special teams for the Pirates, including coordinating the field goal, punt and kickoff return and punt and kickoff coverage teams. In 2016, punter Worth Gregory earned All-American Athletic Conference honors and place-kicker Davis Plowman ranked No. 2 in the AAC in field goals made per game and in field-goal percentage. The 2017 season saw punter Austin Barnes lead the AAC in punting and rank No. 19 in the nation, while place-kicker Jake Verity ranked No. 2 in the AAC and No. 33 in the nation in field goals made per game. Punter Worth went to mini-camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars when his college career ended in 2016, and tight end Stephen Baggett earned a spot in the Cleveland Browns’ preseason camp following his senior season of 2017. Moore’s final season, he continued to coach the tight ends, while also being given the responsibility of being East Carolina’s recruiting coordinator.
Before joining the East Carolina coaching staff, Moore coached for two seasons (2014-15) at Florida International University where he served as the special teams coordinator both seasons. His 2014 Panther special teams’ units ranked No. 1 overall in Conference USA in special teams combined rankings, and his 2015 special teams were No. 3 overall. Punt returner Richard Leonard led Conference USA in punt returns both seasons and earned First Team All-Conference honors as a punt returner in both 2014 and ‘15. Leonard set a new FIU single-season school record for punt returns in 2014, averaging 23.76 yards per return. Leonard went on to play for the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League. The Panthers ranked No. 1 in C-USA in punt returns as a team in 2014 and ranked No. 2 in the nation. Moore’s 2015 special teams led the league and ranked among the country’s best in punt return average (10.8 yards per return), most blocked kicks (four) and fewest blocks allowed (zero).
Moore coached for eight seasons as a full-time assistant coach at South Dakota State (2006-13) and two years at SDSU as a graduate assistant (2003-04). During his time at South Dakota State, he coordinated special teams and coached tight ends his last four seasons from 2010-13. Prior to that, Moore coached the running backs and tight ends from 2006-08, before taking on the duties of special teams coordinator and quarterbacks coach during the 2009 season.
South Dakota and Wyoming and the Dallas metropolitan area
During his tenure with the Jackrabbits, Moore coached four All-Conference running backs and a pair of All-Conference tight ends. At running back, Kyle Minett developed into a two-time All-America honoree while ranking second in career rushing with 4,277 yards. Anthony Watson and Cory Koenig also ended their careers in the top five on SDSU’s career rushing chart. Moore played an instrumental role in the development of two-time All-Great West Football Conference tight end Chris Wagner, who later signed as a free agent with the Oakland Raiders. Moore also served as a mentor to tight end Colin Cochart, who earned First-Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors in 2010 and later signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Jackrabbits consistently ranked among the top teams in the Missouri Valley Football Conference in several special teams categories under Moore’s direction. SDSU ranked first or second in kickoff coverage in 2010 and 2011, while ranking among the Top 20 nationally for net punting in those respective campaigns. The Jackrabbits also ranked ninth nationally for kickoff returns with an average of 23.86 yards per return in 2010.
In addition to his coaching duties, Moore performed a key role in the academic success of the South Dakota State football program, which led its league in the number of Academic All-League selections in each of his eight seasons. Six Jackrabbits earned Capital One Academic All-America honors, two received Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Athletic Directors Association Postgraduate Scholarships and another pair were bestowed with NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships. Moore previously served as a graduate assistant at SDSU during the 2003 and 2004 seasons, working with the running backs, tight ends and special teams.
Before returning to Brookings, he served as head coach of the Wyoming Cavalry of the National Indoor Football League, where he compiled an 18-11 record over two seasons in 2004 and ‘05. In 2005, Moore led the Casper-based Cavalry to a franchise-best, 10-5 record and a playoff berth, while also serving as the team’s offensive coordinator.
Moore played three seasons at Black Hills (S.D.) State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 2000. Moore completed his master’s degree in educational administration in 2005 and his master’s in sports administration in 2007, both from South Dakota State.
A native of Gordon, Neb., Moore and his wife, Lindsay, have one daughter, Mackenzie Rose.
JEFF PHELPS
(Ball State ‘98) Defensive Tackles
University of Wyoming head football coach Jay Sawvel announced the addition of Jeff Phelps to the coaching staff. The veteran coach will mentor the defensive tackles for the Brown Gold. He has nearly 25 seasons of experience in coaching and spent time with Sawvel at Northern Illinois and Minnesota.
“I worked with coach Phelps for three seasons at Northern Illinois and six seasons at Minnesota and I know the quality of coach we are adding, but most importantly the quality of person we are bringing into the program,”, Sawvel said. “He will fit seamlessly into our program and I’m excited for him to get started with players.”
Among his career highlights, Phelps has been part of 15 bowl games and coached two-time MidAmerican Conference MVP Larry English, a first-round draft pick in 2009. He was part of a Minnesota team in 2016 that ranked 12th in the nation in tackles for loss, and his 2018 Washington State team led the Pac-12 with 38 sacks. He spent nine seasons coaching with Cowboy head coach Sawvel at NIU and Minnesota.
“It is a great opportunity to reconnect with coach Sawvel and not just him, I know a lot of the staff by working with them before and meeting them out on the road recruiting,” Phelps said. “My family and I are very excited to be in Wyoming and we are excited to connect with family in this great area of the country.”
Phelps comes to Wyoming after one season as defensive tackles coach at North Dakota State. The Bison made an appearance in the FCS Semifinals last season. He helped mentor Eli Mostaert to All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors last season. Phelps also coached the field goal block team, as NDSU blocked an extra point to earn a spot in the FCS Semifinals.
Prior to his time at NDSU, Phelps spent three seasons coaching the defensive line at Mississippi State. The Bulldogs played in three bowl games during his time in Starkville and sported an 8-4 record in 2022.
He spent 2017-09 on staff at Washington State. In 2019 Phelps mentored Lamonte McDougle who was the Cougars highest-graded defensive interior lineman according to Pro Football Focus. McDougle was especially strong in the run game, ranking fifth in the Pac-12 with an 80.6 rundefense grade. Will Rodgers III led the Cougars in sacks with 4.0 and was second in tackles for loss with 6.0. He racked up 25 total pressures per PFF, which ranked sixth in the conference among defensive interior linemen. Rodgers tied for the league lead in QB hits by a defensive interior lineman with five on the season.
Phelps’ 2018 defensive front anchored the Cougar “Speed D” that led the Pac-12 with 38.0 sacks, the ninth-most in Washington State single-season history, and finished second in the league with 88.0 tackles for loss. The defensive line featured just one returning starter but combined for 34.0 tackles for loss and 14.0 sacks, led by All-Pac-12 second-team selection Logan Tago, who set career highs of 10.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. The Cougars finished the season ranked third in the Pac-12 in rushing defense and No. 42 nationally in total defense.
In 2017, Phelps directed a defensive line that produced 45.5 tackles for loss and 20.0 sacks, helping the Cougar defense to rank in the top 20 in eight different categories. He also mentored Hercules Mata’afa to one of the finest seasons in program history as the redshirt-junior garnered Consensus All-America honors and was named the 2017 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year. Mata’afa registered 10.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss and was named the Associated Press Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
He spent six seasons as the defensive line coach at the University of Minnesota (2011-16). During his final season there, the Gophers’ defense ranked 12th in the nation in tackles for loss, 14th in rushing yards allowed and 22nd in sacks. During his six seasons in Minneapolis, Phelps was a part of five bowl teams and coached four players who earned All-Big Ten honors, including 2013 third team All-American Ra’Shede Hagemen, who was a 2014 second-round draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons.
Phelps joined the Minnesota staff after spending five years coaching at Northern Illinois (200610). From 2008-10, he coached the Huskies’ defensive line. In 2006-07, Phelps was responsible for coaching the defensive tackles.
Phelps coached defensive end Larry English at NIU. English went on to be named the MidAmerican Conference’s Most Valuable Player twice and was the 2008 MAC Defensive Player of the Year. He was the 16th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, going to the San Diego Chargers.
Phelps was an All-MAC outside linebacker for Ball State, where he graduated in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Ball State in 1999 before moving on to DePauw as a linebackers and running backs coach (2000-2002) and Hillsdale as a defensive line coach (2003-2005).
Phelps and his wife Tyla have two childeren, a son Carsen and a daughter Harlyn.
JOE TRIPODI
(Northwestern ‘06) Offensive Line
Joe Tripodi joined the Wyoming Football coaching staff as the Cowboys’ offensive line coach in February 2022. He will be entering his third season coaching Wyoming’s offensive line in 2024 and his 15th season as a college coach. Tripodi previously coached the offensive line at Temple University for three seasons from 2019-21 and coached nine seasons at Northern Illinois from 2010-18.
In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. His unit was named to the Joe Moore Award Mid-season Watch List, as the award goes to the best offensive line in the nation. Frank Crum was named First Team All-MW, as Crum signed with the Denver Broncos in April. Jack Walsh was named Pro Football Focus First Team All-MW and earned Third Team honors from Phil Steele.
In his first season with Wyoming in 2022, the Cowboy offense ranked No. 1 in the MW and No. 14 in the nation in red-zone offense (90.6 percent) and No. 3 in the MW and No. 44 nationally in rushing offense (181.4 yards per game). The offense ranked No. 3 in the league and No. 25 nationally in fewest tackles for loss allowed (4.46 per game) and ranked No. 3 in the conference and No. 30 in the nation in fewest sacks allowed (1.46 per game). Tripodi’s offensive line helped pave the way for a 1,000-yard rusher in 2022 as Titus Swen rushed for 1,039 yards.
All five of Tripodi’s starting offensive linemen earned All-Conference recognition in ‘22. Offensive guard Zach Watts was selected First Team All-Mountain West by Pro Football Focus (PFF). PFF named Cowboy center Nofoafia Tulafono to its Second Team. Offensive tackle Frank Crum was selected to PFF’s Third Team along with offensive guard Emmanuel Pregnon. Offensive guard Eric Abojei was named Third Team All-MW by Phil Steele. Pregnon was also named a Second Team Freshman AllAmerican by College Football News.
Wyoming entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country but went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the ‘22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai’i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming’s 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
Tripodi is a former starting offensive lineman himself at Northwestern University of the Big Ten. He started the final 24 consecutive games he played for the Wildcats and was part of two Northwestern teams to earn bowl bids -- the 2003 Motor City Bowl and the 2005 Sun Bowl. He was the co-recipient of the inaugural Randy Walker Wildcat Award in 2006, which is awarded to the player with the best work ethic, toughness and warrior attitude.
During Tripodi’s three seasons at Temple from 2019-21, he coached First Team All-America center Matt Hennessy in 2019. Hennessy was also a finalist for the 2019 Rimington Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s top collegiate center each season. The Owls’ earned a berth in the 2019 Military Bowl. Tripodi coached five All-America Athletic Conference players at Temple, and had two of his offensive lineman go on to the NFL, including Hennessy, who was a third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons.
Prior to Temple, Tripodi spent nine seasons at Northern Illinois. In his last three seasons at Northern Illinois from 2016-18, Tripodi was the Offensive Run-Game Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach for the Huskies. NIU ranked 17th in the nation in rushing offense and 31st in total offense in 2016, while allowing only 8.0 total sacks to opponents to rank No. 2 in the country in fewest sacks allowed.
Tripodi was the offensive line coach at NIU from 2013-15. He coached the tight ends and fullbacks in 2012, and was an offensive graduate assistant coach in 2010-11.
Over his nine years on the Huskies’ coaching staff, NIU captured four MAC Championships in 2011, ‘12, ‘14 and ‘18, and won seven MAC West Division titles in 2010, ‘11, ‘12, ‘13, ‘14, ‘15 and ‘18. He coached 19 All-MAC offensive linemen at NIU, had one William V. Campbell Finalist (symbolic of the nation’s top football scholar-athlete), and coached six All-America players. Tripodi also had five players earn opportunities with NFL teams, including Max Scharping, who was a second round pick of the Houston Texans. Tripodi’s offensive line helped block for quarterback Jordan Lynch at Northern Illinois. Lynch finished seventh in the Heisman voting in 2012 and placed third in the 2013 Heisman balloting.
Tripodi was a member of eight bowl teams at Northern Illinois in nine seasons, highlighted by an appearance in the Orange Bowl at the conclusion of the 2012 season. The Huskies won the 2010 uDrove Humanitarian Bowl, the 2011 GoDaddy.com Bowl, and played in the 2013 Poinsettia Bowl, 2014 Boca Raton Bowl, 2015 Poinsettia Bowl, the 2017 Quick Lane Bowl and the 2018 Boca Raton Bowl.
He and his wife, Rachel, have one daughter, Emma, and one son, Roman. Tripodi completed his bachelor’s degree in communications from Northwestern in 2006 and his master’s degree in adult and higher education from NIU in 2011.
He recruits Iowa and Wisconsin for the Cowboys.
Eric Donoval
Coaching Experience
Years at Wyoming: 7th
Years as a College Coach: 15th
Personal
Wife: Lindsay
Children: Marli Education
LSU ‘12 Master’s in Kinesiology & Sport Pedagogy
Wisconsin-La Crosse ‘10 Bachelor’s in Excercise & Sport Science
Playing Experience
Wisconsin-LaCrosse Running Back, 2005-08
Year-by-Year Coaching History
2020-Pres. Wyoming Director of Sports Performance
2018-19 Wyoming Assoc. Director of Sports Performance
2013-17 LSU Asst. Strength & Conditioning Coach
2010-12 LSU Graduate Asst. in Strength & Conditioning
2015
ERIC DONOVAL
(Wisconsin-La Crosse ‘10) Director of Sports Performance/ Head Football Strength and Conditioning Coach
Eric Donoval is in his fifth year serving as Director of Sports Performance for Cowboy Football and his seventh overall year at Wyoming. Donoval has been a member of the Wyoming Football strength and conditioning staff since January of 2018. He was the Associate Director of Sports Performance for Wyoming Football in 2018 and ‘19 before being promoted to the head position in January of 2020. In his current role, he oversees all strength and conditioning training for the Cowboy Football program, including supervising a staff of full-time assistants and graduate assistant coaches that work directly with football.
In 2023, the Pokes would win nine games, as it was Wyoming's first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. The unit finished the season winning the final three games of the campaign showing great conditioning down the stretch.
His first two years at Wyoming, Donoval was instrumental in working with the Cowboy Football skill positions, tailoring their strength and conditioning programs specifically to their position needs. During that time, he was very successful in helping Wyoming achieve bowl eligibility each of those two seasons and win the 2019 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl Championship.
Donoval and his staff helped develop a Wyoming team that entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country but went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the ‘22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai’i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming’s 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
In 2021, Donoval developed the Cowboys on way to a 7-6 season and a dominating 52-38 win over Kent State in the 2021 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. It was Wyoming’s third consecutive bowl victory. The 52 points were the most scored by a Wyoming team in school history.
Donoval came to Wyoming from Louisiana State University (LSU) where he was an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the LSU football program from 2013-17. He worked directly in training the Tiger defensive backs and wide receivers. Donoval also created and taught the speed workouts for the entire Tiger football team. He was the head of the Polar GPS monitoring system utilized by LSU football to monitor and evaluate student-athletes’ physical activity during both training sessions and competitions. He worked with the highly-respected strength and conditioning coach, Tommy Moffitt, at LSU. Donoval and his staff also use the Polar GPS system at Wyoming to monitor the performance of Wyoming Cowboy Football student-athletes.
Donoval has had the opportunity to work with some elite athletes at both Wyoming and LSU. At Wyoming, he has trained a number of players who went on to the NFL. The most recent of those Cowboys was linebacker Chad Muma, who in 2021 earned Second Team All-America honors from both the Walter Camp Football Foundation and Pro Football Focus and received Third Team All-America recognition from Associated Press. He was also one of six national finalists for the Butkus Award. Muma was the Sixth Pick in the Third Round (70th overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 NFL Draft. Among other former Cowboys who Donoval worked with who went on to the NFL were: Marcus Epps, Carl Granderson, Tyler Hall, Cassh Maluia, Logan Wilson and Andrew Wingard. Donoval also worked with a number of high NFL Draft picks at LSU, including: Jamal Adams, Odell Beckham Jr., Leonard Fournette, Jarvis Landry, Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Peterson, Devin White and Tre’Davious White.
Prior to becoming a full-time assistant at LSU, Donoval served as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Tigers starting in the summer of 2010 through 2012. He worked with the sports of football and baseball as a graduate assistant, while serving as the head strength coach for both women’s volleyball and men’s golf.
During his time at LSU, the Tigers won the Cotton Bowl at the conclusion of the 2010 season. LSU played in the BCS National Championship game following the 2011 season, finishing as the national runner-up to Alabama. In 2012, LSU appeared in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. The Tigers won the Outback Bowl following the 2013 season and appeared in the Music City Bowl in 2014. LSU captured the Texas Bowl Championship in 2015, won the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in 2016 and appeared in the Citrus Bowl following the 2017 season.
Donoval was a student strength and conditioning coach and mentor at his alma mater, Wisconsin-La Crosse, from January 2008 to April 2010 while completing his undergraduate degree. He was an accomplished college running back and return specialist at Wisconsin-La Crosse, earning First Team All-Conference honors as a return specialist and Honorable Mention AllConference honors as a running back as a senior in 2008. Donoval was named his team’s MVP in 2008. He also earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors as a return specialist as a junior in 2007. He lettered in football all four years (2005-08) at Wisconsin-La Crosse. He also lettered in track and field his freshman year of college before giving up that sport to focus on football. He competed in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 4 x 100-meter relay and 4 x 200-meter relay.
Following his college career, Donoval played football for the Wisconsin Wolfpack of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) in Madison, Wis., from January 2009 to April 2010. He was a starting running back and slot receiver for the Wolfpack. Donoval led the CIFL in rushing and was a league MVP nominee in 2010.
The Sheboygan, Wis., native completed his bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science with a concentration in strength and conditioning from Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2010. He received his master’s degree in kinesiology and sport pedagogy from LSU in 2012.
Donoval and his wife, Lindsay, have one daughter, Marli.
NICK FULTON
(Sioux Falls ‘04) Associate Athletics Director for Football Operations
Nick Fulton was announced as Wyoming’s new Associate Athletics Director for Football Operations in January 2022. He will be entering his fourth overall season as a part of the Cowboy Football staff, having also served as a graduate assistant coach at UW in 2010 and ‘11. Fulton will be entering his 19th year of college football coaching and administrative experience in the 2023 season.
Fulton grew up in Laramie where he was an outstanding high school football player. He went on to play collegiately at the University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, S.D., earning All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-America honors as an offensive linemen. Prior to returning to Wyoming, he most recently was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colo.
He is responsible for a variety of administrative duties with the Cowboys, including planning team travel, monitoring the football budget, serving as a liaison with the UW Athletics academic counseling staff and helping coordinate a number of team functions.
Having worked for the Cowboy Football program previously as a graduate assistant and having grown up in Laramie, Fulton has an excellent understanding of Wyoming Football.
In his first season back with Cowboy Football, Fulton was part of a football staff that developed a team that entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country but went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the ‘22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai’i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming’s 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
Fulton served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colo., in the COVID-shortened season of 2020. Prior to that, he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo., for the 2019 season.
Fulton enjoyed a very successful four-year run at Colorado School of Mines from 2015-18. The Orediggers advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs in 2016 and 2018 and captured the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Championship both seasons. During that four-year span in Golden, Colo., Mines posted records of 8-3 in 2015, 10-3 in 2016, 7-4 in 2017 and 10-2 in 2018.
In 2016, Mines posted a 10-3 record, were champions of the RMAC and advanced to the Second Round of the Division II Playoffs. Fulton coached 2016 Harlon Hill Award winner, quarterback Justin Dvorak. The Harlon Hill Award is presented to the NCAA Division II football player of the year each season. Fulton’s offensive unit ranked No. 1 in the nation in total offense, averaging 566.8 yards per game, ranked No. 1 in the country in first downs (373), ranked No. 2 in passing offense (359.8 yards per game) and ranked No. 3 in scoring offense (47.5 points per game).
The 2018 Orediggers recorded a 10-2 record, won the RMAC Championship and advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs for the second time in three seasons. Mines’ offense again led the nation in total offense, averaging 556.8 yards per game, ranked No. 2 in first downs (307) and passing offense (331.9 yards per game) and ranked No. 4 in the country in scoring offense (47.2 points per game).
Fulton also coached Harlon Hill Award candidate Cameron Mayberry at running back in 2017. Mayberry averaged 156.6 rushing yards per game that season to rank No. 3 in the nation in rushing, and he averaged 200.0 all-purpose yards per game to rank No. 3 in the nation in that category.
Prior to coaching at Colorado School of Mines, Fulton spent three seasons (2012-14) as the offensive coordinator, recruiting coordinator and football academic coordinator at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D. While at Black Hills State, Fulton’s offense set a school record for total offense in the 2014 season, averaging 433.3 yards per game, and quarterback Ward Anderson ranked No. 6 in the country in total offense (337.5 yards per game). Fulton coached the Yellow Jackets offensive linemen in 2012 and ‘13 and coached the quarterbacks in 2014.
Fulton was a graduate assistant coach at the University of Wyoming for the 2010 and ‘11 seasons. He worked primarily in assisting Wyoming’s offensive coordinator in practices and games, including aiding in coaching Cowboy quarterbacks and wide receivers. On game days, Fulton was involved in signaling in offensive plays. In addition to his coaching duties, he also was actively involved in assisting Wyoming’s recruiting coordinator in all aspects of the recruiting process. Fulton was part of a 2011 Cowboy team that finished the season with an 8-5 overall record and finished third in the Mountain West behind only TCU and Boise State. The 2011 Cowboys earned a bid to the 2011 New Mexico Bowl.
In the summer of 2006, Fulton was hired as an assistant coach at Doane College in Crete, Neb. For four seasons from 2006-09, Fulton served in several roles on the Doane staff including: offensive line/tight ends coach, interim director of football operations and head junior varsity coach. He coached nine offensive linemen who earned AllConference honors at Crete.
Fulton’s first college coaching job was at his alma mater, the University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, S.D. He served as the offensive line coach for the Cougars for the 2005 season. Sioux Falls advanced to the semifinals of the 2005 NAIA Playoffs and finished the season ranked No. 4 in the national rankings. Upon graduating from Sioux Falls with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Fulton served as an admissions counselor at Sioux Falls from July 2004 to August 2006.
Fulton played his college football at the University of Sioux Falls following his graduation from Laramie High School. He was a standout offensive lineman during his college career from 1999-2003. Fulton earned All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-America honors as an offensive lineman. He was part of three consecutive conference championship teams in 2001, ‘02 and ‘03 at the University of Sioux Falls. The 2001 team played in the NAIA National Championship Game in 2001, finishing as the national runner-up.
Fulton and his wife, Becki, were married in December of 2014. They have two young daughters, Gwenna and Mara.
Nick Fulton Career Profile
Administrative Experience
Years at Wyoming: 5th
Years in College Football: 20th
Personal
Wife: Becki
Children: Gwenna and Mara
Education
Sioux Falls ‘04 Bachelor’s in Communications
Playing Experience
Sioux Falls Offensive Lineman, 1999-03
Year-by-Year Coaching/Administrative History
2022-Pres. Wyoming Associate A.D. for Football Operations
2020 Colorado Mesa Offensive Coordinator/QBs
2019 N. Colorado Offensive Coordinator/QBs
2015-18 Colo. Mines Offensive Coordinator/QBs
2012-14 Black Hills St. Offensive Coordinator/ Recruiting Coordinator
2010-11 Wyoming Graduate Assistant Coach
2006-09 Doane College Offensive Line/Tight Ends
2005 Sioux Falls Offensive Line/Special Teams
Postseason Coaching/ Administrative Experience
2023 Wyoming Arizona Bowl Champions
2022 Wyoming Arizona Bowl
2018 Colorado Mines NCAA Division II First Round
2016 Colorado Mines NCAA Division II Second Round
2011 Wyoming Gildan New Mexico Bowl
2005 Sioux Falls NAIA Semifinals
Kirby O’Meara Career Profile
Administrative Experience
Years at Wyoming: 2nd Years as a College Coach: 11th
Personal
Wife: Hannah Education
Central Arkansas ‘13 Bachelor’s in Business Administration
Playing Experience
Central Arkansas Long Snapper, 2010-13 Year-by-Year
Administrative History
2023-Pres. Wyoming Director of Player Personnel
2022 UCF Director of Player Personnel
2018-21 Florida Assistant Director of Player Personnel
(Central Arkansas ‘13) Director of Player Personnel
Kirby O’Meara joined the Wyoming Football program as Director of Player Personnel in January of 2023 and is in his second season with the Pokes. O’Meara came to Wyoming from the University of Central Florida (UCF). The 2024 season will be O’Meara’s 11th working in college football.
O’Meara has been involved in college football recruiting since 2014. His most recent experience was as the Director of Player Personnel at UCF beginning in April of 2022. During the 2022 season, he was involved in assisting the Knight football coaches in all aspects of recruiting. He oversaw the identification and evaluation process of all recruiting prospects, assisted in planning and coordinating on-campus recruiting visits and events, managed the recruiting database for UCF Football and was heavily involved in roster management. UCF earned a bid to the 2022 Military Bowl.
Prior to his time at UCF, O’Meara spent four seasons as the Assistant Director of Player Personnel at the University of Florida from January of 2018 through December of 2021. Over that four-year span, he assisted in developing and implementing the action plan for the player personnel department. Among his duties were: evaluating potential prospects, building and managing the database of prospects broken down by coaches’ recruiting areas and by prospects’ positions, managing recruiting services for the department, hiring and overseeing student recruiting interns and assisting the coaching staff in the recruitment of prospects. During his time at Florida, the Gators won the Peach Bowl at the end of the 2018 season and won the Orange Bowl at the conclusion of the 2019 season. Florida also appeared in the Cotton Bowl in 2020 and the Gasparilla Bowl in 2021.
O’Meara began his college player personnel career at the University of Arkansas in 2014. He started out as a Recruiting Specialist for Razorback Football for three seasons from May of 2014 through March of 2017. He assisted in the evaluation and identification process of potential recruits, assisted in planning and coordinating official and unofficial visits on campus, helped coordinate the videotape on potential recruits for evaluation by the coaching staff and assisted in managing student interns.
In April of 2017, O’Meara was promoted to the position of Personnel Quality Control for Razorback Football, with increased responsibilities within the player personnel department. He served in that role for the 2017 season before moving on to the University of Florida in January of 2018. While he was at Arkansas, the Razorbacks won the Texas Bowl in 2014, won the Liberty Bowl in 2015 and participated in the Belk Bowl in 2016.
He also spent part of the summer of 2016 as a training camp scouting intern for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL.
O’Meara earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting and finance from the University of Central Arkansas in December of 2013. Prior to entering a career in college football, O’Meara worked in the accounting field following graduation through the time he joined the University of Arkansas football program in the summer of 2014.
O’Meara played college football at Central Arkansas from 2010-13 where he was the team’s starting long snapper. He began his college career at TCU, redshirting his freshman season of 2009 before transferring to Central Arkansas. A native of Georgetown, Texas, he played his high school football at Georgetown High School.
SAMANTHA PATTEN
(Florida ‘20)
Director of On-Campus Recruiting
Samantha Patten was hired as Wyoming’s Director of On-Campus Recruiting in August of 2022. Patten came to Wyoming after most recently serving as a recruiting intern for the University of Florida football program from 2018 to 2020.
At Wyoming, she works closely with the Cowboy coaching staff in coordinating on-campus visits by recruits and hosting recruits and their families while on campus. She also assists the Executive Director of Recruiting and Director of Player Personnel in helping manage all recruiting activities. Patten also assists in hosting special events for Cowboy Football.
Patten’s position at the University of Florida in the summer of 2022 was as a football intern and recruiting analyst. She assisted in planning official and unofficial recruiting visits for prospective student-athletes. Patten helped host recruits and their families while on campus, including conducting tours of the Florida campus and the athletics facilities. She held that position from May to July of 2022 before accepting her full-time position with Wyoming Football.
Since graduating from Florida in August 2020, Patten has also gained valuable experience working in two different roles affiliated with the NFL. From September 2021 to April 2022, Patten worked as a coaching and personnel intern with Athletes First, which is one of the most prestigious agencies representing NFL players, coaches, administrative personnel and broadcasters. She attended the 2022 NFL Combine, assisting with setup of the venue and registration. Patten helped create personalized graphics and presentations for clients and was involved in data analysis and execution of other creative materials. She specifically assisted in planning and creating head-coaching interview presentations for Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus.
Patten’s other NFL experience was working as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ game-day event and entertainment staff from August 2021 to January 2022. She assisted with the Fan Entertainment Zone, coordinating with corporate sponsors on set up and breakdown. During home games, Patten served on the field as a liaison to pre-game and halftime performers. She also engaged with fans to help ensure their overall positive game-day experience.
From December 2020 to June 2021, Patten gained experience as a game operations and marketing intern with the Orlando Solar Bears, a minor-league hockey team affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL. She helped create and organize all in-game promotions and intermission contests, as well as assisted in planning and implementation of other special events and promotions for the team. Patten was also involved with management of the Solar Bears Twitter account during games.
As an undergraduate at the University of Florida, Patten was a recruiting and administrative assistant with Gator Football from January 2018 to May 2020. She assisted in updating information on prospective studentathletes for use by the Florida recruiting and coaching staffs as they evaluated potential recruits. Patten helped in organizing recruiting events for prospects and their families, and she helped design and create recruiting materials that focused on the various academic programs available at the University of Florida. She was also a Gator Football Ambassador from January 2017 to January 2018, helping host prospects and their families on game days.
Patten earned her bachelor of science degree in advertising, with a concentration in art studies and graphic design from Florida in August 2020.
AUSTIN MAUS
(Iowa ‘21) Assistant Director of Player Personnel--
Austin Maus will be serving as Assistant Director of Player Personnel for the first time this season, as he was a Wyoming graduate assistant for his third consecutive year in 2023. Maus was the Offensive Quality Control Graduate Assistant for Wyoming in 2021 and has been the Offensive Graduate Assistant Coach in 2022 and ‘23.
As an offensive graduate assistant, Maus assists players in skill development, breaks down weekly opponent film, leads scout team meetings with Wyoming’s scout team players and coaches them during practice to simulate opponents’ plays. He also helps create opponent scouting reports, generates practice scripts and daily drawings for position groups, participates in game-plan meetings with the coaching staff each week and meets with prospective student-athletes on recruiting visits.
In 2022, he was part of a Wyoming football staff that developed a team that entered the 2022 college football season as the fourth youngest team in the country but went on to record a 7-6 record, finish second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division and earn a spot in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Along the way the ‘22 Pokes defeated rivals Air Force, Colorado State, Hawai’i, Utah State and American Athletic Conference member Tulsa. Wyoming’s 7-6 record gave them their fifth winning season in the past seven seasons.
In 2021, Maus assisted the tight ends/fullbacks coach in practice preparation, creating practice plans and compiling scouting materials on upcoming opponents to provide to the Cowboy coaching staff as they prepared game plans. Maus was also involved in providing information to the coaching staff on game days.
The 2021 Wyoming Cowboys posted a 7-6 record and won their third consecutive bowl game, with a convincing 52-38 win over Kent State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The 52 points scored in the bowl victory was a school record for a bowl game. Wyoming scored 40 or more points four times during the season in victories at Northern Illinois (50 points), vs. Ball State (45), at eventual MW champion Utah State (44) and vs. Kent State.
Before coming to Wyoming in 2021, Maus was a recruiting assistant with the University of Iowa football program from August 2017 to March 2019 and then became a student assistant with Hawkeye Football from March 2019 through June 2021.
Maus earned his bachelor’s degree in management with a minor in sports and recreation management from Iowa in May 2021.
Austin Maus
Samantha Patten
JAKE CHAPMAN
Director of Recruiting Operations/Video Coordinator
Jake Chapman is entering his 11th year as a member of the Wyoming Football staff in 2024. He accepted the additional responsibility of serving as Director of Recruiting Operations for the Wyoming Football program in the Spring of 2019. Chapman will provide technical support to the recruiting efforts of Cowboy Football, while continuing to serve as the Video Coordinator for the UW football program.
Chapman originally joined the Wyoming Athletics Department in January of 2014 as video coordinator for Cowboy Football. Chapman coordinates filming of all practice and game footage for Wyoming Football, and supervises a group of student filmers. He is proficient in utilizing XOS Thunder and DragonFly Software for editing practice footage. He posts edited video footage with the use of XOS ThunderCloud IPad software and makes that footage available to members of the Wyoming Football coaching staff and players for film study. Chapman also coordinates recruiting video on potential recruits, which is utilized by the Cowboy coaching staff in all recruiting efforts. He provides video content for a variety of recruiting events during the year. Management of UW Football meeting rooms is one of Chapman’s other responsibilities. He also assists television networks when they arrive on campus by providing video footage for review by TV announce crews.
Prior to Wyoming, Chapman served as the football video coordinator at North Dakota State from 2012 through 2013. His responsibilities at NDSU mirrored those he performs as video coordinator at Wyoming. In addition, Chapman helped conduct facility and campus tours and assisted with coordinating recruit visit schedules for coaches.
Chapman’s first video coordinator position came while he was a student at Ohio University. He served as the football video coordinator from 2009-12.
In 2011, Chapman served as a ballpark operations intern at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Ariz. His initial work in minor-league baseball came as director of player operations and equipment manager for the Southern Ohio Copperheads from 2009-10.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management with minors in business administration and economics from Ohio U. in 2012.
DAVID KERNS
Head Football Athletic Trainer
David Kerns was hired as Head Athletic Trainer for Wyoming Football in the spring of 2019. The 2024 season will mark his sixth year at Wyoming and his 40th working as an athletic trainer at the collegiate level. Kerns will oversee all athletic training operations for Cowboy Football, including supervising a staff of full-time athletic trainers and a group of student interns who will work directly with the football team.
He has been a Board of Certification (BOC) certified athletic trainer since 1985.
Kerns will work with student-athletes to help prevent, identify, manage and rehabilitate injuries, while also collaborating with Wyoming Football team physicians to provide the best medical care for UW student-athletes.
For 25 years from 1994-2018, Kerns served as head football athletic trainer at West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va. In addition to serving as the head football athletic trainer at West Virginia, Kerns also was a classroom and clinical instructor for the Athletic Training Approved Curriculum Program in the WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences.
Before joining the West Virginia Athletics Department, Kerns was an Assistant Athletic Trainer and Instructor at Ohio University for seven years from 1987-’94. While his title was Assistant Athletic Trainer, he served as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Bobcat Football team.
He began at Ohio U. as a graduate assistant athletic trainer from 1985 to 1987, working with the men’s basketball team.
Kerns earned his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education with an emphasis in athletic training from Penn State in January 1984. He also received his teaching certificate upon his graduation. He worked as the head athletic trainer at Redland High School in Lewisberry, Pa., for the 1984-85 academic year before entering graduate school at Ohio U. in 1985. Kerns completed his master’s degree in physical education with a specialization in athletic training from Ohio in 1987.
Throughout his career, he has made numerous presentations at the state and district levels and has served on several National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) committees.
Kerns is originally from Harrisburg, Pa. His wife is Kelly Kerns.
HALEY WALSH
Cowboy Football Office Manager
Haley Walsh is entering her 14th year as office manager for the Wyoming Football program, having joined the athletic department in June of 2011.
As one of the first staff members that visitors to the Wyoming Football program meet, Walsh is an important contributor in projecting a positive image for Cowboy Football. Included in her responsibilities are: helping coordinate coaches’ travel, handling financial transactions for the program, assisting in preparing materials for practice preparation, maintaining coaches’ schedules, aiding with recruiting, maintaining information on players and coaches and helping with summer camps.
Walsh came to the Cowboy Football program from the University of Wyoming Foundation where she worked from October of 2009 until June 2011. While at the UW Foundation, she was an administrative assistant to the major gift officers. Prior to that, she worked for the City Engineer in Sheridan, Wyo. for one year, and worked at the Albany County Clerk’s Office in Laramie, Wyo., from 2003-08 as an election clerk.
Walsh is a 2001 graduate of Laramie High School. In December of 2019, she completed her bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Wyoming. Walsh grew up on her family’s ranch west of Laramie. Her husband, J.T. Walsh, is also a Laramie native and a graduate of the University of Wyoming. He is a local realtor.
GRADUATE ASSISTANTS
ay R e
Offensive Graduate Assistant
Ryan Sayre is in his first season as a graduate assistant at the University of Wyoming. He comes to Wyoming after speinding time at Wisconsin-Stevens Point an NCAA Division III member. He will work with the quarterbacks at Wyoming. He coached wide receiver for the Pointers during the 2021 season. He spent last season as a quality control assistnat for He played collegiatly at both Colorado State and Chadron State. He played three seasons for the Rams and spent two seasons with the Eagles of Chadron State.
P atton
Offensive Graduate Assistant
Brayden Patton is in his first season as a graduate assistant for the Cowboys. He will work with the offensive line this coming season. he spent time professionally with the Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL.
As a member of the Maulers in 2023 he helped lead the team to the championship game of the USFL starting all 10 games. He played collegiatly at Northern illinois. . in 2021, he was Named second team All-MAC by league coaches, was a third team choice by Phil Steele and Pro Football Focus and earned honorable mention recognition from Pro Football Network.
G oudeau
Defensive Graduate Assistant
Kiante Goudeau is in his first season as a graduate assistant at Wyoming and will work with the cornerbacks. He comes to Wyoming after spending time at Central Washington.
Prior to his time at Central Washington, he coached at Nogales High School in La Puente, Calif. for the 2020 and 2021 seasons as the Defensive Backs Coach. Prior to CWU Goudeau was the Defensive Coordinator at Compton College in 2022. Goudeau grew up in Los Angeles where he attended Edison High School in Huntington Beach, Calif. During his time at EHS he became a California Interscholastic Federation champion. Goudeau went on to play at Long Beach City College from 2014 to 2015 where he became a unanimous JUCO All-American. He went on to play NCAA division two football at Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference member Minot State in North Dakota from 2017 to 2018 where he was an All-NSIC member.
H ollin GS wo R t H
Defensive Graduate Assistant
Jeremy Hollingsworth is in his first season as a graduate assistant at Wyoming. He spent five seasons with the Cowboys as a running back, but will move over to the defensive side of the ball this season.
As a senior, Hollingsworth was a member of special teams and recorded a career-high 19 rushing yards for the cowboys against Hawaii on senior day. he also rushed for 11 yards on three carries against Nevada. he appeared in six games in 2021 and made an appearance in two games during the 2020 season.
He is a native of Longmont, Colo., he was a standout at Skyline high School. He led the state in rushing as a senior with
2023: Barnett started 10 games and appeared in another two. He made his first-career start against Texas Tech where the Pokes had tremendous balance with 171 yards rushing and 149 yards passing. Barnett helped pave the way for Harrison Waylee to rush for north of 100 yards on four different occasions with a high-water mark of 191 yards against New Mexico. Barnett helped Wyoming rank top-15 nationally in fourth-down conversion percentage at 66.7. The Cowboys were named to the Mid-season Watch List for the Joe Moore Award going to the top offensive line unit in the nation.
2022: Barnett played in all 12 games last season for the Cowboys along the offensive line. He helped pave the way for a 1,000 yard rusher. The Cowboy offense ranked third in the conference rushing for 181.4 yards per game. The Wyoming offensive line ranked third in the conference and No. 30 in the nation allowing 1.46 sacks per game.
2021: Barnett redshirted during his first season.
High School: Caden Barnett was ranked as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports. He was part of a Northwest High team that reached the First Round of the Texas Conference 5A D1 State Playoffs and posted a 7-4 overall record and a 5-2 district record. He earned First Team All-District Class 5A Division II for District 4-5A as a junior in 2019. Barnett played offensive tackle and defensive end in high school. He played for head coach Bill Poe at Northwest High. Barnett was also recruited by Air Force, Colorado State, UConn and Louisiana-Monroe.
Personal: He is majoring in American Studies at UW.
CADEN BARNETT CAREER STATISTICS
Games Played: 24 12 in 2023, 12 in 2022
Games Started: 10 in 2023
IAN BELL
CORNERBACK
6-1, 186, SOPHOMORE LA VERNE, CALIF. (DAMIEN)
2023: Bell appeared in 12 games for the Cowboys as a true freshman. He played both cornerback and was a key member of special teams. he finished the season with six total tackles with two solo tackles and four assisted stops. he recorded a career-high three tackles against UNLV.
High School: Ian Bell was credited with 35 total tackles, including 23 solo tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss his senior season at Damien High School in La Verne, Calif. Bell added 10 pass breakups and one fumble recovery. As a junior in 2021, Bell made 34 tackles, with 17 of them being solo stops. He also recorded 0.5 tackles for loss, 11 passes broken up and two fumbles caused. He played for head football coach Matt Bechtel. Bell was also recruited by Arizona, Colorado State and UNLV.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 1, at UNLV, 2023 and Toledo, 20243’
Assisted: 2, vs. New Mexico, 2023 and at UNLV, 2023
Total tackles: 3 at UNLV, 2023
IAN BELL CAREER STATISTICS
JORDAN BERTAGNOLE
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
6-4, 290, GRADUATE CASPER, WYO. (NATRONA COUNTY)
2023: Bertagnole started all 13 games en route to being named second-team All-Mountain West Conference. He was also named first team All-MW by Phil Steele. He ranked fifth on the squad with 60 tackles. Bertagnole added a team-best 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Bertagnole forced one fumble, had six quarterback hurries and two pass break-ups. He recorded multiple tackles in each game save for one. Bertagnole enjoyed a season-high nine tackles at UNLV, while adding eight and seven tackles against Appalachian State and Portland State, respectively. He registered back-to-back contests with a pair of tackles for loss against Hawaii and at Nevada.
2022: Bertagnole has started 21 of 30 career games at defensive tackle as a Cowboy entering his junior season. He recorded 51 total tackles, 5.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in 11 games during the 2022 season. He was forced to miss the Boise State and Fresno State games late in the season due to injury, but returned for the Arizona Bowl. Bertagnole was also credited with four quarterback hurries and he forced two fumbles. A very disruptive force in the middle of the Cowboy defense, Bertagnole earned Second Team All-Conference honors from Phil Steele in 2022. He recorded a career-high nine tackles against Utah State last season. He also recorded a career-high 2.5 sacks in a contest against Colorado State on Nov. 12.
2021: Bertagnole was once again one of the key players in the middle of the Cowboy defense. He appeared in all 13 contests for the Cowboys. He finished the season with 38 total tackles with 20 solo stops and 18 assisted tackles. He recorded 3.5 tackles for loss and was credited with a half sack. He also forced and recovered a fumble. He tied a career-high with eight solo tackles for the Pokes against Air Force. He recorded four tackles in contests against Fresno State, New Mexico, San Jose State and Colorado State. He recorded three tackles in each of the final three games of the season. He had tackles for loss against Montana State and Kent State and half tackles for loss against San Jose State, Colorado State and Boise State. He was named Academic All-MW.
2020: Bertagnole appeared in six games with four starts on the season. He finished fourth on the team 31 total tackles, the most by a defensive lineman. He added 10 solo stops and 21 assisted tackles. He ranked second on the Cowboys last season with 6.5 tackles for loss. He also ranked second on the team with 2.5 sacks. He also recovered one fumble on the season. He recorded a career-high eight tackles for the Cowboys at Colorado State. He recorded three tackles and his first career sack in the opener at Nevada. Against Hawai’I, he recorded seven tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 tackles for loss. In the finale against Boise State, he recorded four tackles and two tackles for loss.
2019: Bertanole redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: Graduate of Natrona High School. he played for head coach Steve Harshman. He was a First Team All selection at both wide receiver and on the defensive line for the Mustangs. He led his team to a state championship as a senior, as he blocked two kicks in the state championship game. He played in three-straight state championship games for Natrona. He was named to the Casper Star Tribune Super 25 Team.
Personal: He is majoring in american studies at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 5 at BYU, 2022
Assisted: 8 (Colorado State, 2020)
Total tackles: 9 vs. Utah State, 2022, at UNLV, 2023
2023: Boddie, Jr. appeared in all 13 games for the Cowboys with two starts during the 2023 season. He finished the season with six catches for 48 yards. He also added four rushes for 30 yards on the season. He had a season-high three catches for 25 yards against Texas. He added a season-high 26 yards rush against App State.
Before Wyoming: Devin Boddie Jr. comes to Wyoming from Vanderbilt University of the SEC where he was part of the Commodores’ program the past four seasons. His best season came in 2021 when he ranked fourth on the team, catching 29 passes for 263 yards and scoring one touchdown vs. Stanford, while appearing in 12 games. His longest reception of the ‘21 season went for 61 yards and was also the longest of any Commodore in the 2021 season. In 2022, he played in six games, catching three passes for 61 yards with his long reception being a 38-yard reception against Hawai’i. A very successful high school player in the state of Tennessee, Boddie played his senior year of high school football at Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tenn., where he was rated a three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals and 247 Sports and earned All-State honors. Entering his senior season of high school, he was ranked by 247 Sports as the No. 23 best recruit in the state of Tennessee. He transferred to Whitehaven High for his senior season and led his team to an 11-4 record and the 2018 Class 6A State Championship Game, finishing as the state runner-up. He finished his high school career playing in the Tennessee East-West AllStar Classic. In 2016 and ‘17, he led Lausanne Collegiate High School in Memphis to back-to-back state championships -- the Division II Class A Championship in 2016, with a perfect 14-0 record, and the Division II Class 2A State Championship in 2017, with a perfect 13-0 mark. He chose Vanderbilt over Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Purdue and Virginia. He majored in medicine, health and society at Vanderbilt.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Receiving Yards: 69 at Miss. State, 2021
Catches: 6, at Colorado St., 2021 , vs. UConn, 2021
Longest Reception: 61, at miss. State, 2021
Touchdowns: 1 vs. Stanford, 2021
DEVIN BODDIE JR. CAREER STATISTICS
ALEX BROWN
WIDE RECEIVER
6-4, 198, SENIOR SPRING, TEXAS (KLEIN COLLINS)
2023: Brown appeared in 12 games for the Cowboys with nine starts at the wide receiver position. He finished the season with eight receptions for 106 yards. He hauled in catches in seven games. He recorded a season-high two catches for 32 yards against Colorado State. He also one catch for 28 yards for a season long against Nevada.
2022: Brown appeared in 12 games for the Pokes with nine starts. He finished the season with six catches for 69 yards and one touchdown. He had a career-high three catches in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. He had one catch for a careerhigh 32 yards for a touchdown against Colorado State, a score that proved to be the game winner for the Brown and Gold.
2021: Brown added depth to the wide receiver group playing in nine games missing the last four of the seasons with an injury. He hauled in three catches on the season for 33 yards with a long of 19 yards. His longest catch of the season came against Air Force.
2020: Appeared in four games for the Cowboys, but did not record any statistics.
2019: Brown appeared in two games for the Cowboys maintaining his redshirt status. He appeared against Boise State and in the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl against Georgia State. He did not record any statistics for the season.
High School: Alex Brown is rated as a three-star recruit by both Rivals and 247 Sports. Brown helped lead Klein Collins High to a 10-2 overall record and a 7-1 record in the 6A Region II District 15 standings to capture the District Championship. Klein Collins advanced to the second round of the 2018 Texas 6A Division 2 State Playoffs. The Tigers defeated Eisenhower High by a score of 30-6 in the first round game played in Houston. In the second round, Klein Collins took Vandegrift High to double overtime before losing by a score of 28-21 in a game played in Austin, Texas. In the first round game, Brown caught two passes for an amazing 122 yards, including a 76-yard touchdown reception. He averaged 61.0 yards per reception in the game. Brown earned Academic All-District 15-6A his senior season. He played for head football coach Adrian Mitchell. Brown was also recruited by Air Force, Southern Miss, Tulane and Columbia and Yale from the Ivy League.
Personal: He is majoring in Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Wyoming.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Receiving Yards: 32 vs. Colo. St., 2022 and 2023
Catches: 3 vs. Ohio, 2022
Longest Reception: 32 vs. Colorado State, 2022
Touchdowns: 1 vs. Colorado State, 2022
ALEX BROWN CAREER STATISTICS
WROOK BROWN
NICKEL 5-11, 184, JUNIOR SALADO, TEXAS (SALADO)
2023: Brown appeared in 12 games for the Cowboys during the season with 11 starts for the Brown and Gold at the nickel position He finished the season with 47 total tackles with 34 solo stops and 13 solo tackles. He led the team with three interceptions on the season and recorded four pass breakups. He ranked sixth in the conference in interceptions. He also forced one fumble on the season. He recorded eight tackles for a season-high against Portland State and Boise State. He added interceptions against Texas tech, New Mexico and had an interception that sealed the Cowboy win over App State. In the win over App State, he also added seven tackles in the contest.
2022: Brown appeared in 13 games for the Cowboys with seven starts. He finished the season with 37 total tackles with 24 solo stops and 13 assisted tackles. He also recorded 1.5 tackles for loss. He recorded a career-high 10 tackles for the Pokes against New Mexico. He had six tackles for the Cowboys against Ohio in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. He recorded five tackles in his debut against Illinois in the season opener. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.
2021: Redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: Wrook Brown was named the 2020 MVP of Texas District 9 of Class 4A Division II. Brown played running back and safety at Salado High School. He helped lead Salado to an 11-2 record and a perfect 5-0 district record as a senior. Salado advanced to the Regional Finals (Third Round) of the Texas Conference 4A D2 State Playoffs before losing to Carthage. Carthage advanced to the State Championship Game. He ran track at Salado High, where he posted a personal best 49.7 seconds in his leg of the 4 x 400 meter relay team. Brown also played baseball in high school. He played for head football coach Alan Haire. Brown was also recruited by Louisiana-Monroe.
Personal: He is majoring in communications at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 7 at New Mexico, 2022, Portland St., 2023
Assisted: 4 at Illinois, 2022
Total tackles: 10 at New Mexico, 2022
Interception: 1, three times in 2023
WROOK BROWN CAREER STATISTICS
JAYDEN CLEMONS
QUARTERBACK
6-1, 212, SENIOR LEHI, UTAH (UTAH)
UW This Season: Clemons will once again provide depth at the quarterback position for the Cowboys this season.
2022: Clemons appeared in five games with one start. He was 7-of-111 passing for 90 yards and a touchdown leading the Cowboys to a win against Colorado State. He also rushed five times for 32 yards in the contest. In his first start against Boise State, he rushed for 26 yards. He had two rushes for 10 yards in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl.
2021: Clemens added depth to the quarterback position but did not appear in any games.
2020: Clemons spent the season at Utah. He did not play in any games.
High School: He earned Second-team all-state selection at Skyridge HS (Utah). He was a two-time all-region selection, earning first-team honors as a senior. He threw for 2,430 passing yards with 26 TD (137-of-267) and 121 carries for 982 yards (11 TD) as a senior. Skyridge played in the 5A state championship game in 2017 and 2018.
Personal: He is majoring in Kinesiology and Health Promotion at UW.
2023: Cooley appeared in 13 games as a punt returner and reserve wide receiver. He recorded eight punt returns on the season for 34 yards. He returned two punts for 17 yards at Texas. He also added 14 yard return for the Pokes in the win over Nevada.
2022: Cooley appeared in three games before a seasonending injury. He returned one kick for 10 yards against Illinois. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.
2021: Cooley added depth at wide receiver and played special teams appearing in 13 games. He had three tackles on special teams. He also recorded one punt return for nine yards. His punt return came against Colorado State. He had two tackles on special teams against UCONN. He was named Academic All-MW.
Before Wyoming: He played at Butte Community College in California. During his only season at Butte in 2019, he had 26 catches for 229 yards and one touchdown.
High School: Graduate of Pleasant Valley High School. In his senior year at Pleasant Valley, he earned first-team All-Northern Section honors with 14 touchdowns and 960 receiving yards. His father was the coach at PVHS.
Personal: He is majoring in Entrepreneurship at UW.
2023: Davis had a solid first season with the Cowboys in 2023. He appeared in nine games with five starts for the Brown and Gold. He added 27 total tackles with 24 solo stops and three assisted tackles. He also broke up seven passes tying for the team lead. He recorded one interception and recovered two fumbles and forced one. He recorded seven tackles in his debut against Texas Tech, which was a career high. He added five tackles against both UNLV and Hawai’i, as he also added an interception in that contest. He added fumble recoveries against Portland State and Texas.
Before Wyoming: Tyrecus Davis joined the Cowboy Football program in the spring of 2023 from Navarro Community College in Corsicana, Texas, where he played the last three seasons. Davis began his college career in the COVID season of 2020 and continued playing for the Bulldogs in the 2021 and ‘22 seasons. His final season, he earned Second Team All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference honors in voting by conference coaches. During the 2022 season, Davis was a starter on a Navarro team that was ranked as high as No. 6 in the nation in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) rankings. Over his juniorcollege career, he played in 26 games and was credited with 80 total tackles, five interceptions for 57 yards, 13 pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He returned one interception for a touchdown and scored another touchdown on a fumble recovery during his career. His final season, he totaled 32 tackles, intercepted two passes and tallied eight pass breakups for his best season as a Bulldog. He was also utilized as a punt returner and kickoff returner during the 2022 season. Davis played for head coaches Ryan Taylor and Scott Parr during his three seasons at Navarro. Davis was also recruited by Colorado State, San Jose State and UTEP.
2023: DeMarzo appeared in 13 games for the Pokes and started one contest. He recorded 14 total tackles on the season with eight solo stops and six assisted tackles. He recorded five tackles at Air Force, which tied a career-high. He recorded his first career tackle for loss against Hawai’i. He added two tackles in both the Portland State and Hawai’i game.
2022: DeMarzo appeared in all 13 games for the Cowboys with one start. He finished the season with 24 total tackles with nine solo stops and 15 assisted tackles. He recorded a career-high five tackles for the Cowboys in the season opener at Illinois. He added four stops for the Pokes against Fresno State. He also added one fumble recovery in the contest against Ohio in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.
Before Wyoming: Cole DeMarzo comes to Wyoming from Michigan State University with three years of eligibility remaining. Still a young player, he spent his first year of 2020 as a redshirt and appeared in one game in the 2021 season for the Spartans against Rutgers.
Coming out of high school at Hilton Head High in Hilton Head Island, S.C., DeMarzo was ranked by ESPN.com as the No. 1 ranked linebacker recruit in the state of South Carolina and the No. 17 overall recruit in the state. 247 Sports ranked him as the No. 4 linebacker recruit in South Carolina and the No. 25 overall recruit in the state. He was named to the Class 4A All-State First Team by the South Carolina Football Coaches Association as a senior, and was selected to play in the 2019 South Carolina Shrine Bowl.
DeMarzo earned Academic All-Big Ten honors at the conclusion of the 2021 Fall semester. He was part of a Michigan State team that posted an 11-2 overall record and a 7-2 Big Ten mark to finish third in the East Division. The Spartans concluded the season defeating Pittsburgh by a score of 31-21 in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
As a freshman in 2020, DeMarzo was named Scout Team Co-Defensive Player of the Week vs. Michigan and was named Scout Team Co-Special Teams Player of the Week vs. Northwestern.
As a high school senior, DeMarzo was credited with 102 total tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 10 pass breakups. He played for head football coach BJ Payne at Hilton Head High. DeMarzo also played baseball in high school. His parents are Christine and Tony DeMarzo.
Personal: He is majoring in Fiance at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 3 at Illinois, 2022, at Air Force, 2023
Assisted: 4 at Fresno State, 2022
Total tackles: 5 at Illinois, 2022, at Air Force, 2023
COLE D e MARZO CAREER STATISTICS
CALEB DRISKILL
FULLBACK
6-2, 241, SENIOR GILLETTE, WYO. (THUNDER BASIN)
2023: Driskill appeared in all 13 games for the Cowboys at fullback and is a key member of special teams. He helped lead the way for Honorable Mention All-MW running back Harrison Waylee. He finished the season with two catches for 15 yards and one touchdown. He recorded a four-yard touchdown reception in the season opener against Texas Tech. he added a catch for 11 yards against Nevada. He added two tackles on the season on special teams.
2022: Driskill appeared in all 13 games for the Cowboys with three starts. He caught one pass for one yard in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl against Ohio. He was also a key member of special teams with six tackles. He had two tackles against New Mexico and Hawaii.
2021: Driskill appeared in all 13 games for the Cowboys at fullback. He did not record any statistics during the season. He helped lead for All-MW running back Xazavian Valladay, who ranked No. 3 in the Mountain West in rushing yards per game. . He paved the way for All-MW Second Team running back Titus Swen, who earned the honor from Pro Football Focus. He was named Academic All-MW.
2020: He did not appear in any games in his first season with the program.
High School: Caleb Driskill was named to the 2019 Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 team, and was named the Super 25 Wyoming Defensive Player of the Year. He also was selected by the Wyoming Coaches Association to the 2019 Class 4A First Team All-State Team. He is rated as the No. 1 overall recruit in the state of Wyoming by 247 Sports. Driskill led Thunder Basin to its first state championship game appearance in school history in 2019. He is slotted to play fullback for the Wyoming Cowboys. Driskill was the leader of the No. 1 ranked defense in the state in 2019 -- a defense that allowed opponents only 233.8 yards of total offense per game. The Bolts ranked No. 2 in the state in both rushing defense (112.2 yards allowed per game) and passing defense (121.6 yards allowed per game). As a linebacker, he ranked No. 1 in Class 4A as a senior in total tackles (13.2 tackles per game/158 total tackles), and led Class 4A with 69 solo tackles. He added 11.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, four blocked kicks and scored a safety. In the state championship game, Driskill recorded a game high 15.5 tackles, 1.0 sack and 1.0 tackle for a loss. He played for head football coach Trent Pikula at Thunder Basin High.
Personal: He is majoring in Professional Sales at UW.
2023: Ekeler appeared in all 13 games for the Cowboys with 12 starts in 2023. He was named honorable Mention All-MW by the coaches and media and Third team by Phil Steele. He was named the MW Defensive Player of the Week following the Pokes win at Nevada. He was third on the team with 77 tackles with 49 solo stops and 28 assisted tackles. He also added 5.5 tackles for loss along with two sacks. He recorded two interceptions with one for a score coming against Nevada. He tied for the team lead with seven pass breakups. He recorded two forced fumbles and recovered one on the season. He recorded a season-high nine tackles for the Cowboys against Texas. He added eight against App State, Air Force and Boise State. He recorded a career-high two sacks against New Mexico and was named MW Player of the Week following the contest.
2022: Ekeler played in all 13 games for the Cowboys with 10 starts. He finished the season with 67 total tackles. He had 44 solo stops and 23 assisted tackles. He also forced one fumble and recovered one as well. He also added an interception on the season. He recorded a career-high 12 tackles against Boise State, which included eight solo stops for a career best. He had seven tackles against Hawaii and six in the first two games of the season against Illinois and Tulsa. He recorded an interception against Utah State. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.
2021: Ekeler appeared in 11 games for the Cowboys adding depth at the safety position and was a valuable member of special teams. He finished the season with six tackles with five solo stops and one assisted tackle. He had tackles against Ball State, New Mexico, Sn Jose State, Colorado State, Boise State and Kent State. He was named Academic All-MW.
2020: Ekeler appeared in two games for the Cowboys recording one tackle. He recorded his tackle against Colorado State.
High School: Wyett Ekeler was an outstanding all-around football player at Windsor High School in Windsor, Colo. He was named the 4A Northern Colorado Offensive Player of the Year, and earned First Team All-Northern Colorado honors in 2019. Ekeler is projected to play nickel back at the collegiate level for the Wyoming Cowboys. As a senior, he rushed for 1,435 yards on 146 carries to average 9.8 yards per carry. Ekeler averaged 159.4 rushing yards per game, recorded seven 100-yard rushing games and scored 22 rushing touchdowns. Including receiving yards and kickoff returns, he accounted for 1,674 all-purpose yards in 2019, averaging 186.0 yards per game. For his career, he rushed for 2,142 yards, with 10 100-yard rushing games and 26 rushing touchdowns, while amassing 2,499 all-purpose yards. Ekeler will join former Windsor Wizards High star Zach Watts at Wyoming. Ekeler played for head football coach Chris Jones. He is the younger brother of former Eaton, Colo. High School standout and current Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler
Personal: He is majoring in Entrepreneurship at UW.
2023: Ferrell appeared in 11 games for the Cowboys with one start and added great depth at the running back position. He finished the season with 188 rushing yards on 52 carries. He also added one rushing touchdown. He recorded two receptions for seven yards. He rushed for a career-high 36 yards against Nevada. He also added 25 yards rushing on five carries against Toledo and 30 yards at Air Force.
Before Wyoming: Jamari Ferrell transferred to Wyoming in the summer of 2023 from Saddleback Community College in Mission Viejo, Calif. As a sophomore in 2022, he was named First Team All-National Division for the Southern League as an all-purpose back. The team was selected in voting by conference coaches. Ferrell led Saddleback C.C. in rushing, with 453 rushing yards on 101 carries in nine games. He scored three rushing touchdowns and averaged 4.5 yards per carry. Ferrell also caught 15 passes for 118 yards, returned two kickoffs for 30 yards and accounted for a team high 601 all-purpose yards. His best two games were: a 125-yard rushing performance in a 30-16 home win over Glendale and an 85-yard rushing game in a 47-13 road win at Southwestern. As a freshman at Saddleback in 2021, Ferrell had 30 rushing attempts for 143 yards, scored two rushing touchdowns and averaged 4.8 yards per rushing attempt. He also caught three passes for 10 yards, returned eight kickoffs for 200 yards and accounted for 353 all-purpose yards in eight games. He played for head coach Kerry Crabb at Saddleback C.C. During his high school career at Mission Viejo High School, Ferrell rushed for 1,838 yards on 342 carries, averaged 5.4 yards per carry and scored 23 rushing touchdowns. He added 23 receptions for 211 yards and one receiving TD and accounted for 2,049 all-purpose yards. His best season was his senior year when he rushed for 898 yards, had 211 receiving yards and totalled 1,109 all-purpose yards.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Rushes: 12 at Nevada, 2023
Yards: 36, at Nevada, 2023
Touchdowns: 1 vs. Portland State
JOHN MICHAEL GYLLENBORG
TIGHT END
6-5, 245, JUNIOR LEAWOOD, KAN. (ROCKHURST)
2023: Gyllenborg participated in all 13 games with four starts, three of which were the final three contests of the season. He pulled in 23 passes for 360 yards with three touchdowns. Gyllenborg reeled in a career-long 89-yard touchdown pass against Hawaii, which also happened to be the longest passing touchdown of Wyoming’s season. He ended the game against the Rainbow Warriors with a career-high 128 yards receiving. Gyllenborg logged a career-high five receptions against Texas Tech, including the game-leveling touchdown pass on fourth down in overtime.
2022: Gyllenborg appeared in 12 games for the Cowboys. He finished the season with three catches for 21 yards. His three catches for 21 yards came in a contest against Fresno State in the regular season finale. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.
2021: Redshirted for the Cowboys in his first season with the program.
High School: John Michael Gyllenborg was rated as a three-star rated recruit by 247 Sports. 247 Sports also ranked Gyllenborg as the No. 27 overall recruit in the state of Missouri, where Rockhurst High School is located. Gyllenborg helped lead Rockhurst to the 6A District Playoffs in 2020. He earned Academic All-State honors from the Missouri Football Coaches Association as a senior. Gyllenborg only played football his senior season at Rockhurst High. Also an outstanding basketball player, he earned Class 5 District 14 All-District honors in basketball as a junior, averaging 9.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He played for head football coach Kelly Donohoe in 2020. He also received an offer to play football from Columbia University of the Ivy League.
Personal: He is majoring in Finance at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Receptions: 5 vs. Texas Tech, 2023
Yards: 128 vs. Hawai’i, 2023
Long reception: 89 vs. Hawai’i, 2023
JOHN MICHAEL GYLLENBORG CAREER STATISTICS
D e VONNE HARRIS
DEFENSIVE END 6-4, 240, GRADUATE BIG LAKE, MINN. (BIG LAKE)
2023: Harris started all 13 games. He made 35 tackles, four tackles for loss – all of which were sacks – and had one fumble recovery. Harris also made his presence felt in the passing game with eight quarterback hurries and four passes defended. He added a fumble recovery and two blocked kicks. The first blocked field goal occurred against Appalachian State, and Jakorey Hawkins returned for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. The second blocked kick was an extra-point attempt from New Mexico that Hawkins returned for two points. Harris enjoyed a season-high nine tackles against the Mountaineers, while chipping in five against both Colorado State and at Boise State. He logged multiple tackles in a half dozen games. He also blocked two field goals during the season inclduing the winning score against App State.
2022: Harris appeared in and started all 13 games. Harris led Wyoming in sacks (8.0) and was second in tackles for loss (13.0) as a sophomore. He ranked No. 8 in the Mountain West and No. 46 in the FBS in sacks, averaging 0.62 per game. In MW conference games only, Harris ranked No. 3 in tackles for loss (1.38 per game) and ranked No. 4 in sacks (0.88 per game). His season high in sacks was 3.0 versus Utah State, which tied for the fourth best single-game performance in the MW in 2022. For the season, he also had six quarterback hurries, one pass breakup and one fumble return, which he returned for 44 yards vs. Boise State. He was the sack leader of a Wyoming defensive unit that ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 21 in the nation in sacks, averaging 2.85 per game. Harris received All-Conference recognition from Phil Steele (Fourth Team) and Mountain West head coaches and media (Honorable Mention) as a sophomore.
2021: Harris appeared in 11 games for the cowboys bring great depth to the defensive end position. He finished the season with four tackles and one pass breakup. He recorded two tackles or the Cowboys against Fresno State. He also added tackles against San Jose State and Utah State.
2020: Harris appeared in five games for the Cowboys. He added nine total tackles for the season with five solo tackles and four assisted tackles. He also added one tackle for loss. He recorded a career-high five tackles in the regular season finale against Boise State. He also added a tackle for loss in the game. Harris added two tackles for the Pokes against New Mexico.
2019: Harris appeared in one game for the Cowboys last season maintaining his redshirt status. He appeared in the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl against Georgia State.
High School: DeVonne Harris played both defensive end and tight end for Big Lake High School in Big Lake, Minn. He was ranked as the No. 12 recruit in the state of Minnesota by 247 Sports. Harris earned Associated Press Third Team All-State honors as a defensive end his senior year. He was selected to and played for the North All-Stars as a defensive end in the 2018 Minnesota High School All-Star Game on Dec. 15, 2018. Harris is rated as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports and a two-star recruit by Rivals. Big Lake High posted a 6-7 overall record and a 3-5 conference record in the North Central - White League. He is also an outstanding basketball player. Harris played for Big Lake football coach Steven Girard. He was also recruited by Minnesota and North Dakota State.
Personal: He is majoring in physical education teaching at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 5 vs. Utah State, 2022, vs. App State, 2023
Assisted: 5 vs. Boise State, 2022
Total tackles: 9 vs. Boise St., 2022, vs. App State, 2023
Tackles for Loss: 3.0 at Hawaii, 2022
Sacks: 3 vs. Utah State, 2022
D e VONNE HARRIS CAREER STATISTICS
SEBASTIAN HARSH
DEFENSIVE END
6-3, 242, JUNIOR SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB. (SCOTTSBLUFF)
2023: Harsh appeared in 12 games for the cowboys with eight starts. He was named Third team All-MW by Phil Steele. He recorded 50 tackles for the season with 30 solo stops and 20 assisted tackles. Harsh led the team last season recording nine tackles for loss. He also added three sacks for the season. He recorded a career-high eight tackles against Air Force. He added seven stops at Texas including six solo tackles. He recorded six tackles in the regular season finale against Nevada. He recorded a career-high two sacks in the win over Nevada. He also finished the game with 2.5 tackles for loss. He recorded two tackles for loss in a contest at Texas. He recorded a tackle for loss in six of the final seven games of the season.
2022: Harsh missed the season with an injury.
2021: Harsh appeared in all 13 games for the Cowboys as a reserve defensive end and a valuable member of special teams. He finished the season with seven tackles with five solo stops and two assisted tackles. He had two tackles in contests against San Jose State and Kent State. He also added tackles against Colorado State, Utah State and at UCONN.
2020: Harsh did not appear in any games in his first season with the program.
High School: Harsh accumulated 2,674 yards of total offense his senior year, including 1,797 rushing yards and 877 passing yards in leading the Bearcats to the Class B state finals before falling to Omaha Skutt in the championship game. His three years playing football at Scottsbluff, Harsh tallied 4,651 yards of total offense while rushing for over 2,674 yards on the ground. Harsh played at Scottsbluff High School.
Personal: He is majoring in Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Wyoming.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 6 at Texas, 2023
Assisted: 4 at UNLV, 2023
Total tackles: 7 at Texas, 2023
Sacks: 2 at Nevada, 2023
Tackles for Loss: 2.4 at Nevada, 2023
SEBASTIAN HARSH CAREER STATISTICS
JOHN HOYLAND KICKER
5-10, 196, SENIOR BROOMFIELD, COLO. (LEGACY)
2023: Hoyland appeared and started all 13 games at kicker for the Cowboys. He was 13-of-20 in field goals on the season. He was a perfect 10-10 from inside 45 yards a season ago. He recorded three field goals of 50 yards or longer. He recorded a career-high 56-yard field goal in both the Texas tech and Portland State games. He also hit a 52-yard field goal for the Cowboys in the Arizona Bowl. He was named the MVP of the Arizona Bowl recording a game winning field goal as the time expired. He was named the MW Special Teams Player of the Week following the win over Texas Tech. He was named the Lou Groza Star of the Week after going 4-for-4 against New Mexico.
2022: Hoyland made 22 of 25 field goals (88.0 percent) in 2022. In addition to leading the Mountain West and ranking No. 7 in the nation in field goals made at 1.69 per game. His 22 field goals set a new Wyoming single-season school record. He broke the record of former Cowboys Cory Wedel, who made 20 field goals in 1996, and J.D. Wallum, who made 20 in 2001. Hoyland’s field-goal percentage of 88.0 percent in 2022 was No. 2 in the MW and No. 18 nationally. He made four field goals of over 50 yards in the 2022 season -- 51, 53, 53 and 55. His 55-yarder was tied for the fifth longest in the FBS last season and was the longest in the Mountain West last year. Hoyland was named a Semifinalist for the 2022 Lou Groza Award. He was named a 2022 PFF (Pro Football Focus) Second Team MidSeason All-American. Hoyland was selected as the MW Special Teams Player of the Week three times last season. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.
2021: Hoyland once gain handled the kicking for the Cowboys. He finished the season going 10-of-14 in field goals for the Pokes making 71 percent of his field goals. He was 9-of-9 from inside the 40-yard line for the season. He had a long of 44 yards for the Pokes. He also was the kickoff man for the Brown and Gold with 29 touchbacks for the season. He was a perfect 40-of-40 on extra points. He went 3-for-3 in field goals against Utah State. He was named Academic All-MW.
2020: Hoyland was one of only 32 freshman nationally named to the 2020 FWAA Freshman All-America team. Hoyland ended the 2020 season ranked No. 1 in the nation in field goals made per game, averaging 2.17 field goals per game. He earned 2020 Second Team All-Mountain West honors in voting by conference head coaches and media. Hoyland missed only one kick all season and ranked No. 1 in the Mountain West and No. 6 in the nation in field-goal percentage (92.9 percent). He made 13 of 14 field goal attempts his true freshman season. In addition to making 13 of 14 field goals on the season, he was a perfect 16 of 16 in PATs. The true freshman also ranked No. 1 in the Mountain West and No. 19 in the nation in scoring among all players in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) at all positions, averaging 9.2 points per game. He ranked No. 5 in the Mountain West among all players at all positions in points responsible for, averaging 9.2 points per game. Hoyland led Wyoming in scoring, with 55 points. Hoyland was named the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week in the season opener at Nevada as he was a perfect 4 for 4 in field goals and 2 of 2 in PATs. He made a 42-yard field goal to send the game to overtime and hit a 38-yarder to give Wyoming the lead, 34-31, in overtime before the Pokes lost, 34-37. Hoyland was also a perfect 3 for 3 in field goals at New Mexico and was a perfect 3 of 3 in field goals vs. Boise State. He made at least one field goal in all six games in 2020.
High School: Hoyland was is a graduate of Legacy High School. Hoyland went 14-of-16 in field goals during his senior season. It was the most field goals in a single season in Legacy history. His longest field goal was a 48-yarder. He was named ThirdTeam All-American by Chris Sailor kicking.
Personal: He is majoring in mechanical engineering at Wyoming.
JOHN HOYLAND CAREER STATISTICS
ANDREW JOHNSON
SAFETY 6-1, 196, JUNIOR CHEYENNE, WYO. (CENTRAL)
2023: Johnson appeared in all 13 games for the Cowboys in a reserve role and was one of the top special teamers for the Pokes. He finished the season with seven total tackles with one tackle for loss. He also added a pass breakup and recovered a fumble. He recorded a career-high two tackles against Portland State and recovered a fumble against Boise State.
2022: Johnson redshirted and did not appear in any games for the Cowboys.
2021: Redshirted for the Cowboys in his first season with the program.
High School: Andrew Johnson was named to the Sports Illustrated High School All-America Watch List prior to the 2020 season. Johnson was a unanimous Class 4A First Team All-State selection at wide receiver his senior season as selected by the Wyoming Coaches Association (WCA). Class 4A is the largest classification in the state of Wyoming. It was the second consecutive year he earned First Team All-State from the WCA at wide receiver. Johnson also earned First Team All-State from the WCA at defensive back both his junior and senior seasons. As a senior, he was runner-up for the WCA Offensive Player of the Year. Johnson led the state of Wyoming in receiving yards for all classifications his senior season, with 1,050 receiving yards. He averaged 105.0 receiving yards per game. Johnson also led the state in receptions, with 77. His top single-game performance of his senior season saw him catch six passes for 173 yards and one touchdown versus Thunder Basin High. His junior season of 2019, he was named to the Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 as a wide receiver, cornerback and punter. He played for head football coach
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 1, Multiple times
Assisted: 1, Multiple times
Total tackles: 2 vs. Portland State
ANDREW JOHNSON CAREER STATISTICS
Mike Apodaca.
WES KING
OFFENSIVE GUARD
6-5, 303, SOPHOMORE
APPLETON, WISC. (APPLETON NORTH)
2023: King started all 13 games. He helped pave the way for Harrison Waylee who eclipsed the century mark four different times with the high-water mark being 191 yards against New Mexico. King also helped protect Andrew Peasley who threw for 140 yards or more on nine different occasions with a season-high 319 coming against Hawaii. King played a role in Wyoming ranking top-15 nationally in fourth-down conversion percentage at 66.7. The Cowboys were named to the Mid-season Watch List for the Joe Moore Award going to the top offensive line unit in the nation.
2022: King redshirted and did not appear in any games for the Cowboys.
High School: Wes King is rated as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports, which also ranks him as the No. 20 overall recruit in the state of Wisconsin this year. King was named First Team All-State as a defensive lineman by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association on their WFCA Large School All-State team for 2021. He also earned First Team All-State as a defensive lineman on the 2021 Associated Press All-State Football Team. King was named First Team All-Fox Valley Association as both an offensive and defensive lineman in 2021. He was a unanimous choice on defense and was also named the Fox Valley Association Defensive Lineman of the Year. King helped lead Appleton North to a 10-3 record in 2021 and the Semifinals of the Division 1 Playoffs before losing to eventual state champion Franklin. Division 1 is the largest classification in the state of Wisconsin. He played for head coach Rob Salm. King was also recruited by Central Michigan and North Dakota State.
WES KING CAREER STATISTICS
Games Played: 13 (13 in 2023)
Games Started: 13 (13 in 2023)
DAWAIIAN M c NEELY
RUNNING BACK
6-2, 204, SENIOR CERES, CALIF. (CENTRAL CATHOLIC)
2023: He did not appear in any games for the Cowboys in 2023 missing the season with an injury.
2022: McNeely appeared in 10 games with one start on the season. He recorded 356 rushing yards on 63 carries for 5.7 yards per carry. He also added one touchdown on the season. He rushed for a season-high 81 yards on four carries with a career-long rush of 61 yards against Hawaii. He also added a touchdown in that contest. He recorded 12 rushes for 62 yards against New Mexico.
2021: McNeely appeared in 11 games for the Cowboys as part of the backfield stable of running backs. He finished the season with 17 rushes for 113 yards with one touchdown. He recorded a season-high 48 yards rushing on a seasonhigh six attempts against Ball State, a contest that also saw him record his first career touchdown. He had five carries for 32 yards against Utah State including an 18-yard rush for the longest of his career. He had three rushes for 24 yards against Colorado State.
2020: McNeely appeared in five games for the Pokes. He added 14 rushes on the season for 55 yards. He averaged 3.9 per carry. He recorded 13 rushes for 54 yards against UNLV with a career-high rush of 14 yards.
2019: McNeely redshirted during his first season with the Cowboys.
High School: Dawaiian McNeely was named to the FrontRowPreps.com AllRegion First Team for large schools as a running back his senior season. He was also selected the Valley Oak League’s Co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2018. McNeely was rated as a three-star recruit by both Rivals and 247 Sports. His senior season, he rushed for 1,073 yards on 128 carries, averaged 8.4 yards per carry, recorded six 100-yard rushing games and scored 10 rushing touchdowns. He added 157 yards in kickoff returns, including returning one kickoff for a touchdown, totaled 1,232 all-purpose yards and scored 11 TDs his senior season. On defense, McNeely was credited with 35 tackles (24 solos and 11 assists), 1.0 tackle for loss and nine pass breakups. He helped lead Central Catholic High to an 11-2 record and the Valley Oak League Championship in 2018. The Raiders were ranked as the No. 1 team in Division II of the Sac-Joaquin Section by FrontRowPreps.com from the start of the season until they lost in the Division II Sac-Joaquin Section Championship Game. Central Catholic received a first round bye as the No. 2 seed in the Sac-Joaquin Section. The Raiders then defeated Elk Grove, 49-7, in the sectional quarterfinals. Central Catholic captured a 31-30 victory over No. 3 ranked Inderkum in the semifinals, with McNeely breaking a big 80-yard TD run to help key the Raiders’ victory. Central Catholic fell in a close championship game to Del Oro by a score of 20-17. For his career, McNeely rushed for 1,388 yards, scored 15 rushing touchdowns, had 260 kickoff return yards, accounted for 1,707 all-purpose yards and scored 16 total TDs. His career defensive statistics included 64 total tackles (42 solos and 22 assists), 1.0 tackle for loss, 10 pass breakups and one interception. He played for head coach Roger Canepa. McNeely was also recruited by Arizona State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Hawai’i, Nevada, Oregon State, Tulane and Utah State.
Personal: He is majoring in American Studies.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Rushes: 14 Northern Colorado, 2022
Yards: 81 at Hawaii, 2022
Long: 61 at Hawaii, 2022
Touchdown: 1 last vs. Hawaii, 2022
CALEB MERRITT
CORNERBACK/WIDE RECEIVER 5-11, 187, SOPHOMORE ST. LOUIS, MO. (JOHN BURROUGHS)
2023: Merritt appeared in six games for the Cowboys at wide receiver during the 2023 season. He recorded one catch for seven yards and had one rushing attempt. He added a catch for seven yards in the win over New Mexico.
2022: Merritt appeared in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl for the Cowboys grabbing one catch for six yards.
High School: Caleb Merritt is rated as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports, which also ranks him as the No. 19 overall recruit in the state of Missouri this year. He was also ranked No. 19 on the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Super 30 at the start of his senior season. Merritt played wide receiver and defensive back, as well as returned kicks for John Burroughs High. He was named First Team All-State Class 4 by the Missouri Football Coaches Association (MFCA) his senior season as a kick returner. Merritt also earned Academic All-State honors from the MFCA as a senior. Merritt caught 36 passes for 536 yards and scored seven receiving touchdowns as a senior. He had 24 rushing attempts for 230 yards, and also scored two TDs on kickoff returns in 2021. One of those kickoff return TDs went for 85 yards and the other for 87. His John Burroughs High School team advanced to the First Round of the 2021 Class 4 District 3 Playoffs. He played for his father, John Merritt, who is John Burroughs’ head football coach. Merritt was also recruited by Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Navy, and Purdue, as well as Brown and Penn from the Ivy League.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Receptions: 1 vs. Ohio, 2022, vs. New Mexico, 2023
Yards: 7 vs. New Mexico, 2023
Long reception: 7 vs. New Mexico, 2023
CALEB MERRITT CAREER
NICK MILES
TIGHT END
6-5, 255, SENIOR PARKER, COLO. (CHAPARRAL)
2023: Miles participated in all 13 games, making one start, his first-career start, at UNLV. He made one reception spanning 22 yards at Air Force.
2022: Miles appeared in 11 games for the Cowboys. He finished the season with one catch for 11 yards with his reception coming against Fresno State. He also helped the offense pave the way for the third best rushing offense in the Mountain West. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.
2021: Miles appeared in 11 games for the Cowboys as a reserve tight end and on special teams. He did record a kick return for the pokes in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
2020: Miles did not appear in any games in his first season with the program. High School: Nick Miles comes to Wyoming from Chaparral High School in Parker, Colo. In 2019, he caught 17 passes for 203 yards, averaged 11.9 yards per reception and scored one receiving touchdown. For his career, he had 33 receptions for 415 yards, averaged 12.6 yards per catch and scored two receiving touchdowns. Miles follows in the footsteps of former Cowboy fan favorite and Chaparral High graduate Drew Van Maanen, who played fullback for the Pokes from 2013-17. Miles will join fellow Chaparral High grad Tristan Dietz, who is currently a redshirt freshman fullback at Wyoming. Miles played for Chaparral head football coach Jeff Ketron, who was a former graduate assistant coach with Wyoming Football in the 1990s.
Personal: He is majoring in Business at Wyoming.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Receptions: 1 vs. Fresno State, 2022, at AFA, 2023
Yards: 22, at Air Force, 2023
Long reception: 22 at Air Force, 2023
NICK MILES CAREER
WILL PELISSIER
WIDE RECEIVER
6-3, 210, GRADUATE BIG HORN, WYO. (BIG HORN)
2023: Pelissier battled an injury during the early stages of the season but closed strong playing in each of the final nine games with four starts. He reeled in seven passes totaling 79 yards with one touchdown. He caught a season-high two passes at UNLV and boasted his one touchdown of the season at Nevada, hauling in a 34-yard score. Pelissier added three rushes for six yards.
2022: Pelissier appeared in nine games for the Cowboys. He recorded eight catches for 101 yards with one touchdown. He added one touchdown on a career-long 48-yard reception against Tulsa. He had a career-high three catches against Tulsa and Air Force. He also rushed for 38 yards on six carries with a long of 18 yards against Tulsa. He was a member of the 2023 Hampshire Honor Society for his academic achievements. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.
2021: Pelissier appeared in 11 games for the Cowboys with time at wide receiver and a role on special teams. He did not record any statistics during the season. He was named Academic All-MW.
2020: He did not appear in any games in his first season with the program. Named Academic All-MW.
High School: Pelissier is a graduate of Big Horn High School. He won a pair of State Championships. As a senior, Pelissier added over 30 touchdowns and rushed for over 1,500 yards. He was an All-State selection
Personal: He is majoring in business at Wyoming.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Receptions: 3 last vs. Air Force, 2022
Yards: 67 vs. Tulsa, 2022
Long reception: 48 vs. Tulsa, 2022
Touchdowns: 1 vs. Tulsa, 2022, at Nevada, 2023
83
WILL PELISSIER CAREER
CALEB ROBINSON
NOSE TACKLE 6-2, 286, SENIOR OMAHA, NEB. (BURKE)
2023: Robinson participated in 11 games. He made nine tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass break-up. Robinson enjoyed three games with multiple tackles, recording two against Texas Tech, at Boise State and at Nevada.
2022: Robinson appeared in 13 games for the cowboys with a pair of starts. He finished the season with 14 total tackles with seven solo stops and seven assisted tackles. He recorded a season-high three tackles against Fresno State and Utah State.
2021: Robinson was in the rotation for the Pokes’ interior defensive line. He played in 10 games with two starts on the season. He finished the season with 17 total tackles with 11 solo stops and six assisted tackles. He also added a tackle for loss. He recorded a career-high four tackles for the Cowboys against Colorado State. He added three tackles in contests against Air Force, Fresno State and Hawaii. He also recorded a tackle for loss against Hawaii.
2020: He appeared in two games for the Cowboys playing against New Mexico and UNLV. He recorded three tackles on the season with two against UNLV and adding one for the Cowboys against New Mexico. He was also credited with a half tackle for loss against UNLV.
High School: Caleb Robinson was one of the most talented defensive lineman in Nebraska. Robinson was a First team All-Metro selection, He was named a two-star recruit by Rivals. He helped lead Omaha Burke to a 9-2 record. He led Omaha Burke to a State Title as a junior. As a senior he led Omaha Burke to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs. He finished his senior season recording 34 total tackles. He also added 4.5 tackles for loss. For his career, Robinson added 82 career tackles in the middle of the Omaha Burke defense. He also added three sacks for his career and racked up an impressive 15 tackles for loss. He also received recruiting interest from South Dakota State and Nebraska.
Personal: He is majoring in american studies at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 3 (vs. Hawaii, 2021)
Assisted: 3 (vs. Colorado State, 2021)
Total tackles: 4 (vs. Colorado State, 2021)
CALEB ROBINSON CAREER STATISTICS
LUKE SANDY
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-2, 291, SOPHOMORE
ELIZABETH, COLO. (LEGEND)
2023: Sandy participated in all 13 games with three starts. He received his first-career start against Hawaii before making starts at Nevada and in the Barstool Arizona Bowl against Toledo. Sandy helped pave the way for a team that rushed for a combined 567 yards in the contests he started with a high-water mark of 244 at Nevada. He helped Wyoming rank top15 nationally in fourth-down conversion percentage at 66.7. The Cowboys were named to the Mid-season Watch List for the Joe Moore Award going to the top offensive line unit in the nation.
2022: Sandy redshirted during his first season with the program.
High School: Luke Sandy earned Second Team Colorado All-State Class 5A honors as an offensive and defensive lineman his senior season of 2021. The All-State teams were presented by CHSAANow, ColoradoPreps and MaxPreps and voted on by Colorado high school coaches. Sandy is projected as an offensive lineman for the Cowboys. He helped lead Legend High School to an 11-2 record in 2021. Legend entered the 2021 Class 5A State Playoffs as the No. 3 seed and advanced all the way to the semifinals of the state playoffs before losing to the eventual state champion Cherry Creek. Sandy was credited with 74 total tackles as a senior, including 42 solo stops. He added 9.0 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks and two fumble recoveries. As a junior, Sandy made 61 total tackles, including 37 solo tackles, 9.0 TFLs, 1.0 sack, one force fumble and one pass breakup. His junior season he helped Legend post a 7-1 overall record. Legend advanced to the Semifinals of the 2020 State Playoffs as the No. 3 seed before falling to No. 2 seed Valor Christian in the semifinals. Sandy comes from the same high school as former Wyoming Cowboy Chad Muma. Sandy played for head coach Monte Thelen at Legend High School.
2023: Sargent appeared in seven games for the Cowboys during the 2023 season. He recorded one catch for 15 yards on the season. He recorded a reception for 15 yards for the Cowboys in the contest against Portland State.
2022: Sargent appeared in three games for the Cowboys. He finished the season with two catches for 12 yards with a long of seven. Both catches came against Ohio in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl.
2021: Redshirted for the Cowboys in his first season with the program.
High School: Jaylen Sargent was ranked as a three-star recruit and the No. 27 overall recruit in the state of Utah by 247 Sports. Sargent earned First Team All-State Class 4A his senior season as selected by the Deseret News. He caught 60 passes for 886 yards and scored 11 TDs. Sargent and his Logan High team advanced to the second round of the 2020 Class 4A Playoffs. He played for head football coach Bart Bowen at Logan High. Sargent was also recruited by Air Force, Dartmouth and Utah State.
Personal: He is majoring in American Studies at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Receptions: 2 vs. Ohio, 2022
Yards: 15 vs. Portland State, 2023
Long reception: 15 vs. Portland State, 2023
JALEN SARGENT CAREER STATISTICS
SAM SCOTT
RUNNING BACK
6-2, 228, JUNIOR OMAHA, NEB. (SKUTT CATHOLIC)
2023: Scott appeared in all 13 games for the Cowboys with three starts. He ranked third on the team in rushing with 49 carries for 237 yards with two touchdowns. He also seventh on the team with 11 receptions for 77 yards. He rushed for a career-high 70 yards in the win over Portland State. Against Texas tech, Scott rushed for 44 yards on seven carries with a touchdown. He also recorded the game winning two-point conversion in the game. He recorded a career-high 14 carries at Air Force and caught three passes for 43 yards in the contest.
2022: Scott appeared in 12 games for the Pokes being a key reserve at linebacker, a player on special teams and at running back. He finished the season with two tackles with one against BYU and one against Utah State. He rushed for 11 yards on three carries in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl after moving to running back following the regular season finale. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.
2021: Redshirted for the Cowboys in his first season with the program.
High School: Sam Scott helped lead Omaha Skutt Catholic to the First Round of the 2020 Class B State Playoffs in his senior year. Class B is the second largest classification in the state of Nebraska. He was credited with 31 total tackles, including 12 solos 1.0 tackle for a loss and one fumble recovery in six games as a senior linebacker. He also rushed for 684 yards on 62 carries, averaged 114.0 rushing yards per game, 11.0 yards per carry and scored eight rushing touchdowns in 2020 as a running back. He added four receptions for 37 yards and three kickoff returns for 36 yards to account for 757 all-purpose yards and averaged 126.2 all-purpose yards per game. He played for head football coach Matt Turman at Skutt Catholic. Prior to his senior season, he played at Omaha North High, but when Omaha Public Schools canceled fall sports Scott transferred to Skutt Catholic. His head coach at Omaha North was Larry Martin. In addition to Wyoming, Scott was also recruited by North Dakota, Northern Iowa, South Dakota and South Dakota State. He was also offered a walk-on spot by Nebraska.
2023: Shay appeared in 13 games playing a role at linebacker and special teams. He finished the season with 15 tackles with eight solo stops and seven assisted tackles. He recorded a career-high five tackles for the Cowboys against UNLV. He added four stops against Boise State. He added two tackles against Portland State and Hawai’i.
2022: Shay appeared in 12 games in a reserve role and on special teams. He recorded three tackles on the season coming against Illinois, Colorado State and Fresno State. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.
2021: Shay appeared in 12 games for the Cowboys as a backup linebacker and on special teams. He finished the season with three tackles with one solo stop and two assisted tackles.
2020: He did not appear in any games in his first season with the program.
High School: Connor Shay was ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports. Shay was named by Cal-Hi Sports as its 2019 North Coast Section (NCS) Defensive Player of the Year. He was also selected to the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle First Team All-Metro Team as a linebacker. He earned Second Team All-NorCal Preps honors as selected by Rivals.com. Shay was named First Team All-East Bay Athletic League (EBAL) Mountain Division and was named his team’s Defensive Most Valuable Player as a senior. He played middle linebacker and tight end for Monte Vista High School. His senior season, he made 134 tackles, including 51 solo tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack and had one forced fumble. Shay averaged 11.7 tackles per game. For his career, he was credited with 201 total tackles, including 73 solo stops, 13.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. On offense, he caught 32 passes for 419 yards and four touchdowns from his tight end position as a senior. For his career, he caught 34 passes for 511 yards and five TDs. He also served as his team’s punter as a senior, averaging 36.1 yards per punt and placing 18 of his 42 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. Shay helped lead Monte Vista High to an 8-4 overall record and a second-place finish in the EBAL Mountain Division. Monte Vista advanced to the Semifinals of the CIF North Coast Section Playoffs before losing to eventual champion De La Salle. He played for head football coach Matt Russi. Shay also received scholarship offers from Fresno State, Nevada, UNLV and Utah.
Personal: He is majoring in Communication at Wyoming.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 3 vs. Boise State, 2023
Assisted: 3 at UNLV, 2023
Total tackles: 5 at UNLV, 2023
CONNER SHAY CAREER STATISTICS
BRADEN SIDERS
DEFENSIVE END 6-3, 246, JUNIOR THORNTON, COLO. (RALSTON VALLEY)
2023: Siders appeared in 12 games with five starts for the Cowboys. He recorded 26 total tackles with 15 solo stops and 11 assisted tackles. Siders added four sacks for the season. He added one against Texas Tech in the season opener. He also added one against Hawai’i and 1.5 in the regular season finale at Nevada. He recorded a season-high five tackles against Air Force and added four against Hawai’i. He finished the season with five tackles for loss and had a season-high two against Hawai’i.
2022: Siders appeared in and started all 13 games for the Cowboys. Siders led Wyoming in tackles for loss (13.5) as a redshirt freshman in 2022 and was second in sacks (7.0). He totaled 44 tackles in his first season as a starter and started all 13 games for the Cowboys. He also recorded seven quarterback hurries and had one pass break-up. Siders was named an Honorable Mention Freshman AllAmerican by College Football News in 2022. He recorded a career-high six tackles against Air Force and Ohio. Against Ohio, he also recorded a career-high three tackles for loss along with a pair of sacks. He also recorded two sacks for the Cowboys in a contest against New Mexico.
2021: Siders did not appear in any games for the Cowboys but added great depth to the defensive line.
2020: He did not appear in any games during his first season with the program.
High School: Braden Siders is an All-CHSAA selection from Ralston Valley High School. He was a two-star recruit according to Rivals. He finished an outstanding career leading Ralston Valley to a 12-1 record. For his career, Siders recorded 209 career tackles with an impressive 19 sacks. He also has 39 career tackles for loss. As a senior, Siders recorded 100 tackles with 14 sacks. He was the star of a defense that allowed only 10.3 points per game during the regular season. He was also recruited by New Mexico.
Personal: He is majoring in American Studies at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 6 last vs. Ohio, 2022
Assisted: 2 vs. BYU, 2022
Total tackles: 6 last vs. Ohio, 2022
Sacks: 2 vs. Ohio, 2022
Tackles for Loss: 3 vs. Ohio, 2022
BRADEN SIDERS CAREER STATISTICS
SHAE SUIAUNOA
LINEBACKER
6-3, 232, GRADUATE HOUSTON, TEXAS (CLEAR LAKE)
2023: Suiaunoa appeared in and started all 13 games for the Cowboys last season. He was named third team All-MW by Phil Steele. He ranked second on the team with 93 total tackles. He also added 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and an interception. He ranked tenth in the MW with 7.2 tackles per game. he had 10 or more tackles in three games last season. He recorded a career-high 12 tackles for the Cowboys in the win over Texas Tech. He added 13 tackles against another ranked opponent in Fresno State and added 11 against Boise State. Suiaunoa recorded an interception against Colorado State. He recorded a season-high 1.5 tackles for loss in the win over Portland State.
2022: Suiaunoa played in and started all 13 games. He anked second on the Cowboy defense in tackles in 2022, with 73. He also had six quarterback hurries, 2.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups and one interception. Suiaunoa ranked No. 23 in the Mountain West in tackles as a sophomore in ‘22, averaging 5.6 tackles per game. He started all 13 games at weak-side linebacker for Wyoming as a sophomore. He was named the MW Defensive Player of the Week for his performance versus Northern Colorado in 2022. He recorded a career-high eight tackles against Northern Colorado and Hawaii. He also added seven tackles against Tulsa, New Mexico and Boise State.
2021: Suiaunoa appeared in 13 games as a linebacker and on special teams. He finished the season with four total tackles with one solo stop and three assisted. He recorded two tackles for the Cowboys against Northern Illinois. He also added tackles against Colorado State and Utah State.
2020: Suiaunoa played in appeared in all six game as a reserve linebacker and on special teams. He recorded eight tackles for the season. He recorded a career-high five tackles for the Cowboys against New Mexico.
2019: Suiaunoa played in three games for the Cowboys to maintain his redshirt status. He played on special teams for the Pokes recording one total tackle.
High School: Shae Suiaunoa was an outstanding dual-threat quarterback and all-around athlete at Clear Lake High School in Houston, Texas. He is projected as a linebacker for the Cowboys. He was rated as a three-star recruit by ESPN and 247 Sports. His senior season, Suiaunoa completed 79 of 148 passes for 1,020 yards and threw six TD passes. He also rushed for 437 yards on 96 carries and had two rushing TDs. Suiaunoa totaled 1,457 yards of total offense in 2018. He added eight receptions for 146 yards and caught one TD reception. He helped lead Clear Lake High to a 6-6 record and the Class 6A Division II playoffs as a senior. Clear Lake defeated Dawson, 28-14, in the Bi-District round before losing to Summer Creek, 28-19, in the Area round. His junior season, Suiaunoa earned Second Team Class 6A District 24 honors at quarterback. As a junior, Suiaunoa completed 160 of 266 passes for 2,270 yards and threw 23 TD passes. He rushed for 801 yards on 144 carries and scored eight rushing touchdowns. He accounted for 3,071 yards of total offense and was responsible for 31 TDs his junior season. Suiaunoa led Clear Lake to an 8-4 record and the Class 6A Division II playoffs. Clear Lake defeated George Ranch, 24-8, in the Bi-District round. The Falcons lost in the Area round to Kingwood, 38-30. His sophomore season, Suiaunoa passed for 1,703 yards, rushed for 504 yards, totalled 2,207 yards of total offense and was responsible for 11 touchdowns (10 passing and 1 rushing). He played for head coach Larry McRae. Suiaunoa was also recruited by Arizona, Arkansas, Baylor, Cincinnati, Hawai’i, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon State, SMU, Texas State, Tulane, UCLA, Utah, UTEP and UTSA
Personal: He is majoring in American Studies at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 9 vs. Fresno State, 2023
Assisted: 6 vs. Colorado State, 2022, Boise St., 2023
Total tackles: 12 vs. Texas Tech, 2023, Fresno St., 2023
Tackle For Loss: 1.5 vs. Portland State, 2023
Sacks: 1 last vs. Fresno State, 2023
Interceptions: 1 vs. Northern Colo. 2022, Colo. St., 2023
2023: Sunn appeared in all 13 games for the Cowboys in 2023 in a reserve linebacker role and on special teams. He recorded one tackle on the season for the Brown and Gold.
2022: Sunn appeared in and started one game for the Cowboys. He finished the season with eight tackles with three solo stops and five assisted tackles. In his first career start coming against Air Force, he recorded four tackles. He also added tackles against Illinois, Tulsa, New Mexico and Hawaii. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.
2021: Sunn missed the entire season with an injury.
2020: Sunn served as the long snapper in all six games for the Cowboys.
High School: Graduate of the Christ School. Led his team to back-to-back state titles. Sunn led the team with 130 tackles, including 16 for a loss in his final season. He grew up in Wasilla, Alaska.
Personal: He is majoring in Energy Resource Management at UW.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 1 last vs. Hawaii, 2022
Assisted: 3 vs. Air Force, 2022
Total tackles: 4 vs. Air Force, 2022
READ SUNN CAREER STATISTICS
EVAN SVOBODA
QUARTERBACK
6-5, 245, JUNIOR MESA, ARIZ. (SNOW C.C., UTAH)
2023: Svoboda appeared in 10 games for the Cowboys including one start in 2023. He finished the season 23-of-38 passing completing 60.5 percent of his passes. He threw for 200 yards for the season. He recorded 25 rushes for 80 yards on the season with two touchdowns. Against Texas, Svoboda was 17-of-28 passing for 136 yards. He helped lead the Cowboys to a win in the Arizona Bowl rushing for 26 yards on five carries with a touchdown.
2022: Svoboda did not appear in any games for the Cowboys.
Before Wyoming: Evan Svoboda joins Wyoming Football after playing his freshman season at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. Svoboda had originally been recruited by Wyoming out of Red Mountain High School in Mesa, Ariz. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.
The native of Mesa, Ariz., also had a number of FCS scholarship offers coming out of high school, including offers from Abilene Christian and Illinois State, but decided to play at the junior college level as a college freshman. He played in a back-up role as a freshman and was part of a Snow College team that was ranked No. 1 in the nation during the 2021 season and ended the season ranked No. 5 in the nation in the final NJCAA national rankings.
Svoboda had an outstanding senior season in high school in 2020, completing 87 of 156 pass attempts for 1,286 yards in a seven-game, COVID-shortened season. He threw 13 touchdown passes as a high school senior.
An outstanding all-around athlete, Svoboda also played basketball and was an All-Region performer in track and field at Red Mountain High. He qualified for the State Championships in both the javelin and triple jump, while setting a school record in the javelin of 170’ 4”. Svoboda was named his school’s Scholar-Athlete of the year as a senior, achieving a 3.86 gpa. His parents are Nicole and Scott.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Completions: 17 at Texas, 2023
Attempts: 28 at Texas, 2023
Passing Yards: 136 at Texas, 2023
Touchdown Passes: None
Long Completion: 20 at Texas, 2023
Rushing Attempts: 5 last vs. Toledo, 2023
Rushing Yards: 27 at Nevada, 2023
Long Rush: 18 vs. Hawai’i, 2023
NOFOAFIA TULAFONO
CENTER 6-2, 324, SENIOR VICTORVILLE, CALIF. (OAK HILLS)
2023: Tulafono started all 13 games. He helped pave the way for Harrison Waylee to rush for north of 100 yards on four different occasions with the high-water mark being 191 yards against New Mexico. Tulafono also helped protect Andrew Peasley who threw for at least 140 yards nine different times with a season-high 319 coming against Hawaii. Tulafono played a role in Wyoming ranking top-15 nationally in fourth-down conversion percentage at 66.7. The Cowboys were named to the Joe Moore Award Mid-season Watch list with the award going to the top offensive line in the nation.
2022: Tulafono played in a started all 13 games for the Cowboys. He made all the offensive line calls for the Cowboys and in his first year as a starter Tulafono helped block for 1,000-yard rusher. Tulafono was named Second Team All-Mountain West Conference by Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 2022 and earned Fourth Team honors from Phil Steele. He helped pace an offensive line that helped the Pokes rank third in the MW in rushing offense and third in the conference and No. 30 in the nation in sacks allowed.
2021: Tulafono appeared in 12 games on the offensive line and on special teams. He saw time at both center and guard. He was a part of an offensive line that saw both running backs in Xazavian Valladay and Titus Swen earn All-MW honors.
2020: He did not appear in any games in his first season with the program.
High School: Nofoafia Tulafano is rated as a three-star recruit by 247sports.com. He was also named a two-star recruit by Rivals. He was a leader of an offensive line that was one of the top rushing teams in the area. He also played on defense, as he recorded nearly four tackles per game. He was invited to play in the 2020 Polynesian Bowl played in Hawai’i in January. He was also named to 2019 Watch List for the Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year Award. The Award is presented annually to the most outstanding senior high school football player of Polynesian ancestry. He was recruited by Arizona, BYU, Hawai’i and New Mexico.
Personal: He is majoring in American Studies at UW.
NOFOAFIA TULAFONO CAREER STATISTICS
Games Played: 38 (12 in 2021, 13 in 2022, 13 in 2023)
Games Started: 26 (13 in 2022, 13 in 2023)
JACK WALSH
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-3, 313, JUNIOR PALATINE, ILL. (FREMD)
2023: Walsh started all 13 games. Walsh was named All-MW by Pro Football Focus earning first team honors. He was also named third team All-MW by Phil Steele. He helped pave the way for Harrison Waylee to rush for north of 100 yards on four different occasions with the high-water mark being 191 yards against New Mexico. Walsh also helped protect Andrew Peasley who threw for at least 140 yards nine different times with a season-high 319 coming against Hawaii. Walsh played a role in Wyoming ranking top-15 nationally in fourth-down conversion percentage at 66.7. The Cowboys were named to the Mid-season Watch List for the Joe Moore Award going to the top offensive line unit in the nation.
2022: Walsh appeared in 11 games with two starts for the Cowboys. He started back-to-back games against New Mexico and Utah State. He helped pace an offensive line that helped the Pokes rank third in the MW in rushing offense and third in the conference and No. 30 in the nation in sacks allowed. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.
2021: Redshirted for the Cowboys in his first season with the program.
High School: Jack Walsh was rated as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports. Walsh was also rated at the No. 65 overall recruit in the talent rich state of Illinois by 247 Sports. The state of Illinois did not play high school football in the fall of 2020. In 2019, Walsh’s Fremd High team advanced to the Second Round of the Class 8A State Playoffs. Class 8A is the largest classification in the state of Illinois. He played for head football coach Lou Sponsel at Fremd High. His father, John Walsh, lettered for the Cowboys as a reserve offensive lineman in 1988 and was part of Wyoming’s 1987 and ‘88 Western Athletic Conference Championship teams. Jack Walsh was also recruited by Kent State.
Personal: He is majoring in Kinesiology and Health Promotion at UW.
JACK WALSH CAREER STATISTICS
Games Played: 24 (11 in 2022, 13 in 2023)
Games Started: 15 (2 in 2022, 13 in 2023)
HARRISON WAYLEE
RUNNING BACK 5-10, 203, SENIOR JOHNSTON, IOWA (NORTHERN ILLINOIS)
2023: Waylee had an outstanding season for the Cowboys in 2023. He was named Honorable Mention All-Mountain West by the coaches and media. He was named to the Second Team All-MW by Phil Steele. He appeared in 10 games for the Poke with nine starts at running back. He rushed for 947 yards in those contests to rank sixth in the MW and No. 50 in the nation. He averaged 94.7 yards per game, a number that ranked fourth in the conference and No. 24 in the nation. He ended the season with 5.8 yards per carry to rank sixth in the MW and No. 34 in the nation. He also added 12 receptions for 66 yards. He finished the season with five touchdowns with a long of 75 yards that came for a touchdown against Texas. He rushed for over 100 yards against Texas, App State, New Mexico, and Colorado State. He rushed for a season-high 191 yards against New Mexico. He added 110 at Texas, 156 against App State and 128 against Colorado State. He has rushed for 2,876 yards in his career and has recorded 15 rushing touchdowns in his career.
Before Wyoming: Harrison Waylee joins the Wyoming Football program as a proven FBS running back, transferring to UW from Northern Illinois University. As a sophomore in 2022, Waylee earned Third Team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) honors at running back in voting by MAC head coaches. He also was named to the Pro Football Focus (PFF) Third Team All-MAC squad. Waylee was named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List in ‘22. He concluded the season ranked No. 43 in the nation in rushing yards, averaging 81.7 rushing yards per game, and he helped NIU rank No. 37 in the nation in rushing offense as a team at 190.4 rushing yards per game. Waylee led NIU in rushing in 2022 with 899 rushing yards on 165 carries and scored five rushing touchdowns. The native of Johnston, Iowa, averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 11 games in ‘22, with a long run of 76 yards for a touchdown at Eastern Michigan. He was an effective receiver out of the backfield, catching 17 passes for 119 yards. Waylee also led NIU in total offense (899 total yards) and all-purpose yards (1,018). The third-year sophomore had three 100-yard rushing games in 2022, including a career best 230-yard game at Ball State in which he also scored three rushing TDs. His other 100-yard rushing games in ‘22 were: 158 rushing yards at Eastern Michigan and 138 yards vs. Central Michigan. He added a 97-yard rushing game at Ohio. For his career, Waylee has rushed for 1,929 yards to rank No. 21 on NIU’s career rushing list. He has eight 100-yard rushing games. He also set the Huskies’ record for most receptions by a running back in a single game when he caught 10 passes for 96 yards vs. eventual MAC Champion Toledo. Waylee played his prep football at Urbandale High School in Urbandale, Iowa.
HARRISON WAYLEE CAREER
UW SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Rushes: 29 vs. Colorado State, 2023
Yards: 191 vs. New Mexico, 2023
Long: 75 at Texas, 2023
Touchdowns: 1, Five times
Receptions: 3 vs. Toledo, 2023
TYCE WESTLAND
DEFENSIVE END
6-5, 239, JUNIOR
PLEASANTON, NEB. (PLEASANTON)
2023: Westland had a strong season for the Cowboys and appeared in all 13 games for the Brown and Gold. He finished the season with 18 total tackles with eight solo stops and 10 assisted tackles. He added 4.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks. He had a tackle for loss in each of the final four games of the season. He added a fumble return against UNLV that he returned for 61 yards. He recorded a career-high five tackles against UNLV. He added three against New Mexico.
2022: He did not appear in any games for the Cowboys last season.
2021: Redshirted for the Cowboys in his first season with the program.
High School: Tyce Westland comes to Wyoming as a very versatile athlete, who played primarily linebacker and wide receiver in high school but also played part-time at running back and quarterback as a senior. He is projected as a defensive end for the Cowboys. His senior season, he was named the Kearney Hub 6/8-Man Player of the Year, playing in Class D2, which is 8-man football. He also earned First Team Kearney Hub All-Class D2 as a wide receiver, and the Grand Island Independent named him to its First Team All-State Class D2 team as a receiver. In 10 games his senior season, Westland was credited with a team high 127 total tackles (58 solos and 69 assists), playing primarily at linebacker but he also played some defensive end and safety. He recorded 8.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, seven pass breakups, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. From his receiver position, he caught 39 passes for 843 yards, averaged 21.6 yards per reception and scored 15 receiving touchdowns. He added 245 rushing yards on 33 attempts and scored three rushing touchdowns. All total, he accounted for 1,088 all-purpose yards and scored 18 TDs. Westland helped Pleasanton advance to the Quarterfinals of the 2020 Nebraska Class D2 State Playoffs. As a junior, he led Pleasanton High School to the Nebraska Class D2 State Championship Game where they finished as the runner-up for the state title. Westland was named to the Lincoln Journal-Star First Team All-State team as a wide receiver his junior season. He led his team with 147 total tackles, including 74 solos and 73 assists in 13 games. He also intercepted three passes to rank second on his team. On offense, he led his team in all three major receiving categories, with 54 receptions for 955 yards and 13 touchdowns. Westland also earned Academic All-State honors in high school, played basketball and was a hurdler on his track and field team. He played for his father, Ricci Westland, who is the head coach at Pleasanton High.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 2, last at UNLV, 2023
Assisted: 3 at UNLV, 2023
Total tackles: 5 at UNLV, 2023
Tackles for Loss: 1.0, four times, last vs. Toledo, 2023
TYCE WESTLAND CAREER STATISTICS
ISAAC WHITE
FREE SAFETY
6-1, 201, SENIOR POTTSTOWN, PA. (MALVERN PREP)
2023: White played and started all 13 games for the Cowboys in 2023. One of the top tacklers on the team, White added 61 for the season with 33 solo stops and 28 assisted tackles. He recorded nine tackles for the Cowboys against Air Force tying a career best. He added eight stops for the Pokes in a win over App State. White added a sack and tackle for loss in the win at Nevada. He tied for the team lead in pass breakups with seven. He added seven tackles with five solo stops, a season-high against Portland State. He recorded a season-high two pass breakups against New Mexico. He recorded his second career interception against Toledo.
2022: White appeared in all 13 games with 13 starts for the Cowboys. He recorded 66 tackles on the season with 47 solo stops and 19 assisted tackles. He also recorded four tackles for loss and added three pass breakups. He tied a career-high with nine tackles against Colorado State. He followed that game up with eight tackles against Boise State. He had six tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss against Utah State and finished with seven stops in a contest at BYU. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.
2021: White played in all 13 games for the Pokes with four starts. He finished the season with 34 total tackles with 26 solo stops and eight assisted tackles. He also added two tackles for loss and one sack. He also recorded one interception and one pass breakup. He blocked one kick on the season coming against Boise State. He recorded a career-high nine tackles against Hawaii, as he had eight solo stops in the game. He added seven tackles for the Cowboys in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl against Kent State. He recorded two tackles for loss and one sack in that contest. He recorded his first career interception against Utah State. He added four tackles in that game. He was named Academic All-MW.
2020: White appeared in one game for the Cowboys. He played against UNLV and recorded one tackle, which was also a half tackle for loss. High School: Isaac White is a two-star recruit according to Rivals.com. This past season at Malvern Prep he earned Second Team Inter-Academic Leagues. He spent his junior season in Denver at Mullen High School grabbing 31 catches for 438 yards and a touchdown offensively. On defense, White recorded 33 tackles and added an interception and tackle for loss at Mullen. White also excels on the basketball court playing a key role on both teams at Malvern Prep and Mullen High School. He was also recruited by Colorado State, New Mexico State, Eastern Michigan, Air Force and Army.
Personal: He is majoring in Marketing at Wyoming.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 8 vs. Hawaii, 2021
Assisted: 7 at Air Force, 2023
Total tackles: 9 vs. Colorado St., 2022, at Air Force, 2023
2023: Williams participated in five games, which included four of the first five contests of the season. He made two tackles, one of which was his first-career sack against Texas Tech.
2022: Williams appeared in three games for the Cowboys. He finished the season with two tackles. He had a stop against Fresno State and recorded one against Ohio in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl.
High School: Jaden Williams was credited with 70 total tackles, including 48 solo tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 11.0 sacks, 26 quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, one pass breakup and one interception his senior season at Campbell Hall High School in North Hollywood, Calif.. Williams helped his Campbell Hall High team post a 10-1 record for the 2021 season. Campbell Hall entered the California Southern Section Division 6 Playoffs with a 10-0 record before losing in the opening round to Santa Barbara. He played for head coach Dennis Keyes at Campbell Hall. Keyes played for UCLA in Wyoming’s 2004 Las Vegas Bowl game versus the Bruins. Williams was also recruited by Nevada and UNLV.
SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Solo: 1 vs. Texas Tech, 2023
Assisted: 1 vs. Hawai’i
Total tackles: 1, last vs. Hawai’i, 2023
Sacks: 1 vs. Texas Tech, 2023
JADAN WILLIAMS CAREER STATISTICS
CARSON YORK
LONG SNAPPER 6-1, 207, JUNIOR M c KINNEY, TEXAS (ROCK HILL)
2023: York appeared and started all 13 games for the Cowboys at long snapper. He snapped for field goal kicker John Hoyland and punter Clayton Stewart. Hoyland was perfect from inside 45 yards for the season. York finished the season with three tackles with two solo stops and one assisted tackle. He recorded solo stops at Texas and against Toledo. He added an assisted tackle for the Brown and Gold against Fresno State.
2022: York appeared in all 13 games for the Pokes. He snapped for field goal kicker John Hoyland, an All-Mw performer who made 22 of 25 field goals (88.0 percent) in 2022. He also snapped for punter Clayton Stewart, who ranked No. 3 in the Mountain West and No. 33 in the nation in punting, averaging 43.8 yards per punt in 2022.
High School: Carson York recorded the top overall score as a long snapper at the Kohl’s Texas Showcase and was ranked as the No. 9 long snapper in the country by Kohl’s Professional Football Camps that specializes in Kicking, Punting, Long-snapping, and Athletic Development. He played outside linebacker and was the starting long snapper at Rock Hill High School in McKinney, Texas. He earned Academic All-District honors at Rock Hill High School as a senior. His brother, Cade, is an All-SEC kicker at LSU. York played for head football coach Mark Wilkinson at Rock Hill High.
Personal: He is majoring in American Studies at UW.
KADEN ANDERSON
QUARTERBACK
6-4, 223,
R-FRESHMAN SOUTH LAKE, TEXAS (SOUTHLAKE CARROLL)
12
2023: Anderson did not appear in any games and redshirted for the Cowboys during his first season with the program. High School: Kaden Anderson was rated as a three-star recruit by both 247 Sports and Rivals. He was ranked by The Dallas Morning News as the No. 71 player on its Top 100 list of Texas recruits for 2023. Anderson succeeded former Southlake Carroll High fivestar quarterback Quinn Ewers, who is now at the University of Texas. After taking over as the starting quarterback as a junior in 2021, Anderson led Southlake Carroll to a 14-1 record, the Texas 6A D-1 state semifinals and he was named a Texas District 4-6A First Team All-District honoree. Anderson completed 204 of 338 passes (60.4 percent) for 3,036 yards, 34 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions in 2021. He added 140 rushing yards and seven rushing TDs for 3,176 yards of total offense. His senior season of 2022, he helped guide Southlake Carroll to a 13-1 record and the state quarterfinals. He completed 76 of 98 passes (77.6 percent) for 1,113 yards, 14 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in the six games he played. Anderson also rushed for 141 yards and one rushing TD for 1,254 yards of total offense. Anderson played for head coach Riley Dodge at Southlake Carroll. Southlake Carroll High School has a rich history of producing top college quarterbacks, including former Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel and former Alabama QB Greg McElroy. Anderson was also recruited by Bowling Green and Texas State.
MITCHELL ANDERSON
RUNNING BACK
5-8, 187, JUNIOR FOLSOM, CALIF. (FOLSOM)
25
2023: Anderson appeared in one game for the Cowboys during the 2023 season. 2022: Anderson did not appear in any contests for the Cowboys, but was a member of the UW scout team. 2021: Redshirted during the 2021 season. High School: Graduate of Folsom High School. Played running back in high school Recruited by Sacramento State, Boise State and UC Davis.
ABRAHAM BANGOURA
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-5, 290, R-FRESHMAN LARAMIE, WYO. (LARAMIE)
69
2023: Bangoura redshirted during the 2023 season, his first season with the program. High School: Abraham Bangoura earned Second Team Class 4A All-State honors as an offensive lineman from the Wyoming Coaches Association in 2022. He also earned First Team Class 4A East All-Conference honors as an offensive lineman in 2022. Bangoura was credited with 22 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, four fumble recoveries and two pass breakups as a defensive end for the Plainsmen his senior season. A multi-sport athlete at Laramie High, he also played basketball, soccer and participated in track and field. He played for head football coach Paul Ronga at Laramie High School. He was also recruited by Colorado State.
2023: Brantley redshirted during the 2023 season, his first year with the program. High School: Bricen Brantley earned First Team All-District honors in District 23-6A in Houston, Texas. Brantley was named his team’s Most Valuable Player his senior season as he caught 55 passes for 918 yards and nine receiving touchdowns for the 2022 season. Brantley averaged 83.5 receiving yards per game and 16.7 yards per reception. He had a long reception of 97 yards. Brantley added 213 yards in kickoff returns for a total of 1,132 all-purpose yards to average 102.9 all-purpose yards per game. His junior season of 2021, Brantley caught 33 passes for 539 yards and seven receiving TDs, with a long reception of 75 yards. He played for head football coach Shawn Gray. Brantley was also recruited by Illinois State.
GAGE BROOK
QUARTERBACK
6-4, 215, R-FRESHMAN FORT COLLINS, COLO. (ROCKY MOUNTAIN)
13
2023: Brook redshirted during his first season with the program.High School: Gage Brook comes to Wyoming after an outstanding high school career at Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins, Colo. Brook was injured much of his senior season, suffering a broken ankle in the second game of the 2022 season, but he came back to play in the postseason and lead Rocky Mountain to an upset win in the first round of the 2022 Colorado Class 5A State Playoffs -- the largest classification in Colorado. Rocky entered the state playoffs seeded No. 20 in Class 5A and defeated No. 13 seeded Mountain Vista by a score of 20-13. Brook sparked the Lobos offensive attack when he completed a touchdown pass early in the game to give Rocky Mountain a 6-0 lead on way to their playoff victory. The Lobos season came to an end in the second round, losing to No. 4 seed Grandview, 20-0. His junior season, Brook completed 91 of 163 passes (.558) for 1,693 yards and 13 touchdowns in eight games. As a sophomore, he completed 62 of 125 passes for 914 yards and seven TDs in seven games. For his high school career, Brook completed 178 of 332 passes (.536) for 2,817 yards and 21 touchdowns and accounted for 3,054 yards of total offense in 17 career games. He played for his father, Mark Brook, who was head coach at Rocky Mountain High School. Mark Brook was a four-year letter winner at defensive end and linebacker for the Wyoming Cowboys from 1992-95. Gage Brook’s mother, Wende (Brown) Brook, was a four-year letter winner on the Cowgirl Volleyball team from 1991-94, and his sister, Taylor Brook, will be a senior on the Cowgirl Soccer team when the 2024 season kicks off.
CHARLIE COENEN
24
2023: Coenen did not appear in any games during the 2023 season but added depth to the wide receiver group.2022: Coenen redshirt in his first season with the program.High School: Charlie Coenen was selected as an All-District player three times during his high school career, and he was named to the 2021 Minneapolis Star Tribune Second Team All-Metro team. Coenen was also named District CoOffensive Player of the Year and was selected as the Chanhassen High Team and Offensive MVP. His senior season, he caught 31 passes for 726 yards and scored eight receiving touchdowns. Coenen averaged 23.4 yards per reception and 90.8 receiving yards per game. He added 26 rushing attempts for 156 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns. As a return specialist, he returned four punts for 71 yards and averaged 17.6 yards per punt return and returned two kickoffs for 22 yards. He helped lead Chanhassen to a 6-3 record and the First Round of the Minnesota Class AAAAA State Playoffs. Class AAAAA is the second largest classification in the state of Minnesota. In 2020, Coenen was named to the 2020 High School Football America Minnesota Academic All-America Team. He played for head coach Cullen Nelson. Coenen was also recruited by North Dakota State.
2023: Crawford redshirted during the 2023 season, his first season with the program. High School: Cody Crawford was named to the 2022 Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 team. Crawford was a First Team Class 4A All-State selection as both an offensive lineman and defensive lineman by the Wyoming Coaches Association in 2022. He was also the Unanimous selection as the Class 4A All-State Lineman of the Year. Crawford was a First Team Class 4A West All-Conference honoree as both an offensive lineman and defensive lineman in 2022, and was named the Class 4A West Lineman of the Year. He was credited with 54 total tackles as a senior, including 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, two pass breakups and one safety. Crawford was part of a Natrona County defense that led Class 4A in total defense in 2022, allowing opponents only 238 yards per game. The Mustangs also led Class 4A in rushing defense in 2022, holding opponents to only 82 rushing yards per game. He played for head football coach Steve Harshman at Natrona County High School.
JAKE DAVIES
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
6-7, 286, R-FRESHMAN YORKVILLE, ILL. (YORKVILLE)
2023: Davies participated in one game while retaining his redshirt year. He made his first-career appearance at Nevada where the Cowboys rushed for a season-high 244 yards. High School: Jake Davies is being recruited as an offensive linemen by the Wyoming Cowboys. He played tight end and defensive end at Yorkville High School in Yorkville, Ill. Davies is ranked as the No. 82 overall recruit in the state of Illinois by 247 Sports. He was named as a Special Mention member of the 2022 Champaign News-Gazette All-State football team as a defensive end. Davis also earned Academic All-State honors at Yorkville High. His senior season, Davies caught 10 passes for 111 yards and one touchdown reception. From his defensive end position, Davies was credited with 52 total tackles, including 21.0 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries four pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He helped lead Yorkville High to a 10-2 record and the quarterfinals of the 2022 Illinois Class 7A state playoffs. His junior season, Davies made 64 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, one quarterback hurry, one pass breakup and one blocked field goal. He played for head football coach Dan McGuire at Yorkville High. Davies was also recruited by Eastern Michigan and Kent State.
JEVON DAVIS
SAFETY
6-0, 208, SENIOR CASPER, WYO.
(BLACK HILLS ST.)
32
2023: Davis did not appear in any games for the Cowboys during the 2023 season but added depth and experience in the defensive backfield.Before UW: Jevon Davis transferred to Wyoming in the spring of 2023 from Black Hills State, where he began his college career in the COVID season of 2020. In his sophomore season of 2022, Davis appeared in 10 games for the Yellow Jackets and was credited with 12 tackles. He played his high school football at Kelly Walsh High School in Casper, Wyo. His senior season of 2019, Davis earned Second Team Class 4A All-East Conference honors as both a defensive back and punter. He also earned All-State honors in the 2020 Indoor Track and Field season as part of Kelly Walsh’s 4 x 200 State Championship Relay Team. During his high school career at Kelly Walsh High, he played for head coaches Jon Vance and Aaron Makelky. Davis’ older sister, Jerayah Davis, was an AllAmerica sprinter and long jumper at the University of Wyoming, who ended her career in the 2018-19 season.
ETHAN DAY
DEFENSIVE END
6-4, 254, SOPHOMORE
COPPEROPOLIS, CALIF.
(MODESTO C.C., CALIF.)
59
2023: Day participated in two games against New Mexico and Hawaii. He did not record a stat.Before Wyoming: Ethan Day came to Wyoming in the spring of 2023 after playing one season at Modesto Community College in Modesto, Calif., in 2022. He earned Honorable Mention All-Valley Conference honors as a freshman at Modesto C.C. Day was a part of a Modesto team that finished the 2022 season tied for No. 17 in the Final 2022 JC Athletic Bureau Poll of California Community College Football Coaches. He played in nine of Modesto’s 11 games in 2022, recording 16 total tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss for 28 yards and 3.0 sacks for 18 yards. Day had a season-high four tackles in Modesto’s season finale against the eventual California Junior College State Champion, College of San Mateo. Modesto met San Mateo in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Northern Region State Semifinals. Day had a season best 2.0 tackles for loss versus Fresno City and his 3.0 sacks came in three separate games. He played for head football coach Rusty Stivers at Modesto C.C. Day played his high school football at Ripon High School in Ripon, Calif., where he earned All-Region honors as a senior. He was also selected to and played in the 2022 Bay Area Cali Classic High School Senior Bowl. His Valley Team defeated the Bay Area Team 28-21 in overtime, and Day was named the Valley Team’s Defensive MVP. He was also named the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Trans-Valley League as a senior. Day recorded 70 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and five forced fumbles his senior season. He played for head football coach Chris Musseman at Ripon High
DANTE DRAKE
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
6-3, 261, R-FRESHMAN ROBINSON, TEXAS (ROBINSON)
92
2023: Drake redshirted during the 2023 season, his first year with the program. High School: Dante Drake is a rated as a three-star recruit by On3.com As a junior, Drake was named a Second Team All-District 9-4A defensive end. He played for head football coach Mike Ludlow. Drake was also recruited by Louisiana Tech, Nebraska and UTSA.
JUSTIN ERB
TIGHT END
6-2, 236, SOPHOMORE WAKEFIELD, NEB. (IOWA WESTERN C.C.)
2023: Erb redshirted during the 2023 season, his first season with the program. Before Wyoming: Erb spent his first two collegiate football seasons at Iowa Western Community College. He helped the Reivers capture an NJCAA National Championships each of the last two seasons.
94 BEN FLORENTINE
NOSE TACKLE
6-1, 276, JUNIOR ANAHEIM, CALIF. (SERVITE)
2023: Florentine participated in the first 12 games of the season. He recorded 11 tackles and enjoyed three contests with multiple tackles. Florentine set his career-high of two tackles against Portland State and hit that mark at Texas and at Nevada.2022: Florentine appeared in two games for the Cowboys. He finished the season with one tackle coming against Fresno State. 2021: Redshirted during his first season with the program.High School: Graduate of Servite High School one of the nation’s top programs. He was a First Team Team All-Trinity League Defensive player, Florentine was a three-year varsity letterman. As a senior in a shortened season, he tallied 26 tackles including a team-high six tackles for loss.
DANTE GAVITO
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-3, 282, SOPHOMORE FORT LUPTON, COLO. (FORT LEWIS COLLEGE)
53
2023: Gavito did not appear in any games for the Cowboys in 2023. He provided depth on the offensive line. Before Wyoming: Dante Gavito came to Wyoming in the spring of 2023 after playing his freshman season of college football at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., in 2022. He played in eight of Fort Lewis’ 10 games and started six as a true freshman. He will come to Wyoming with three years of eligibility remaining. Gavito played his high school football at Mead High School in Longmont, Colo., where he earned First Team All-State Class 3A honors as presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps. com and MaxPreps his senior season of 2021. Also in his senior season, he helped lead Mead High to a 10-3 record as the Mavericks advanced all the way to the Colorado Class 3A State Championship Game before losing by only four points, 17-21, to Fort Morgan. Gavito was a three-year letterwinner in football and two-year letterwinner in baseball at Mead High. Gavito played for head football coach Jason Klatt at Mead High.
2023: Geiger redshirted during the 2023 season, his first season with the program. High School: Nathan Geiger was named a Second Team All-State Class 5A selection in 2022 as presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps. Geiger also was a Unanimous First Team All-Conference selection in ‘22 and was credited with 13 pancake blocks. He helped lead his Thunder Ridge team to an 11-2 record his senior season and the quarterfinals of the Colorado Class 5A State Championship before losing to eventual state champion Cherry Creek. In 2021 as a junior, Geiger was also a First Team All-Conference honoree. He played for head football coach Doug Nisenson at Thunder Ridge High. Geiger was also recruited by Arizona State.
2023: Grovesteen-Matchey redshirted during the 2023 season, his first year with the program. High School: Quinn GrovesteenMatchey is rated as the No. 7 overall recruit in the state of Wisconsin by 247 Sports. He was named to the Blue-Grey AllAmerican Bowl Watch List in 2022. He played for head football coach Garth Coats. Grovesteen-Matchey was also recruited by Central Michigan, Columbia and Iowa State.
NAZ HILL
CORNERBACK
6-3, 175, R-FRESHMAN KANKAKEE, ILL. (KANAKEE)
14
2023: Hill did not appear in any games and redshirted during his first season with the program. High School: Naz Hill was ranked as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports and is rated as the No. 33 overall recruit in the state of Illinois by 247 Sports. He was named as a Special Mention member of the 2022 Champaign News-Gazette All-State football team as a defensive back. As a senior, Hill was part of a Kankakee team that posted an 8-3 record, finished second in the Southland Conference, with a 5-1 conference mark, and advanced to the second round of the Illinois Class 5A state playoffs. His junior season, Hill helped lead Kankakee High to a No. 1 ranking in Class 5A where they went on to finish as the runner-up for the Illinois Class 5A state championship with a 14-1 record and a 5-0 record in the Southland Conference to capture the 2021 league championship. He played for head football coach Derek Hart. Hill was also recruited by Akron, UConn, Kansas, Miami (Ohio) and Northern Illinois.
REX JOHNSEN
OFFENSIVE GUARD
6-5, 200, SOPHOMORE LOGAN, IOWA (LOGAN-MAGNOLIA)
70
2023: Johnsen participated in 10 of the 13 games, appearing in his first-career game against Texas Tech. The Pokes were 7-3 in games in which Johnsen played. He helped pave the way for Harrison Waylee to rush for more than 100 yards in four different games with the high-water mark of 191 yards against New Mexico. Johnsen helped Wyoming rank top-15 nationally in fourth-down conversion percentage at 66.7. 2022: Johnsen redshirted for the Cowboys during his first season with the program. High School: Rex Johnsen is rated as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports. 247 Sports ranks Johnsen as the No. 15 overall recruit in the state of Iowa this season. Johnsen was named to the 2021 Des Moines Register All-State Class A First Team as an offensive lineman. He also was named First Team AllState Class A as an offensive lineman by the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association. Johnsen played offensive tackle and defensive end for Logan-Magnolia High. His senior season, Johnsen was credited with 34 tackles, including 22 solo tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. His junior season, he made 46 tackles, with 28 of them being solo tackles. He added 9.5 TFLs and 4.0 sacks as a junior. Johnsen helped lead Logan-Magnolia to a 9-2 record his senior season and the Quarterfinals of the 2021 Class A State Playoffs. Johnsen also competes for his high school wrestling team. His junior season, he placed second at the Iowa Class 1A State Wrestling Championships at 285 pounds, while his Logan-Magnolia High team finished third in the team standings. Johnsen played for head football coach Matt Straight. Johnsen was recruited by Iowa State, Nebraska and North Dakota State.
2023: LaFramboise redshirted during his first season with the program.High School: Kayden LaFramboise was named to the 2022 Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 team. LaFramboise was a Unanimous First Team Class 4A All-State selection as a wide receiver and was a Second Team selection as a defensive back by the Wyoming Coaches Association in 2022. He was a Unanimous First Team Class 4A West All-Conference selection as a wide receiver in 2022, and was also a First Team Class 4A West All-Conference honoree as a defensive back. LaBramboise led Class 4A in receiving in 2002. His 81 receptions, 1,151 total receiving yards and 115.1 receiving yards per game were all tops in the state in Class 4A. He scored 13 receiving touchdowns, which ranked No. 2 in the state of Wyoming. LaFramboise added 131 rushing yards and three rushing TDs. LaFramboise’s Thunder Basin team was the No. 1 passing offense in Class 4A in 2022. Thunder Basin averaged 268 passing yards per game. The Bolts also led Class 4A in total offense, averaging 437 total yards per game. LaFramboise had the top single-game receiving performance of the 2022 season in Class 4A, with 242 receiving yards on 16 receptions and three touchdowns versus Cheyenne East. He had a season high 18 catches versus Sheridan and had a season high four TD receptions against Cheyenne South. LaBramboise added 42 tackles from his defensive back position, including 24 solo tackles, two interceptions and seven pass breakups. He played for head football coach Trent Pikula at Thunder Basin High School. He was also recruited by Idaho State.
2023: Madsen did not appear in any games for the Cowboys during the 2023 season but added depth to the fullback group.2022: Madsen did not appear in any games for the Cowboys.2021: Redshirted for the Cowboys in his first season with the program.High School: Graduate of Mountain View High School. He recorded 5,500 all-purpose yards and 52 touchdowns playing both running back and quarterback, helping Mountain View to three straight games and Class 2A state championship titles in 2017 and 19. He was all-state in basketball and helped the Buffalos win the 2019 Class 3A athletic championship
2023: Mainland did not appear in any games and redshirt during his first season with the program.High School: Cooper Mailand was a leader of a Parish Episcopal School team that won four consecutive Texas State Football Championships in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS). He played linebacker and fullback in high school. His senior season of 2022, Mailand received TAPPS Division 1 Second Team All-State honors and First Team All-District 1 at linebacker. He also achieved Academic All-State honors in 2022. As a junior in 2021, he earned TAPPS Division 1 First Team All-District 1 honors at linebacker. During the 2022 season, Mailand was credited with 157 total tackles, including 62 solo stops. He averaged 12.1 tackles per game, had 17.0 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, seven quarterback hurries, two interceptions, three pass breakups, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. For his career, he totaled 412 tackles, including 121 solo tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, 10.0 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries two interceptions, 12 pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles. Mailand played for head football coach Daniel Novakov at Parish Episcopal.
2023: McIntyre appeared in one game for the Cowboys in 2023 playing against Hawai’i. He did not record any statistics. 2022: McIntyre redshirted and did not appear in any games for the Cowboys. High School: Koa McIntyre is ranked as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports. 247 Sports ranks McIntyre as the No. 12 overall recruit in the state of Nebraska this year. He was named to the 2021 Omaha World-Herald First Team All-Nebraska Football Team as a defensive back. The All-Nebraska Team represents the best players in the state from all classifications. While earning All-Nebraska honors as a defensive back, McIntyre played both ways for Archbishop Bergan High and was named the Class C-2 First Team All-State quarterback and the Class C-2 Honorary Captain by the Omaha World-Herald in 2021. He totalled 3,392 yards of total offense as a senior, including throwing for 2,131 yards and rushing for 1,261 yards. He accounted for a combined 50 touchdowns -- 34 passing and 16 rushing in 2021. On defense, McIntyre was credited with 35 total tackles including 23 solo stops, five interceptions that he returned for 223 yards, and 1.0 tackle for a loss. McIntyre led Fremont Bergan to the Class C-2 State Championship and a perfect 13-0 record. The Knights entered the 2021 State Playoffs as the No. 2 seed and ended the season defeating No. 1 seed Norfolk Catholic by a score of 49-20 in the State Championship Game. The Knights scored a total of 595 points in 2021 and averaged 45.8 points per game. Defensively, they allowed opponents only 148 points in 13 games for an average of 11.4 points per game. McIntyre played for head coach Seth Mruz. McIntyre was also recruited by Air Force, Army and North Dakota State.
2023: Purcell did not appear in any games in 2023 and redshirted for the Brown and Gold. High School: Purcell is a graduate of Frederick High School. Competed in football and track. Purcell recorded 75 career tackles at cornerback during his high school career. He was an Honor Roll Student and member of Student Council.
BRANDT RICE
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-5, 284, R-FRESHMAN WAUSAU, WISC. (WEST)
64
2023: Rice redshirted during the 2023 season, his first year with the program. High School: Brandt Rice is rated as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports, which also ranks him as the No. 5 overall recruit in the state of Wisconsin in the 2023 recruiting class. He was named High Honorable Mention All-State by the Associated Press in 2022, and was named All-Region 1 for Large Schools in the state of Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association. He helped lead Wausau West High to a 9-2 record in 2022 and the second round of the Wisconsin Division 1 Playoffs. Division 1 is the largest classification in Wisconsin. Rice played for head football coaches Jason Foster and Matthew Johnson during his high school career. Rice was also recruited by Air Force, Army, Columbia, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Ohio, San Jose State and Western Michigan.
97 LUCAS SAMSULA
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
6-4, 285, R-FRESHMAN PLANO, TEXAS (PLANO WEST)
2023: Samsula redshirted during the 2023 season, his first year with the program.High School: Lucas Samsula was selected as a First Team All-District 6-6A tight end his senior season of 2002. He is projected as a defensive tackle for the Cowboys. He caught 11 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown and averaged 21.7 yards per reception. He played for head football coach Tyler Soukup. Samsula was also recruited by Baylor, Louisiana Monroe, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech.
ERIK SANDVIK
KICKER
6-1, 190, R-FRESHMAN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLO. (STEAMBOAT SPRINGS)
47
2023: Sandvik redshirted during his first season with the program. High School: He is a graduate of Steamboat High School. He played both football and soccer.
ISAAC SCHOENFELD
TIGHT END
6-5, 253, SOPHOMORE ROCK SPRINGS, WYO. (ROCK SPRINGS)
87
2023: Schoenfeld participated in all 13 games. He did not record any stats.2022: Schoenfeld redshirted during his first season with the program.High School: Isaac Schoenfeld is ranked by 247 Sports as a three-star recruit and the No. 1 recruit in the state of Wyoming. He was named First Team All-State Class 4A as a tight end by the Wyoming Coaches Association both his junior and senior seasons and was a unanimous selection as a senior. Class 4A is the largest classification in Wyoming. He was named to the Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 team as a junior. The 2021 Super 25 team will be announced in late December. Schoenfeld’s senior season, he was utilized in multiple roles for the Rock Spring High team. He had 81 rushing attempts for 670 yards and scored six rushing touchdowns and caught 35 passes for 477 yards and eight receiving touchdowns. Schoenfeld accounted for 1,169 all-purpose yards. On defense, he was credited with 27 tackles, had 6.0 sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery and three pass breakups. Schoenfeld led Rock Springs High School to a 10-2 record and the 2021 State Championship game vs. Sheridan. He played for head coach Mark Lenhardt. Schoenfeld was also recruited by Montana State.
ISAAC SELL
CORNERBACK
5-10, 192, JUNIOR LARAMIE, WYO. (LARAMIE)
2023: Sell did not appear in any games for the Cowboys.2022: Sell did not appear in any games for the Cowboys during the season. 2021: Redshirted for the Cowboys in his first season with the program.High School: Sell is a graduate of Laramie High School. He was an All-State selection. Sell led Class 4A in rushing with 160.2 yards per game. He ran for 1,602 yards in nine games played and averaged 7.1 yards per carry. He ran for 13 touchdowns on the season and had a long of 65 yards for a score at Rock Springs. Sell had the top three single-game rushing performances in Class 4A during the 2020 season, which include a career-best 322 yards versus Cheyenne South. He ran for more than 250 yards two other times in the season.
MALIQUE SINGLETON
NICKEL
6-0, 190, SOPHOMORE
EAST ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (GRANDVIEW, COLO.)
19
2023: Singleton appeared in three games for the Cowboys. He recorded one tackle for the season with a solo stop coming against Air Force on the road. 2022: Singleton redshirted but did appear in two games during the season for the Cowboys. High School: Malique Singleton is ranked as the No. 16 overall recruit in the state of Colorado by 247 Sports. His senior season he was credited with 100 tackles, including 41 solo tackles, six interceptions for 94 yards, four pass breakups, one fumble recovery and one blocked field goal. Singleton returned one of his interceptions for a touchdown in the 2021 season. For his career, he made 231 tackles, including 111 solo tackles, had 11 interceptions for 232 yards, five pass breakups, one fumble recovery, two forced fumbles and 2.0 tackles for loss. Singleton returned three of his career interceptions for touchdowns. He helped lead Grandview to a 10-3 record and the No. 4 seed in the Colorado Class 5A State Championships in 2021. Grandview advanced all the way to the Semifinals of State against No. 1 seed Valor Christian. Class 5A is the largest classification in the state of Colorado. During his career he played for head coaches John Schultz and Tom Doherty at Grandview. He follows other former Grandview players Eddie Yarbrough and Tanner Gentry and current Cowboys Gunner Gentry and Mason Schultz to Laramie. Singleton was also recruited by Colorado State.
KEVIN SJOGREN
2023: Sjogren participated in a pair of games against New Mexico and Hawaii. He made three total tackles, all against the Lobos, and that included his first-career tackle. 2022: Sjogren appeared in four games for the Cowboys in a reserve role. He did not record any stats during the season. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors. High School: Kevin Sjogren played both tight end and linebacker for Palisade High School in Palisade, Colo. Sjogren earned First Team AllState Class 3A honors as a junior in 2020 as selected by the Colorado High School Football Coaches and presented by the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA), Colorado Preps and MaxPreps. His senior season of 2021, he recorded 161 tackles, including 70 solo tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1.0 tackle for loss, four quarterback hurries, one interception, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles. On offense, he had seven catches for 104 yards and one receiving touchdown as a senior. For his career, he totalled 279 total tackles, 132 solo tackles, five interceptions, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and averaged 8.2 tackles per game. He helped lead Palisade to a 9-3 overall record and the Quarterfinals of the 2021 Colorado Class 3A State Championships. He played for head coach Joe Ramunno at Palisade High. Ramunno is a former Wyoming Cowboy offensive lineman who earned All-WAC honors and Honorable Mention All-America honors in 1983 and ‘84 and went on to be inducted into the UW Athletics Hall of Fame.
JUSTIN STEVENSON
WIDE RECEIVER
6-1, 191, R-FRESHMAN KATY, TEXAS (PAETOW)
11
2023: Stevenson did not appear in any games for the Cowboys and redshirted during his first season with the program. He was a key member of the Cowboy scout team and had a strong spring for the Pokes. High School: Justin Stevenson was rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals and by On3.com. Stevenson was a two-year starter at Paetow High School in Katy, Texas. He caught 37 passes for 552 yards and five touchdowns during his career, with a long reception of 54 yards. Stevenson was also utilized as a kick returner and had a 71-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. His junior season, Paetow High posted a 15-1 record and a 7-1 district record. Paetow went on to win the 5A D1 State Championship. He played for head football coach B.J. Gotte. Stevenson was also recruited by Hawai’i, Illinois State and Incarnate Word.
NIC TALICH LINEBACKER
6-0, 215, JUNIOR CODY, WYO. (CODY)
2023: Talich appeared in 13 games for the Cowboys in a reserve linebacker role and a key member of special teams. He recorded two tackles on the season. He had tackles against Texas Tech and Hawai’i.2 022: Talich appeared in five games in a reserve role and on special teams. He did not record any statistics during the season. He earned academic All-Mountain West honors.2021: Redshirted for the Cowboys in his first season with the program. High School: Talich played at Cody High School. Led his team to a state title in 2020 recording 128 tackles and four interceptions. He rushed for 567 yards rushing and six touchdowns. He was an all-state selection. His father Jim played with the Wyoming Cowboys from 1994-97.
JONES THOMAS
SAFETY
6-2, 195, R-FRESHMAN FORT COLLINS, COLO. (POUDRE)
23
2023: Thomas did not appear in any games and redshirted during his first season with the program.High School: Jones Thomas was named an Honorable Mention Colorado All-State Class 5A selection in 2022 as a safety and wide receiver. The All-State team is presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps. Class 5A is the largest classification in the state. Thomas was named the Front Range League Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. He also earned Honorable Mention Academic All-State honors. In 2022, Thomas was credited with an amazing 114 tackles from his safety position. He intercepted four passes for 79 yards and returned one for a touchdown. Thomas also recovered two fumbles. As a wide receiver, he caught 44 passes for 578 yards and scored seven receiving TDs. He added 64 rushing yards, 120 kickoff return yards, 50 yards in punt returns and 79 yards on interceptions for 891 all-purpose yards. Thomas scored 10 total TDs in the ‘22 season -- seven receiving, one rushing, one on an interception return and one on a fumble recovery. Over his high school career, he totalled 200 total tackles and averaged 9.5 tackles per game in 21 games. He helped lead Poudre to a 7-4 record as a senior and the first round of the Colorado Class 5A State Playoffs. He had 17 tackles for the Impalas in the first round playoff game vs. Legend High School. An outstanding track and field athlete, he placed fifth in the 300-meter hurdles at the 2022 Colorado Class 5A State Championships. He was also part of Poudre’s fourth-place 4 x 400 meter relay team at the ‘22 State Championships and the Impalas’ fifth-place 4 x 200 meter relay team. Thomas played for head football coach Eric Tonkin at Poudre High.
MILES TUCKER
SAFETY
6-0, 191, R-FRESHMAN PLEASANTON, CALIF. (AMADOR
VALLEY)
30
2023: Tucker appeared in two games for the Cowboys playing against Hawai’i and Nevada. He did not record any stats and earned a redshirt. High School: Miles Tucker was rated as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports. Tucker was recognized by West Coast Preps as one of its Bay Area Football Top 65 players at the midway point of the 2022 season. His senior season of 2022, he earned First Team All-East Bay Athletic League Mountain Division honors at linebacker. Tucker also played running back for the Dons. He helped lead Amador Valley to the first round of the 2022 North Coast Section Open Division 1 Football Playoffs. He played for head football coach Danny Jones. Tucker was also recruited by Washington State.
DEFENSIVE END
58 JORDAN TURNBULL
6-5, 228, R-FRESHMAN EVERGREEN, COLO. (EVERGREEN)
2023: Turnbull redshirted during the 2023 season, his first year with the program.High School: Jordan Turnbull was credited with 59 total tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, one interception, one pass breakup and one blocked field goal his senior season. He helped lead Evergreen High to a 9-3 record and the quarterfinals of the 2022 Class 3A Colorado State Playoffs before losing to eventual state champion Roosevelt. Turnbull was a multi-sport athlete at Evergreen High School, playing football, basketball and participating in track and field. Turnbull played for head football coach Matt Van Praag at Evergreen High.
NIKOS VARELAS
SAFETY
5-10, 191, R-FRESHMAN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (CLARK)
35
2023: Redshirted during his first season with the Brown and Gold. High School: Graduate of Clark High School. He rushed for over 1,200 career yards and recording over 1,600 yards receiving in ^A the highest classification in Texas. he played in the San Antonio All-Star game.
WYATT WALTERS
OFFENSIVE LINE
6-4, 296, R-FRESHMAN AURORA, COLO. (GRANDVIEW)
60
2023: Walters redshirted during the 2023 season, his first year with the program. High School: Wyatt Walters was selected to the 2022 Second Team All-State Class 5A team as presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps. Class 5A is the largest classification in Colorado. He also earned First Team All-Centennial League honors as an offensive lineman in 2022. In Grandview’s final regular-season game of the ‘22 season, the Wolves upset No. 1 ranked and eventual state champion Cherry Creek, which gave the Wolves a share of the Centennial League Championship with Cherry Creek and Arapahoe. Walters helped lead Grandview High to a 9-3 overall record, and a No. 4 seed in the 2022 Colorado Class 5A State Playoffs where the Wolves advanced to the quarterfinals. Walters played for head football coach Tom Doherty. Walters was also recruited by New Mexico State.
TELL WADE
DEFENSIVE END
6-3, 249, R-FRESHMAN WRAY, COLO. (WRAY)
88
2023: Wade redshirted during the 2023 season, his first year with the program. High School: Tell Wade is rated as a three-star recruit by On3.com, which also ranks him as the No. 17 overall recruit in the 2023 recruiting class in the state of Colorado. He was named by The Denver Post to the 2022 All-Colorado team for all classifications as an offensive lineman. He is projected as a defensive end for Wyoming. As a junior in 2021, Wade was named First Team All-State Class 1A as presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps and voted on by head coaches across the state. A four-year starter at Wray High School, Wade completed his high school career with 223 total tackles, including 101 solo tackles, 54.5 tackles for loss, 28.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hurries, seven forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, six pass breakups and three blocked punts. His senior season, he made 78 tackles, of which 25 were solo stops, 19.0 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, three QB hurries, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Wade had 55 pancake blocks as an offensive tackle and scored two touchdowns as a senior. He led Wray High School to a 9-4 record his senior season as Wray advanced all the way to the Colorado Class 1A State Championship Game before finishing as the runner-up. Wade placed second in the 285-pound weight class at the 2022 Colorado Class 2A State Wrestling Championships. He played for head football coach Levi Kramer. Wade was also recruited by Air Force, Colorado State and New Mexico State.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
98 JAYDEN WILLIAMS
6-3, 285,
R-FRESHMAN BRYAN, TEXAS (RUDDER)
2023: Williams redshirted during the 2023 season, his first season with the program. High School: Jayden WIlliams earned Second Team All-District honors as a defensive lineman his senior season of 2022. His senior season, Williams was credited with 78 total tackles, including 11.5 sacks, 5.0 tackles for loss,one fumble recovery and one pass breakup. An outstanding athlete, Williams began his high school career as a linebacker before switching to the defensive line where he was voted a team captain. A three-sport standout, Williams also competes for the Rudder High wrestling team and he throws the shot put and discus on the track and field team in the spring. In the winter of 2022, Williams placed fourth in the heavyweight division at the Region 3-5A regional tournament and advanced to the Class 5A state championships. He played for head football coach Eric Ezar at Rudder High School. Williams was also recruited by UTEP and Washington State.
MICAH YOUNG LINEBACKER
6-2, 209, JUNIOR
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (SOUTHSIDE)
44
2023: Young appeared in 13 games for the Cowboys in a reserve role and a key member of special teams. He recorded seven tackles on the season. He recorded two tackles in games over New Mexico and UNLV. 2022: Young appeared in 12 games for the Cowboys in a reserve role and on special teams. He finished the season with three tackles that were all solo. He had stops against San Jose State, New Mexico and Ohio in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. 2021: Redshirted for the Cowboys in his first season with the program.High School: Micah Young was named to the 2019 Associated Press First Team Class 5A AllState team in Texas as a junior linebacker. He was ranked as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports and was the 256th overall ranked recruit in the state of Texas as a senior. Texas is one of the most talent-rich states for football recruits in the nation. Young helped lead Southside High to a 9-0 overall record in the regular season and a perfect 5-0 district record. Southside won its first round game of the 2020 Class 5A-D1 State Playoffs, defeating Jefferson, 52-0. Southside is scheduled to face Flour Bluff High in the second round on Dec. 17. As a junior, Young was credited with 170 tackles from his linebacker position and sacked opposing quarterbacks eight times. He played for head coach Ricky Lock at Southside High School in San Antonio. Young was also recruited by New Mexico and UTSA.
Evan Eller
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING 2024 FOOTBALL SIGNEES
Transfer Commitment Signees (4)
LB 6-0
225 Gr. Roanoke, Va. (Virginia Military Institute)
Evan Eller comes to Wyoming from the Virginia Military Institute, a member of the FCS. Eller finished last season with 106 total tackles to rank No. 16 in the FCS. He also forced two fumbles on the season and recorded one interception. Eller earned All-SoCon honors also earned Player of the Month honors in November. As a junior, Eller recorded nine tackles per game for No. 33 in FCS as a junior. He had a career-high 16 tackles against Western Carolina as a senior. For his career at VMI, Keller has appeared in 40 games and has recorded 235 career tackles. As a high schooler, he was named the Virginia 3A State defensive Player of the Year at Lord Botetourt High School.
DJ Jones RB 5-11
200 Gr. Fayetteville, N.C. (North Carolina)
DJ Jones comes to Wyoming after playing four seasons at North Carolina. He spent three seasons at running back before moving to defensive back last season. At defensive back, he appeared in all 13 games and started two contests adding 15 tackles. Jones appeared in 13 games with one start as a junior. He finished season with 124 rushing yards and 102 receiving yards on 12 receptions. As a sophomore, Jones appeared in nine games and rushed for 253 yards on 60 attempts and added 12 receptions for 55 yards. He rushed for a career-best 60 yards on 11 carries against Florida State as a sophomore. He was a three-star recruit and the No. 57 running back in the nation coming out of high school. He tallied 2,348 rushing yards and 27 TDs during his three prep seasons
Ty King WR 5-9
180 So. Houston, Texas (Texas Tech)
Ty King comes to Wyoming from Texas Tech. He spent two seasons with the Red Raiders. He appeared in one game in 2020 grabbing a catch for six yards against Murray State. He did not appear in any contests during the 2023 season. He attended Alief Taylor High School in the Houston, Texas area. He was dual-sport athlete, competing in both football and track and field known as easily among the fastest recruits in the state of Texas for the 2022 class. King was listed as a four-star recruit by ESPN and a three-star prospect by both 247Sports and Rivals. King was listed as the No. 59 wide receiver in the 2022 class by ESPN and the No. 61 player in the state of Texas.
Alex Conn OL 6-5
310 Jr. Derby, Kan. (Iowa Western CC, Iowa)
Alex Conn played the 2023 season at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Iowa Western won its second consecutive National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship in 2023. Iowa Western entered the NJCAA National Playoffs as the No. 2 seed and defeated the No. 3 seed Kilgore (Texas), 47-7, in the semifinals. Iowa Western then defeated No. 4 seed East Mississippi, 61-14, in the NJCAA National Championship Game. Conn began his college career at the University of Nebraska in the COVID season of 2020. He redshirted the 2021 season and did not play in any games during his redshirt freshman season of 2022 before transferring to Iowa Western for the 2023 season. He did earn Nebraska Scholar-Athlete honors in the spring of 2021 and again in 2022. Coming out of high school at Derby High School in Derby, Kan., Conn was rated as a three-star prospect by both Rivals and 247Sports. Rivals ranked Conn as the No. 6 overall recruit in Kansas, while 247Sports rated Conn as one of the nation’s top 60 offensive tackle recruits. He was an All-State Class 6A player his senior season and helped lead Derby High to back-to-back undefeated Class 6A State Championships. Class 6A is the largest classification in Kansas. He chose Nebraska over scholarship offers from: Arizona, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State and TCU.
Transfer Commitments Perferred Walk-Ons (3)
Jaylan Bean
WR 6-4
190 So. Dallas, Texas (Garden City CC, Kan.)
Jaylan Bean comes to Wyoming from Garden City Community College one the top programs in junior college. Last season at Garden City, he recorded 20 receptions for 230 yards. He had nine catches for 103 yards in his final two games of the season with five catches for 25 yards against Snow college and four catches for 78 yards against Coffeyville Community College. He was graduate of DeSoto High School in the Dallas area. As a senior, he recorded 48 receptions for 607 yards with six touchdowns.
Transfers (continued)
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Class Hometown (Last School)
Clay Nanke TE 6-6
235 Jr. Denver, Colo. (Colorado State)
Clay Nanke played at Colorado State prior to coming to Wyoming. He converted to tight end in the spring of 2023 after spending time on defense. He appeared in two games for the Rams last season against Washington State and UNLV. He did not record any statistics.
High-School Commitments
Markie Grant CB 5-11
170 Fr. Houston, Texas (Dekaney High School)
Markie Grant is ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. 247Sports ranked Grant as the No. 171 overall recruit in the talent-rich state of Texas. His senior season, he intercepted three passes and returned one for a touchdown, had 18 pass break-ups, forced four fumbles and recovered one fumble. Grant also had 56 total tackles, including 45 solo stops and 3.0 tackles for loss, He helped lead Dekaney High to an 8-3 record and the Bi-District Round of the 2023 6A D2 State Playoffs. He was also recruited by Arizona State, Arkansas, California, Colorado State, Fresno State, Indiana, Kansas, Marshall, Maryland, Miami (Ohio), Missouri, Nebraska, Syracuse, Tulane, UNLV, Utah State and Washington State.
David Leonard SAF 5-11
170 Fr. St. Louis, Mo. (St Mary’s High School)
Leonard prepped at St. Mary’s High School in St. Louis, Mo. A talented quarterback and defensive back in high school. As quarterback, as a senior, he passed for over 1,200 yards and recorded seven touchdown passes. He also rushed for 390 yards on the season with four touchdowns. He rushed for over 100 yards against SLU High School. On defense, he recorded 45 tackles on the season playing both ways. He also added an interception. He recorded a season-high 10 tackles against Cape Girardeau Central.
Nico Hamilton RB 5-10
200 Fr. Austin, Texas (Lake Travis High School)
Hamilton preps at Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas. It is the same high school as Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets and Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Bucs. As a senior, Hamilton rushed for over 1,200 yards and averaged 6.6 yards per carry. He also had nine catches for 53 yards. He finished the season with nine touchdowns on the ground as a senior. Hamilton rushed for four scores in a game during the 6A State Playoffs For his career, Hamilton rushed for 3,345 yards with 29 touchdowns. He was also recruited by Air Force and a host of Ivy League schools.
Keelan Anderson PK 5-10
155 Fr. Cheyenne, Wyo. (South High School)
Keelan Anderson is a place-kicker from Cheyenne South High School in Cheyenne, Wyo. Anderson connected on a Wyoming High School state record 61-yard field goal vs. Natrona County High School during the 2023 season. The previous record of 57 yards was set by David Browning of Natrona County in 1982. Anderson also hit a 57-yard field goal and a 53-yarder during his senior season. Anderson made 9 of 12 field-goal attempts in the 2023 season. He was a unanimous 2023 First-Team All-State Class 4A honoree as selected by the Wyoming High School Coaches Association.
Deyon Batiste QB 6-5
230 Fr. Houston, Texas (Cy Park High School)
Deyon Batiste is a three-star rated quarterback by Rivals.com, ESPN, 247Sports.com and On3.com. ESPN ranked him as the No. 205 overall recruit in the talent-rich state of Texas in 2024. TX Top Talent ranked him the No. 22 best high school quarterback recruit in the state of Texas out of the 75 Texas QBs they rated entering the 2023 season. His senior season, Batiste completed 74 of 145 passes for 1,113 yards and nine touchdown passes. He added another three rushing TDs. He was also recruited by Army, Iowa State and Texas State
Dash Bauman LB 6-2
200 Fr. Lincoln, Neb. (Lincoln East High School)
Dash Bauman is rated as a three-star recruit by both 247Sports.com and On3.com. On3 ranked him as the No. 10 overall recruit in the state of Nebraska in the 2024 recruiting class, and 247Sports ranked him the No. 13 overall recruit in the state. Bauman was one of only 24 players in the state named to the 2023 Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska Football Team for all classifications. His senior season, he accounted for 81 total tackles, 44 solo tackles and 37 assisted tackles. Bauman also rushed for 1,007 yards on 167 carries, caught 21 passes for 278 yards, scored 17 touchdowns and accounted for 1,285 allpurpose yards. Bauman helped lead Lincoln East to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Class A State Playoffs. Class A is the largest classification in Nebraska. An outstanding track and field athlete, Bauman placed third at the 2023 Nebraska State Championships in the 110-meter high hurdles with a time of 14.35 and finished fifth in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 39.00. He also earned All-City honors in the 110-meter high hurdles from the Lincoln Journal Star in the spring of 2023. He played for the same high school, Lincoln East, that Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl and Cowboy linebackers coach Aaron Bohl played for in high school. Bauman was also recruited by Air Force and South Dakota State.
170 Fr. Chino Hills, Calif. (Chino Hills High School)
Tyrese Boss is a two-star rated recruit by Rivals.com He was named First Team All-Baseline League for the 2023 season. His senior season, Boss made 76 total tackles, including 37 solo tackles, 39 assisted tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. He added four interceptions for 112 yards and five pass break-ups. For his career, he was credited with 119 total tackles, including 57 solo stops, 62 assists and 5.5 tackles for loss. Boss totalled five interceptions and 15 pass break-ups for his career. While he focused on defense as a senior, he was a talented wide receiver during his high school career, catching 71 passes for 837 yards and eight receiving touchdowns over his three-year career. Boss was also utilized as a kickoff returner, returning three kickoffs for 128 yards as a senior, including a long return of 91 yards. He was also recruited by Eastern Washington, Montana State and Oregon State.
Bleyne Bryant S 6-1 191 Fr. Bowling Green, Mo. (Bowling Green High School)
Bleyne Bryant was named a four-star recruit by 247Sports.com. He was also named the eighth best recruit in Missouri by the service. He received threestar rating from both On3.com. On3 ranked him as the No. 17 overall recruit in Missouri in his recruiting class. 247Sports rated Bryant as the No. 21 overall recruit in the state of Missouri. Bryant was a unanimous First Team All-State Class 2A selection as a running back by the Missouri Football Coaches Association in 2023. He was named to the Quincy, Ill., Herald-Whig All-Area Team and was named the MVP of that team. He was selected to the team as both a running back and linebacker. Bryant was also named the Eastern Missouri Conference (EMO) Offensive Player of the Year. His senior season, he rushed for an unbelievable single-season total of 3,059 yards, averaging 12.2 yards per carry and scoring 47 rushing touchdowns while catching nine passes for 125 yards and three TDs. He also threw two TD passes. His best single-game rushing performance came in the District Championship win over South Shelby as he rushed for 420 yards and five touchdowns in the game. On defense, Bryant accounted for 79 total tackles, had one interception, one forced fumble, 3.0 sacks, 13.0 tackles for loss and scored one defensive touchdown. He helped lead Bowling Green High to the semifinals of the 2023 Class 2A State Championship before losing to eventual state champion Lamar. He was also recruited by Colorado State, Mid-American Conference Champion Miami (Ohio) and Ball State.
Dontae Burch RB 5-7
177
Fr. Kansas City, Mo. (Christ Preparatory Academy )
Dontae Burch is ranked by On3.com as a three-star recruit. His senior season, he accounted for 1,683 yards, averaged 140.25 yards per game, averaged 8.23 yards per carry and scored 24 total touchdowns without fumbling once. He was also an outstanding receiver out of the backfield. He helped lead Christ Preparatory Academy to a 9-3 record and the 2023 National Home School Football Association National Tournament. Christ Preparatory entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed in Division I. They advanced to the National Championship Game in Panama City Beach, Fla., by defeating No. 3 seed Oklahoma City in the semifinals. The Patriots finished as the national runner-up after losing to Tomball Christian of Tomball, Texas in the Championship Game. Burch was named an NHFA All-Star his senior season. He also attended the Six Star Football Midwest Showcase in December of 2023.
Chris Durr Jr. WR 5-10
155 Fr. Chicago, Ill. (Morgan Park High School)
Chris Durr Jr. is ranked by 247Sports.com and Rivals as a three-star recruit. 247Sports ranked Durr as the No. 54 overall recruit in the state of Illinois. As both a senior and a junior, he was honored as a Class 5A First Team All-State selection by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association (IHSFCA). His senior year, he was named First Team All-Public League by a committee of Public League coaches and administrators. His senior season, Durr caught 68 passes for 1,130 yards, 13 receiving touchdowns and had a long reception of 75 yards, while averaging 94.2 receiving yards per game. He helped lead Morgan Park to a 10-2 record and a perfect 7-0 conference record in the Chicago Public Red Conference. Durr’s Morgan Park team advanced all the way to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Illinois Class 5A State Playoffs. Durr was also a First Team All-City selection as a junior, while catching 51 passes for 1,013 yards and 16
Tyrese Boss CB 5-11
touchdowns. In addition to Wyoming, he was recruited by Army, Eastern Michigan, Louisville and New Mexico State, as well as Penn from the Ivy League.
Jack Harvey LB 6-1
205 Fr. Baldwin City, Kan. (Baldwin High School)
Jack Harvey is a linebacker from Baldwin City, Kan., and attended Baldwin High School. Harvey is a multi-sport athlete, also competing in wrestling where he won a Kansas State title in the 190-pound weight class. He also earned a spot in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.
Alex Haswell ATH 6-5
230 Fr. Sheridan, Wyo. (Sheridan High School)
Alex Haswell was a unanimous selection as the 2023 Wyoming Class 4A Lineman of the Year in voting by members of the Wyoming Coaches Association. He led his Sheridan High team to its third consecutive 4A State Championship in 2023. He was a unanimous selection to the 2023 Class 4A All-State First Team as both an offensive lineman and defensive lineman in voting by the Wyoming Coaches Association. As a senior, Haswell recorded 34 tackles, including 7.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack from his defensive end position. As a junior, he was a unanimous First Team selection as a defensive end on the 2022 Class 4A All-State Team and was a Second Team selection on offense. His junior season, he was named to the 2022 Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 team in January of 2023. The 2023 Super 25 Team has not yet been released.
Drew Jackson DB 5-11
160 Fr. Cheyenne, Wyo. (East High School)
Drew Jackson is a defensive back from Cheyenne, Wyo., where he attended Cheyenne East High School. Jackson was a unanimous First Team Class 4A AllState selection as a running back and also earned First Team honors as a defensive back in voting by the Wyoming Coaches Association. As a junior in 2022, Jackson was selected to the Casper Star-Trbiune Super 25 team. The 2023 Super 25 Team has not yet been named. Jackson helped lead the Cheyenne East Thunderbirds to a 10-2 record in 2023 and their second consecutive runner-up finish in the Class 4A State Playoffs. He also earned All-Conference honors for East High School. Jackson rushed for 940 yards to rank No. 4 in the state in 2023. His 21 rushing TDs led the state. He added 773 receiving yards to rank No. 3 in Wyoming and added six receiving touchdowns. Jackson’s 2,066 all-purpose yards also ranked No. 4 in Class 4A. His 29 total touchdowns, including one punt return TD and one defensive touchdown, and his 174 total points scored in the 2023 season were tops in the state. On defense, he was credited with 57 total tackles, including 31 solo stops, 2.0 tackles for loss, two interceptions and four pass break-ups. Jackson is a multi-sport athlete, also competing in basketball and track and field.
Braylon Jenkins OL 6-4
290 Fr. West Des Moines, Iowa (Valley High School)
Braylon Jenkins is rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. 247Sports ranked Jenkins as the No. 18 overall recruit in the state of Iowa. He was ranked as the No. 19 overall recruit and the No. 5 best offensive lineman in the state of Iowa by the Des Moines Register following his senior season at Valley High. Jenkins was named to the 2023 Des Moines Register First Team Class 5A All-State Team. He helped lead Valley High to the semifinals of the Class 5A State Playoffs before losing by just three points to the eventual state champion Southeast Polk. He was also recruited by Air Force and MAC Champion Miami (Ohio).
Hunter Kallstrom TE 6-4
225 Fr. Kerkhoven, Minn. (Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunberg High School)
Hunter Kallstrom is rated as a three-star recruit by On3.com and 247Sports.com. On3 also ranked Kallstrom as the No. 13 overall recruit in the state of Minnesota, and 247Sports ranked him as the No. 15 overall recruit in Minnesota. Kallstrom was named to the North Team for the 2023 Minnesota High School All-Star Game. He was also named to the 2023 West Central Tribune All-Area Team. In addition to Wyoming, Kallstrom was recruited by Minnesota.
Brycen Lotz OL 6-4
270 Fr. Braham, Minn. (Braham Area Secondary)
Brycen Lotz is ranked as a three-star recruit by both 247Sports.com and On3.com. 247Sports ranked him tied for the No. 16 overall recruit in Minnesota. On3 ranked Lotz as the No. 17 recruit in the state of Minnesota. Lotz was named to the 2023 SBLive Minnesota First Team All-State Team as an offensive lineman. He was also selected to the 2023 Associated Press Second Team All-State Team. He was named by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) as both an All-District performer and District Most Valuable Lineman as a senior. He led Braham Area Secondary to a 9-3 record and the quarterfinals of the 2023 Class A State Playoffs before losing to eventual state champion Minneota. Lotz was also recruited by Army, Central Michigan, Minnesota and Northern Illinois,
Eltoum Murgus DE 6-3
200 Fr. Kansas City, Mo. (North Kansas City High School)
Eltoum Murgus is rated as a three-star recruit by both 247Sports.com and On3.com. On.3 ranked Murgus as the No. 13 best recruit in the state of Missouri in the 2024 recruiting class. Murgus helped lead North Kansas City to the first round of the Missouri Class 5 State Playoffs. He was also recruited by Ball State, Eastern Michigan, Kent State and Toledo.
Nathan Murphy DT 6-3
265 Fr. Bryan, Texas (Bryan High School)
Nathan Murphy is rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals. Murphy was a unanimous selection to the First Team All-District 12-6A team as a senior. Murphy was credited with 36 total tackles, including 27 solo tackles and nine assists in 2023. He added 8.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 quarterback sack and one fumble recovery. He was also recruited by Baylor.
Tyler Nystrom WR 6-2
180 Fr. Arden Hills, Minn. (Mounds View High School)
Tyler Nystrom is a wide receiver from Arden Hills, Minn., where he attended Mounds View High School. He was ranked as a three-star recruit by On3.com. On3 also ranked Nystrom as the No. 18 recruit in the state of Minnesota. 247Sports.com ranked him as a two-star recruit and ranked Nystrom as the No. 26 recruit in the state of Minnesota. Nystrom was a two-time All-Conference honoree at Mounds View High. He was also recruited by Minnesota.
Trey Olsen WR 6-1
185 Fr. Loveland, Colo. (Loveland High School)
Trey Olsen is a wide receiver from Loveland, Colo., where he attended Loveland High School. Olsen was a First-Team All-State Class 4A selection as selected by Colorado head coaches and presented by CHSAANow.com and MaxPreps. He had 26 receptions for 456 yards and six touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 1,448 yards with 18 touchdowns. Olsen led Loveland to an 8-4 record and the second round of the Class 4A State Playoffs. Olsen is a multisport athlete, also competing in basketball.
Adrian Onyiego LB 6-3
200 Fr. Rogers, Minn. (Rogers Senior High School)
Adrian Onyiego is rated as a three-star recruit by both On3.com and 247Sports.com. On3 ranked Onyiego as the No. 14 overall recruit in the state of Minnesota, and 247Sports ranked him tied for the No. 16 overall recruit in Minnesota. Onyiego helped lead Rogers High to a 9-2 record in 2023, a Section 6 Championship in Class AAAAA and the quarterfinals of the Class AAAAA State Playoffs. He was also recruited by Iowa State and Minnesota.
Giovanni Panozzo OL 6-5
265 Fr. Arvada, Colo. (Arvada West High School)
Giovanni Panozzo is ranked as a three-star recruit by On3.com. On3 also ranked Panozzo as the No. 15 overall recruit in the state of Colorado. He was named Second Team Class 5A All-State as selected by Colorado head coaches and presented by CHSAANow.com and MaxPreps. Class 5A is the largest classification in Colorado. Arvada West advanced to the first round of the 2023 Class 5A State Playoffs both his junior and senior seasons. Panozzo was selected a team captain on both his Arvada West football team and lacrosse team. He was also recruited by Colorado State.
Gary Rutherford LB 6-1
200 Fr. Peoria, Ill. (Peoria High School)
Gary Rutherford is rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. 247Sports also ranked Rutherford as the No. 55 overall recruit in the state of Illinois. Rutherford was named First Team All-State Class 5A in 2023 as a linebacker/wide receiver by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association (IHSFCA). He was also named to the Peoria Journal Star First Team All-Area squad as a linebacker and was selected to the Big 12 All-Conference First Team. He helped lead Peoria High to a 6-4 record and the First Round of the 2023 Class 5A State Playoffs. Rutherford was also recruited by Indiana, Toledo and Washington State.
Joaquin Sandoval DB 5-10
175 Fr. Glenwood Springs, Colo. (Glenwood Springs High School)
Joaquin Sandoval is a defensive back from Glenwood Springs, Colo., where he attended Glenwood Springs High School. Sandoval was a Second-Team Class 3A All-State honoree as a quarterback and defensive back as selected by Colorado head coaches and presented by CHSAANow.com and MaxPreps. He was also a First-Team All-Conference honoree. He accounted for 4,874 total yards with 59 touchdowns over his high school career. He also excelled defensively with over 101 tackles and four interceptions in his high school career.
Tegen Seeds OL 6-0
298 Fr. Douglas, Wyo. (Douglas High School)
Tegen Seeds is an offensive lineman from Douglas, Wyo. Seeds was a 2023 First-Team All-State honoree as an offensive lineman as selected by the Wyoming Coaches Association, and he was a First Team All-State honoree as a defensive lineman in 2022 as selected by the Wyoming Coaches Association. Seeds was also named the Class 3A East Conference Lineman of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, while earning All-Conference honors both seasons. In his senior season of 2023, Seed was credited with 55 total tackles, including 9.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He added five fumble recoveries and one pass break-up. He also excelled in basketball.
Charles Williams CB 6-0
175 Fr. Sausalito, Calif. (Marin Catholic High School)
Charles Williams is ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. Williams is also ranked as the No. 230 overall recruit in talent-rich state of California by 247Sports. He helped lead Marin Catholic to the CIF North Coast Section (NCS) Division III Championship, which advanced them to the State Playoffs where they won the CIF Class D-3A State Championship in 2023. Entering his senior season, he was ranked as the No. 8 best running back in the state of California by SBLive California. His junior year, he was named Second Team All-State by Cal-Hi Sports, while leading Marin Catholic to the NCS D4 Championship and accounting for over 1,600 all-purpose yards and 31 touchdowns. Cal-Hi Sports has not yet named its 2023 All-State football team. Williams was named the Offensive Player of the Year as a junior by the Marin Independent Journal. He was also recruited by Fresno State, Oregon State, San Diego State and San Jose State.
Jake Wilson TE 6-5
220 Fr. Montgomery, Texas (Montgomery High School)
Jake Wilson is rated as a three-star recruit by On3.com. Wilson was named First Team All-District 6A Divison 2 as a senior, playing a combination of tight end and wide receiver. He also earned First Team Academic All-State honors from the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) as a senior in addition to earning Academic All-District honors. Wilson caught 32 passes for 465 yards and scored four receiving touchdowns in 2023. He was also utilized as a kickoff returner, with 17 returns for 293 yards. Wilson was recruited by Air Force, Army, Navy, Texas Tech and Ivy League schools Dartmouth, Harvard and Princeton.
Gavyn Helm P 6-3
190 Fr. Windsor, Colo. (Windsor High School )
He prepped at Windsor high School in Windsor, Colo.. He is a Five-Star punter according to Kohl’s Professional Camps. Averaged 38.9 yards per punt with a long of 50 yards. Recorded 14 punts inside the 20 yard line. Also recorded 74 touchbacks in two seasons on kickoffs. Also played wide receiver with 23 catches for 382 yards and three touchdowns.
Spencer Rathbun OL 6-4
260 Fr. Denver, Colo (Rock Canyon High School)
Rathbun is an offensive lineman from Denver, Colorado. He attended Rock Canyon High School. Rathbun was a Second-Team All-State selection. He was also a unanimous First-Team All-Conference honoree. He is the son of former Cowboy Rob Rathbun, who played for the Cowboys in the late 90’s.
Caleb Hall OL 6-5
255 Fr. Carmichael, Calif. (Jesuit High School)
Hall preps at Jesuit High School in Carmichael, Calif. He is a three-star recruit accord to 247Sports.com.. He was a First Team All-Delta League honoree. He led an offensive line that helped clear the way for 2,633 yards. His father played at Notre Dame. He was also recruited by Nevada and San Diego.
THE OPPONENTS
General Information
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Enrollment: 57,588
Nickname: Sun Devils
Colors: Maroon and Gold
Stadium: Mountain America Stadium (53,599)
Playing Surface: Bermuda grass Conference: Big 12
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Kenny Dillingham
Alma Mater: Arizona State (2012)
Career Record: 3-9 (2nd Year)
Record at Arizona State: Same
Team Information
2023 Record: 3-9 (2-7 PAC 12)
Lettermen R/L: ???
Starters R/L: ???
Media Information
Football SID: Jeremy Hawkes
E-Mail: jdhawkes@asu.edu
Cell Phone: 520-403-0121
Website: thesundevils.com
ARIZONA STATE
Aug. 31, Mountain America Stadium Tempe, Arizona, 8:30 p.m.
2024 Schedule
Aug. 31 vs. Wyoming
Sept. 7 vs. Mississippi State
Sept. 12 at Texas State
Sept. 21 at Texas Tech
Oct. 5 vs. Kansas
Oct. 11 vs. Utah
Oct. 19 at Cincinnati
Nov. 2 at Oklahoma State
Nov. 9 vs. UCF
Nov. 16 at Kansas State
Nov. 23 vs. BYU
Nov. 30 at Arizona
2023 Results
Aug. 31 vs. Southern Utah W, 24-21
Sept. 9 vs. Oklahoma State L, 27-15
Sept. 16 vs. Fresno State L, 29-0
Sept. 23 vs. USC L, 42-28
Sept. 30 at Cal L, 24-21
Oct. 7 vs. Colorado L, 27-24
Oct. 21 at Washington L, 15-7
Oct. 28 vs. Washington St. L, 38-27
Nov. 4 at Utah L, 55-3
Nov. 11 at UCLA W, 17-7
Nov. 18 vs. Oregon L, 49-13
Nov. 25 vs. Arizona L, 59-23
General Information
Location: Provo, Utah
Enrollment: 34,390
Nickname: Cougars
Colors: Navy and White
Stadium: LaVelle Edwards Stadium
Memorial Stadium (63,470)
Playing Surface: Natural grass Conference: Big 12
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Kalani Sitake
Alma Mater: BYU (2000)
Career Record: 61-41 (9th Year)
Record at BYU: Same
Team Information
2023 Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big 12)
Lettermen R/L: ???
Starters R/L: ???
Media Information
Football SID: Brett Pyne
E-Mail: brett_pyne@byu.edu
Website: byucougars.com
2024 Schedule
Aug. 31 vs. Southern Illinois
Sept. 6 at SMU
Sept. 14 at Wyoming
Sept. 21 vs. Kansas State
Sept. 28 at Baylor
Oct. 12 vs. Arizona
Oct. 18 vs. Oklahoma State
Oct. 26 at UCF
Nov. 9 at Utah
Nov. 16 vs. Kansas
Nov. 23 at Arizona State
Nov. 30 vs. Houston
2023 Results
Sept. 2 vs. Sam Houston St. W, 14-0
Sept. 9 vs. Southern Utah W, 41-16
Sept. 16 at Arkansas W, 38-31
Sept. 23 at Kansas L, 38-27
Sept. 29 vs. Cincinnati W, 35-27
Oct. 14 at TCU L, 44-11
Oct. 21 vs. Texas Tech W, 27-14
Oct. 28 at Texas L, 35-6
Nov. 4 at West Virginia L, 37-7
Nov. 11 vs. Iowa State L, 45-13
Nov. 18 vs. Oklahoma L, 31-24
Nov. 25 at Oklahoma State L, 40-34
General Information
Location: Moscow, Idaho
Enrollment: 11,849
Nickname: Vandals
Colors: Silver and Vandal Gold
Stadium: Kibbie Dome (15,250)
Playing Surface: Matrix Turf Conference: Big Sky
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Jason Eck
Alma Mater: Wisconsin (1999)
Career Record: 9-4 (2nd Year)
Record at Idaho: Same
Team Information
2023 Record: 9-4 (6-2 Big Sky)
Lettermen R/L: ???
Starters R/L: ???
Media Information
Football SID: Jerek Wolcott
E-Mail: jwolcott@uidaho.edu
Website: govandals.com
IDAHO
Sept. 7, War Memorial Stadium Laramie, Wyoming, TBD
2024 Schedule
Aug. 31 at Oregon
Sept. 7 at Wyoming
Sept. 14 vs. Albany
Sept. 21 at Abilene Christian
Sept. 28 at UC Davis
Oct. 5 vs. Northern Arizona
Oct. 12 at Montana State
Oct. 19 vs. Cal Poly
Oct. 26 vs. Eastern Washington
Nov. 9 at Portland State
Nov. 16 vs. Weber State
Nov. 23 at Idaho State
2023 Results
Aug. 31 at Lamar W, 42-17
Sept. 9 at Nevada W, 33-6
Sept. 16 at Cal L, 31-17
Sept. 23 vs. Sacramento St. W, 36-27
Sept. 30 at Eastern Wash. W, 44-36
Oct. 7 at Cal Poly W, 42-14
Oct. 14 vs. Montana L, 23-21
Oct. 28 vs. Montana State W, 24-21
Nov. 4 at Northern Co. W, 27-13
Nov. 11 at Weber State L, 31-29
Nov. 18 vs. Idaho State W, 63-21
Dec. 2 vs. Southern Ill. W, 20-17
Dec. 9 vs. Albany L, 30-22
General Information
Location: Denton, Texas
Enrollment: 46,940
Nickname: Mean Green
Colors: UNT Green and White
Stadium: Kidd Brewer Stadium (30,850)
Playing Surface: PowerBlade HP Conference: American
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Eric Morris
Alma Mater: Texas Tech (2008)
Career Record: 29-25 (6th Year)
Record at North Texas: 5-7 (2nd Year)
Team Information
2023 Record: 5-7 (3-5 American)
Lettermen R/L: ???
Starters R/L: ???
Media Information
Football SID: Doug Waters
E-Mail: doug.waters@unt.edu
Website: meangreensports.com
NORTH TEXAS
2024 Schedule
Aug. 31 at South Alabama
Sept. 7 vs. Stephen F. Austin
Sept. 14 at Texas Tech
Sept. 21 vs. Wyoming
Sept. 28 vs. Tulsa
Oct. 12 at Florida Atlantic
Oct. 19 at Memphis
Oct. 26 vs. Tulane
Nov. 9 vs. Army
Nov. 15 at UTSA
Nov. 23 vs. East Carolina
Nov. 30 at Temple
2023 Results
Sept. 2 vs. Cal L, 58-21
Sept. 9 at FIU L, 46-39
Sept. 16 at Louisiana Tech W, 40-37
Sept. 30 vs. Abilene Christi. W, 45-31
Oct. 7 at Navy L, 27-24
Oct. 14 vs. Temple W, 45-14
Oct. 21 at Tulane L, 35-28
Oct. 28 vs. Memphis L, 45-42
Nov. 4 vs. UTSA L, 37-29
Nov. 10 at SMU L, 45-21
Nov. 18 at Tulsa W, 35-28
Nov. 25 vs.
General Information
Location: Colorado Springs, Colo.
Enrollment: 4,000
Nickname: Falcons
Colors: Blue and Silver
Stadium: Falcon Stadium (46,692)
Playing Surface: Field Turf Conference: Mountain West
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Troy Calhoun
Alma Mater: Air Force (1989)
Career Record: 130-82 (18th Year)
Record at Air Force: Same
Team Information
2023 Record: 9-4 (5-3 Mountain West)
Lettermen R/L: ???
Starters R/L: ???
Media Information
Football SID: Troy Garnhart
E-Mail: troy.garnhart@usafa.edu
Office Phone: 719-333-9263
Cell Phone: 719-649-5003
Website: goairforcefalcons.com
General Information
Location: San Jose, California
Enrollment: 36,062
Nickname: Spartans
Colors: Blue and Gold
Stadium: CEFCU Stadium (21,520)
Playing Surface: Field Turf Conference: AstroTurf
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Ken Niumatalolo
Alma Mater: Hawaii (1989)
Career Record: 109-83 (17th Year)
Record at San Jose State: 0-0 (1st Year)
Team Information
2023 Record: 7-6 (6-2 Mountain West)
Lettermen R/L: ???
Starters R/L: ???
Media Information
Football SID: Sky Kerstein
E-Mail: sky.kerstein@sjsu.edu
Cell Phone: 408-924-1217
Website: sjsuspartans.com
AIR FORCE
Sept. 28, War Memorial Stadium Laramie, Wyoming, 6 p.m.
2024 Schedule
Aug. 31 vs. Merrimak
Sept. 7 vs. San Jose State
Sept. 14 at Baylor
Sept. 28 at Wyoming
Oct. 5 vs. Navy
Oct. 12 at New Mexico
Oct. 19 vs. Colorado State
Nov. 2 at Army
Nov. 9 vs. Fresno State
Nov. 16 vs. Oregon State
Nov. 23 at Nevada
Nov. 30 at San Diego State
2023 Results
Sept. 2 vs. Robert Morris W, 42-7
Sept. 9 vs. S. Houston St.& W, 13-3
Sept. 15 vs. Utah State W, 39-21
Sept. 22 at San Jose State W, 45-20
Sept. 30 vs. San Diego State W, 49-10
Oct. 14 vs. Wyoming W, 34-27
Oct. 21 at Navy W, 17-6
Oct. 28 at Colorado State W, 30-13
Nov. 4 vs. Army# L, 23-3
Nov. 11 at Hawaii L, 27-13
Nov. 18 vs. UNLV L, 31-27
Nov. 24 at Boise State L, 27-19
Dec. 23 vs. James Madison$W, 31-21
$ - Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl & - at NRG Stadium (Houston, Texas) # - at Empower Field (Denver, Colorado)
SAN JOSE ST.
Oct. 19, CEFCU Stadium San Jose, California, TBD
2024 Schedule
Aug. 29 vs. Sacramento State
Sept. 7 at Air Force
Sept. 14 vs. Kennesaw State
Sept. 20 at Washington State
Oct. 5 vs. Nevada
Oct. 12 at Colorado State
Oct. 19 vs. Wyoming
Oct. 26 at Frenso State
Nov. 9 at Oregon State
Nov. 16 vs. Boise State
Nov. 23 vs. UNLV
Nov. 30 vs. Stanford
2023 Results
Aug. 26 at USC L, 56-28
Sept. 3 vs. Oregon State L, 42-17
Sept. 9 vs. Cal Poly W, 59-3
Sept. 16 at Toledo L, 21-17
Sept. 22 vs. Air Force L, 45-20
Oct. 7 at Boise State L, 35-27
Oct. 14 at New Mexico W, 52-24
Oct. 21 vs. Utah State W, 42-21
Oct. 28 at Hawaii W, 35-0
Nov. 11 vs. Fresno State W, 42-18
Nov. 18 vs. San Diego State W, 24-13
Nov. 25 at UNLV W, 37-31
Dec. 23 vs. Coastal Carolina&L, 24-14
& - EasyPost Hawaii Bowl
General Information
Location: San Diego, California
Enrollment: 37,539
Nickname: Aztecs
Colors: Cardinal Red and Black
Stadium: Snapdragon Stadium (35,000)
Playing Surface: Latitude 32 Bermuda grass
Conference: Mountain West
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Sean Lewis
Alma Mater: Wisconsin (2007)
Career Record: 24-31 (6th year)
Record at San Diego State: 0-0 (1st year)
Team Information
2023 Record: 4-8 (2-6 Mountain West)
Lettermen R/L: ???
Starters R/L: ???
Media Information
Football SID: Jamie McConeghy
E-Mail: jmcconeg@sdsu.edu
Cell Phone: 619-594-3023
Website: goaztecs.com
SAN
DIEGO STATE
Oct. 12, War Memorial Stadium Laramie, Wyoming, 1:30 p.m.
2024 Schedule
Aug. 31 vs. Texas A&M-Commerce
Sept. 7 vs. Oregon State
Sept. 14 at Cal
Sept. 28 at Central Michigan
Oct. 5 vs. Hawaii
Oct. 12 at Wyoming
Oct. 26 vs. Washington State
Nov. 2 at Boise State
Nov. 9 vs. New Mexico
Nov. 16 at UNLV
Nov. 23 at Utah State
Nov. 30 vs. Air Force
2023 Results
Aug. 26 vs. Ohio W, 20-13
Sept. 2 vs. Idaho State W, 36-28
Sept. 9 vs. UCLA L, 35-10
Sept. 16 at Oregon State L, 26-9
Sept. 22 vs. Boise State L, 34-31
Sept. 30 at Air Force L, 49-10
Oct. 14 at Hawaii W, 41-34
Oct. 21 vs. Nevada L, 6-0
Nov. 4 vs. Utah State L, 32-24, 2OT
Nov. 11 at Colorado State L, 22-19
Nov. 18 at San Jose State L, 24-13
Nov. 25 vs. Fresno State W, 33-18
General Information
Location: Logan, Utah
Enrollment: 28,063
Nickname: Aggies
Colors: Aggie Blue and Fighting White
Stadium: Maverik Stadium (25,100)
Playing Surface: AstroTurf Conference: Mountain West
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Blake Anderson
Alma Mater: Sam Houston State (1991)
Career Record: 74-54 (11th Year)
Record at Utah State: 23-17 (4th Year)
Team Information
2023 Record: 6-7 (4-4 Mountain West)
Lettermen R/L: ???
Starters R/L: ???
Media Information
Football SID: Doug Hoffman
E-Mail: doug.hoffman@usu.edu
Website: utahstateaggies.com
UTAH STATE
Oct. 26, War Memorial Stadium Laramie, Wyoming, 5 p.m.
2024 Schedule
Aug. 31 vs. Robert Morris
Sept. 7 at USC
Sept. 14 vs. Utah
Sept. 21 at Temple
Oct. 5 at Boise State
Oct. 11 vs. UNLV
Oct. 19 vs. New Mexico
Oct. 26 at Wyoming
Nov. 9 at Washington State
Nov. 16 vs. Hawaii
Nov. 23 vs. San Diego State
Nov. 30 at Colorado State
2023 Results
Sept. 2 at Iowa L, 24-14
Sept. 9 vs. Idaho State W, 78-28
Sept. 15 at Air Force L, 39-21
Sept. 23 vs. James Madison L, 45-38
Sept. 30 at UConn W, 34-33
Oct. 7 vs. Colorado State W, 44-24
Oct. 13 vs. Fresno State L, 37-32
Oct. 21 At San Jose State L, 42-21
Nov. 4 at San Diego State W, 32-24, 2OT
Nov. 11 vs. Nevada W, 41-24
Nov. 18 vs. Boise State L, 45-10
Nov. 24 at New Mexico W, 44-41, 2OT
Dec. 23 vs. Georgia State# L, 45-22
# - Famour Idaho Potato Bowl
General Information
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Enrollment: 25,441
Nickname: Lobos
Colors: Cherry and Silver
Stadium: University Stadium (39,224)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf Conference: Mountain West
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Bronco Mendenhall
Alma Mater: Oregon State (1987)
Career Record: 135-81 (18th year)
Record at New Mexico: 0-0 (1st Year)
Team Information
2023 Record: 4-8 (2-6 Mountain West)
Lettermen R/L: ???
Starters R/L: ???
Media Information
Football SID: Frank Mercogliano
E-Mail: fmercog@unm.edu
Cell Phone: 505-410-4844
Website: golobos.com
General Information
Location: Boise, Idaho
Enrollment: 26,155
Nickname: Broncos
Colors: Green, Blue and Orange
Stadium: Albertsons Stadium (36,387)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf (Blue) Conference: Mountain West
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Spencer Danielson
Alma Mater: Azusa Pacific (2011)
Career Record: 3-1 (1st Year)
Record at Boise State: Same
Team Information
2023 Record: 8-6 (6-2 Mountain West)
Lettermen R/L: ???
Starters R/L: ???
Media Information
Football SID: Patrick Walsh
E-Mail: patrickwalsh630@boisestate.edu
Cell Phone: 318-514-9203
Website: broncosports.com
NEW MEXICO
Nov. 2, University Stadium Albuquerque, New Mexico, TBD
2024 Schedule
Aug. 24 vs. Montana State
Aug. 31 at Arizona
Sept. 14 at Auburn
Sept. 21 vs. Fresno State
Sept. 28 at New Mexico State
Oct. 12 vs. Air Force
Oct. 19 at Utah State
Oct. 26 at Colorado State
Nov. 2 vs. Wyoming
Nov. 9 at San Diego State
Nov. 16 vs. Washington State
Nov 30 at Hawaii
2023 Results
Sept. 2 at Texas A&M L, 52-10
Sept. 9 vs. Tennessee Tech W, 56-10
Sept. 16 vs. New Mexico St. L, 27-17
Sept. 23 at UMass W, 34-31
Sept. 30 at Wyoming L, 35-26
Oct.14 vs. San Jose State L, 52-24
Oct. 21 vs. Hawaii W, 42-21
Oct. 28 at Nevada L, 34-24
Nov. 4 vs. UNLV L, 56-14
Nov. 11 at Boise State L, 42-14
Nov. 18 at Fresno State W, 25-17
Nov. 24 vs. Utah State L, 44-41, 2OT
BOISE ST.
2024 Schedule
Aug. 31 at Georgia Southern
Sept. 7 at Oregon
Sept. 21 vs. Portland State
Sept. 28 vs. Washington State
Oct. 5 vs. Utah State
Oct. 12 at Hawaii
Oct. 25 at UNLV
Nov. 2 vs. San Diego State
Nov. 9 vs. Nevada
Nov. 16 at San Jose State
Nov. 23 at Wyoming
Nov. 30 vs. Oregon State
2023 Results
Sept. 2 at Washington L, 56-19
Sept. 9 vs. UCF L, 18-16
Sept. 16 vs. North Dakota W, 42-18
Sept. 22 at San Diego State W, 34-31
Sept. 30 at Memphis L, 35-32
Oct. 7 vs. San Jose State W, 35-27
Oct. 14 at Colorado State L, 31-30
Oct. 28 vs. Wyoming W, 32-7
Nov. 4 at Fresno State L, 37-30
Nov. 11 vs. New Mexico W, 42-14
Nov. 18 at Utah State W, 45-10
Nov. 24 vs. Air Force W, 27-19
Dec. 2 at UNLV& W, 44-20
Dec. 16 vs. UCLA$ L, 35-22 & - MWC Championship Game (Las Vegas)
$ - Starco Brands LA Bowl
General Information
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Enrollment: 27,956
Nickname: Rams
Colors: Green and Gold
Stadium: Canvas Stadium (36,500)
Playing Surface: Shaw Sports Artifical Turf Conference: Mountain West
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Jay Norvell
Alma Mater: Iowa (1985)
Career Record: 41-42 (8th year)
Record at Colorado State: 8-16 (3rd Year)
Team Information
2023 Record: 5-7 (3-5 Mountain West)
Lettermen R/L: ???
Starters R/L: ???
Media Information
Football SID: Jeff Schmidt
E-Mail: jeff.schmidt@colostate.edu
Office Phone: 702-895-1248
Cell Phone: 970-305-7382
Website: csurams.com
General Information
Location: Pullman, Washington
Enrollment: 31,471
Nickname: Cougars
Colors: Crimson and Gray
Stadium: Martin Stadium (32,952)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf Conference: Mountain West
Head Coach Information
Head Coach: Jake Dickert
Alma Mater: Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2006)
Career Record: 15-16 (4th Year)
Record at Nevada: Same
Team Information
2023 Record: 5-7 (2-7 PAC 12)
Lettermen R/L: ???
Starters R/L: ???
Media Information
Football SID: Bill Stevens
E-Mail: wsstevens@wsu.edu
Cell Phone: 916-761-7005
Website: wsucougars.com
COLORADO STATE
2024 Schedule
Aug. 31 at Texas
Sept. 7 vs. Northern Colorado
Sept. 14 vs. Colorado
Sept. 21 vs. UTEP
Oct. 5 at Oregon State
Oct. 12 vs. San Jose State
Oct. 19 at Air Force
Oct. 26 vs. New Mexico
Nov. 2 at Nevada
Nov. 15 vs. Wyoming
Nov. 23 at Fresno State
Nov. 30 vs. Utah State
2023 Results
Sept. 2 vs. Washington St. L, 54-20
Sept. 16 at Colorado L, 43-35, 2OT
Sept. 23 at Middle Tenn. W, 31-23
Sept. 30 vs. Utah Tech W, 41-20
Oct. 7 at Utah State L, 44-24
Oct. 14 vs. Boise State W, 31-30
Oct. 21 at UNLV L, 25-23
Oct. 28 vs. Air Force L, 30-13
Nov. 3 at Wyoming L, 24-15
Nov. 11 vs. San Diego St. W, 22-19
Nov. 18 vs. Nevada W, 30-20
Nov. 25 at Hawaii L, 27-24
2024 Schedule
Aug. 31 vs. Portland State
Sept. 7 vs. Texas Tech
Sept. 14 at Washington
Sept. 20 vs. San Jose State
Sept. 28 at Boise State
Oct. 12 at Fresno State
Oct. 19 vs. Hawaii
Oct. 26 at San Diego State
Nov. 9 vs. Utah State
Nov. 16 at New Mexico
Nov. 23 at Oregon State
Nov. 30 vs. Wyoming
2023 Results
Sept. 2 at Colorado State W, 50-24
Sept. 9 vs. Wisconsin W, 31-22
Sept. 16 vs. Northern Colo. W, 64-21
Sept. 23 vs. Oregon State W, 38-35
Oct. 7 at UCLA L, 25-17
Oct. 14 vs. Arizona L, 44-6
Oct. 21 at Oregon L, 38-24
Oct. 28 at Arizona State L, 38-27
Nov. 4 vs. Stanford L, 10-7
Nov. 11 at
*The game-by-game results are from the perspective of Wyoming, thus “W” means a Wyoming win.
S erie S r ecord v S . ARIZONA STATE
The 2024 Meeting Will be the: 16th
Overall Series Record: Arizona State leads, 9-6
Series Began: Nov. 24, 1951
UW Record in Laramie: 4-2
UW Record in Tempe: 2-7
UW Record at Neutral Sites: 0-0
UW Head Coach Jay Sawvel vs.: 0-0
Longest UW Win Streak: 3 (1966-68)
Longest ASU Win Streak: 3 (Twice)
Largest UW Margin of Victory: 17 (1966)
Largest ASU Margin of Victory: 49 (1970)
Most Points Scored by UW: 45 (1972)
Most Points Scored by ASU: 52 (1970)
Date Score Location
Nov. 5, 1977 L, 0-45 (Tempe)
Oct. 2, 1976 W, 13-10 (Laramie)
Nov. 8, 1975 L, 20-21 (Tempe)
Oct. 5, 1974 L, 10-16 (Laramie)
Nov. 10, 1973 L, 0-47 (Tempe)
Sept. 30, 1972 W, 45-43 (Laramie)
Nov. 13, 1971 L, 19-52 (Tempe)
Oct. 3, 1970 L, 3-52 (Laramie)
Nov. 1, 1969 L, 14-30 (Tempe)
Oct. 5, 1968 W, 27-13 (Laramie)
Oct. 28, 1967 W, 15-13 (Tempe)
Sept. 24, 1966 W, 23-6 (Laramie)
Nov. 20, 1965 L, 10-14 (Tempe)
Nov. 16, 1963 L, 6-35 (Tempe)
Nov. 24, 1951 W, 20-7 (Tempe)
S erie S r ecord v S . IDAHO
The 2024 Meeting Will be the: 9th
Overall Series Record: Wyoming leads, 7-1
Series Began: Nov. 11, 1921
UW Record in Laramie: 5-0
UW Record in Moscow: 2-1
UW Record at Neutral Sites: 0-0
UW Head Coach Jay Sawvel vs.: 0-0
Longest UW Win Streak: 7 (1950-Present)
Longest Idaho Win Streak: 1 (1921)
Largest UW Margin of Victory: 32 (2013)
Largest Idaho Margin of Victory: 28 (1921)
Most Points Scored by UW: 42 (2013)
Most Points Scored by Idaho: 38 (1996)
Date Score Location
Sept. 14, 2019 W, 21-16 (Laramie)
Sept. 7, 2013 W, 42-10 (Laramie)
Sep. 22, 2012 W, 40-37 (Moscow)
Oct. 2, 1999 W, 28-13 (Laramie)
Aug. 31, 1996 W, 40-38 (Laramie)
Sept. 22, 1951 W, 28-0 (Laramie)
Nov. 4, 1950 W, 14-7 (Moscow)
Nov. 11, 1921 L, 3-31 (Moscow)
S
erie S r ecord v S . BYU
The 2024 Meeting Will be the: 79th
Overall Series Record: BYU leads, 45-30-3
Series Began: Nov. 14, 1922
UW Record in Laramie: 17-16-3
UW Record in Provo: 13-27
UW Record at Neutral Sites: 0-2
UW Head Coach Jay Sawvel vs.: 0-0
Longest UW Win Streak: 7 (1963-69)
Longest BYU Win Streak: 9 (2004-Present)
Largest UW Margin of Victory: 48 (1950)
Largest BYU Margin of Victory: 59 (1985)
Most Points Scored by UW: 48 (1950)
Most Points Scored by BYU: 59 (1985)
Date Score Location
Sept. 24, 2022 L, 24-38 (Provo)
Dec. 21, 2016 L, 21-24 (San Diego)
Oct. 23, 2010 L, 20-25 (Provo)
Nov. 7, 2009 L, 0-52 (Laramie)
Sept. 20, 2008 L, 0-44 (Provo)
Nov. 17, 2007 L, 10-35 (Laramie)
Nov. 9, 2006 L, 7-55 (Provo)
Nov. 12, 2005 L, 21-35 (Laramie)
Oct. 16, 2004 L, 13-24 (Provo)
Oct. 18, 2003 W, 13-10 (Laramie)
Nov. 9, 2002 L, 31-35 (Provo)
Nov. 16, 2001 L, 34-41 (Laramie)
Oct. 26, 2000 L, 7-19 (Provo)
Nov. 13, 1999 W, 31-17 (Laramie)
Dec. 7, 1996 L, 25-28 (Las Vegas)
Oct. 21, 1995 L, 20-23 (Provo)
Oct. 17, 1992 L, 28-31 (Laramie)
Nov. 9, 1991 L, 31-56 (Provo)
Nov. 10, 1990 L, 14-45 (Laramie)
Oct. 7, 1989 L, 20-36 (Provo)
Sept. 1, 1988 W, 24-14 (Laramie)
Oct. 10, 1987 W, 29-27 (Provo)
Oct. 18, 1986 L, 22-34 (Laramie)
Nov. 2, 1985 L, 0-59 (Provo)
Oct. 13, 1984 L, 38-41 (Provo)
Oct. 8, 1983 L, 10-41 (Laramie)
Nov. 6, 1982 L, 13-23 (Provo)
Oct. 24, 1981 W, 33-20 (Laramie)
Oct. 11, 1980 L, 17-52 (Provo)
Oct. 20, 1979 L, 14-54 (Laramie)
Nov. 4, 1978 L, 14-48 (Provo)
Oct. 22, 1977 L, 7-10 (Laramie)
Oct. 9, 1976 W, 34-29 (Provo)
Oct. 25, 1975 L, 20-33 (Laramie)
Oct. 12, 1974 L, 7-38 (Provo)
Oct. 27, 1973 W, 41-21 (Laramie)
Nov. 4, 1972 L, 14-33 (Provo)
Oct. 16, 1971 L, 17-35 (Laramie)
Oct. 31, 1970 L, 3-23 (Provo)
Oct. 18, 1969 W, 40-7 (Laramie)
Oct. 12, 1968 W, 20-17 (Provo)
Oct. 7, 1967 W, 26-10 (Laramie)
Nov. 19, 1966 W, 47-14 (Provo)
Oct. 23, 1965 W, 34-6 (Laramie)
Nov. 21, 1964 W, 31-11 (Provo)
Oct. 19, 1963 W, 41-14 (Laramie)
Nov. 17, 1962 L, 7-14 (Provo)
Oct. 21, 1961 W, 36-8 (Laramie)
Nov. 19, 1960 W, 30-6 (Provo)
Oct. 17, 1959 W, 21-6 (Laramie)
Nov. 22, 1958 W, 22-14 (Provo)
Oct. 19, 1957 T, 0-0 (Laramie)
Nov. 17, 1956 W, 7-6 (Provo)
Oct. 29, 1955 W, 14-6 (Laramie)
Nov. 13, 1954 W, 34-13 (Provo)
Oct. 31, 1953 W, 27-0 (Laramie)
Nov. 1, 1952 W, 24-13 (Provo)
Oct. 20, 1951 T, 20-20 (Laramie)
Nov. 11, 1950 W, 48-0 (Provo)
Oct. 29, 1949 W, 45-0 (Laramie)
Nov. 20, 1948 L, 14-15 (Provo)
Oct. 4, 1947 W, 12-7 (Laramie)
Nov. 2, 1946 L, 3-6 (Provo)
Oct. 2, 1942 W, 13-6 (Provo)
Nov. 8, 1941 L, 7-23 (Laramie)
Oct. 12, 1940 L, 0-20 (Provo)
Nov. 25, 1939 T, 7-7 (Laramie)
Oct. 6, 1938 L, 13-22 (Provo)
Nov. 6, 1937 L, 0-19 (Laramie)
Nov. 21, 1936 L, 7-32 (Provo)
Oct. 26, 1935 L, 6-13 (Laramie)
Oct. 6, 1934 W, 6-0 (Laramie)
Nov. 30, 1933 L, 0-3 (Provo)
Oct. 29, 1932 L, 0-25 (Laramie)
Nov. 14, 1931 W, 13-7 (Provo)
Sep. 27, 1930 L, 12-19 (Provo)
Nov. 23, 1929 L, 0-40 (Provo)
Nov. 30, 1922 W, 13-0 (Laramie)
Nov. 14, 1922 L, 0-7 (Provo)
S erie S r ecord v S . NORTH TEXAS
The 2024 Meeting Will Be the First Between the Two
S erie S r ecord v S . AIR FORCE
The 2024 Meeting Will be the: 62nd Overall Series Record: Wyoming trails 27-31-3
MWC Series Record: Wyoming trails 11-13
Series Began: Nov. 2, 1957
UW Record in Laramie: 15-11-2
UW Record at the Academy: 12-20-1
UW Record at Neutral Sites: 0-0
UW Head Coach Jay Sawvel vs.: 0-0
Longest UW Win Streak: 3 (Three Times)
Longest AFA Win Streak: 5 (2006-2010)
Largest UW Margin of Victory: 33 (2013)
Largest AFA Margin of Victory: 42 (1985)
Most Points Scored by UW: 56 (2013)
Most Points Scored by AFA: 51 (1991 & 2000)
Date Score Location
Oct. 14, 2023 L, 27-34 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 16, 2022 W, 17-14 (Laramie)
Oct. 10, 2021 L, 14-24 (Colorado Springs)
Nov. 30, 2019 L, 6-20 (Colorado Springs)
Nov. 17, 2018 W, 35-27 (Laramie)
Nov. 11, 2017 W, 28-14 (Colorado Springs)
Oct. 8, 2016 W, 35-26 (Laramie)
Oct. 10, 2015 L, 17-31 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 6, 2014 W, 17-13 (Laramie)
Sept. 21, 2013 W, 56-23 (Colorado Springs)
Oct. 13, 2012 L, 27-28 (Laramie)
Nov. 12, 2011 W, 25-17 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 25, 2010 L, 14-20 (Laramie)
Oct. 17, 2009 L, 0-10 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 6, 2008 L, 3-23 (Laramie)
Oct. 20, 2007 L, 12-20 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 23, 2006 L, 24-31 (Laramie)
Sept. 17, 2005 W, 29-28 (Colorado Springs)
Oct. 30, 2004 W, 43-26 (Laramie)
Sept. 20, 2003 L, 29-35 (Colorado Springs)
Oct. 26, 2002 W, 34-26 (Laramie)
Oct. 13, 2001 L, 13-24 (Colorado Springs)
Oct. 14, 2000 L, 34-51 (Laramie)
Sept. 25, 1999 W, 10-7 (Colorado Springs)
Nov. 14, 1998 L, 3-10 (Laramie)
Nov. 15, 1997 L, 3-14 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 21, 1996 W, 22-19 (Laramie)
Sept. 9, 1995 L, 10-34 (Colorado Springs)
Oct. 29, 1994 L, 17-34 (Laramie)
Oct. 2, 1993 W, 31-18 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 19, 1992 L, 28-42 (Laramie)
Oct. 5, 1991 L, 28-51 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 22, 1990 W, 24-12 (Laramie)
Sept. 10, 1989 L, 7-45 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 24, 1988 W, 48-45 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 5, 1987 W, 27-13 (Laramie)
Sept. 20, 1986 W, 23-17 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 14, 1985 L, 7-49 (Laramie)
Sept. 15, 1984 W, 26-20 (Laramie)
Sept. 17, 1983 W, 14-7 (Laramie)
Oct. 30, 1982 L, 34-44 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 19, 1981 W, 17-10 (Colorado Springs)
Nov. 15, 1980 L, 7-25 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 10, 1977 T, 0-0 (Laramie)
Nov. 20, 1976 L, 21-41 (Colorado Springs)
Nov. 22, 1975 W, 24-10 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 28, 1974 W, 20-16 (Laramie)
Sept. 16, 1972 L, 14-45 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 25, 1971 L, 19-23 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 19, 1970 L, 17-41 (Laramie)
Sept. 27, 1969 W, 27-25 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 28, 1968 L, 3-10 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 23, 1967 W, 37-10 (Laramie)
Sept. 17, 1966 W, 13-0 (Colorado Springs)
Sept. 18, 1965 W, 31-14 (Laramie)
Nov. 14, 1964 T, 7-7 (Colorado Springs)
Nov. 3, 1962 L, 14-35 (Colorado Springs)
Oct. 22, 1960 W, 15-0 (Laramie)
Sept. 26, 1959 L, 7-20 (Laramie)
Nov. 15, 1958 L, 6-21 (Colorado Springs)
Nov. 2, 1957 T, 7-7 (Laramie)
S erie S r ecord v S . SAN DIEGO STATE
The 2024 Meeting Will be the: 39th
Overall Series Record: Series tied, 19-19
MWC Series Record: San Diego State leads, 6-12
Series Began: Oct. 14, 1978
UW Record in Laramie: 12-7
UW Record in San Diego: 7-12
UW Record at Neutral Sites: 0-0
UW Head Coach Jay Sawvel vs.: 0-0
Longest UW Win Streak: 4 (1992-95)
Longest SDSU Win Streak: 5 (1999-03)
Largest UW Margin of Victory: 42 (1987)
Largest SDSU Margin of Victory: 49 (2014)
Most Points Scored by UW: 30 (2016)
Most Points Scored by SDSU: 63 (2014)
Date Score Location
Oct. 12, 2019 L, 22-26 (San Diego)
Dec. 3, 2016 L, 24-27 (Laramie)
Nov. 19, 2016 W, 34-33 (Laramie)
Nov. 14, 2015 L, 3-38 (San Diego)
Nov. 12, 2012 L, 28-42 (Laramie)
Oct. 29, 2011 W, 30-27 (San Diego)
Oct. 30, 2010 L, 38-48 (Laramie)
Nov. 14, 2009 W, 30-27 (San Diego)
Nov. 1, 2008 W, 35-10 (Laramie)
Nov. 3, 2007 L, 24-27 (San Diego)
Nov. 4, 2006 W, 27-24 (Laramie)
Nov. 19, 2005 L, 21-34 (San Diego)
Oct. 9, 2004 W, 20-10 (Laramie)
Oct. 25, 2003 L., 20-25 (San Diego)
Oct. 19, 2002 L, 20-24 (Laramie)
Nov. 17, 2001 L, 16-38 (San Diego)
Oct. 7, 2000 L, 0-34 (Laramie)
Nov. 27, 1999 L, 7-39 (San Diego)
Nov. 1, 1997 W, 41-17 (Laramie)
Nov. 7, 1996 L, 24-28 (San Diego)
Nov. 11, 1995 W, 34-31 (San Diego)
Oct. 22, 1994 W, 52-35 (Laramie)
Nov. 27, 1993 W, 43-38 (San Diego)
Nov. 7, 1992 W, 17-6 (Laramie)
Nov. 2, 1991 L, 22-24 (San Diego)
Oct. 6, 1990 W, 52-51 (Laramie)
Nov. 11, 1989 L, 17-27 (San Diego)
Oct. 6, 1988 W, 55-27 (San Diego)
Oct. 3, 1987 W, 52-10 (Laramie)
Nov. 15, 1986 L, 24-31 (San Diego)
Nov. 9, 1985 W, 41-20 (Laramie)
Oct. 6, 1984 L, 0-21 (Laramie)
Nov. 12, 1983 W, 33-21 (San Diego)
Oct. 9, 1982 L, 21-24 (Laramie)
Nov. 7, 1981 W, 24-13 (San Diego)
Oct. 25, 1980 W, 34-9 (Laramie)
Nov., 3, 1979 L, 21-31 (San Diego)
Oct. 14, 1978 W, 31-22 (Laramie)
S erie S r ecord
v S . SAN JOSE STATE
The 2024 Meeting Will be the: 14th
Overall Series Record: Wyoming leads, 7-6
MWC Series Record: San Jose State leads, 5-1
Series Began: Nov. 7, 1959
UW Record in Laramie: 3-3
UW Record in San Jose: 4-3
UW Record at Neutral Sites: 0-0
UW Head Coach Jay Sawvel vs.: 0-0
Longest UW Win Streak: 3 (Twice)
Longest SJSU Win Streak: 3 (2013-17)
Largest UW Margin of Victory: 23 (1996)
Largest SJSU Margin of Victory: 17 (2022)
Most Points Scored by UW: 45 (1996)
Most Points Scored by SJSU: 51 (2013)
Date Score Location
Oct. 1, 2022 L, 16-33 (Laramie)
Oct. 30, 2021 L, 21-27 (San Jose)
Nov. 3, 2018 W, 24-9 (Laramie)
Nov. 25, 2017 L, 17-20 (San Jose)
Oct. 18, 2014 L, 20-27 (Laramie)
Oct. 26, 2013 L, 44-51 (San José)
Sept. 20, 1997 W, 30-10 (Laramie)
Oct. 5, 1996 W, 45-22 (San José)
Sept. 18, 1993 W, 36-25 (San José)
Oct. 3, 1992 L, 24-26 (Laramie)
Oct. 25, 1969 W, 16-7 (Laramie)
Nov. 4, 1967 W, 28-7 (San José)
Nov. 7, 1959 W, 28-7 (San José)
S erie S r ecord v S . UTAH STATE
The 2024 Meeting Will be the: 14th
Overall Series Record: Utah State leads, 40-28-4
MWC Series Record: Utah State leads, 5-4
Series Began: Nov. 21, 1903
UW Record in Laramie: 16-13-3
UW Record in Logan: 12-26-1
UW Record at Neutral Sites: 0-1
UW Head Coach Jay Sawvel vs.: 0-0
Longest UW Win Streak: 8 (1949-56)
Longest USU Win Streak: 10 (1927-37)
Largest UW Margin of Victory: 45 (1968)
Largest USU Margin of Victory: 57 (1917)
Most Points Scored by UW: 52 (2016)
Most Points Scored by USU: 63 (2011)
Date Score Location
Oct. 22, 2022 W, 28-14 (Laramie)
Nov. 20, 2021 W, 44-17 (Logan)
Nov. 16, 2019 L, 21-26 (Logan)
Oct. 20, 2018 L, 16-24 (Laramie)
Oct. 14, 2017 W, 28-23 (Logan)
Nov. 5, 2016 W, 52-28 (Laramie)
Oct. 30, 2015 L, 27-58 (Logan)
Nov. 7, 2014 L, 3-20 (Laramie)
Nov. 30, 2013 L, 7-35 (Logan)
Oct. 8, 2011 L, 19-63 (Logan)
Sept. 8, 2007 W, 32-18 (Laramie)
Sept. 2, 2006 W, 38-7 (Laramie)
Oct. 11, 2003 W, 48-21 (Logan)
Sept. 22, 2001 W, 43-42 (Logan)
Sept. 30, 1978 L, 13-20 (Laramie)
Nov. 12, 1977 L, 31-32 (Logan)
Sept. 25, 1976 W, 20-3 (Laramie)
Nov. 1, 1975 L, 21-27 (Logan)
Sept. 14, 1974 L, 7-17 (Laramie)
Nov. 3, 1973 L, 20-31 (Logan)
Oct. 28, 1972 L, 23-35 (Laramie)
Nov. 6, 1971 W, 31-29 (Logan)
Sept. 26, 1970 L, 29-42 (Laramie)
Sept. 21, 1968 W, 48-3 (Laramie)
Oct. 22, 1966 W, 35-10 (Laramie)
Nov. 7, 1964 T, 20-20 (Logan)
Sept. 28, 1963 W, 21-14 (Laramie)
Nov. 10, 1962 L, 6-20 (Logan)
Oct. 7, 1961 T, 6-6 (Laramie)
Nov. 5, 1960 L, 13-17 (Logan)
Oct. 3, 1959 W, 27-2 (Laramie)
Nov. 8, 1958 W, 41-13 (Logan)
Oct. 5, 1957 T, 19-19 (Laramie)
Nov. 3, 1956 W, 21-0 (Logan)
Oct. 1, 1955 W, 21-13 (Laramie)
Nov. 6, 1954 W, 21-12 (Logan)
Oct. 3, 1953 W, 20-13 (Laramie)
Oct. 4, 1952 W, 14-0 (Logan)
Oct. 6, 1951 W, 37-0 (Laramie)
Oct. 14, 1950 W, 40-7 (Logan)
Oct. 15, 1949 W, 27-0 (Laramie)
Oct. 30, 1948 L, 34-45 (Logan)
Oct. 18, 1947 W, 33-19 (Laramie)
Nov. 16, 1946 L, 7-21 (Logan)
Nov. 21, 1942 L, 6-14 (Logan)
Nov. 15, 1941 W, 12-6 (Laramie)
Nov. 23, 1940 L, 0-16 (Logan)
Nov. 18, 1939 L, 13-20 (Laramie)
Nov. 12, 1938 W, 27-12 (Logan)
Oct. 23, 1937 L, 7-34 (Logan)
Oct. 10, 1936 L, 0-25 (Laramie)
Nov. 9, 1935 L, 0-18 (Logan)
Oct. 20, 1934 L, 0-19 (Laramie)
Nov. 4, 1933 L, 0-27 (Logan)
Oct. 24, 1931 L, 0-12 (Laramie)
Oct. 25, 1930 L, 8-13 (Logan)
Oct, 26, 1929 L, 7-12 (Laramie)
Oct. 19, 1928 L, 6-24 (Ogden)
Oct. 22, 1927 L, 0-42 (Logan)
Oct. 23, 1926 T, 6-6 (Laramie)
Nov. 5, 1925 L, 13-26 (Logan)
Nov. 15, 1924 L, 2-25 (Logan)
Nov. 16, 1923 L, 6-20 (Laramie)
Nov. 11, 1922 L, 0-26 (Logan)
Oct. 11, 1921 L, 3-14 (Logan)
Nov. 20, 1919 L, 0-6 (Laramie)
Oct. 24, 1917 L, 0-57 (Logan)
Oct. 21, 1916 W, 23-10 (Logan)
Oct. 27, 1915 W, 13-7 (Laramie)
Nov. 7, 1914 L, 3-24 (Logan)
Nov. 2, 1912 L, 0-53 (Logan)
Nov. 21, 1903 L, 0-46 (Logan)
S erie S r ecord v S . NEW MEXICO
The 2024 Meeting Will be the: 77th
Overall Series Record: Wyoming leads, 41-35
MWC Series Record: Wyoming trails, 11-14
Series Began: Nov. 29, 1930
UW Record in Laramie: 21-16
UW Record in Albuquerque: 20-18
UW Record at Neutral Sites: 0-1
UW Head Coach Jay Sawvel vs.: 0-0
Longest UW Win Streak: 7 (1986-92)
Longest UNM Win Streak: 7 (1969-75)
Largest UW Margin of Victory: 48 (1988)
Largest UNM Margin of Victory: 35 (1971, ‘00)
Most Points Scored by UW: 59 (1984, ‘87)
Most Points Scored by UNM: 56 (2016)
Date Score Location
Sept. 30, 2023 W, 35-26 (Laramie)
Oct. 8, 2022 W, 27-14 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 23, 2021 L, 3-14 (Laramie)
Dec. 5, 2020 L, 16-17 (Las Vegas)
Oct. 19, 2019 W, 23-10 (Laramie)
Nov. 24, 2018 W 31-3 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 28, 2017 W, 42-3 (Laramie)
Nov. 26, 2016 L, 35-56 (Albuquerque)
Sept. 26, 2015 L, 28-38 (Laramie)
Nov. 29, 2014 L, 30-36 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 12, 2013 W, 38-31 (Laramie)
Nov. 10. 2012 W, 28-23 (Albuquerque)
Nov. 19, 2011 W, 31-10 (Laramie)
Nov. 6, 2010 L, 31-34 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 10, 2009 W, 37-13 (Laramie)
Oct. 4, 2008 L, 0-24 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 13, 2007 L, 3-20 (Laramie)
Oct. 7, 2006 W, 14-10 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 15, 2005 L, 24-27 (Laramie)
Nov. 20, 2004 L, 9-16 (Albuquerque)
Nov. 22, 2003 L, 3-26 (Laramie)
Nov. 30, 2002 L, 20-49 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 6, 2001 L, 29-30 (Laramie)
Sept. 30, 2000 L, 10-45 (Albuquerque)
Nov. 20, 1999 W, 42-28 (Laramie)
Nov. 12, 1994 W, 38-28 (Laramie)
Nov. 13, 1993 L, 7-10 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 10, 1992 W, 35-21 (Laramie)
Oct. 19, 1991 W, 39-19 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 13, 1990 W, 25-22 (Laramie)
Oct. 28, 1989 W, 24-23 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 15, 1988 W, 55-7 (Laramie)
Nov. 7, 1987 W, 59-16 (Albuquerque)
Nov. 1, 1986 W, 35-25 (Laramie)
Nov. 16, 1985 L, 16-41 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 20, 1984 W, 59-21 (Laramie)
Nov. 5, 1983 L, 10-17 (Albuquerque)
Sept. 4, 1982 L, 20-41 (Laramie)
Nov. 21, 1981 W, 13-12 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 4, 1980 L, 21-24 (Laramie)
Nov. 24, 1979 L#, 3-17 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 7, 1978 L, 15-19 (Laramie)
Nov. 19, 1977 W, 23-21 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 16, 1976 W, 24-23 (Laramie)
Nov. 15, 1975 L, 32-38 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 19, 1974 L, 21-32 (Laramie)
Nov. 17, 1973 L, 21-23 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 7, 1972 L, 14-17 (Laramie)
Nov. 20, 1971 L, 14-49 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 24, 1970 L, 7-17 (Laramie)
Nov. 15, 1969 L, 12-24 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 26, 1968 W, 35-6 (Laramie)
Nov. 11, 1967 W, 42-6 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 15, 1966 W, 37-7 (Laramie)
Nov. 6, 1965 W, 27-9 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 31, 1964 L, 6-17 (Laramie)
Nov. 9, 1963 L, 6-17 (Albuquerque)
Sept. 22, 1962 L, 21-25 (Laramie)
Nov. 11, 1961 W, 33-7 (Albuquerque)
Sep. 24, 1960 W, 13-3 (Laramie)
Nov. 14, 1959 W, 25-20 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 25, 1958 L, 12-13 (Laramie)
Nov. 16, 1957 W, 20-13 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 13, 1956 W, 20-13 (Laramie)
Nov. 12, 1955 W, 20-0 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 16, 1954 W, 9-7 (Laramie)
Nov. 14, 1953 L, 7-9 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 18, 1952 L, 0-7 (Laramie)
Nov. 10, 1951 W, 41-7 (Albuquerque)
Oct. 28, 1950 W, 44-0 (Laramie)
Sep. 24, 1949 W, 41-14 (Albuquerque)
Nov. 29, 1941 L, 0-28 (Albuquerque)
Sept. 28, 1940 W, 7-3 (Laramie)
Sept. 29, 1939 L, 7-34 (Albuquerque)
Nov. 26,1931 W, 14-2 (Albuquerque)
Nov. 29, 1930 W, 19-6 (Albuquerque)
*Wyoming was later awarded a win by forfeit in the Nov
S erie S r ecord v S . COLORADO STATE
The 2023 Meeting Will be the: 115th
Overall Series Record: UW trails 50-59-5
MWC Series Record: UW is tied 12-12
Series Began: Nov. 30, 1899
UW Record in Laramie: 26-25-4
UW Record in Fort Collins: 24-34-1
UW Record at Neutral Sites: 0-0
UW Head Coach Craig Bohl vs.: 6-3
Longest UW Win Streak: 10 (1956-65)
Longest CSU Win Streak: 5 (three times)
Largest UW Margin of Victory: 44 (2010)
Largest CSU Margin of Victory: 61 (1913)
Most Points Scored by UW: 56 (1989)
Most Points Scored by CSU: 61 (1913)
Date Score Location
Nov. 12, 2022 W, 14-13 (Fort Collins)
Nov. 6, 2021 W, 31-17 (Laramie)
Nov. 5, 2020 L, 24-34 (Fort Collins)
Nov. 22, 2019 W, 17-7 (Laramie)
Oct. 26, 2018 W, 34-21 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 4, 2017 W, 16-13 (Laramie)
Oct. 1, 2016 W, 38-17 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 7, 2015 L, 7-26 (Laramie)
Oct. 25, 2014 L, 31-45 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 19, 2013 L, 22-52 (Laramie)
Nov. 3, 2012 W, 45-31 (Laramie)
Dec. 3, 2011 W, 22-19 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 20, 2010 W, 44-0 (Laramie)
Nov. 22, 2009 W, 17-16 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 22, 2008 L, 20-31 (Laramie)
Nov. 23, 2007 L, 28-36 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 21, 2006 W, 24-0 (Laramie)
Oct. 22, 2005 L, 31-39 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 22, 2004 L, 7-30 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 1, 2003 W, 35-28 (Laramie)
Oct. 12, 2002 L, 36-44 (Ft. Collins)
Sept. 29, 2001 L, 14-42 (Laramie)
Nov. 16, 2000 L, 13-37 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 23, 1999 L, 13-24 (Laramie)
Nov. 7, 1998 W, 27-19 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 18, 1997 L, 7-14 (Laramie)
Nov. 16, 1996 W, 25-24 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 28, 1995 L, 24-31 (Laramie)
Nov. 5, 1994 L, 24-35 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 20, 1993 L, 21-41 (Laramie)
Oct. 24, 1992 W, 31-14 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 26, 1991 W, 35-28 (Laramie)
Nov. 3, 1990 L, 8-17 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 4, 1989 W, 56-35 (Laramie)
Oct. 29, 1988 W, 48-14 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 31, 1987 W, 20-15 (Laramie)
Oct. 25, 1986 L, 15-20 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 26, 1985 L, 19-30 (Laramie)
Oct. 27, 1984 W, 43-34 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 19, 1983 W, 42-17 (Laramie)
Sept. 11, 1982 L, 3-9 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 31, 1981 W, 55-21 (Laramie)
Nov. 1, 1980 L, 25-28 (Ft. Collins)
Sept. 29, 1979 L, 16-20 (Laramie)
Oct. 28, 1978 W, 13-3 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 29, 1977 W, 29-13 (Laramie)
Oct. 30, 1976 L, 16-19 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 4, 1975 L, 0-3 (Laramie)
Nov. 2, 1974 L, 6-11 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 20, 1973 W. 35-3 (Laramie)
Oct. 14, 1972 W, 28-9 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 2, 1971 W, 17-6 (Laramie)
Oct. 10, 1970 W,16-6 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 4, 1969 W, 39-3 (Laramie)
Nov. 2, 1968 W, 46-14 (Ft. Collins)
Sept. 30, 1967 W, 13-10 (Laramie)
Oct. 29, 1966 L, 10-12 (Ft. Collins)
Sept. 25, 1965 W, 33-14 (Ft. Collins)
Sept. 19, 1964 W, 31-7 (Laramie)
Oct. 12, 1963 W, 21-3 (Laramie)
Oct. 27, 1962 W, 28-7 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 14, 1961 W, 18-7 (Laramie)
Oct. 15, 1960 W, 40-8 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 10, 1959 W, 29-0 (Laramie)
Oct. 18, 1958 W, 7-6 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 12, 1957 W, 27-13 (Laramie)
Oct. 6, 1956 W, 20-12 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 8, 1955 L, 13-14 (Laramie)
Oct. 9, 1954 W, 34-0 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 10, 1953 W, 21-14 (Laramie)
Oct. 11, 1952 L, 0-14 (Laramie)
Oct. 13, 1951 L, 7-14 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 7, 1950 W, 34-0 (Laramie)
Oct. 1, 1949 W, 8-0 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 16, 1948 L, 20-12 (Laramie)
Nov. 22, 1947 L, 6-21 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 5, 1946 L, 0-7 (Laramie)
Sept. 26, 1942 L, 0-10 (Laramie)
Oct. 4, 1941 L, 0-27 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 5, 1940 T, 0-0 (Laramie)
Nov. 4, 1939 L, 0-22 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 1, 1938 T, 0-0 (Laramie)
Oct. 16, 1937 W, 7-0 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 17, 1936 T, 0-0 (Laramie)
Sept. 28, 1935 L, 3-12 (Laramie)
Nov. 3, 1934 L, 0-16 (Ft. Collins)
Sep. 30, 1933 L, 0-7 (Laramie)
Nov, 24, 1932 L, 0-23 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 7, 1931 L, 6-26 (Laramie)
Nov. 8, 1930 W, 21-6 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 4, 1929 L, 7-20 (Ft. Collins)
Nov, 26, 1925 L, 0-40 (Ft. Collins)
Sept. 29, 1923 L, 0-33 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 14, 1922 L, 0-60 (Laramie)
Oct. 1, 1921 T, 7-7 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 16, 1920 L, 0-42 (Ft. Collins)
Oct. 2, 1920 L, 0-13 (Laramie)
Oct. 4, 1919 L, 0-14 (Ft. Collins)
Sept. 27, 1919 L, 0-28 (Laramie)
Oct. 6, 1917 W, 6-0 (Laramie)
Sept. 30, 1916 L, 0-40 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 6, 1915 L, 0-47 (Laramie)
Oct. 24, 1914 L, 10-48 (Laramie)
Nov. 27, 1913 L, 0-61 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 28, 1912 L, 0-33 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 30, 1911 W, 27-0 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 24, 1910 W, 10-0 (Laramie)
Oct. 16, 1909 L, 3-32 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 14, 1908 L, 0-20 (Laramie)
Nov. 25, 1905 L, 5-34 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 24, 1904 T, 6-6 (Laramie)
Nov. 14, 1903 L, 0-17 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 24, 1900 L, 0-16 (Ft. Collins)
Nov. 30, 1899 L, 0-12 (Ft. Collins)
S erie S r ecord
v S . BOISE STATE
The 2024 Meeting Will be the: 19th
Overall Series Record: Boise State leads, 1-17
MWC Series Record: Boise State leads, 1-12
Series Began: Sept. 14, 2002
UW Record in Laramie: 1-8
UW Record in Boise: 0-9
UW Record at Neutral Sites: 0-0
UW Head Coach Jay Sawvel vs.: 0-0
Longest UW Win Streak: 1 (2016)
Longest BSU Win Streak: 10 (2002-2015)
Largest UW Margin of Victory: 2 (2016)
Largest BSU Margin of Victory: 49 (2014)
Most Points Scored by UW: 30 (2016)
Most Points Scored by BSU: 63 (2014)
Date Score Location
Oct. 28, 2023 L, 7-32 (Boise)
Nov. 19, 2022 L, 17-20 (Laramie)
Nov. 12, 2021 L, 13-23 (Boise)
Dec. 12, 2020 L, 9-17 (Laramie)
Nov. 9, 2019 L, 17-20 OT (Boise)
Sept. 29, 2018 L, 14-34 (Laramie)
Oct. 21, 2017 L, 14-24 (Boise)
Oct. 28, 2016 W, 30-28 (Laramie)
Oct. 24, 2015 L, 14-34 (Boise)
Nov. 22, 2014 L, 14-63 (Laramie)
Nov. 16, 2013 L, 7-48 (Boise)
Oct. 27, 2012 L, 14-45 (Laramie)
Nov. 26, 2011 L, 14-36 (Boise)
Sept. 18, 2010 L, 6-51 (Laramie)
Sept. 15, 2007 L, 14-24 (Boise)
Sept. 16, 2006 L, 10-17 (Laramie)
Sept. 27, 2003 L, 17-33 (Boise)
Sept. 14, 2002 L, 13-35 (Laramie) S erie S r ecord v S . WASHINGTON STATE
The 2024 Meeting Will be the: 19th
Overall Series Record: Washington State leads, 5-2
Date: Sep 02, 2023 • Site: Laramie, Wyoming • Stadium: Jonah Field at War M Attendance: 26450
Kickoff time: 6:51pm • End of Game: 10:40pm • Total elapsed time: 03:49
Officials: Referee: Baron,Stephen; Umpire: Davis,Sheldon; Linesman: Conti,Catherine; Line judge: Reilly,Scott; Back judge: Aultman,Donnie; Field judge: Gaines,Scott; Side judge: Ockey,Rick; Temperature: 72 • Wind: NE 15mph • Weather: Cloudy
RECAP: The Wyoming Cowboys sealed one of themost thrilling wins in program history Saturday night in Laramie as they scored the winning two-point conversion in the second overtime to defeat Texas Tech, which entered the game ranked No. 24 in the nation in the Coaches Poll.
“That’s a cowboy-tough win,” UW head coach Craig Bohl said postgame. “Andrew Peasley, he’s as tough as boot leather. Hats off to Texas Tech. Coach McGuire is doing a great job. He’s a perfect fit. Both he and I knew it would be a tight ballgame. I’m really proud of our football team. I think our maturity showed because we did not start fast. Every checkpoint I talked about in the pregame meal about what we needed to do, it’s 17-0 and I thought, “Did these guys even listen to that?” There was certainly an amount of frustration, but the players worked through those mistakes and good things started to happen. Texas Tech is ranked, and they deserved to be ranked. We beat a good football team tonight. We have passionate fans. They were on pins and needles because they bleed brown and gold. It was neat to see our players enjoy all the fans on the field.”
The Cowboys scored their winning touchdown in the second overtime on a fourth and seven from the Texas Tech 11-yard line. Cowboy quarterback Andrew Peasley faced a blitzing Red Raider but calmly found tight end John Michael Gyllenborg across the middle for the touchdown to tie the game at 33-33. The Cowboy defense had already denied Texas Tech on their two-point conversion in the second overtime. The Cowboys then turned to sophomore running back Sam Scott. Peasley handed off to Scott who burst through the line and into the end zone to give the Cowboys their 35-33 victory.
It was the first win for the Pokes over a Top 25 team since the 2016 season. In 2016, Wyoming defeated San Diego State on Nov. 19 in Laramie by a score of 34-33. The Aztecs were ranked 24th in the Associated Press poll and 25th in the Coaches poll at the time. Earlier in the 2016 season, the Cowboys defeated Boise State on Oct. 29 by a 30-28 score. The Broncos were ranked 13th in both national polls at the time.
“This is the type of team we have,” Bohl said. “And that started back after the bowl game. You don’t come up with these kind of wins without great chemistry because what occurs when you don’t have great maturity or great chemistry and you’re down like that, I’ve seen some ugly things get said on the sidelines and finger points. Guys were certainly upset, but they were encouraging one another.”
Saturday’s win was the fourth time that Wyoming has defeated a team from an autonomous five conference in Laramie since 2004. UW also defeated Ole Miss in Laramie in 2004 (37-32), beat Virginia (23-3) in 2007 and defeated Missouri (37-31) in 2019. Like Saturday’s win over Texas Tech, the wins over Virginia and Missouri came in Wyoming’s season openers those seasons.
PORTLAND STATE
Box Score (Final) Wyoming Football Portland St. vs Wyoming Cowboys (Sep 09, 2023 at Laramie, Wyoming)
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Total
Portland St. 0 10 0 7 17
Wyoming Cowboys 14 7 10 0 31
Qtr Time Scoring play
1st 08:03 WYO - Ferrell, Jamari 1 yd run (Hoyland, John kick), 5-34 2:15
02:51 WYO - Asante, Ayir 64 yd pass from (Hoyland, John kick), 3-67 1:28
RECAP: The Wyoming Cowboys (2-0 overall) used three scores from the air in a 31-17 win over Portland State (0-2 overall) on Saturday afternoon in War Memorial Stadium. The Wyoming defense also recorded nine tackles for loss including four sacks on their way to the victory.
“I’m pleased that we won the game,” UW head coach Craig Bohl said. “I knew we had much more of challenge than people on the outside felt. We certainly did some good things, but there are some things we can learn from. It’ll be a great opportunity for us to fix some things. We are 2-0. Portland State fought and I knew they would. I’ve been an FCS coach and those guys, they got good players. Coach Barnum does a good job, and we are pleased we won.”
Wide receiver Ayir Asante added a pair of touchdowns, the first of his career with the Brown and Gold in the victory. He had 78 yards receiving on the two catches including one for 64 yards, the longest since the 2018 season. Quarterback Andrew Peasley was 11-of-16 passing with a career-high three touchdown passes and one interception. Wide receiver Wyatt Wieland led the team with three catches for 50 yards and a score. Running back Sam Scott added a career-high 70 yards rushing on 11 carries. John Hoyland tied a career-high with a 56-yard field goal in the contest and from that spot this season.
“I think (Asante) can have a big impact,” Bohl said, “He’s really smooth. He catches the ball well. He has really good speed. He’s one of the fastest players on the team. John Hoyland is coming up big again and again. Two 56-yarders is really impressive.”
The Wyoming defense was paced by Nickel Wrook Brown and linebacker Easton Gibbs with eight tackles. Safeties Wyett Ekeler and Isaac White added seven tackles with Ekeler adding an interception for the second of his career. The interior of the defensive line had a strong day with Jordan Bertagnole adding seven tackles with a sack and Cole Godbout adding seix tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, giving him 24 tackles for loss for his career, which moved him into a tie for ninth in school history with Ward Dobbs.
The Wyoming offense recorded 371 yards of total offense on the day with 201 passing and 170 on the ground. Portland State had 344 yards of total offense with 254 passing and 90 on the ground. The Cowboy offense averaged 12.6 yards per passing completion with the Vikings adding 6.5 per catch.
TEXAS RECAP
Box Score (Final)
Wyoming Football
Wyoming Cowboys vs Texas (Sep 16, 2023 at Austin, Texas)
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Total
Wyoming Cowboys 7 0 3 0 10
Texas 3 7 0 21 31
Qtr Time Scoring play
1st 12:45 WYO - Waylee, Harriso 62 yd run (Hoyland, John kick), 5-75 2:15
09:46 UT - Auburn,Bert 37 yd field goal, 5-19 1:27
2nd 11:45 UT - Murphy II,Byron 1 yd pass from (Auburn,Bert kick), 17-90 8:03
3rd 00:20 WYO - Hoyland, John 36 yd field goal, 17-77 10:22
the fourth-ranked Texas Longhorns could handle but fell just short by a score of 31-10 on Saturday evening in Darrell K Royal Stadium in Austin, Texas. The Pokes and Longhorns were tied going into the fourth as Wyoming held Texas to only 316 yards of total offense, nearly 150 less than their win at Alabama last week.
“Hats off to Texas,” head coach Craig Bohl said. “Our plan was to take them into the fourth quarter and hopefully come up with a couple plays. I think we certainly did that, but on the flip side, they came up with some plays. I thought our guys came into an imposing environment, and the moment was not too big. I thought our coaches came up with a good game plan to make them do some things they didn’t want to do.”
The Pokes were paced by running back Harrison Waylee, who had 110 yards in his first 100-yard rushing game for the Cowboys. It is the ninth of his career after recording eight at Northern Illinois. He recorded a 62-yard touchdown in the contest. Quarterback Evan Svoboda made his first career start, going 17-of-28 passing for 136 yards. Wide receiver Wyatt Wieland recorded a career-high eight catches for 62 yards.
The UW defense was led by linebacker Easton Gibbs with 10 tackles. Safety Wyett Ekeler added nine tackles. Defensive end Sabastian Harsh added a career-high seven tackles with his first career sack. He had two tackles for loss in the contest.
The Pokes held the Longhorns to only 316 yards of total offense, and they passed for only 131 yards. The Pokes threw for 136 yards and rushed for 155 in the contest.
The Cowboys got off to a banner start with Waylee taking it to the house from 62 yards on the opening drive. It was just his second carry with the Brown and Gold. The Longhorns responded with a 37-yard field goal from Bert Auburn to make it 7-3 Pokes with 9:46 left in the first quarter.
Texas took a 10-7 lead on Wyoming in the opening minutes of the second quarter on a one-yard pass from quarterback Quinn Ewers to Byron Murphy.
The Cowboys would get a stop on the first drive of the second half for the Longhorns thanks to a sack from Sabastian Harsh. The Pokes used a 17-play, 77-yard drive ending in a John Hoyland 37-yard field goal to tie the contest at 10-10 in the closing minutes of the third quarter.
Texas responded with a scoring drive ending in a 44-yard touchdown pass from Ewers to wide receiver Xavier Worthy to take a 17-10 lead in the opening minute of the fourth quarter.
The Longhorns were led by Ewers throwing for 131 yards with two touchdowns. Jonathon Brooks rushed for 164 yards in the contest.
APP STATE RECAP
Box Score (Final) Wyoming Football App State vs Wyoming Cowboys (Sep 23, 2023 at Laramie, Wyoming)
RECAP: The Wyoming Cowboys once againshowed how much heart they have as they came back from a 12-point deficit (19-7) early in the fourth quarter to rally for a 22-19 victory over Appalachian State. The Cowboys improved to 3-1 on the season with the win.
At the 11:42 mark of the fourth quarter, Appalachian State cornerback Tyrek Funderburk intercepted a Wyoming pass and returned it 18 yards to give the Mountaineers a 19-7 lead and things looked bleak for Wyoming. But the Cowboy players’ resolve would show on the very next play from scrimmage. Starting their next possession at their own 25-yard line, Cowboy quarterback Andrew Peasley handed the ball off to running back Harrison Waylee, who broke through the left side of the Wyoming offensive line and went 75 yards untouched to put the Pokes right back in the game at 19-14 with 11:31 remaining in the game.
Appalachian State then took the ball on its next possession and possessed the ball for 18 plays and nine minutes and 32 seconds driving down to the Wyoming 29-yard line where the Mountaineers set up for a 47-yard field goal to try to extend their lead. But with only 2:02 remaining the Cowboys once again showed their resolve. The defense forced pressure up the middle on the FG attempt as defensive end DeVonne Harris blocked the kick and UW cornerback Jakorey Hawkins picked up the blocked kick and returned it 62 yards for an amazing touchdown to give Wyoming a 20-19 lead. The Cowboys then set up for a two-point conversion to try and stretch the lead to three points. Peasley would connect with tight end John Michael Gyllenborg on a short pass and Gyllenborg forced his way into the end zone for a 22-19 Wyoming advantage. It was the first time in the history of Wyoming Football that the Cowboys scored a touchdown off a blocked field goal.
After the two-point conversion, only 1:52 remained. Appalachian State needed a field goal to tie the game. The Mountaineers would pick up four first downs and drive from their own 31-yard line down to the Wyoming 20 when they attempted one more pass on a first down play. But under pressure from Cowboy defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole, App State quarterback Joey Aguilar threw over the middle where UW nickel back Wrook Brown intercepted the pass at the Wyoming six-yard line with only 12 seconds remaining to seal the 22-19 win.
“Just when I think I’ve seen it all in 40 years, I have not seen it all,” said Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl. “Obviously, we are really excited about the win and the resolve of our players and the belief. That’s outstanding. We need to build off this.
“Appalachian State is a really good football program and a really good team. We did not play up to our capabilities, particularly on offense, for the majority of the game.
NEW MEXICO RECAP
Box Score (Final)
Wyoming Football
New Mexico vs Wyoming Cowboys (Sep 30, 2023 at Laramie, Wyoming)
INTERCEPTIONS: New Mexico-None. Wyoming Cowboys-Brown, Wrook 1-9.
FUMBLES: New Mexico-Jones,Duece 1-0; Hopkins,Dylan 1-1. Wyoming Cowboys-Peasley, Andrew 1-0.
New Mexico (2-3,0-1) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (4-1,1-0)
Date: Sep 30, 2023 • Site: Laramie, Wyoming • Stadium: Jonah Field at War M Attendance: 25477
Kickoff time: 2:02pm • End of Game: 5:12pm • Total elapsed time: 03:09
Officials: Referee: Ray,Kenneth; Umpire: Yearous,Philip; Linesman: Wetterstrom,Sco; Line judge: Hoslett,Steve; Back judge: Brown,Courtney; Field judge: Brull,Mark; Side judge: Claiborne,Keith; Temperature: 75 • Wind: SW 18mph • Weather: Sunny
RECAP: Big plays on offense, defense and special teams fueled the Wyoming Cowboys to their fourth winof the season on Saturday as the Pokes came away with a 35-26 home win over New Mexico on Homecoming. The win was also the Mountain West opener for the Cowboys and improved UW’s season record to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in the Mountain West Conference. New Mexico fell to 2-3 and 0-1.
“Conference play is here, and we knew it was going to be a challenging game,” said Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl. “Coach (Danny) Gonzales does a great job. Their team is getting better.
“There were some explosive plays we made today, which I was really pleased with. I thought Andrew (Peasley) had one of his better games. His ability to put us in and out of plays was special. Harrison (Waylee) had a couple big runs.
“Andrew’s competency has improved, and we did a good job protecting him today. Andrew, last week played, but his arm strength wasn’t 100 percent. This week his shoulder was 100 percent healed, which is why you saw us run him some and that had an impact on his throws, as well.”
“The game had a lot of ebbs and flows, and so we are going to take this win starting off conference play at 1-0. I was really concerned coming into this game. We’ve always had a hard time matching up with these guys, and that was no different today.
“Thank the lord for John Hoyland. He’s got ice running through his veins.”
The Cowboy offense exploded for eight “chunk” plays, including five rushing plays of 10 or more yards and three passing plays of 15 or more yards. UW running back Harrison Waylee led the Pokes in explosive plays with runs of 17, 18, 46 and 66 yards. His 46-yard dash went for a touchdown. Cowboy quarterback Andrew Peasley completed three explosive pass plays of 22 yards to tight end Treyton Welch, 25 yards to tight end John Michael Gyllenborg and 66 yards to wide receiver Ayir Asante. The 66-yarder went for a touchdown. The pass play to Asante started at the Wyoming 34-yard line, Peasley threw a bubble screen behind the line of scrimmage as Asante caught the ball on the far sideline at the Wyoming 30. Asante then cut back across the field evading tacklers along the way and ended up running down the near sideline for the TD. Peasley added a 15-yard run of his own for Wyoming’s other explosive run on the day.
“When (Ayir) Asante cut back, I wasn’t crazy about that,” said Bohl. “I thought to myself, ‘he’s cutting back too much, I don’t want him doing that,’ and then when he broke free I said, “oh yeah, I do want him doing that.’ and then he scored the touchdown.”
On defense, Wyoming also made its share of big plays, forcing two turnovers. Cowboy free safety Wyett Ekeler forced a fumble with less than 30 seconds remaining in the first half. New Mexico had driven down to the Wyoming 26-yard line. On a second and 10 at the 26, Ekeler came free on a safety blitz and sacked UNM quarterback Dylan Hopkins. As Ekeler made the sack, he knocked the ball loose, picked it up at the Wyoming 37-yard line and returned it to the Wyoming 45 to preserve a 12-9 halftime lead for the Pokes. On New Mexico’s first possession of the third quarter, Cowboy nickel back Wrook Brown intercepted Hopkins at the Wyoming 45-yard line. Brown returned the interception nine yards to the New Mexico 46. That interception set up Waylee’s 46-yard TD run on the very next play. It was Brown’s third interception of the season to lead Wyoming in that category.
FRESNO STATE RECAP
Box Score (Final)
Wyoming Football Fresno St. vs Wyoming Cowboys (Oct 07, 2023 at Laramie, Wyoming)
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Total
Fresno St. 0 7 3 9 19
Wyoming Cowboys 3 21 0 0 24
Qtr Time Scoring play
1st 06:59 WYO - Hoyland, John 34 yd field goal, 13-66 7:16
2nd 14:55 WYO - Wieland, Wyatt 14 yd pass from (Hoyland, John kick), 10-78 5:38 11:17 FS - Moss,Jalen 6 yd pass from (Lynch,Dylan kick), 8-75 3:38
06:42 WYO - Wieland, Wyatt 4 yd pass from (Hoyland, John kick), 8-75 4:35
00:31 WYO - Welch, Treyton 12 yd pass from (Hoyland, John kick), 11-88 2:23
RECAP: The Wyoming Cowboys once again showed they are one of the top teams in the Mountain West Conference and the nation as they captured a second win this season over a Top 25 ranked team, defeating No. 24 ranked Fresno State, 24-19, in Laramie on a nationally-televised game on FOX. Earlier this season, the Pokes opened the season with a 35-33 double overtime home win over then No. 24 ranked Texas Tech. The Cowboys improved to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the Mountain West. Fresno State fell to 5-1 and 1-1 in the conference.
Wyoming entered the week receiving votes in the AFCA Coaches Poll. By defeating Fresno State, the Pokes ended the Bulldogs’ 14-game winning streak dating back to last season. That winning streak was second only to defending National Champion Georgia’s current 23-game winning streak. It also marked the first time that Wyoming has defeated two Top 25 ranked teams in the same season since 2016 when Wyoming defeated then No. 13 ranked Boise State and then No. 24 ranked San Diego State both in Laramie. The Cowboys extended their own home winning streak to five games this season.
“I thought Andrew (Peasley) was in the zone in the first half,” said University of Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl. “Obviously, our receivers were also making big plays. We were very productive offensively, and we knew we were going to need every one of those points.
“I thought Fresno State came back and made some good adjustments in the second half. A heckuva a football game. We beat a good team and put ourselves in a good position moving forward.
“We were able to control the clock for the most part, and I was proud of our defense to hold Fresno State to a field goal in the first half.”
Bohl was asked specifically about nose tackle Cole Godbout’s interception late in the fourth quarter that sealed the win for the Cowboys.
“Our defensive front played great, and that was a big, big play he (Godbout) made,” said Bohl. “But I just wanted him to go down on the ground as soon as he caught it.”
Officials: Referee: Dumas,Nolan; Umpire: Williams,David; Linesman: Stahmer,Joe; Line judge: Kilmer,John; Back judge: Bailey,Christop; Field judge: Wilson,Kenny; Side judge: Furqueron,Buddy; Temperature: 61 • Wind: NE 10mph • Weather: Sunny
Game Starters: Fresno St.
Pos ## OFFENSE
WR 0D Dalena,Mac
QB 1 Keene,Mikey
WR 5W Gill,Jaelen
WR 1M Moss,Jalen
RB 2S Sherrod,Malik
OL 51 Vavao,Mose
OL 69 Spomer,Jacob
OL 73 Isaia,Jacob
OL 75 Nelson,Braylen
OL 78 Velez,Osmar
Wyoming Cowboys
Pos ## OFFENSE
RB 4 Waylee, Harriso
QB 6 Peasley, Andrew
WR 9 Brown, Alex
WR 11 Wieland, Wyatt
OL 72 Barnett, Caden
OT 75 Crum, Frank
OG 77 Tulafono, Nofoa
OL 78 King, Wes
OL 79 Walsh, Jack
TE 81 Welch, Treyton
Peasley completed 19 of 27 passes (70.4 percent) in the game for 183 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He also added 25 rushing yards for 208 yards of total offense. Tight end Treyton Welch led the Cowboys in receiving with six catches for 74 yards and 1 TD. Wide receiver Wyatt Wieland caught five passes for 50 yards and 2 touchdowns. Running back Harrison Waylee carried the ball 22 times for 83 yards. Linebacker Shae Suiaunoa led the Cowboy defenders with 12 tackles and one sack. Fellow linebacker Easton Gibbs recorded eight tackles and 0.5 sacks, and nose tackle Godbout had four tackles and a 0.5 sacks to go with his interception.
AIR FORCE RECAP
RECAP: In another game that would go down to the wire, it looked like the Wyoming Cowboys would once again find a way to win in their magical 2023 season. But in the end, the Air Force Falcons prevailed in a 34-27 home win over the Cowboys. It was Wyoming’s first Mountain West loss of the season and only their second loss overall to fall to 5-2 and 2-1 in the Mountain West Conference. Air Force improved to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in conference play. Both teams entered Saturday’s game receiving votes in both the Associated Press media poll and AFCA Coaches poll.
“We got off to a good start in the first half, but Air Force came back and made more plays than we did in the second half,” said Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl. “We got beat by a good football team tonight.
“It was a classic game. There certainly were some ebbs and flows and things we can do better, but I don’t want to take anything away from Air Force. They played physical, our guys battled in there and hung in there, and we had an opportunity to win and didn’t get it done.
Qtr Time Scoring play
1st 10:23 WYO - Peasley, Andrew 1 yd run (Hoyland, John kick), 10-75 4:37
03:59 WYO - Wieland, Wyatt 6 yd pass from (Hoyland, John kick), 9-69 5:23
Kickoff time: 5:03pm • End of Game: 8:08pm • Total elapsed time: 03:05
Game Starters:
“There are a lot of things that are disappointing. I’m going to encourage (Hoyland). I knew coming in, we had two classic teams vying for it. What we have to do is make some corrections and take advantage of this bye week. We are a beat-up football team. Coming into this game I was scared to death that we are going to have to play a physical game, and we certainly did. But we’ll lick our wounds and bounce back.”
“I thought (Peasley) played really well,” said Bohl. “He made some great plays -- obviously the fourth-down touchdown. He was gutting things out. I was encouraged by Andrew.
“We have to get refreshed. We’ve gone through a gauntlet. We have to bounce back. Those guys are hurting in the locker room, and I’m hurting too.
“One of our goals is to win the conference championship. The winner of this game would put themselves in the catbird seat, so now you have to count on someone else. But what we’ve got to do is we’ve got to correct things. The effort was there, but the execution wasn’t.”
Officials: Referee: McNeill,Cal; Umpire: Orsot,Rico; Linesman: Shoup,George; Line judge: Gannaway,Bill; Back judge: Baldwin,David; Field judge: Moore,Alvin; Side judge: Bessant,Tom; Temperature: 0 • Wind: • Weather: Sunny
Wyoming Cowboys
Pos ## OFFENSE
WR 5 Asante, Ayir
QB 6 Peasley, Andrew
WR 9 Brown, Alex
WR 11 Wieland, Wyatt
RB 22 Scott, Sam
OL 72 Barnett, Caden
OT 75 Crum, Frank
OG 77 Tulafono, Nofoa
OL 78 King, Wes
OL 79 Walsh, Jack
TE 81 Welch, Treyton
Air Force
Pos ## OFFENSE
WR 2 Engel,Brandon
FB 4 Michel,Emmanuel
QB 9 Larrier,Zac
WR 21 Harris,Cade
RB 24 Eldridge III,Jo
OT 51 Holcomb,Kaleb
OT 59 Karas,Adam
OL 68 Paglialong,Thor
OL 69 Ndago,Wesley
OL 75 Jackman,Ethan TE 84 Rillos,Caleb
BOISE STATE RECAP
Box Score (Final)
Wyoming Football Wyoming Cowboys vs Boise State (Oct 28, 2023 at Boise, Idaho)
RECAP: After trailing by only one possession, 15-7, at halftime, the Wyoming Cowboys were unable to mount a second-half comeback on way to a 32-7 road loss at Boise State on Saturday. It was only Wyoming’s third loss of the season. UW’s other two losses came on the road against then No. 4 ranked Texas, 31-10, and at Air Force, 34-27, when both the Cowboys and Falcons were receiving votes in the national polls. After Saturday’s loss, Wyoming is now 5-3 overall this season and is 2-2 in the Mountain West. Boise State is now 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the conference.
The Cowboys were unable to generate any scoring threats in the second half, while Boise State would add two touchdowns and a field goal to stretch its 15-7 halftime lead to a final score of 32-7.
For only the second time this season, Wyoming was shutout in a half. The first shutout came in the second half against Fresno State on Oct. 7, but Wyoming had built a 24-7 halftime lead over the Bulldogs on way to a 24-19 home win. The Cowboys seven points against Boise State on Saturday were their lowest point total of the season.
Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl was asked postgame how tough a game it was for his Cowboys on Saturday.
“It was really tough,” said Bohl. “They (Boise State) played particularly well. I don’t want to take anything away from Boise, I thought they had a really good game plan. They outcoached us and then sometimes things just go right for the other team. I don’t know how many times I saw balls punted inside the five-yard line tonight and sometimes it’s just not your day.
“I think Boise is a good team. They’re a hungry team. I told our guys when they (Boise State) play on the blue (turf) they’re going to play really hard defending their turf. They certainly did.
“Our challenge is we have to take a critical look at what we’re coaching as far as our schemes in all three phases (offense, defense and special teams) and what players are out there. We’re going to have a big challenge getting ready to play Colorado State this next week on a short week on Friday.”
When asked how the short week ahead affects his team’s preparation for the Friday night game vs. Colorado State, Bohl said, “It means by the time we hit the ground tonight in Laramie our coaches are probably going to start working and we’ll be in the office real early tomorrow. Tomorrow will be like a regular Monday. We’ll have practice tomorrow and everything just moves up a day.”
Officials: Referee: Foy,Patrick; Umpire: DiBernardo,Rick; Linesman: Gudgell,David; Line judge: Owens,Carlos; Back judge: Rattler Jr.,Gre; Field judge: Anderson,Parker; Side judge: Hewitt,Josh; Temperature: 49 • Wind: W 14mph • Weather: Cloudy
Game Starters:
Colorado St.
Pos ## OFFENSE
WR 2 Ross-Simmons,Ju
TE 5 Holker,Dallin
WR 6 Goffney,Dylan
WR 14 Horton,Tory
QB 1D Fowler-Nicolosi
RB 2B Schield,Vann
OL 66 Cannon,Drew
OL 68 Moss,Drew
OL 73 Jervis,Oliver
OL 75 Gardner,Jacob
Wyoming Cowboys
Pos ## OFFENSE
RB 4 Waylee, Harriso
QB 6 Peasley, Andrew
WR 9 Brown, Alex
WR 11 Wieland, Wyatt
OL 72 Barnett, Caden
OT 75 Crum, Frank
OG 77 Tulafono, Nofoa
OL 78 King, Wes
OL 79 Walsh, Jack
TE 81 Welch, Treyton
RECAP: It was another one for the ages in the 115th Edition of the Border War between the Wyoming Cowboys and Colorado State Rams on Friday night in Laramie as the Cowboys came away with a 24-15 victory over the Rams.
It was the third consecutive win in the series for Wyoming and the seventh UW win in the last eight Border War meetings, earning the Cowboys the right to retain the Bronze Boot traveling trophy in Wyoming for another year. UW improved to 6-3 overall for the 2023 season and are now 3-2 in the Mountain West this season. Colorado State is 3-6 overall and 1-4 in MW play.
Wyoming’s sixth win of the season has earned the Cowboys bowl eligibility for the seventh time in the last eight seasons. Since the 2016 season, Wyoming has earned bowl eligibility seven times. The only season UW did not earn bowl eligibility during that span was the COVID-shortened season of 2020.
Friday night’s victory also kept the Pokes’ home record at a perfect 6-0 this season, with one home game remaining on Nov. 18 vs. Hawai’i. The home-field advantage was evident Friday night as 27,905 Wyoming fans showed up for the largest home crowd of the season and the largest since the 2019 season.
Wyoming never trailed in the game, taking a 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, leading 10-7 at halftime, holding a 24-7 lead at the end of three and finishing with a 24-15 final score.
The Cowboys came out with a great all-around performance versus their rival Colorado State, and head coach Craig Bohl was very pleased with how his team played.
“We certainly responded tonight,” said Bohl. “This is always such an important game and you can throw the records out. I want to say kudos to our fans. They were unbelievable. It was a great atmosphere, a big-time atmosphere and our players fed off of that.”
“It was certainly special,” said Bohl. “Gunner has gone through so much and he hails from Denver. To score that touchdown was great. I know Coach (Tim) Polasek was choked up, and I thought it was a great play by him.”
Box Score (Final)
Wyoming Football
Colorado St. vs Wyoming Cowboys (Nov 03, 2023 at Laramie, Wyoming)
UNLV RECAP
Box Score (Final)
Wyoming Football
Wyoming Cowboys vs UNLV (Nov 10, 2023 at Las Vegas, Nevada)
FUMBLES: Wyoming Cowboys-Peasley, Andrew 2-1. UNLV-De Jesus,Jacob 1-0; Maiava,Jayden 1-1. Wyoming Cowboys (6-4,3-3) vs. UNLV (8-2,5-1)
Date: Nov 10, 2023 • Site: Las Vegas, Nevada • Stadium: Allegiant Stadium
Attendance: 25568
Kickoff time: 7:46pm • End of Game: 10:52pm • Total elapsed time: 03:05
RECAP: It was a game with everything on the line as both the Wyoming Cowboys and UNLV Rebels entered Friday night’s game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas looking to keep their hopes alive to play in this year’s Mountain West Championship Game. Wyoming entered the game with a 6-3 overall record and a 3-2 Mountain West mark. UNLV brought a 7-2 overall record and a 4-1 conference record into the game. When the game came to an end, UNLV had prevailed with a 34-14 home win over the Cowboys and the Rebels had improved their record to 8-2 and 5-1. Wyoming fell to 6-4 and 3-3 in the Mountain West.
The game was one of streaks. UNLV came out of the gate fast, building a 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. But Wyoming put on a streak of its own, scoring 14 consecutive points in the second quarter to narrow the lead to 21-14. On its final possession of the first half, the Pokes drove all the way down to the UNLV 10-yard line, but UNLV would halt the potential game-tying drive by Wyoming with an interception at the Rebel three-yard line just as the half was expiring.
Not only was the score close at halftime, but the half would end with each team having identical total offense numbers of 214 yards each.
The second half would see the Rebels add a third quarter touchdown, while the Cowboys would miss their one scoring opportunity on a 52-yard field goal attempt. UNLV would add two fourth-quarter field goals to make the final score 34-14.
“We came up against a good football team,” said Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl after the game. “We came out sluggish. I had challenged our team before the game to make sure we were set and ready to go. It was obvious that some guys weren’t. We fought back and made it somewhat close, but we couldn’t finish it off.
“UNLV is a good team. We knew that coming in. It was a disappointing loss, but we got beat by a good football team. Barry (Odom) has done a good job of mixing in the remainder of the squad he inherited and then bringing in some transfers. We didn’t make some plays when we needed to make them.
“We had some guys cramp up, which is befuddling to me, but nonetheless they cramped up. We had some other guys get banged up, but it’s late in the year and when the next guy gets their opportunity to play they’ve got to take advantage of that opportunity.”
Officials: Referee: Noli,Jonathan; Umpire: Tucker,Rod; Linesman: Marks,Rob; Line judge: Kuntz,Jack; Back judge: Wirfel,Brian; Field judge: Smith,Toreland; Side judge: Moku,Duane; Temperature: 57 • Wind: • Weather: Indoor
Wyoming quarterback Andrew Peasley played an outstanding game in spite of being under pressure for much of the night. He completed 11 of 22 passes for 144 yards and was Wyoming’s leading rusher with 69 rushing yards to account for 213 yards of total offense. He also scored the Cowboys’ first touchdown on a 32yard TD run. He threw one interception and was sacked three times for -19 yards. Running back Harrison Waylee carried the ball eight times for 29 yards, and fellow running back Sam Scott also had eight carries for 20 yards. Waylee didn’t play in the first quarter. When asked after the game, Bohl said he set Waylee out the first quarter for a violation of team rules.
The Cowboy defense was led by defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole and linebacker Easton Gibbs, who each had nine tackles. Linebacker Shae Suiaunoa added seven tackles, while safety Isaac White was credited with six. Seven other Cowboys each had five tackles.
HAWAI'I RECAP
vs
Cowboys
1st 14:00 WYO - Marquez, Ryan 44 yd pass from (Hoyland, John kick), 3-75 1:00
10:58 WYO - Gyllenborg, Joh 89 yd pass from (Hoyland, John kick), 1-89 0:13
2nd 09:57 WYO - Waylee, Harriso 28 yd run (Hoyland, John kick), 6-69 2:42
05:56 WYO - Wieland, Wyatt 40 yd pass from (Hoyland, John kick), 4-66 2:04
02:35 WYO - Asante, Ayir 6 yd run (Hoyland, John kick), 3-39 1:10
Date: Nov 18, 2023 • Site: Laramie, Wyoming • Stadium: Jonah Field at War M
Attendance: 18233
RECAP: An explosive first half by Wyoming’s offense and a smothering Cowboy defense fueled a 42-9 victory for the Wyoming Cowboys over Hawai’i in the final home game of the 2023 season. Wyoming scored five touchdowns on its first six possessions of the first half, while the Poke defense shutout the Rainbow Warriors in the first half to build a 35-0 halftime lead.
Wyoming’s five first-half scoring drives included numerous big plays as the Cowboys’ scoring drives consisted of 3 plays for 75 yards, 1 play for 89 yards, 6 plays for 69 yards, 4 plays for 66 yards and 3 plays for 39 yards.
Wyoming completed a perfect 7-0 home record with Saturday’s win over Hawai’i. It is the first time in War Memorial Stadium history that the Cowboys won seven home games in a single season. It is the 15th undefeated regular-season home record in War Memorial history and the third in the Bohl era. The 2019 and 2016 Cowboy teams posted perfect 6-0 home records in the regular season.
Both the Cowboy offensive and defensive lines played key roles in Wyoming capturing Saturday’s victory, as well as the Pokes winning the turnover battle. Box Score (Final) Wyoming Football
Kickoff time: 12:07pm • End of Game: 2:59pm • Total elapsed time: 02:51
Officials: Referee: Cuttone,Michael; Umpire: Wright,Austin; Linesman: Downum,Gregory; Line judge: Wright,Tony; Back judge: Aaronian,Michae; Field judge: Castleberry,Tre; Side judge: Corona,Richard; Temperature: 52 • Wind: SW 11mph • Weather: Sunny
Cowboy quarterback Peasley played a near flawless game against Hawai’i, completing 14 of 17 passes (82.4 percent) for 319 yards and three touchdown passes. Both his 82.4 completion percentage and his 319 passing yards were career highs for Peasley during his Wyoming playing career. His previous career bests were an 78.3 completion percentage (18 of 23) against Air Force in 2022 and 256 passing yards vs. Tulsa in 2022.
Linebacker Easton Gibbs recorded another double-figure tackle game on Saturday, recording 11 tackles. It was Gibbs fifth double-digit tackle game this season and the 18th of his career. He has 101 tackles for the 2023 season. Gibbs now has 354 career tackles as a Cowboy. With his 11 tackles vs. Hawai’i, Gibbs moved into eighth place on the Wyoming career tackle list, passing former Cowboy linebacker greats Lucas Wacha (344 career tackles) and Ken Fantetti (352 career tackles).
“It was really special and we’re really pleased with how we came out,” said Bohl. “It was going to be important for us to start fast, and we certainly did that. Our passing game was explosive, and we came up with some big plays on defense.
“Hawai’i is a prideful football team. We knew that they would fight, but the first half I think really secured this victory.”
Bohl was asked how excited he was for the play of quarterback Andrew Peasley in Saturday’s win. Bohl responded, “I certainly am (excited). He played gutty last week (at UNLV), but he was displeased with his performance in that game. He’s a winner, and I thought he played great today.”
NEVADA RECAP
Box Score (Final)
Wyoming Football Wyoming Cowboys vs Nevada (Nov 25, 2023 at Reno, Nevada)
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Total
Wyoming Cowboys 14 7 14 7 42 Nevada 0 6 0 0 6
Qtr Time Scoring play
1st 06:32 WYO - Peasley, Andrew 43 yd run (Hoyland, John kick), 4-63 2:05
03:29 WYO - Pelissier, Will 34 yd pass from (Hoyland, John kick), 2-55 1:27
Kickoff time: 6:08pm • End of Game: 9:08pm • Total elapsed time: 03:00
Officials: Referee: Foy,Patrick; Umpire: DiBernardo,Rick; Linesman: Gudgell,David; Line judge: Owens,Carlos; Back judge: Rattler,Gregory; Field judge: Anderson,Parker; Side judge: Hewitt,Josh;
Temperature: 33 • Wind: SW 6mph • Weather: Clear
RECAP: For the second straight week, the Wyoming Cowboys enjoyed a fast start that led to their eighth overall win of the season and their fifth Mountain West Conference victory of the year as the Cowboys secured a 42-6 road win over the Nevada Wolf Pack. Wyoming finished the regular season 8-4 overall and 5-3 in the Mountain West. The Cowboys will now await a bowl invitation for the sixth time in the past eight seasons and the third consecutive season. Wyoming has never gone bowling in three successive seasons.
It was Wyoming’s fourth eight-win season during the Craig Bohl era and the first eight-win regular season since 2016. The Pokes’ other two eight-win seasons under Bohl in 2017 and ‘19 included bowl victories. Wyoming will have an opportunity to win nine games this season when they go bowling later this year. The last time a Wyoming team won at least nine games was in 1996 when the Cowboys went 10-2 under then head coach Joe Tiller.
Wyoming enjoyed a balanced an attack in Saturday night’s win at Nevada, generating 409 yards of total offense on 244 rushing yards and 165 passing yards. UW scored three touchdowns rushing, two passing and the defense scored a TD. Special teams forced a fumble on the Nevada’s opening kickoff return of the second half that led to one of those touchdowns.
Cowboy quarterback Andrew Peasley entered Saturday’s game ranked No. 1 in the Mountain West and No. 32 in the nation in Points Responsible For, averaging 14.0 points per game. He threw two more TD passes vs. Nevada and rushed for two TDs to improve his season totals to 20 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing TDs. His 27 total touchdowns responsible for plus a two-point conversion earlier this season improved his season average to 14.9 points per game in the 11 games he has played in 2023.
Wyoming free safety Wyett Ekeler returned a 38-yard interception for a Pick Six in the second quarter. It was Ekeler’s second interception of the season.
The UW defense also recorded a season high 6.0 sacks, led by defensive end Sabastian Harsh, who had 2.0 sacks and led Wyoming in tackles with six total tackles.
BARSTOOL SPORTS ARIZONA BOWL VS. TOLEDO RECAP
Box Score (Final) Wyoming Football Toledo vs Wyoming Cowboys (Dec 30, 2023 at Tucson, Arizona)
RECAP: It was a storybook ending for the Wyoming Cowboys on Saturday as they sent retiring head coach Craig Bohl out with a dramatic 16-15 walk-off victory in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. Cowboy place-kicker John Hoyland made a 24-yard field goal as time expired to give the Pokes their ninth win of the season. Wyoming quarterback Andrew Peasley was forced to leave the field on numerous occasions during the game following big hits, but fought through to return and lead the Cowboy offense, while the Wyoming defense came up with big stop after big stop to keep the Pokes in the game.
The Cowboys finished the season with a 9-4 record. It was Wyoming’s first nine-win season since 1996 when UW posted a 10-2 season. It was also the fourth season of eight or more wins during the Craig Bohl era and the sixth winning season during Bohl’s 10-year tenure as Cowboy head coach. The bowl victory marks the fourth for the Pokes under the direction of Bohl, who announced his retirement back on Dec. 6.
Hoyland was named the game’s MVP, making all three of his field-goal attempts on the day from 34 yards, 52 yards and the game-winner from 24 yards out.
Like all of Wyoming’s nine victories this season, it was a total team effort by the Cowboys. Peasley was outstanding on the day, completing 20 of 25 passes (80.0 percent) for 168 yards to nine different receivers. He also rushed for 16 yards on nine carries for 184 yards of total offense. When Peasley was unable to return during Wyoming’s final drive of the game due to what Peasley himself described as an oblique injury, back-up QB Evan Svoboda came in to help finish off the game-winning drive. Svoboda completed 1 of 2 passes (50.0 percent) in the game for 16 yards and carried the ball five times for 26 yards, including Wyoming’s lone touchdown of the game midway through the fourth quarter to pull the Pokes to within two points at 13-15. Running back Harrison Waylee was a workhorse, carrying the ball 18 times for 91 yards. Wide receiver Wyatt Wieland caught a team high five passes for 55 yards. Tight ends John Michael Gyllenborg and Treyton Welch added four catches each. Gyllenborg accounted for 44 receiving yards and Welch had 22. Wide receiver Ayir Asante also had a big catch of 26 yards to start the final game-winning drive for the Cowboys.
Defensively, the Pokes had 20 different defenders make at least one tackle in the game, led by linebacker Shae Suiaunoa, who finished with five tackles and one quarterback hurry. Linebacker Easton Gibbs made three tackles and broke up one pass. Defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole was credited with three tackles and one quarterback hurry, and nose tackle Cole Godbout also made three tackles. Strong safety Isaac White came up with the lone turnover in the game on an interception on the Wyoming two-yard line in the first quarter to end a Toledo scoring drive. Defensive ends Sabastian Harsh and Tyce Westland each came up with one key tackle for loss in the game. Westland also added a pass break-up as did defensive end DeVonne Harris, and defensive backs Wrook Brown, Tyrecus Davis and Wyett Ekeler were each credited with a pass break-up.
Wyoming accounted for 354 yards of total offense, while Toledo finished with 328 total yards. The Cowboys out gained the Rockets on the ground with 170 rushing yards to Toledo’s 144. Each team finished with the exact same passing yard total of 184 yards.
Team Results
09/02/2023 Texas Tech Wot2 35-33 26450
09/09/2023 Portland St. W 31-17 22121
09/16/2023 at Texas L 10-31 101777
09/23/2023 App State W 22-19 21169
* 09/30/2023 New Mexico W 35-26 25478
* 10/07/2023 Fresno St. W 24-19 20788
* 10/14/2023 at Air Force L 27-34 28311
* 10/28/2023 at Boise St. L 7-32 35189
* 11/03/2023 Colorado St. W 24-15 27905
* 11/10/2023 at UNLV L 14-34 25568
* 11/18/2023 Hawaii W 42-9 18233
* 11/25/2023 at Nevada W 42-6 12044
12/30/2023 vs Toledo W 16-15 30428
Rushing
1/3 as of Jun 17, 2024
Game Records
Team Statistics
Passing
Interceptions
Rushing
Punt Returns
Interceptions
Passing
Kick Returns
Receiving
Fumble Returns
Scoring
Punting
Field Goals
Kickoffs
FG Sequence
Team Name Wyoming Opponents
Texas Tech (56),(31) (54),49,40,50,(27)
Portland St. (56) (45)
Texas (36) (37)
New Mexico (38),(34),(26),(38) (39),(26)
Fresno St. (34),47 (39),(38)
Air Force 45,52 (24),(43)
Colorado St. (30),55,52 47
UNLV 52 (39),(43)
Hawaii 46 (30)
Toledo (34),(52),(24) (33),(33)
App State (25),(28),(20),(50),47
Boise St. 35,(48)
Nevada (40),(47)
Numbers in (parentheses) indicate field
Page 2/4 as of Jun 17, 2024
Scoring
Punting
Field Goals
FG Sequence
Team Name
Illinois (22),(46) 42,(27),51
Tulsa (25),(55),44,(25),(30) (32),(27),49,(25),43
Northern Colo. (23),(41),(39),(35) (32)
Air Force (20) 53
BYU (28) (25)
San Jose St. (42) 26,(40),29
New Mexico (27),(19) 45,22
Utah St. (43),55,(51)
Hawaii (34),(38) 36,(29),(20)
Colorado St. 37 (40),(23),40
Boise St. (53) 41,(22),(47)
Ohio (53),(29) (43),53,(45),(46)
Numbers in (parentheses) indicate field goal was made
Kickoffs
Page 2/4 as of Jun 20, 2023
RECORDS & HISTORY
(The NCAA only recognizes regular-season totals, which are reflected here. School records throughout the rest of this section include bowl-game statistics.)
MARCUS HARRIS (#23) became the greatest receiver in NCAA history during his career from 1993-96. Harris set NCAA records for most yards receiving (4,518) and most 100-yard receiving games (24). He also became the first receiver in NCAA history to amass 1,400 yards receiving in three different seasons. For his performance, Harris was named the recipient of the 1996 Biletnikoff Award, signifying the top receiver in the country. Harris currently ranks No. 5 in NCAA history in career receiving yards.
I nd I v I dual n C aa R ank I ngs
Marcus Harris, Wide Receiver, 1993-96
Most Career Receiving Yards: No. 5 4,518 - 1993-96
Most 1,400-Yard Receiving Seasons: Tie No. 1 3 - 1993-96
Most Touchdown Receptions in a Career: Tie No. 20 38 - 1993-96
Single-Season Yards per Game: Tie No. 20 137.5 - 1996
Ryan Yarborough, Wide Receiver, 1990-93
Most Career Receiving Yards: No. 8 4,357 - 1990-93
Most Touchdown Receptions in a Career: Tie No. 7 42 - 1990-93
Highest Average Gain Per Reception (Min. 200 catches): No. 1 19.0 - 1990-93 (229 for 4,357)
Single-Season Yards per Game: Tie No. 20 137.5 - 1993
Jerry DePoyster, Placekicker/Punter, 1965-67
Avg. FG Attempts Per Game in a Career (3 Years): No. 1 3.10 - 1965-67 (93 in 30)
Average Field Goal Attempts Per Game in a Season: No. 1 3.80 - 1966 (38 in 10)
Most Field Goal Attempts of 40 Yards or More in a Single Season: No. 1 25 - 1966 (6 made)
Most Field Goal Attempts of 50 Yards or More in a Single Season: No. 1 17 - 1966 (5 made)
Most Field Goals Made of 50 Yards or More in a Single Game: Tie No. 1 3 - vs. Utah, Oct. 8, 1966 (54, 54 and 52, one of five players)
Aron Langley, Punter, 1996-98
Career Punting Average (150-249 Punts): No. 24 44.7
Sean Fleming, Placekicker, vs. Arkansas State 1990
Cory Wedel, Placekicker, vs. Idaho 1996
Single-Game Field Goals Made: Tie No. 3 6
Dan Christopoulos, Placekicker, 1976-78
Longest Field Goal Made: Tie No. 11 62 yards vs. Colorado State 1977
Kevin Lowe, Running Back, 1981-84
Highest Average Gain per Rush in a Single-Game (min. 10 rushes): No. 1 30.2 - vs. South Dakota State, Nov. 10, 1984 (302 in 10)
Jay Novacek, Tight End, 1982-84
Highest Average Gain per Reception by a Tight End in a Single-Season: No. 1 22.6 - 1984 (745 in 33)
Most Yards of Total Offense in a Single Game: No. 10 640 - vs. Hawai’i, Nov. 23, 2013 (498 passing, 142 rushing)
ANDREW WINGARD (#28)
concluded his Wyoming career with 454 career tackles. That tied him for the Mountain West Conference record, ranked him No. 2 on the Wyoming career list and ranked him No. 20 in NCAA history.
Quarterback Gaining 400 Yards Passing and 100 Yards Rushing in a Single Game (one of 13 players): 640 - vs. Hawai’i, Nov. 23, 2013 (498 passing, 142 rushing)
Brian Hendricks, Linebacker, 2008-11
Most Tackles in a Single Game: Tied No. 21 23 - vs. Air Force, Oct. 17, 2009
Andrew Wingard, Safety, 2016-18
Most Tackles in a Career: Tied No. 21 454 Total Tackles - 2016-18
Most Solo Tackles in a Career: No. 15 274 Solo Tackles - 2015-18
John Hoyland, Place-kicker, 2020-present
Season Field Goals Made Per Game: No. 22 2.17 (13/14)
Season Field-Goal Percentage: No. 22 .929
Field-Goal Percentage: 2020 annual champion .929
(The NCAA only recognizes regular-season totals, which are reflected here. School records throughout the rest of this section include bowl-game statistics.)
I nd I v I dual n C aa R ank I ngs
Eddie Talboom, Tailback/Placekicker, 1948-50
Highest Average Points Scored per Game in a Career: No. 6 10.8 - 1948-50 (303 points in 28 games, 34 touchdowns and 99 extra points)
Season Points Per Game: No. 21 14.4 - 1950 (130 points in 9 games, 15 touchdowns
Randy Welniak, Quarterback, 1984-88
A Quarterback Gaining 300 Yards Passing and 100 Yards Rushing in a Single-Game (one of several players): 467 Total Yards - vs. Air Force 1988 (359 Passing and 108 Rushing)
Brian Hill, Running Back, 2014-16
A player to rush for at least 200 yards and have at least 100 receiving yards in a game in NCAA history. (one of several): 281 yards rushing and 106 receiving vs. Fresno State 2014
I nd I v I dual n C aa a nnual C hamp I ons
RECEIVING
Marcus Harris, 1996, Average Receiving Yards Per Game, 137.50 (1,650 yards, 12 games)
Marcus Harris, 1994, Average Receiving Yards Per Game, 119.25 (1,431 yards, 12 games)
Ryan Yarborough, 1993, Total Receiving Yards, 1,512 yards (67 receptions)
Ryan Yarborough, 1992, Total Receiving Yards, 1,351 yards (86 receptions)
Dewey McConnell, 1951, Total Receptions, 47 receptions (725 yards)
RUSHING
Jim Crawford, 1956, Total Rushing Yards, 1,104 yards (200 rushes)
TOTAL OFFENSE
Josh Wallwork, 1996, Total Offense, 350.75 yards per game (4,209 yards, 12 games)
FIELD GOALS
Bob Jacobs, 1969, Total Field Goals Made, 18 field goals (18 of 27, 1.8/game)
Bob Jacobs, 1968, Total Field Goals Made, 14 field goals (14 of 29, 1.4/game)
Jerry DePoyster, 1966, Total Field Goals Made, 13 field goals (13 of 38, 1.3/game)
Vic Washington, 1966, Total Punt Return Yards, 443 yards(34 punt returns)
INTERCEPTIONS
Brian Lee, 1997, Interception Average, 0.73 interceptions per game (8 in 11)
PUNTING
Jack Weil, 1983, Punting Average, 45.6 yards per punt (2369 in 52)
Chuck Spaulding, 1951, Punting Average, 43.5 yards per punt (1610 in 37) T
Ryan Yarborough (#16) ranks No. 8 in NCAA history in total receiving yards (4,357). He led the nation in total receiving yards in both 1992 (1,351) and 1993 (1,512).
SCORING
Most Points Scored, Both Teams (Regulation or Overtime): No. 4 135 - Nov. 12, 2016 at UNLV – UNLV 69, Wyoming 66 (3OT)
Most Points Scored in a Single Game: 103 - vs. Colorado State College Nov. 5, 1949 (15 TDs, 13 XPt.)
Most Touchdowns Scored in a Game: 15 - vs. Colorado State College Nov. 5, 1949 (9 Rush., 6 Pass.)
Most Extra Points Made Kicking 13 - vs. Colorado State College in a Single-Game: Nov. 5, 1949
DEFENSE
Highest Average Rushing Yards Lost Per Game by Opponent in a Single Season: 70.1 - 1968 (701 in 10 games on 458 rushes)
Highest per Game Average of Opponent Turnovers in a Single Season: 5.44 - 1950 (49 in 9 games, one of four teams)
LONGEST SERIES
Wyoming vs. Colorado State - 24th longest series in NCAA History
Undefeated and Untied Teams
1967 (10-0), 1956 (10-0), 1950 (9-0)
Passing Offense
1996 359.2 yards per game
Total Defense
1968 206.8 yards per game
1960 149.6 yards per game
Turnovers Forced 2017 38
Turnover Margin
2017 14/38
Returns (Offense)
Brian Lee (#45) led the nation in 1997 in interception average, picking off eight passes in 11 contests, or 0.73 per game.
Marcus Harris (#23) owns virtually every receiving record in University of Wyoming history — most yards receiving in a career (4,518), career receptions (259), receiving yards in a single season (1,650), receptions in a single season (109), yards in a single game (260) and receptions in a single game (16). Harris also led the nation in receiving for two seasons, 1994 and 1996, and ranked second in 1995.
C a R ee R
Career: 4518 -Marcus Harris, 1993-96
Single-Season: 1650 -Marcus Harris, 1996
Single-Game: 260 -Marcus Harris, vs. Fresno State 1994
YARDS PER GAME
Career: 98.2 -Marcus Harris, 1993-96 (4518 in 46)
Single-Season: 137.5 -Marcus Harris, 1996 (1650 in 12)
AVERAGE YARDS PER RECEPTION
Career: 21.7 -Isiah Neyor, 2019-21 (1,126 in 19,20,21)
Single-Season: 24.7 -Archie Gray, 1973 (988 in 40)
Single-Game: 47.5 -Josh Barge, vs. Ole Miss 2004 (95 in 2) 43.0 -Josh Doctson, vs. Colorado St. 2011 (129 in 3)
TOTAL RECEPTIONS
Career: 259 -Marcus Harris, 1993-96
Single-Season: 109 -Marcus Harris, 1996
Single-Game: 16 -Marcus Harris, vs. Iowa State, 1996, and CSU, 1996
AVERAGE RECEPTIONS PER GAME
Career: 5.6 -Marcus Harris, 1993-96 (259 in 46)
Single-Season: 9.1 -Marcus Harris, 1996 (109 in 12)
TOTAL TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS
Career: 42 -Ryan Yarborough, 1990-93
Single-Season: 16 -Ryan Yarborough, 1993
Single-Game: 4 -Robert Herron, vs. Hawai’i 2013 4 -Marcus Harris, vs. Oklahoma State 1995
AVERAGE TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS PER GAME
Career: 0.9 -Ryan Yarborough, 1990-93 (42 in 46)
Single-Season: 1.3 -Ryan Yarborough, 1993 (16 in 12)
CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH AT LEAST ONE RECEPTION
Career: 49 -Dominic Rufran, vs. Weber State 2011 to New Mexico 2014
47 -Jovon Bouknight, vs. Tennessee 2002 to SDSU 2005
41 -Wendell Montgomery, vs. W. Michigan 1996 to SDSU 1999
Single-Season: 14 -Tanner Gentry, 2016
Casey Bramlet (#14) holds the UW career record for passing yards. Bramlet, who played from 2000-03, concluded his career with 9,684 yards passing.
C a R ee R
s I ngle - g ame
s umma R y and m I s C ellaneous
Career: 9684 Casey Bramlet, 2000-03
Single-Season: 4090 Josh Wallwork, 1996
Single-Game: 498 Brett Smith, vs. Hawai’i 2013 AVERAGE YARDS PER GAME
Career: 293.3 Josh Wallwork, 1995-96 (6453 in 22)
Single-Season: 340.8 Josh Wallwork, 1996 (4,090 in 12)
AVERAGE YARDS PER PASS ATTEMPT
Career (Min. 200 Att.): 8.9 Josh Wallwork, 1995-96 (6453 in 729)
Single-Season (Min. 100 Att.): 9.2 Eddie Talboom, 1950 (920 in 100)
Single-Game (Min. 15 Att.): 15.3Josh Wallwork, vs. UNLV 1996 (305 in 20)
AVERAGE YARDS PER PASS COMPLETION
Career (Min. 134 Comp.): 17.7 Steve Cockreham, 1971-73 (2,702 in 153)
Single-Season (Min. 67 Comp.): 19.9 Scott Runyan, 1984 (1353 in 68)
Single-Game (Min. 10 Comp.): 25.4 Gary Fox, vs. Arizona 1971(305 in 12)
Single-Game (Min. 10 Comp.): 90.9% Gary Fox, vs. AFA 1969 (10 of 11)
TOTAL TOUCHDOWN PASSES
Career: 76 Brett Smith, 2011-13
Single-Season: 33 Josh Wallwork, 1996
Single-Game: 7 Brett Smith, vs. Hawai’i 2013
AVERAGE TOUCHDOWN PASSES PER GAME
Career: 2.5 Josh Wallwork, 1995-96 (54 in 22)
Single-Season: 2.8 Josh Wallwork, 1996 (33 in 12)
PASS ATTEMPTS WITHOUT BEING INTERCEPTED
Consecutive: 183 Brett Smith, 10/20/12 to 8/31/13
Single-Game: 51 Casey Bramlet, vs. Air Force 2003
LOWEST PERCENTAGE OF PASS INTERCEPTIONS THROWN
Career (Min. 200 Att.): 2.30% Brett Smith, 2011-13 (28 of 1212)
Single-Season (Min. 100 Att.): 1.38% Phil Davis, 1981 (2 of 145)
MOST PASS INTERCEPTIONS THROWN
Career: 48 Casey Bramlet, 2000-03
Single-Season: 21 Rick Costello, 1974
Single-Game: 6 Rick Costello, vs. Arizona 1974 6 Casey Bramlet, vs. SDSU 2001
HIGHEST AVERAGE PASS INTERCEPTIONS THROWN PER GAME
Career: 1.3 Craig Burnett, 1986-87 (22 in 17)
Single-Season: 1.9 Rick Costello, 1974 (21 in 11)
LONGEST PASS PLAY
93 – Brett Smith to Robert Herron, vs. San Jose State 2013 PASSING EFFICIENCY
Single Season: Josh Allen, 127.78
Joe Hughes (#7) ranks sixth on the Wyoming career passing yardage list. Hughes had the third best single-season passing total in school history when he threw for 3,372 yards in 1993.
Josh Wallwork (#7) became the first player in Wyoming history to pass for more than 4,000 yards in a single season (4,090 in 1996), and was one of the most accurate passers in school history, completing 61.6 percent of his passes from 1995-96. In 1996, he guided Wyoming’s offense to the No. 1-ranking in the NCAA in passing. He ranks 10th in NCAA history in career passing efficiency, with a rating of 152.7.
COWBOY COACHES
Devin Moore (#5) became Wyoming’s career rushing leader during the final game of the 2008 season. In his career, Moore rushed for 2,963 yards.
a R ee R
CAREER YARDS
CAREER RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS
s umma R y and m I s C ellaneous
Career: 4287 Brian Hill, 2014-16
Single-Season: 1860 Brian Hill, 2016
Single-Game: 302 Kevin Lowe, vs. South Dakota State 1984
AVERAGE YARDS PER GAME
Career: 112.8 Brian Hill, 2014-16 (4287 in 775)
Single-Season: 135.9 Brian Hill, 2015 (1631 in 12)
AVERAGE YARDS PER RUSH
Career (Min. 200 Rushes): 6.7 Kevin Lowe, 1981-84 (2188 in 327)
Single-Season (Min. 100 Rushes): 8.0 Kevin Lowe, 1984 (857 in 107)
Single-Game (Min. 10 Rushes): 30.2 Kevin Lowe, vs. South Dakota State 1984 (302 in 10)
TOTAL RUSHES
Career: 775 Brian Hill, 2014-16
Single-Season: 349 Brian Hill, 2016
Single-Game: 37 Ryan Christopherson, vs. NE Louisiana 1994 37 Steve Cockreham, vs. Arizona State 1972
AVERAGE RUSHES PER GAME
Career: 20.4 Brian Hill, 2014-16 (775 in 28)
Single-Season: 25.0 Ryan Christopherson, 1994 (300 in 12)
TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS RUSHING
Career: 35 Brian Hill, 2014-16
Single-Season: 22 Brian Hill, 2016
Single-Game: 5 Alvester Alexander, 2010
AVERAGE TOUCHDOWNS RUSHING PER GAME
Career: 0.9 Brian Hill, 2014-16 (35 in 38) 0.9 Phil Davis, 1978-81 (30 in 33)
Single-Season: 1.6 Brian Hill, 2016 (22 in 14)
MOST 100-YARD RUSHERS IN ONE GAME
3 – Alvester Alexander (151), Robert Herron (122) and Austyn Carta-Samuels (119) vs. New Mexico 2010
3 – Len Sexton (151), Jermaine McDowell (122) and Marques Brigham (117) vs. SDSU 1995
LONGEST RUSH
98 – Titus Swen, vs. Utah State 2021
Brett Smith (#16) totaled 10,365 yards of total offense in his stellar career, which spanned from 2011-13. He became UW’s all-time leader in that category after his junior season.
s
s
umma R y and m I s C ellaneous
TOTAL YARDS
Career: 10365 Brett Smith, 2011-13
Single-Season: 4209 Josh Wallwork, 1996
Single-Game: 640 Brett Smith, vs. Hawai’i 2013
AVERAGE YARDS PER GAME
Career: 307.0 Josh Wallwork, 1995-96 (6753 in 22)
Single-Season: 350.8 Josh Wallwork, 1996 (4209 in 12)
AVERAGE YARDS PER PLAY
Career: 8.0 Josh Wallwork, 1995-96 (6753 in 845)
Single-Season: 8.0 Josh Wallwork, 1996 (4209 in 525)
TOTAL PLAYS
Career: 1674 Casey Bramlet, 2000-03
Single-Season: 592 Brett Smith, 2013
Single-Game: 75 Casey Bramlet, vs. UNLV 2001
AVERAGE PLAYS PER GAME
Career: 45.5 Brett Smith, 2011-13 (1593 in 35)
Single-Season: 49.3 Brett Smith, 2013 (592 in 12)
TOTAL POINTS RESPONSIBLE FOR (POINTS SCORED AND PASSED FOR)
Career: 582 Brett Smith, 2011-13
(Passed for 76 TDs, rushed for 20 and caught one TD)
Single-Season: 222 Randy Welniak, 1988 (Scored 16 TDs rushing and passed for 21 TDs)
Single-Game: 48 Brett Smith, vs. Hawai’i 2013 (Passed for seven TDs and rushed for one)
AVERAGE POINTS RESPONSIBLE FOR PER GAME
Career: 16.6 Brett Smith, 2011-13 (582 in 35)
Single-Season: 19.8 Eddie Talboom, 1950 (178 in 9)
Wallwork led the nation in total offense in 1996, averaging 350.8 yards per game, while quarterbacking the Cowboy offense to a No. 1 national ranking in passing.
Josh
Randy Welniak was the 1988 WAC Offensive Player of the Year.
Cooper Rothe (#40) is the greatest scorer in University of Wyoming history.
s umma R y and
Career: 342 Cooper Roth, 2016-19
I s C ellaneous
Single-Season: 132 Brian Hill, 2016 (22 TDs)
Single-Game: 30 Alvester Alexander, vs. Colorado State, 2010 (5 TDs)
AVERAGE POINTS SCORED PER GAME
Career: 10.8 Eddie Talboom, 1948-50 (303 in 28)
ellaneous
TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS SCORED
Career: 42 Ryan Yarborough, 1990-93
Single-Season: 22 Brian Hill, 2016
Single-Game: 5 Alvester Alexander, vs. Colorado State, 2010 AVERAGE TOUCHDOWNS SCORED PER GAME
Career: 1.2
Eddie Talboom, 1948-50 (34 in 28)
Single-Season: 1.7 Eddie Talboom, 1950 (15 in 9)
TOTAL POINTS SCORED BY KICKING (Extra Points and Field Goals)
Career: 342 Cooper Rothe, 2016-19 (58 Field goals, 160 Extra Points)
Single-Season: 110 Sean Fleming, 1988 (17 Field goals, 59 Extra Points)
Single-Game: 20 Cory Wedel, vs. Idaho 1996 (6 Field goals, 2 Extra Points) 20 Sean Fleming, vs. Arkansas State 1990 (6 FGs, 2 XPTs)
AVERAGE POINTS SCORED BY KICKING
Career: 6.8
Single-Season: 9.16
Sean Fleming, 1988-91 (324 in 48)
John Hoyland, 2020 (55 in 6)
TOTAL EXTRA-POINT ATTEMPTS
Career: 169 Cooper Rothe, 2016-19
Single-Season: 64 Cooper Rothe, 2016
Single-Game: 9 Cory Wedel, vs. Hawai'i 1996; Steve Tobin, vs. UTEP 1981
Eddie Talboom, vs. Colorado State College 1949
Eddie Talboom, vs. Idaho State 1949
AVERAGE EXTRA-POINT ATTEMPTS PER GAME
Career: 4.8
Single-Season: 5.0
Eddie Talboom, 1948-50 (133 in 28)
Eddie Talboom, 1950 (45 in 9)
TOTAL EXTRA POINTS MADE
Career: 165 Cooper Rothe, 2016-19
Single-Season: 64 Cooper Rothe, 2016
Single-Game: 9 Cory Wedel, vs. Hawai’i 1996; Steve Tobin, vs. UTEP 1981
AVERAGE EXTRA POINTS MADE PER GAME
Career: 3.4 Cory Wedel, 1994-97 (139 in 41)
Single-Season: 4.6 Cooper Rothe, 2016 (64 in 14)
HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF EXTRA POINTS MADE
Career: 99.0% Cory Wedel, 1994-97 (139 of 140)
Single-Season: 100.0% John Hoyland, 2022 (28-28); John Hoyland, 2021 (40-40); John Hoyland, 2021 (16-16); Cooper Rothe, 2016 (64 of 64); Stuart Williams, 2014 (31 of 31); Derric Yaussi, 2004 (36 of 36); Cory Wedel, 1997 (38 of 38); Cory Wedel, 1996 (48 of 48); Cory Wedel, 1995 (39 of 39); Sean Fleming, 1990 (31 of 31); Sean Fleming, 1988 (59 of 59); Rick Donnelly, 1984 (30 of 30) CONSECUTIVE EXTRA POINTS MADE
Career: 128 Cory Wedel, from UNM game 1994 to Fresno St. 1997
Single-Season: 64 Cooper Rothe, 2016
MOST TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPTS
Season: 13 Jimmy Walden, 1959
MOST SUCCESSFUL TWO-POINT CONVERSIONS SCORED
Season: 4 Kevin Ward, 1959
MOST SUCCESSFUL TWO-POINT CONVERSIONS RESPONSIBLE FOR SCORING
Season: 7 Jimmy Walden, 1959 (Passed for 6, Rushed for 1)
TOTAL FIELD-GOAL ATTEMPTS
Career: 93
Single-Season: 38 Jerry DePoyster, 1966
Single-Game: 6
Sean Fleming, 1988-91; 93 – Jerry DePoyster, 1965-67
Sean Fleming, vs. Arkansas State 1990
Jerry DePoyster, vs. New Mexico 1967
Jerry DePoyster, vs. Brigham Young 1966
Cory Wedel, vs. Idaho 1996
AVERAGE FIELD-GOAL ATTEMPTS PER GAME
Career: 3.1
Single-Season: 3.8
Single-Season: 22
Single-Game: 6
Single-Season: 14.4 Eddie Talboom, 1950 (130 in 9) s umma R y and m I s C
Jerry DePoyster, 1965-67 (93 in 30)
Jerry DePoyster, 1966 (38 in 10)
TOTAL FIELD GOALS MADE
Career: 59 Cooper Rothe, 2016-19
John Hoyland, 2022
Sean Fleming, vs. Arkansas State 1990
Cory Wedel, vs. Idaho 1996
AVERAGE FIELD GOALS MADE PER GAME
Career: 1.3
1.2
Single-Season: 1.8
62
Cory Wedel, 1994-97 (54 in 41)
Bob Jacobs, 1968-70 (37 in 30)
Bob Jacobs, 1969 (18 in 10) and J.D. Wallum, 2001 (20 in 11)
LONGEST FIELD GOAL MADE
Dan Christopulos, vs. Colorado State 1977
Jovon Bouknight 2002-05
Wyoming's career leader in all-purpose yardage.
s
Darnell Clash 1980-82
Wyoming's career leader in total return yardage.
Selmer Pederson 1949-51
Wyoming’s career leader in punt return yardage
umma R y and m I s C ellaneous KICKOFF RETURNS
TOTAL YARDS
Career: 2016 Jovon Bouknight, 2002-05
Single-Season: 723 Marcell Gipson, 2009
Single-Game: 219 Jovon Bouknight, vs. Utah 2005 AVERAGE YARDS PER GAME
Career: 51.6 Prentice Rhone, 1992-93 (1186 in 23)
Single-Season: 56.1 Prentice Rhone, 1993 (617 in 11) AVERAGE YARDS PER RETURN
Career (Min. 12): 33.7 Harry Geldien, 1950-52 (506 in 15)
Single-Season (Min. 1 Per Game): 39.0 Tyler Hall, 2017 (508 in 13)
Single-Game (Min. 2): 64.5 Vic Washington, vs. BYU 1966 (129 in 2)
TOTAL RETURNS
Career: 87 Jovon Bouknight, 2002-05
Single-Season: 32 Marcell Gipson, 2009
Single-Game: 8 Jovon Bouknight, vs. Utah 2005 AVERAGE RETURNS PER GAME
Career: 2.5 Prentice Rhone, 1992-93 (58 in 23)
Single-Season: 2.8 Prentice Rhone, 1993 (31 in 11)
TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS SCORED BY KICKOFF RETURN
Career: 2 Tyler Hall, 2017
Single-Season: Same as career list above.
Single-Game: 1 Cameron Stone, 2021 Tyler Hall, Two Times, 2017 Devin Moore, 2007 Alex English, 1999 Peter Gunn, 1988 Archie Gray, 1972 Vic Washington, 1966 Dick Behning, 1960 Sonny Jones, 1948 LONGEST KICKOFF RETURN
100 – Sonny Jones, vs. Colorado State College 1948
PUNT RETURNS
TOTAL YARDS
Career: 1080 Selmer Pederson, 1949-51
Single-Season: 565 Vic Washington, 1967
Single-Game: 145 Vic Washington, 1967
AVERAGE YARDS PER GAME
Career: 50.4 Vic Washington, 1966-67 (1008 in 20)
Single-Season: 56.5 Vic Washington, 1967 (565 in 10)
AVERAGE YARDS PER RETURN
Career (Min. 25): 13.0 Selmer Pederson, 1949-51 (1080 in 83)
Single-Season (Min. 1.5 Per Game): 16.1
Single-Game (Min. 3): 36.3
Selmer Pederson, 1949 (386 in 24)
Selmer Pederson, vs. Montana St. 1949 (109 in 3)
TOTAL RETURNS
Career: 114 Austin Conway, 2016-19
Single-Season: 53 Vic Washington, 1967
Single-Game: 9 Vic Washington, vs. Wichita State 1967
AVERAGE RETURNS PER GAME
Career: 4.4 Vic Washington, 1966-67 (87 in 20)
Single-Season: 5.3 Vic Washington, 1967 (53 in 10)
summa R y and m I s C ellaneous
TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS SCORED BY PUNT RETURN
Career: 3 Vic Washington, 1966-67
Single-Season: 2 Vic Washington, 1966
Single-Game: 1 Austin Conway, vs. UNLV 2016
Chris McNeill, vs. UNLV 2011
Josh Barge, vs. Ole Miss 2004
Kevin Parma, vs. Utah 1995
Eddie Pratt, vs. San Diego State 1994
Prentice Rhone, vs. San Diego State 1993
Robert Rivers, vs. Southwest Louisiana 1991
Robert Rivers, vs. Cal-Berkeley 1990
Tim Mara, vs. UTEP 1989
Chuck Kimbrough, vs. Houston 1987
Vic Washington, vs. Arizona 1967
Vic Washington, vs. UTEP 1966
Vic Washington, vs. Wichita State 1966
Vince Guinta vs. Montana 1956
Selmer Pederson vs. Montana State 1949
LONGEST PUNT RETURN
95 – Sonny Jones, vs. Montana State 1948
TOUCHDOWNS SCORED ON BLOCKED PUNTS
Career: 2 - Derrick Martin, 2003-05
Single-Game: 1 – Ghaali Muhammad vs. Texas 2009; Derrick Martin vs. Appalachian St. 2004; Derrick Martin vs. Montana St. 2003; Kofi Shuck vs. Hawaii 1996; John Burrough vs. NE Louisiana 1994; Vince Guinta vs. Montana 1956 COMBINED KICKOFF AND PUNT RETURNS
TOTAL YARDS
Career: 2286 Darnell Clash, 1980-82
Single-Season: 1018 Darnell Clash, 1980
Single-Game: 219 Jovon Bouknight, vs. Utah 2005
AVERAGE YARDS PER GAME
Career: 79.9 Prentice Rhone, 1992-93 (1837 in 23)
Single-Season: 92.5 Darnell Clash, 1980 (1018 in 11)
AVERAGE YARDS PER RETURN
Career (Min. 40): 15.4 Prentice Rhone, 1992-93 (1837 in 119)
Single-Season (Min. 2 Per Game): 26.0 Jerry Marion, 1962 (519 in 20)
Single-Game (Min. 5): 27.4 Jovon Bouknight,vs.Utah 2005 (219 in 8)
TOTAL RETURNS
Career: 153 Darnell Clash, 1980-82
Single-Season: 65 Darnell Clash, 1980
Single-Game: 13 Prentice Rhone, vs. Oregon State 1993 AVERAGE RETURNS PER GAME
Career: 5.2 Prentice Rhone, 1992-93 (119 in 23) Vic Washington, 1966-67 (103 in 20)
Single-Season: 5.9 Darnell Clash, 1980 (65 in 11)
TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS SCORED BY KICKOFF AND PUNT RETURNS
Prentice Rhone (#28) thrilled Wyoming crowds with his kickoff and punt returns during the 1992 and 93 seasons. He was named the WAC Special Teams Player of the Year in his junior season of 92.
COWBOY COACHES
Galand Thaxton (#90) is Wyoming's career and single-season tackle leader. Thaxton, who helped lead the Cowboys to the 1987 WAC Championship, was an All-Western Athletic Conference selection in 1986 and 1987. He also earned Third Team Associated Press All-America honors in '87.
p un TI ng TOTAL PUNTS
Career: 292 Austin McCoy, 2008-11
Single-Season: 84 Bob Jacobs, 1970
Single-Game: 12 Bob Jacobs, vs. Arizona State 1970 Bob Jacobs, vs. Houston 1969 Eddie Talboom, vs. Idaho 1950
AVERAGE PUNTS PER GAME
Career: 7.8 Bob Jacobs, 1968-70 (235 in 30)
Single-Season: 8.4 Bob Jacobs, 1970 (84 in 10)
AVERAGE YARDS PER PUNT
Career (Min. 60 Punts): 45.8 Rick Donnelly, 1981-84 (3802 in 83)
Single-Season (Min. 30 Punts): 47.5 Rick Donnelly, 1984 (2990 in 63)
Single-Game (Min. 5 Punts): 57.3 Chuck Spaulding, vs. New Mexico 1951(458 in 8)
LONGEST PUNT
90 – Sean Fleming, vs. Louisville 1989 CAREER PUNTING AVERAGE LEADERS (Min. 60 Punts) (Beginning in 1951)
Punter, Year (Yards, Punts)
1. Rick Donnelly, 1983-84 (3,702 yards, 81 punts)
2. Aron Langley, 1996-98 (7,649 yards, 171 punts)
3. Clayton Stewart 2022-24 (5761 yards, 134 punts)
4. Billy Vinnedge, 2006-07 (5,535 yards, 129 punts)
5. Jack Weil, 1980-83 (9,840 yards, 231 punts)
6. Adam Brooks, 2004-05 (3,590 yards, 85 punts)
7. Luke Donovan, 2001-03 (7,488 yards, 178 punts)
8. Joe Marion, 1973-75 (7,366 yards, 175 punts)
9. Tom Waring, 1999-00 (4,666 yards, 111 punts)
10. Bob Jacobs, 1968-70 (9,834 yards, 235 punts)
SINGLE-SEASON PUNTING AVERAGE LEADERS
(Min. 30 Punts) (Beginning
Punts)
SINGLE-GAME PUNTING AVERAGE LEADERS (Min. 5 Punts) (Beginning in 1951)
5. 3.0 17 times in UW history, most recently by: Chad Muma, at UNLV 2020
Carl Granderson, vs. Boise State, 2017
Eddie Yarbrough, vs. Idaho 2013
Eddie Yarbrough, vs. UNLV 2012
Gabe Knapton, vs. New Mexico 2010
Mitch Donahue, vs. Utah 1990
Mitch Donahue, vs. New Mexico 1990
Mitch Donahue, vs. UTEP 1990
Doug Rigby, vs. UTEP 1990
CAREER TACKLES FOR LOSS LEADERS
(Beginning in 2000 when TFL became a stat)
1. 39.0 Eddie Yarbrough 2012-15
2. 36.0 John Fletcher 2005-09
3. 35.5 Carl Granderson, 2015-2018
4. 35.0 Logan Wilson, 2016-19
5. 31.0 Josh Biezuns 2008-11
6. 26.5
Zach Morris 2001-04
7. 25.5 Cole Godbout 2019-23
8. 25.0 Andrew Wingard, 2015-2018
9. 24.0 Ward Dobbs 2005-08
10. 23.5 John Flora 2004-05
SINGLE-SEASON TACKLES FOR LOSS LEADERS
(Beginning in 2000 when TFL became a stat)
1. 19.0
2. 16.0
Patrick Chukwurah 2000
Carl Granderson, 2017
3. 15.5 Youhanna Ghaifan, 2017
4. 14.0
John Fletcher 2007 5. 13.5 Braden Siders, 2022 6. 13.0 DeVonne Harris, 2022 13.0 Weston Johnson 2009 8. 12.5 John Fletcher 2009 12.5 Zach Morris 2004 10. 12.0 Eddie Yarbrough 2013 11. 11.0 Alijah Haliburton, 2019 11.0
Logan Wilson 2018
11.0 Kevin Prosser 2016 11.0
Josh Biezuns 2011 11.0
Mitch Unrein 2007 11.0 Randy Tscharner 2003
SINGLE-GAME TACKLES FOR LOSS LEADERS
(Beginning in 2000 when TFL became a stat)
1. 4.0 Youhanna Ghaifan vs. Texas St. 2017
4.0 Eddie Yarbrough at UNLV 2012
4.0 Korey Jones, vs. Texas State 2011
4.0 Josh Biezuns, vs. Colorado State 2010
4.0 Ward Dobbs, at Tennessee 2008
4.0 John Fletcher, vs. Weber State 2009
4.0 Randy Tscharner, vs. BYU 2003
8. 3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
Chad Muma, at UNLV 2020
Carl Granderson, vs. Boise St. 2017
Eddie Yarbrough, vs. Idaho 2013
John Fletcher, vs. UNLV 2007
Zach Morris, vs. San Diego State 2004
Eddie Yarbrough, vs. San Jose State
Mitch Donahue (#49) is Wyoming's career sack leader with 49. Donahue earned All-WAC honors in 1988, 89 and 90. He was the WAC Defensive Player of the Year in 89 and 90 and was a 1990 All-America selection.
I n T e RC ep TI on l eade R s
TOTAL YARDS
Career: 211 Marcus Epps, 2015-2018
Single-Season: 165 Paul Toscano, 1966
Single-Game: 100 Jacque Finn, vs. BYU 2002
99 Blair Burns, vs. Colorado State 2012
* 98 Pete Benedetti, vs. Utah 1984
*Indicates an intercepted fumble return.
AVERAGE YARDS PER GAME
Career: 10.2 Paul Toscano, 1965-67 (203 in 20)
Single-Season (Min. 4 Int.): 21.5 Blair Burns, 2011 (86 in 4) 16.5 Paul Toscano, 1966 (165 in 10)
AVERAGE YARDS PER INTERCEPTION
Career (Min. 6 Int.): 29.0 Paul Toscano, 1965-67 (203 in 7)
Single-Season (Min. 4 Int.): 27.5 Paul Toscano, 1966 (165 in 6)
Single-Game (Min. 2 Int.): 33.5 Marcus Epps, at Easter Michigan 2016 (67 in 2)
TOTAL INTERCEPTIONS
Career: 17 Brian Lee, 1994-97
Single-Season: 8 Brian Lee, 1996 and 1997
Single-Game: 3 Shamiel Gary, vs. Weber State 2009
3 Selmer Pederson, vs. Denver 1950
3 Brian Lee, vs. SMU 1996
3 Brian Lee, vs. Montana 1997
TOTAL INTERCEPTIONS RETURNED FOR
TOUCHDOWNS
Career: 2 Chad Muma, 2018-21; Logan Wilson, 2016-19; Ward Dobbs, 2005-08; Brian Lee, 1994-97; Chuck Kimbrough, 1986-87; Jerry Berry, 1969
Single-Season: 2 Chad Muma, 2021; Ward Dobbs, 2008; Chuck Kimbrough, 1987; Jerry Berry, 1969
Single-Game: 1 Held by many, most recently by Chad Muma vs. Nothern Illinios, 2021 Chad Muma vs. Ball State, 2021 Logan Wilson vs. Utah State, 2019 Kevin Prosser vs. Utah State, 2017
CAREER INTERCEPTION LEADERS
(Beginning in 1965 when defensive records began)
1. 17 Brian Lee 1994-97
2. 14 Paul Wallace1989-92
3. 10 Mark Thomas 1983-86
10 Andrew Wingard, 2015-18
10 Logan Wilson, 2016-19
6. 9 Tashaun Gipson 2008-11
9 Julius Stinson 2004-07
9 Steve McMillon 1984-1988
9 Michael Davis 1980-81
9 Kevin McClain 1974-76
9 Marcus Epps, 2015-18
SINGLE-SEASON INTERCEPTION LEADERS
(Beginning in 1965 when defensive records began)
1. 8 Brian Lee 1997
8 Brian Lee 1996
3. 6 Mark Thomas 1986
6 Bruce Small 1980
6 Michael Davis 1980
6 Dick Speights 1966
6 Paul Toscano 1966
8. 5 Andrew Wingard, 2017
5 Julius Stinson 2007
5 Chris Dixon 2003
5 Je’Ney Jackson 1997
5 Paul Wallace 1992
5 Junior Marcellus 1992
5 Paul Wallace 1990
5 Darnell Clash 1982
5 Lee Mitchell 1981
5 Mike Dennis 1978
SINGLE-GAME INTERCEPTION LEADERS
(Beginning in 1965 when defensive records began)
1.
3 Brian Lee, vs. Montana 1997
3 Brian Lee, vs. SMU 1996
3 Shamiel Gary, vs. Weber State 2009
3 Selmer Pederson, vs. Denver 1950 5. 2 50 times in UW history; most recently by: Andrew Wingard, vs. New Mexico 2017
Marcus Epps, at Eastern Michigan 2016
Antonio Hull, vs. Air Force 2016
Tyran Finley, vs. Fresno State 2014
Blair Burns, vs. Bowling Green 2011
Tashaun Gipson, vs. UNLV 2009
Chris Prosinski, vs. North Dakota State 2008
Julius Stinson, vs. Virginia 2007
Dorsey Golston, at TCU, 2006
Julius Stinson, vs. Louisiana-Monroe 2005
Brian Lee (#45) holds Wyoming records for career interceptions (17), single-season interceptions (8) and single-game interceptions (3). The single-game record he shares with Selmer Pederson and Shamiel Gary.
COWBOY COACHES
COWBOY COACHES
(The names and statistics in bold indicate single-season records for most receptions or most total yards gained.)
COWBOY COACHES
(The names and statistics in bold indicate single-season records for most receptions or most total yards gained.)
COWBOY COACHES
names and statistics in bold indicate single-season records for most receptions or most total yards gained.)
COWBOY COACHES
o ffense s I ngle - s eason
Total Yards: 4310 1996
Avg. Yards Per Game: 359.2 1996 (4310 in 12)
Avg. Yards Per Pass Attempt: 9.2 1958 (899 on 98)
Avg. Yards Per Pass Completion:
1958 (899on 40)
Total Pass Attempts: 573 1987
Avg. Pass Attempts Per Game:
1986 (564 in 12)
Total Pass Completions: 310 1987
Avg. Pass Completions Per Game: 25.4 1986 (305 in 12)
Highest Pass-Completion Percentage:
2013 (297 of 473)
Total Touchdown Passes: 35 1996
Lowest % of Pass Interceptions Thrown: 1.7% 2009 (7 of 410)
Most Pass Interceptions Thrown: 25 1970
Most Interception Return Yards Allowed: 435 1974
Highest Avg. Int. Yards Allowed Per Game:
Highest Avg. Int. Yards Allowed Per Return:
1974 (435 in 11)
2015 (250 in 11)
Most Int. Returns for Touchdowns Allowed: 3 1989, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2007 and 2008
Total Yards: 3245 1983
Avg. Yards Per Game: 284.1 1949 (2841 in 10)
Avg. Yards Per Rush: 5.7 1949 (2841 in 501)
Total Rushes: 731 1982
Avg. Rushes Per Game: 60.9 1982 (731 in 12)
Total Yards: 6083 2016
Avg. Yards Per Game: 498.9 1996 (5987 in 12)
Total Plays:
Total Points:
Avg. Points Scored Per Game:
Total
Total
Total
Total Field-Goal Attempts:
Total
Total
Total
Avg.
Total Punts:
Total First Downs:
Total First Downs by Rushing:
1996 (315 in 12)
Total First Downs by Passing: 193 1996
Total First Downs by Penalty: 29 2005 and 2007
Total Fumbles: 51 1975
Total Fumbles Lost: 32 1977
Total Yards: 857 1981
Avg. Yards Per Game: 89.2 1950 (803 in 9) Total Penalties: 97 1994
Total Yards: 499 vs. Houston 1987
Total Pass Attempts: 65 vs. San Diego State 1986
Total Pass Completions: 37 vs. San Diego State 2005 37 vs. San Diego State 1986
Highest Pass-Comp. % (Min. 15 Att.): 75.0% vs. UNLV 1996 (15 of 20)
Total Touchdown Passes 7 vs. Hawai’i 2013 RUSHING
Total Yards: 504 vs. Colorado State College 1949
Avg. Yards Per Rush: 11.5 vs. Colorado State College 1949 (505 in 44)
Total Rushes: 85 vs. Arizona State 1972 TOTAL OFFENSE
Total Yards: 871 vs. Colorado State College 1949
Avg. Yards Per Play: 14.8 vs. Colorado State College 1949 (871 in 59)
Total Plays: 99 vs. Colorado State 1969 SCORING
Total Points: 103 vs. Colorado State College 1949
Total Touchdowns Scored: 15 vs. Colorado State College 1949
Total Extra-Point Attempts: 15 vs. Colorado State College 1949
Total Extra Points Made: 13 vs. Colorado State College 1949
Most Two-Point Conversion Attempts: 8 vs. Montana 1959
Most Successful Two-Point Conversions: 4 vs. Montana 1959
Total Field-Goal Attempts: 6 vs. Idaho 1996, vs. Arkansas State 1990, vs. New Mexico 1967, vs. Brigham Young 1966
Total Field Goals Made: 6 vs. Idaho 1996, vs. Arkansas State 1990 KICKOFF RETURNS
Total Yards: 228 vs. Colorado State 2007
Avg. Yards Per Return (Min. 3 Returns): 42.0 vs. Denver 1946 (168 in 4)
Total Returns: 9 vs. BYU 2006, vs. Utah 2005, vs. LSU 1977, vs. Utah 1973, vs. UTEP 1970, vs. USC 1965
Total Touchdowns Scored: 2 vs. New Mexico 1950 PUNT RETURNS
Total Yards: 195 vs. Arizona 1967
Avg. Yards Per Return (Min. 5 Returns): 28.0 vs. UNLV 1981 (140 in 5)
Total Returns: 12 vs. Wichita State 1967
Total Touchdowns Scored: 2 vs. Denver 1959
COWBOY COACHES
PUNTING
Avg. Yards Per Punt (Min. 5 Punts): 53.8 vs. New Mexico 1951 (484 in 9)
Total Punts: 17 vs. Denver 1946 FIRST DOWNS
Total First Downs: 35 vs. SDSU 1994
Total First Downs by Rushing: 25 vs. Richmond 1980, vs. New Mexico 1968
Total First Downs by Passing: 24 vs. Oklahoma State 1987
Total First Downs by Penalty: 6 vs. La.-Monroe 2005, vs. Hawaii 1981 FUMBLES
Total Fumbles: 11 vs. UTEP 1975
Total Fumbles Lost: 7 vs. Brigham Young 1977 PENALTIES
Total Yards: 178 vs. Colorado State 1981
Total Penalties: 18 vs. Colorado State 1989
d efense s I ngle - s eason
PASSING DEFENSE
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 576 1949
Fewest Yards Allowed Per Game: 57.6 1949 (576 in 10)
Fewest Pass Attempts Allowed: 97 1954
Fewest Pass Attempts Allowed Per Game: 9.7 1954 (97 in 10)
Fewest Pass Completions Allowed: 46 1961 and 1954
Fewest Pass Comp. Allowed Per Game: 4.6 1961 and 1954 (46 in 10)
Lowest Pass-Completion % Allowed: 29.8% 1949 (48 of 161)
Fewest Touchdown Passes Allowed: 1 1949
RUSHING DEFENSE
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 385 1966
Fewest Yards Allowed Per Game: 38.5 1966 (385 in 10)
Lowest Avg. Yards Allowed Per Rush: 1.1 1966 (385 in 357)
Fewest Rushes Allowed: 319 1961
Fewest Rushes Allowed Per Game: 31.9 1961 (319 in 10)
TOTAL DEFENSE
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 1490 1960
Fewest Yards Allowed Per Game: 149.0 1960 (1490 in 10)
Lowest Avg. Yards Allowed Per Play: 2.8 1966 (1883 in 668)
Fewest Plays Allowed: 438 1961
Fewest Plays Allowed Per Game: 43.8 1961 (438 in 10)
SCORING DEFENSE
Fewest Total Points Allowed: 52 1950
Fewest Points Allowed Per Game: 5.8 1950 (52 in 9)
Fewest Total Touchdowns Allowed: 8 1950
Fewest Touchdowns Allowed Per Game: 0.9 1950 (8 in 9) KICKOFF RETURN COVERAGE
Lowest Avg. Yards Allowed Per Return: 14.1 1974 PUNT RETURN COVERAGE
Lowest Avg. Yards Allowed Per Return: 4.6 2016 FIRST DOWNS ALLOWED
Fewest Total First Downs Allowed: 76 1961 and 1950
Fewest First Downs Allowed Per Game: 7.6 1961 (76 in 10)
Fewest First Downs Allowed by Rushing: 29 1967
Fewest First Downs Allowed by Passing: 19 1949 FUMBLES CAUSED
Most Total Fumbles by Opponent: 48 1974
Most Total Fumbles Lost by Opponent: 28 1950 INTERCEPTIONS AND INTERCEPTION RETURNS
Total Yards: 349 2016
Avg. Yards Per Game: 29.5 1959 (295 in 10)
Avg. Yards Per Interception (Min. 10): 23.3 2016 (349 in 15)
Total Interceptions: 24 1997
Avg. Interceptions Per Game: 2.3 1959 (23 in 10)
Total Touchdowns Scored: 4 1969
PASSING DEFENSE
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 0 vs. Oklahoma State 1954 vs. Denver 1946
Fewest Yards Allowed Per Pass Attempt: 0.0 vs. Oklahoma State 1954 vs. Denver 1946
Fewest Yards Allowed Per Pass Comp.: 0.0 vs. Oklahoma State 1954 vs. Denver 1946
Fewest Pass Attempts Allowed: 2 vs. Oklahoma State 1954
Fewest Pass Completions Allowed: 0 vs. Oklahoma State 1954 vs. Denver 1946
RUSHING DEFENSE
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: -104 vs. Utah State 1968
Fewest Yards Allowed Per Rush: -3.0 vs. UTEP 1968 (-60 in 20)
Fewest Rushes Allowed: 18 vs. Virginia 2007, vs. UTEP 1965
TOTAL DEFENSE
Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 25 vs. Wichita State 1966
Fewest Yards Allowed Per Play: 0.4 vs. Wichita State 1966 (25 in 57)
Fewest Plays Allowed: 31 vs. Denver 1946
PUNTING
Most Opponent Punts Forced: 17 vs. San Jose State 1969
Most Opponent Punts Blocked: 2 vs. Colorado Western 1956, vs. Denver 1949 FIRST DOWNS
Fewest Total First DownsAllowed: 2 vs. Montana State 1950
Fewest First Downs Allowed by Rushing: 0 vs. San Jose State 1967, vs. Wichita State 1966 vs. Colorado State College 1948
Fewest First Downs Allowed by Passing: 0 vs. Many teams, most recently at Air Force 2011 FUMBLES CAUSED
Most Total Fumbles by Opponent: 10 vs. New Mexico 1962, vs. Colorado State 1950
Most Total Fumbles Lost by Opponent: 8 vs. Colorado State 1950 INTERCEPTIONS AND INTERCEPTION RETURNS
Total Yards: 119 at Eastern Michigan 2016
Total Interceptions: 6 vs. Brigham Young 1977, vs. Arizona 1974, vs. SDSU 2001
TURNOVERS FORCED
Turnovers: 8 vs. Central Michigan, 2017
COWBOY COACHES
(1-0-0)
FRED HESS
1893, *1894, 1898
4-4-0, .500 Record three seasons
J. F. SOULE
*1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1899
8-1-1, .850 Record five seasons
*Hess and Soule were co-head coaches during the 1894 season.
1893
Captain: none
F22 CHEYENNE HIGH W 14-0 1894
(3-0-0)
Captain: Herbert Brees
O13 LARAMIE TOWN TEAM W 14-0
N29 WILSON BEAUTIES W 16-0
D25 NO. 5 HOSE COMPANY W 16-6 1895
(1-0-0)
Captain: Herbert Brees
N29 NORTHERN COLORADO W 34-0 1896
(2-0-0)
Captain: Herbert Brees
O31 at Northern Colorado W 10-6
N 7 DENVER MANUAL W 18-14 1897
(2-0-0)
Captain: Harry Houston
N25 ALUMNI W 4-0
D16 CHEYENNE HIGH W 16-0 1898
(0-4-0)
Captain: Harry Houston
O15 COLORADO MINES L 0-29
N 5 at Colorado Mines L 0-50
N24 DENVER L 0-5
N29 LARAMIE HIGH L 8-11
(0-1-1) Captain: Fred Brees
N30 at Colorado State L 0-12 D16 NORTHERN COLORADO T 5-5
(3-3-0)
WILLIAM M CMURRAY 1900-1906 16-11-1, .589 Record seven seasons
1900
Captain: Charles Ponting
O27 LARAMIE TOWN TEAM W 27-0
N 3 at Denver Athletic Club L 0-33
N10 at Colorado L 6-10
N17 at Utah YMCA W 16-0
N24 at Colorado State L 0-16
N29 NORTHERN COLORADO W 56-0 1901
(1-0-0)
Captain: none
N28 LARAMIE ATHLETIC CLUB W 38-0 1902
(1-0-0) Captain: none
D13 CHEYENNE HIGH W 18-0 1903
(3-2-0)
Captain: Julius Merz
O16 LARAMIE HIGH W 15-0
O24 LARAMIE ATHLETIC CLUB W 6-0
N14 at Colorado State L 0-17
N21 at Utah State L 0-46
N26 LARAMIE ATHLETIC CLUB W 11-0
1904
1912
3-3-0, .500 Record two seasons
1907
(2-1-0) Captain: M.E. Corthell
O12 FORT WARREN W 12-2 O19 at Colorado Mines
FORT WARREN
(3-5-0)
11-12-1, .479 Record three seasons
1909
Captain: M.E. Corthell
O 2 at Cheyenne High W 30-0
O 9 at Denver L 0-56
O12 LARAMIE HIGH W 25-0
O16 at
1910
1914
1911
1917
(3-5-0)
COWBOY COACHES
1919
Captain: Andrew W. Willis
S27 COLORADO STATE L 0-28
O 4 at Colorado State L 0-14
O11 MONTANA STATE W 6-0
O18 COLORADO MINES W 16-6
O25 at Denver W 36-6
N 8 NEBRASKA WESLEYAN L 10-14
N15 at Creighton L 0-41
N20 UTAH STATE L 0-6
(4-5-1)
1920
Captain: Milward Simpson
O 2 COLORADO STATE L 0-13
O 9 at Denver W 10-7
O16 at Colorado State L 0-42
O23 COLORADO L 0-7
O30 at Colorado Mines W 14-7
N 2 at Nebraska Wesleyan W 14-7
N 6 at Colorado College L 17-20
N13 DENVER L 0-3
N20 at Utah T 0-0
N25 at Ogden Athletic Club W 3-0
1921
(1-4-2) Captain: Robert Steele Wilson
O 1 at Colorado State T 7-7
O 8 COLORADO COLLEGE L 0-10
O11 at Utah State L 3-4
O15 at Utah L 3-14
O22 COLORADO MINES W 14-7
O29 at Denver T 9-9 N11 at Idaho L 3-31
(1-8-0)
1922
Captain: George Hegewald
S30 at Colorado College L 0-20
O 7 at Colorado Mines L 0-32
O14 COLORADO STATE L 0-60
O25 UTAH L 0-27
N 4 at Denver L 0-7
N11 at Utah State L
1923
(0-8-0)
Captain: C.E. Wittenbraker
S29 at Colorado State L 0-33
O 6 COLORADO COLLEGE L 7-34
O13 at Utah L 0-79
O20 FACULTY L 0-14
O27 COLORADO MINES L 0-20
N 3 at Denver L 0-45 N16 UTAH STATE L 6-20 N24 at Colorado L 3-20
STAR) DIETZ
1924
(2-6-0) Captain: George Mabee
O11 at Denver L 0-7
O18 NORTHERN COLORADO W 33-8
O25 COLORADO L
STATE W 34-0
O10 at Western State W 7-0
O17 COLORADO MINES W 43-0
O24 REGIS W 24-0
O30 at Montana State W 7-0
N 5 at Utah State L 13-26
N11 NORTHERN COLORADO W 13-10
N18 UTAH L 6-7
N26 at Colorado State L 0-40
1926
(2-4-2) Captain: none O 6 NEBRASKA WESLEYAN L 7-14 O 9 KEARNEY STATE W 48-0 O16 at Colorado T 13-13
(4-5-0)
GEORGE M cLAREN 1927-1929 7-19-0, .269 Record three seasons
1927
S24 BLACK HILLS STATE
1932
(2-6-1) Captain: none O 1 CHADRON STATE W 28-6 O 7 at St. Louis L 6-20 O15 MONTANA STATE W 13-7
O22 at Colorado College L 6-15
O29 BRIGHAM YOUNG L 0-25
N 5 at Denver L 0-7
N11 NORTHERN COLORADO T 0-0
N18 at Creighton L 0-34
N24 at Colorado State L 0-23
Captain: none
31-6 O 1 at Creighton
0-13 O 8 at Denver
30-13
COLORADO COLLEGE
1928
(2-7-0)
Captain: none
S22 BLACK HILLS STATE W 31-6
S29 KEARNEY STATE W 19-6
O 6 at Chicago L
1929
(1-7-0)
S27 BLACK HILLS STATE
Captain: none
7-12 N 2 at Northern Colorado
1936
1937
COWBOY COACHES
1939
(0-7-1) Captain: none
S29 at New Mexico L 7-34
O 7 at Utah L 0-60
O13 at Denver L 7-32
O28 COLORADO L 7-27
N 4 at Colorado State L 0-22
N10 at St. Louis L 6-39
N18 UTAH STATE L 13-20
N25 BRIGHAM YOUNG T 7-7
(1-7-1)
OKIE BLANCHARD
1-7-1, .167 Record one season
(4-5-0)
S27
BOWDEN
1947
Captain: Ed Chenoweth
O 4 BRIGHAM YOUNG W 12-7
1953
1948
(4-5-0)
Captain: none
S28 NEW MEXICO W 7-3
O 5 COLORADO STATE T 0-0
O12 at Brigham Young L 0-20
O19 at Denver L 9-41
O26 at Colorado L 0-62
N 2 CHADRON STATE L 9-12
N 9 UTAH L 7-34
N16 at Wichita State L 0-2
N23 at Utah State L 0-16
6-20-2, .250 Record six seasons, 1943-45 no team because of WWII 1940
BERNARD (BUNNY) OAKES 1941-1946
1949
(9-1-0)
1941
(2-7-1) Captain: none
S26 at Northern Colorado W 19-6
O 4 at Colorado State L 0-27
O11 at Utah L 6-60
O18 DENVER L 0-40
O25 at Colorado L 0-27
N 1 at Colorado College L 0-16
N 8 BRIGHAM YOUNG L 7-23
N15 UTAH STATE W 12-6
N20 COLORADO MINES T 0-0
N29 at New Mexico L 0-28 1942
(3-5-0) Captain: none
S26 COLORADO STATE L 0-10
O 2 at Brigham Young W 13-6
O10 NORTHERN COLORADO W 33-0
O17 at Denver L 14-17
O24 at Colorado Mines W 26-6
O31 at Colorado L 7-28
N14 UTAH L 7-34
N21 at Utah State L 6-14
(1-8-1) Captain: none
S21 NORTHERN COLORADO W 7-0
S28 COLORADO MINES T 7-7
O 5 COLORADO STATE L 0-7
Captain: Carl Rollins S17 at Idaho State
S24 at New Mexico
O 8 MONTANA STATE (in Billings)
58-13
13-0 O29 BRIGHAM YOUNG
N 5 at Northern Colorado
N12 at Baylor
7-32 N24 at Denver
(10-0-0)
1950
Captain: Dick Campbell
S16 MONTANA STATE W 61-13
S23 BAYLOR W 7-0
O 7 COLORADO STATE W 34-0
O14 at Utah State
at Utah
O28 NEW MEXICO
N 4 at Idaho (UW ranked 18th)
N11 at Brigham Young (UW ranked 14th)
48-0
N23 at Denver (UW ranked 12th) W 42-12 GATOR BOWL
J 1 Washington & Lee (UW ranked 12th, W&L 18th)W 20-7
(UW finished 12th in final AP polls)
(7-2-1)
1951
Captain: James Martin
1952
(5-4-0)
(8-3-0)
1958
Captain: Dale Memmelaar
S20 at Kansas State L 14-17
S27 Montana (in Billings) W 21-14
O 4 DENVER W 15-12
O11 OREGON STATE W 28-0
O18 at Colorado State W 7-6
O25 NEW MEXICO L 12-13
N 1 UTAH W 25-20
N 8 at Utah State W 41-13
N15 at Air Force L 6-21
N22 at Brigham Young W 22-14 SUN BOWL
D31 Hardin-Simmons W 14-6
(9-1-0)
1959
Captain: Len Kuczewski
S19 Montana (in Billings) W 58-0
S26 AIR FORCE L 7-20
O 3 UTAH STATE W 27-2
O10 COLORADO STATE W 29-0
O17 BRIGHAM YOUNG W 21-6
O24 at Utah W 21-7
O31 at North Carolina State W 26-0
N 7 at San Jose State W 28-7
N14 at New Mexico W 25-20
N21 at Denver W 45-0
(UW finished 16th in final AP polls)
(8-2-0)
1964
(6-2-2) Captains: Dick Barry, Jeff Hartman & Bill Levine
S19 COLORADO STATE W 31-7
S26 at Washington State W 28-7
O 3 at Kansas W 17-14
O10 UTAH* W 14-13
O17 TEXAS-EL PASO W 20-6
O24 at Arizona* L 7-15
O31 NEW MEXICO* L 6-17
N 7 at Utah State T 20-20
N14 at Air Force T 7-7
N21 at Brigham Young* W 31-11
1965
(6-4-0) Captains: Darryl Alleman & Tom Wilkinson
S18 AIR FORCE W 31-14
S25 at Colorado State W 33-14
O 2 ARIZONA*
O 9 at Utah*
O16 TEXAS-EL PASO
O23 BRIGHAM YOUNG*
N 6 at New Mexico*
N13 at Army
N20 at Arizona State*
1960
Captain: Mark Smolinski
S17 Montana (in Billings) W 14-0
S24 NEW MEXICO W 13-3
O 1 at Arizona L 19-21
O 8 DENVER W 41-2
O15 at Colorado State W 40-8
O22 AIR FORCE W 15-0
O29 UTAH W 17-7
N 5 at Utah State (USU ranked 18th) L 13-17
N12 at Texas Tech W 10-7
N19 at Brigham Young W 30-6
1961
(6-1-2) Captains: Bob Bisacre & Chuck Lamson
S16 at Montana W 29-0
S23 NORTH CAROLINA STATE W 15-14
S30 at Kansas T 6-6
O 7 UTAH STATE T 6-6
O14 COLORADO STATE W 18-7
O21 BRIGHAM YOUNG W 36-8
O28 at Utah W 13-6
N 4 at Arizona L 15-20
N11 at New Mexico W 33-7
LLOYD EATON 1962-1970
57-33-2, .630 Record nine seasons
1962
(5-5-0) Captain: Bruce Wright
S15 at Montana W 13-0
S22 NEW MEXICO* L 21-25
S29 WASHINGTON STATE L 15-21
O 6 UTAH* W 16-7
O13 at Texas-El Paso W 14-6
O20 ARIZONA* W 31-8
O27 at Colorado State W 28-7
N 3 at Air Force L 14-35
N10 at Utah State L 6-20
N17 at Brigham Young* L 7-14
1963
(6-4-0) Captains: Mack Balls & Tom Delaney
S21 at Montana W 35-0
S28 UTAH STATE W 21-14
O 5 KANSAS L 21-25
O12 COLORADO STATE W 21-3
O19 BRIGHAM YOUNG* W 41-14
O26 at Utah* W 26-23
N 2 at Arizona* L 7-15
N 9 at New Mexico* L 6-17
N16 at Arizona State* L 6-35
D 7 at Texas El-Paso W 7-6
COWBOY COACHES
19-0
3-42
38-14
34-6
27-9
0-13
10-14 N27 at USC (USC ranked 8th)
1966
(10-1-0) Captains: Rick Egloff & Tom Frazier
S17 at Air Force W 13-0
S24 ARIZONA STATE*
O 1 ARIZONA*
FRITZ SHURMUR 1971-1974
15-29-0, .341 Record four seasons
1971
(5-6-0) Captains: Mick
37-7 O22 UTAH STATE
O29 at Colorado State (UW ranked 10th)
35-10
N 5 at Wichita State W 55-0
N12 at Texas-El Paso
N19 at Brigham Young*
SUN BOWL
47-14
D24 Florida State W 28-20
1967
(10-1-0) Captains: Mike Dirks & Jim Kiick
S16 at Arizona*
S23 AIR FORCE
S30 COLORADO STATE
O 7 BRIGHAM YOUNG*
36-17
37-10
13-10
26-10
O14 at Utah* W 28-0
O21 WICHITA STATE (UW ranked 10th) W 30-7
O28 at Arizona State* (UW ranked 8th) W 15-13
N 4 at San Jose State (UW ranked 8th) W 28-7
N11 at New Mexico* (UW ranked 7th) W 42-6
N18 at Texas-El Paso (UW ranked 6th) W 21-19
SUGAR BOWL
J 1 Louisiana State (UW ranked 7th) L 13-20
(UW finished season ranked 6th)
1968
(7-3-0) Captains: Jim House & Gene Huey
S14 at Nebraska (Nebraska ranked 14th) L 10-13
S21 UTAH STATE W 48-3
S28 at Air Force (UW ranked 20th) L 3-10
O 5 ARIZONA STATE* (ASU ranked 14th) W 27-13
O12 at Brigham Young* W 20-17
O19 UTAH* W 20-9
O26 NEW MEXICO* W 35-6
N 2 at Colorado State* W 46-14
N16 at Texas-El Paso* (UW ranked 20th) W 26-19 N23 at Arizona* (UW ranked 20th) L 7-14
1969
(6-4-0) Captains: Larry Nels & Tommy Tucker
S20 ARIZONA* W 23-7
S27 at Air Force W 27-25
O 4 COLORADO STATE* (UW ranked 19th) W 39-3
O11 TEXAS-EL PASO* (UW ranked 18th) W 37-9
O18 BRIGHAM YOUNG* (UW ranked 16th) W 40-7
O25 SAN JOSE STATE (UW ranked 16th) W 16-7
N 1 at Arizona State* (UW ranked 15th) L 14-30 N 8 at Utah* L 10-34 N15 at New Mexico* L 12-24 N22 at Houston (UH ranked 19th) L 14-41
1972
1974 (2-9-0) Captains: Al Duyn,
COWBOY COACHES
(2-9-0) Captains: Andy Dixon & Aaron Kyle
S13 IDAHO STATE L 3-16
S20 at Colorado L 10-27
S27 ARIZONA* (Arizona ranked 15th) L 0-14
O 4 COLORADO STATE* L 0-3
O11 at Utah* L 13-16
O18 TEXAS-EL PASO* W 31-14
O25 BRIGHAM YOUNG* L 20-33
N 1 at Utah State L 21-27
N 8 at Arizona State* (ASU ranked 10th) L 20-21
N15 at New Mexico* L 32-38
N22 at Air Force W 24-10 1976
(8-4-0) Captains: Ray Davies, Steve Edwards, Kevin McClain & Paul Nunu
S11 SOUTH DAKOTA W 48-7
S18 at Michigan State L 10-21
S25 UTAH STATE W 20-3
O 2 ARIZONA STATE* W 13-10
O 9 at Brigham Young* W 34-29
O16 NEW MEXICO* W 24-23
O23 UTAH* W 45-22
O30 at Colorado State* L 16-19
N 6 at Arizona* W 26-24
N13 at Texas-El Paso* W 14-10
N20 at Air Force L 21-41
FIESTA BOWL
D25 Oklahoma (OU ranked 8th) L 7-41
14-20-1, .414 Record three seasons FRED AKERS 1975-1976 10-13-0, .435 Record two seasons
1977
(4-6-1) Captains: Francis Chesley, Dave Clements & Walter Howard
S10 AIR FORCE T 0-0
S17 TEXAS-EL PASO* W 27-17
S24 at Michigan State L 16-34
O 1 ARIZONA* W 13-12
O 8 at Utah* L 13-23
O22 BRIGHAM YOUNG* (BYU ranked 17th) L 7-10
O29 COLORADO STATE* W 29-13
N 5 at Arizona State* (ASU ranked 19th) L 0-45
N12 at Utah State L 31-32
N19 at New Mexico* W 23-21
N26 at Louisiana State L 7-66
1978
(5-7-0) Captains: Ken Fantetti & Marc Cousins
S16 SOUTH DAKOTA W 30-11
S23 at Texas (UT ranked 6th) L 3-17
S30 UTAH STATE L 13-20
O 7 NEW MEXICO* L 15-19
O14 SAN DIEGO STATE* W 31-22
O21 UTAH* W 34-21
O28 at Colorado State* W 13-3
N 4 at Brigham Young* L 14-48
N11 at Nevada-Las Vegas L 10-12
N18 at Hawaii L 22-27
N25 at Texas-El Paso* W 51-21
D 2 at Louisiana State L 17-24
1979
(5-7-0) Captains: Pat Ogrin, Danny Pittman, Vic Baginski, Mike Dennis, Scott Winfield & Hugh Albora
S 8 at Washington (UWash ranked 15th) L 2-38
S15 at Northwestern L 22-27
S22 RICHMOND W 9-7
S29 COLORADO STATE* L 16-20
O 6 TEXAS-EL PASO* W 23-3
O13 at Utah* L 14-24
O20 BRIGHAM YOUNG* (BYU ranked 13th) L 14-54
O27 NEVADA-LAS VEGAS L 24-28
N 3 at San Diego State* L 21-31
N10 ARKANSAS STATE W 17-14
N17 at Hawaii* W 21-13
N24 at New Mexico* W +3-17 + Forfeit win for Wyoming
N10 BRIGHAM YOUNG* (UW ranked 25th, BYU was 8th)L 14-45
N17 at Hawaii* L 17-38 COPPER BOWL
D31 California L 15-17
(4-6-1) Captains: Tom Corontzos, Robert Rivers & Doug Rigby
A31 HAWAII* L 17-32
S 7 at Colorado (Colorado ranked 12th) L 13-30
S14 S. WESTERN LOUISIANA W 28-15
S21 TEXAS TECH W 22-17
S28 TEXAS-EL PASO* T 28-28
O 5 at Air Force* L 28-51
O12 UTAH* L 42-57
O19 at New Mexico* W 39-19
O26 COLORADO STATE* W 35-28
N 2 at San Diego State* L 22-24
N 9 at Brigham Young* L 31-56
1992
(5-7-0) Captains: Dorell Drake, Jarod Thiele & Matt Swenson
S 5 NEVADA W 25-6
S12 at Texas Tech L 32-49
S19 AIR FORCE* L 28-42
S26 at Louisville W 26-24
O 3 SAN JOSE STATE L 24-26
O10 NEW MEXICO* W 35-21
O17 BRIGHAM YOUNG* L 28-31
O24 at Colorado State* W 31-14
O31 at Fresno State* L 31-42
N 7 SAN DIEGO STATE* W 17-6
N14 at Utah* L 7-38
N21 at Hawaii* L 18-42
(8-4-0)
1993
Captains: Kurt Whitehead, Mike Jones & Joe Hughes
S 4 OREGON STATE L 16-27
S11 NORTHERN IOWA W 45-42
S18 at San Jose State W 36-25
S25 UTAH* W 28-12
O 2 at Air Force* W 31-18
O 9 at Texas-El Paso* W 33-26
O23 HAWAII* W 48-10
O30 FRESNO STATE* W 32-28
N13 at New Mexico* (UW ranked 23rd) L 7-10
N20 COLORADO STATE* L 21-41
N27 at San Diego State* W 43-38
COPPER BOWL
D30 Kansas State (KSU ranked 20th) L 17-52
(6-6-0)
1994
Captains: John Burrough, Ryan Christopherson & Tyrone Williams
S 3 UTEP* W 36-13
S10 at Oregon State L 31-44
S17 TULSA W 17-7
S24 at Utah* L 7-41
O 1 at Nebraska# (Nebraska ranked 2nd) L 32-42
O 8 NE LOUISIANA W 28-14
O15 at Fresno State* L 24-38
O22 SAN DIEGO STATE* W 52-35
O29 AIR FORCE* L 17-34
N 5 at Colorado State* (CSU ranked 14th) L 24-35
N12 NEW MEXICO* W 38-28
N19 at Hawai’i* W 13-10 #Eventual National Champion
1995
(6-5-0) Captains: Joe Cummings & Jeremy Gilstrap
S 9 at Air Force* L 10-34
S16 HAWAI’I*
S23 OKLAHOMA STATE
COWBOY COACHES
1999
(7-4-0) Captains: Dan Delcorio, Robbie Duncan, Jared Jarnagin, Wendell Montgomery, Brian Van Emmerik
52-6
45-25 O 7 at Tulsa
O14 LOUISVILLE
O21 at Brigham Young*
6-35
27-20
20-23 O28 COLORADO STATE*
N 4 UTAH*
24-31
24-30
N11 at San Diego State* (SDSU ranked 25th) W 34-31
N18 FRESNO STATE* W 38-10 N25 at UTEP* W 42-19 1996
(10-2-0) Captains: Marcus Harris, Brent Leu & Steve Scifres
A31 IDAHO W 40-38
S 7 at Iowa State
S14 HAWAI’I*
S21 AIR FORCE*
41-38 ot
66-0
22-19
S28 at UNLV* W 33-21
O 5 at San Jose State* (UW ranked 25th) W 45-22
O12 WESTERN MICHIGAN (UW ranked 24th) W 42-28
O19 FRESNO STATE* (UW ranked 23rd) W 42-21
N 2 SMU* (UW ranked 17th) W 59-17
N 7 at San Diego State* (UW ranked 16th) L 24-28
N16 at Colorado State* (UW ranked 23rd) W 25-24
D 7 vs. Brigham Young# (UW ranked 22nd, BYU was 6th) L 25-28 ot (UW finished ranked 22nd) #Inaugural WAC Championship Game
23-12-0, .657 three seasons
1997
2001
2002
(2-10-0) Captains: Jon Aimone, Casey Bramlet, Ryan McGuffey, J.D. Wallum & Herman White A31 vs. Tennessee (in Nashville) (UT ranked 4th) L 7-47
10-24
(8-5-0) Captains: Marques Brigham, Jay Korth, Jeff Leonard, Donovan McComb, Jim Talich, Cory Wedel A28 at Ohio State (OSU ranked 9th)
S 6 IOWA STATE W 56-10
S13 at Hawai’i* W 35-6
S20 SAN JOSE STATE* W 30-10
S27 at Colorado# (Colorado ranked 16th) L# 19-20
O 4 MONTANA W 28-13
O11 at Nevada W 34-30
O18 COLORADO STATE*
O25 at SMU*
N 1 SAN DIEGO STATE*
7-14
17-22
41-17 N 8 UNLV*
35-23
N15 at Air Force* L 3-14
N22 at Fresno State* L 7-24 #Win by forfeit
1998
(8-3-0) Captains: Brian Brown, Demetrius Hamilton, Zach Keiter, Aron Langley, Jeff Smith, Greg Van Leer
S12 MONTANA STATE W 17-9
S19 at Georgia (Georgia ranked 12th) L 9-16
S26 LOUISIANA TECH W 31-19
O 3 UTAH*
O10 SMU*
O17 at UNLV*
27-24
12-7
28-25 ot O24 RICE* W 34-24
O31 at TCU* W 34-27
N 7 at Colorado State* W 27-19
N14 AIR FORCE* (UW ranked 25th, AF was 23rd) L 3-10
N21 at Tulsa L 0-35 * Western Athletic Conference Game
(4-8-0)
JOE GLENN
2003-2008 30-41-0, .423 six seasons
2003
Captains: Casey Bramlet & Tyler Gottschalk
A 30 MONTANA STATE W 21-10
S 6 at Oklahoma State L 24-48
S13 KANSAS L 35-42
S20 at Air Force* L 29-35
S27 at Boise State L 17-33
O11 at Utah State W 48-21
O18 BRIGHAM YOUNG* W 13-10
O25 at San Diego State* L 20-25
N1 COLORADO STATE* W 35-28
N15 at Utah* L 17-47
N22 NEW MEXICO* L 3-26
N29 UNLV* L 24-35
2004
(7-5-0) Captains: Corey Bramlet, Trenton Franz, Zach Morris, Guy Tuell
S 4 APPALACHIAN STATE W 53-7
S 11 at Texas A&M L 0-31
S 25 OLE MISS W 37-32
O 2 LOUISIANA-MONROE W 31-10
O 9 SAN DIEGO STATE* W 20-10
O 16 at Brigham Young* L 13-24
O 22 at Colorado State* L 7-30
O 30 AIR FORCE* W 43-26
N 6 at UNLV* W 53-45 (3ot)
N 13 UTAH* (Utah ranked 7th) L 28-45
N 20 at New Mexico* L 9-16 LAS VEGAS BOWL
D 23 vs. UCLA W 24-21
2005
(4-7-0) Captains: Corey Bramlet, Dusty Hoffschneider, Ron Rockett
S 3 at Florida (Florida ranked 10th) L 14-32
S 10 LOUISIANA-MONROE W 38-0
S 17 at Air Force* W 29-28
S 24 at Ole Miss W 24-14
O 1 UNLV* W 42-17
O 8 TCU* L 14-28
O 15 NEW MEXICO* L 24-27
O 22 at Colorado State* L 31-39
N 5 at Utah* L 13-43
N 12 BRIGHAM YOUNG* L 21-35
N 19 at San Diego State* L 21-34
2006
(6-6-0) Captains: Chase Johnson & John Wendling
S 2 UTAH STATE W 38-7
S 9 at Virginia L 12-13 (1ot)
S16 BOISE STATE L 10-17
S23 AIR FORCE* L 24-31
S30 at Syracuse L 34-40 (2ot)
O 7 at New Mexico* W 14-10
O14 UTAH* W 31-15
O21 COLORADO STATE* W 24-0
O28 at TCU* L 3-26
N 4 SAN DIEGO STATE* W 27-24
N 9 at Brigham Young* (BYU ranked 25th) L 7-55 N18 at UNLV* W 34-26
2007
(5-7-0) Captains: Wade Betschart, Sean Claffey, Michael Medina, Devin Moore
S 1 VIRGINIA W 23-3
S 8 UTAH STATE W 32-18
S 15 at Boise State L 14-24
S 22 at Ohio W 34-33
O 6 TCU* W 24-21
O 13 NEW MEXICO* L 3-20
O 20 at Air Force* (AF was receiving votes) L 12-20
O 27 UNLV* W 29-24
N 3 at San Diego State* L 24-27
N 10 at Utah* L 0-50
N 17 BRIGHAM YOUNG* L 10-35
N 23 at Colorado State* L 28-36
2008
(4-8-0) Captains: Ward Dobbs & Devin Moore
A 30 OHIO W 21-20
S 6 AIR FORCE* L 3-23
S 13 NORTH DAKOTA STATE W 16-13
S 20 at Brigham Young* (BYU ranked 14th) L 0-44
S 27 BOWLING GREEN
O 4 at New Mexico*
O 11 UTAH* (Utah ranked 14th)
O 25 at TCU* (TCU ranked 15th)
COWBOY COACHES
2013
(5-7-0) Captains: Marqueston Huff, Patrick Mertens, Brett Smith, Tyler Strong A 30 at Nebraska (Nebraska ranked 18th) L 34-37 S 7 IDAHO W 42-10 S 14 NORTHERN
16-45
0-24
7-40
7-54
N 1 SAN DIEGO STATE* W 35-10
N 8 at Tennessee W 13-7
N 13 at UNLV* L 14-22 N 22 COLORADO STATE* L 20-31
DAVE CHRISTENSEN
2009-2013 27-35-0, .435 five seasons CRAIG BOHL 2014-2023
2009
(7-6-0) Captains: Russ Arnold, John Fletcher Weston Johnson, Darius Terry
S 5 WEBER STATE W 29-22
S 12 TEXAS (UT ranked 2nd)
10-41
S 19 at Colorado L 0-24
S 26 UNLV* W 30-27
O 3 at Florida Atlantic W 30-28
O 10 NEW MEXICO* W 37-13
O 17 at Air Force* L 0-10
O 31 at Utah* (Utah ranked 19th)
10-22
N 7 BRIGHAM YOUNG* (BYU ranked 25th) L 0-52
N 14 at San Diego State* W 30-27
N 21 TCU* (TCU ranked 4th) L 10-45
N 27 at Colorado State* W 17-16 NEW MEXICO BOWL
D 19 vs. Fresno State W 35-28 (2ot)
2010
(3-9-0) Captains: Chris Prosinski, David Leonard, Brian Hendricks, Austyn Carta-Samuels
S 4 SOUTHERN UTAH W 28-20
S 11 at Texas (UT ranked 5th) L 7-34
S 18 BOISE STATE (BSU ranked 3rd) L 6-51
S 25 AIR FORCE* (AF was receiving votes) L 14-20
O 2 at Toledo W 20-15
O 9 at TCU* (TCU ranked 5th)
O 16 UTAH* (UW ranked 11th)
O 23 at Brigham Young*
O 30 SAN DIEGO STATE* (SDSU was receiving votes)
N 6 at New Mexico*
N 13 at UNLV*
0-45
6-30
20-25
38-48
31-34
16-42
N 20 COLORADO STATE* W 44-0
2011
(8-5-0)
Captains: Selected each game
S 3 WEBER STATE W 35-32
S 10 TEXAS STATE W 45-10
S 17 at Bowling Green W 28-27
S 24 NEBRASKA (Nebraska ranked 9th) L 14-38
O 8 at Utah State
19-63
O 15 UNLV* W 41-14
O 29 at San Diego State* W 30-27
N 5 TCU* (TCU was receiving votes) L 20-31
N 12 at Air Force* W 25-17
N 19 NEW MEXICO* W 31-10
N 26 at Boise State* (BSU ranked 7th) L 14-36
D 3 at Colorado State* W 22-19 NEW MEXICO BOWL
D 17 vs. Temple L 15-37
2012
(4-8-0) Captains: Korey Jones, Nick Carlson, Luke Ruff, Brett Smith
S 1 at Texas (UT ranked 15th) L 17-37
S 8 TOLEDO L 31-34
S 15 CAL POLY
61-60-0, .504 ten seasons
2014
(4-8-0) Captains: Colby Kirkegaard, Dominic Rufran, Darrenn White, Eddie Yarbrough
2015
(2-10-0) Captains: Eddie Yarbrough, Cameron Coffman, Shaun Wick, Chase Roullier, Siaosi Hala’api’api, Lucas Wacha
2016
(8-6-0)
Captains: Marcus Epps, Josh Allen, Lucas Wacha, Chase Roullier, Jacob Hollister S03 NORTHERN ILLINOIS W 40-34 (3ot)
2017
40-37
22-24 S 22 at Idaho
O 6 at Nevada*
O 13 AIR FORCE*
28-35
27-28
O 20 at Fresno State* L 14-42
27 BOISE STATE* (BSU ranked 21st)
2018
(6-6-0) Captains: Marcus Epps, Nico Evans, Conner Cain, Austin Fort, Andrew Wingard, Logan Wilson
A25 at New Mexico State W 29-7
S01 WASHINGTON STATE L 19-41
S08 at Missouri L 13-40
S15 WOFFORD W 17-14
S29 BOISE STATE * L 14-34
O06 at Hawai’i * L 13-17
O13 at Fresno State * L 3-27
O20 UTAH STATE * L 16-24
O26 at Colorado State * W 34-21
N03 SAN JOSE STATE * W 24-9
N17 AIR FORCE * W 35-27
N24 at New Mexico * W 31-3
2019
(8-5-0) Captains: Sean Chambers, Austin Conway, Josiah Hall, Josh Harshman, Logan Wilson
A31 MISSOURI W 37-31
S07 at Texas State W 23-14
S14 IDAHO W 21-16
S21 at Tulsa L 21-24
S28 UNLV* W 53-17
O12 at San Diego State* L 22-26
O19 NEW MEXICO* W 23-10
O26 NEVADA* W 31-3
N09 at #21 Boise State* L 17-20 (ot)
N16 at Utah State* L 21-26
N22 COLORADO STATE* W 17-7
N30 at Air Force* L 6-20
D31 vs Georgia State# W 38-17
#NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl - Tucson, Ariz.
2020
(2-4-0) Captains: Sean Chambers, Garrett Crall, Keegan Cryder, Chad Muma
O24 at Nevada L 34-37
O30 HAWAI’I W 31-7
N05 at CSU L 24-34
N27 at UNLV W 45-14
D05 at New Mexico L 16-17
D12 BOISE STATE L 9-17
2021
(7-6-0) Captains: Sean Chambers, Garrett Crall, Keegan Cryder, Chad Muma, Xazavian Valladay
S4 MONTANA STATE W 19-16
S11 at Northern Illinois W 50-43
S18 BALL STATE W 45-12
S25 at UConn W 24-22
O9 at Air Force* L 14-24
O16 FRESNO STATE* L 0-17
O23 NEW MEXICO* L 3-14
O30 at San Jose State* L 21-27
N6 COLORADO STATE* W 31-17
N12 at Boise State* L 13-23
N20 at Utah State* W 44-17
N27 HAWAII* L 14-38
D21 vs. Kent State# W 52-38
#Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - Boise, Idaho
*Mountain West Conference Games
2022
(7-6-0) Captains: Andrew Peasley, Treyton Welch, Easton Gibbs and Cole Godbout
A27 at Illinois L 38-6
S3 TULSA W 40-37, 2OT
S10 NORTHERN COLORADO W 33-10
S16 AIR FORCE* W 17-14
S24 at BYU L 38-24
O1 SAN JOSE STATE* L 33-16
O8 at New Mexico* W 27-14
O22 UTAH STATE* W 28-14
O29 at Hawaii* W 27-20
N11 at Colorado State* W 14-13
N19 BOISE STATE* L 20-17
N25 at Fresno State* L 30-0
D30 vs Ohio# L 30-27, OT
#Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl – Tucson, Ariz.
*Mountain West Conference Games
Larry Birleffi
LARRY BIRLEFFI, flanked by former UW Athletics Director Paul Roach (on left) acknowledges the crowd on Oct. 17, 1992, the day UW dedicated the press area in the War Memorial Stadium Press Box as “The Larry Birleffi Press Room”.
In 1992 the University of Wyoming Athletics Department honored long-time newspaper, radio and TV personality Larry Birleffi, by naming the working press area in the War Memorial Stadium media facility after him.
For over 50 years, and 1200 events, Birleffi covered the Cowboys and Cowgirls for newspaper, radio and television. While coaches, players and fans have come and gone, Birleffi was there. He was the one common thread through the tapestry that is Wyoming tradition. He carried the word of Wyoming athletics longer, and more effectively, than any other. He was inducted into the University of Wyoming Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996.
Born in Hartville, Wyoming’s first incorporated town on April 17, 1918, Birleffi graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1942. He had begun covering the Cowboys for the UW student newspaper the Branding Iron in 1937.
Birleffi died on September 27, 2008.
COWBOY COACHES
2023
(9-4-0) Captains: Andrew Peasley, Treyton Welch, Easton Gibbs and Cole Godbout
S2 TEXAS TECH W 35-33 2OT
S9 PORTLAND STATE W 31-17
S16 at #4 Texas L 10-31
S23 APPALACHIAN STATE W 22-19
S30 NEW MEXICO* W 35-26
O7 FRESNO STATE* W 24-19
O14 at Air Force* L 27-34
O28 at Boise State* L 7-32
N3 COLORADO STATE* W 24-15
N10 at UNLV* L 14-34
N18 HAWAI’I* W 42-9
N25 at Nevada* W 42-6
D30 vs. Toledo# W 16-15
#Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl – Tucson, Ariz. *Mountain West Conference Game
As of end of 2023 season
56 weeks ranked in the AP poll No. 6 (1967) UW’s highest AP ranking No. 11 ASU (1972) highest ranked opponent UW has defeated 11-65 all-time record vs. ranked opponents
10-61 UW unranked, vs. ranked opponents
1-4 UW ranked, vs. ranked opponents
28-9 UW ranked, vs. unranked opponents
7-19 UW vs. ranked at home
3-40 UW vs. ranked on the road
1-6 UW vs. ranked at neutral locations
m oun Ta I n W es T C onfe R en C e 2023
Conference Overall W L Pct. W L Pct.
2019
2015
2022
*Divisional Champion ! Mountain West Champion
2018
2014
2021
Mountain Division Conference Overall W L Pct. W L Pct.
No. 24 Utah State 6 2 .750 11 3 .786 Air Force 6 2 .750 10 3 .769 Boise State 5 3 .625 7 5 .583 Wyoming 2 6 .250 7 6 .538
Colorado State 2 6 .250 3 9 .250 New Mexico 1 7 .125 3 9 .250 West Division Conference Overall W L Pct. W L Pct. No.
2020
2017
2013
2016
2012
Conference
2005
2011
2004
2010
2003
2009
Conference Overall W L Pct. W L Pct.
TCU 8 0 1.000 12 1 .923
BYU 7 1 .875 11 2 .846
Utah 6 2 .750 10 3 .769 Air Force 5 3 .625 8 5 .615 Wyoming 4 4 .500 7 6 .538 UNLV 3 5 .375 5 7 .417 San Diego State 2 6 .250 4 8 .333
New Mexico 1 7 .125 1 11 .083
Colorado State 0 8 .000 3 9 .250
2008
Conference Overall W L Pct. W L Pct.
Utah 8 0 1.000 13 0
1.000
TCU 7 1 .875 11 2 .846
BYU 6 2 .750 10 3 .769 Air Force 5 3 .625 8
2007
Conference
COWBOY COACHES
2002
2001
2000
2006
COWBOY COACHES
1972
COWBOY COACHES
1965
1963
1970
1962
1969
W L T Pct. W L T Pct.
Arizona State 7 0 0 1.000 12 0 0 1.000
5 2 0 .714 9 2 0 .818
Colorado State 4 2 0 .667 6 5 0 .545
BYU 4 3 0 .571 6 5 0 .545
New Mexico 4 3 0 .571 6 5 0 .545
1 4 0 .200 1 10 0 .091
1 6 0 .143 2 9 0 .181
0 6 0 .000 1 10 0 .091
1974
Conference Overall W L T Pct. W L T Pct.
1973
1967
1966
COWBOY COACHES
1959
Conference
New
1958
Conference
1951
1957
1950
1949
1940
1939
1948
1938
1932
COWBOY COACHES
1929
1928
1927
1931
1930
1934
1925
Conference
COWBOY COACHES
1920
1919
1924
1918
1923
1917
Conference
1922
1916
Conference
1921
WYOMING ASSISTANT FOOTBALL COACHES THROUGH THE YEARS
(The following list began with the 1947 season, when such records began to be kept.)
The 1967 Cowboy Coaching Staff (Back Row left to right: Burt Gustafson, Jack Taylor, Paul Roach, Bill Baker and Fritz Shurmur. Kneeling in front is Head Coach Lloyd Eaton.)
2024 COWBOY TRADITION
Below listed alphabetically are the University of Wyoming's football players from 1893 through 2020.
Prior to 1930 all squadsmen are listed. From 1930 through 2020 only lettermen are listed.
Marcus Harris is presented with the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver in 1996. One of Wyoming’s most decorated football players, Marcus Harris was a consensus All-American in 1996, being selected First Team All-American by the Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, American Football Coaches Association, Walter Camp Football Foundation, and Football News. In 1996, he won the Biletnikoff Award (named after former Oakland Raiders receiver Fred Biletnikoff), symbolic of the nation’s top receiver. He also finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1996. During his college career, Harris became the NCAA’s all-time leader in receiving yards with 4,518 career yards, and he remains the only receiver in NCAA history to have three 1,400 yard receiving seasons. With his 1,650 yards in 1996, Harris led the nation in receiving yards, earned FirstTeam All-Western Athletic Conference honors for the third straight year, and was named the WAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year.
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
C lass of 1993 (Inaugural Year)
Dick Ballinger, Wrestling, 1958-60
Fennis Dembo, Basketball, 1985-88
Mike Dirks, Football, 1965-67
Jerry Hill, Football, 1958-60
Glenn “Red” Jacoby, Athletic Director, 1946-73
Jay Novacek, Football & Track, 1982-84
Kenny Sailors, Basketball, 1941-46
Ev Shelton, Basketball Coach, 1939-59
Johnny Winterholler, Baseball, Basketball, Football, 1936-39
1943 NCAA Championship Basketball Team
C lass of 1994
Paul N. Carlin, Track, 1951-53
Dr. George “Duke” Humphrey, UW President, 1945-64
Dr. Everett D. Lantz, Wrestling Coach, 1937-65
Flynn J. Robinson, Basketball, 1963-65
Mary F. Shea, Volleyball, 1980-83
William Strannigan, Basketball Coach, 1960-73
Kenneth Sturman, Football, 1937-39
Edward Talboom, Football, 1948-50
Bowden Wyatt, Football Coach, 1947-52
1950 Gator Bowl Champion Football Team
C lass of 1995
Jack B. Aggers, Athletic Trainer, 1958-84
James L. Crawford, Football, 1954-56
John C. Corbett, Coach/Administrator, 1915-39
Robert S. Devaney, Football Coach, 1957-61
John J. Kosich, Baseball, Football, 1946-49
Dewey L. McConnell, Football, 1949-51
Patricia L. Miller-Davis, Track & Field 1980, 1982
C lass of 1996
Lawrence V. Birleffi, “Voice of the Cowboys”, 1947-86
Charles W. “Tub” Bradley, Basketball, 1979-81
Glenn R. “Bud” Daniel, Baseball Coach, 1951-71
Michele D. Hoppes, Basketball, 1984-87
James F. Kiick, Football, 1965-67
Mark S. Miller, Swimming, 1985-88
Milward L. Simpson, Football, Basketball, Baseball, 1917-21
C lass of 1997
Joseph W. Alexander, Rodeo, 1968-69
C. Keith Bloom, Basketball, Football, Baseball, 1947-50
Willard A. “Dutch” Witte, Basketball Coach, 1931-39
John Wodny, Cross Country, 1986-89
Ryan Yarborough, Football, 1990-93
Bill Young, Administration, 1960-82
1959-60 Wrestling Team
C lass of 2004
Reese Andy, Wrestling, 1994-96
Leon Clark, Basketball, 1963-66
Marcus Harris, Football, 1993-96
Bill Levine, Football, 1961, 1963-64
Jimmi Jo Martin Ripsam, Rodeo, 1988-90
Pat Rabold, Football, 1984, 1986-88
Andy Welsh, Diving, 1981-85
C lass of 2005
Ryan Butler, Track & Field, 1995-96
Phil Dickens, Football Coach, 1953-56
Joe Dowler, Wrestling Coach, 1973-87
Ann Melander, Skiing, 1984-85
Theo Ratliff, Basketball, 1991-94
Vic Washington, Football, 1966-67
1989 Volleyball Team
C lass of 2006
Ryan Christopherson, Football, 1991-94
Jerry Depoyster, Football, 1965-67
Stan Dodds, Basketball, 1967-70
Bob Hammond, Special Achievement
Milo Komenich, Basketball, 1942-43, 1946
Stacey Ward Straley, Skiing, 1980-81
1956 Baseball Team
C lass of 2007
Elsie Jo Bonger, Football Secretary, 1962-78
Brenday Graham Gray, Track & Field, 1980-84
Jerry Jester, Football, 1953-55
Dave McCleave, Golf, 1989-92
Dick Sherman, Basketball, 1963-66
Randy Welniak, Football, 1985-88
1968 Ski Team
C lass of 2008
Tom Garrison, Track & Field, 1987-91
Walker “Sonny” Jones, Jr., Football, 1948-49
Geir Kvernmo, Skiing & Track, 1979-80
Brian Lee, Football, 1994-97
Dave Myers, Wrestling, 1989-92
Steve Scifres, Football, 1993-96
1978-79 Cowgirl Basketball Team
C lass of 2009
Jesseca Cross, Basketball, 1994-98
Sean Fleming, Football, 1988-91
Quincy Howe, Track & Field, 1999-2002
Gene Huey, Football, 1966-68
Mike Jackson, Basketball, 1980-83
Al & Pete Simpson, Special Achievement
1961 Rodeo Team
C lass of 2010
Staale Engen, Skiing & Track, 1970-75
Jerry Frude, Wrestling, 1959-62
Steiner Hybertsen, Skiing, 1973-75
Bob Jacobs, Football, 1968-70
Chuck Lamson, Football, 1961-62
Karen Sanford Gall, Track & Field, 1979-82
1966 Football Team
C lass of 2011
Mike English, Volleyball Coach, 1986-89, 1991-93
Wesley Maiyo, Track & Field, 1974-75
Dr. Robert Mason, Wrestling, 1949-51
Shauna Smith, Track & Field, 2002-05
Scott Usher, Swimming, 2002-05
Jim Walden, Football, 1958-59
1986-87 “Sweet 16” Men’s Basketball Team
C lass of 2012
Dick Campbell, Football, 1948-50
Len Kuczewski, Football, 1957-59
Jordan Lintz, Golf, 1997-2000
Chris Lull, Volleyball, 1985-89
Selmer Pederson, Football, 1949-51
Ray Sanchez, Wrestling, 1967-68
1985 Ski Team
C lass of 2013
Carrie Bacon, Basketball, 1999-2000, 2002-03
Josh Davis, Basketball, 1999-2002
Jason Gervais, Track & Field, 1999-2001
Jim House, Football, 1966-68
Mike LaHood, Football, 1965-67
Kevin McKinney, Administration
1959 Football Team
C lass of 2014
Dennis Baker, Football, 1975-77
Becky Simning Eriksson, Skiing, 1979-81, 1984-85
LeRoy Gabriel, Administration, 1961-95
Harry Hall, Basketball, 1966-69
Duane Schopp, Track & Field Coach, 1984-97
Mark Smolinski, Football, 1958-60
Jack Weil, Football, 1980-83
1933-34 Men’s Basketball Team C lass of 2015
Marcus Bailey, Men’s Basketball, 1999-2003
Ashley Elliott, Women’s Basketball, 2002-05
David Hearn, Men’s Golf, 1998-2001
Jeff Huson, Baseball, 1984-85
Don Miller, Wrestling, 1965-68
Joe Ramunno, Football, 1981-84
Quentin Skinner, Skiing Coach, 1971-80
C lass of 2016
Jerry Durling, Football, 1965-66
Aaron Kyle, Football, 1972-75
Frank Shepperson, Rodeo, 1961-64
Lynn Stetson, Men's Swimming, 1980-83
Dave Walsh, Special Achievement
John Watts, Football, 1954-56
Hanna Zavecz, Women's Basketball, 2005-08
1976 Cowboy Football Team
C lass of 2017
Dr. Robert Curnow and Dr. David Kieffer, Special Achievement
Vince Guinta, Football, 1954-56
Mike Hamel, Wrestling, 1983-86
C.T. Hewgley, Football, 1949-50
Jim Weir, Men's Basketball, 1941-43, 1946
1991 National Champion Cowgirl Rodeo Team
2007 WNIT National Champion Cowgirl Basketball Team
C lass of 2018
Sean Dent, Men's Basketball, 1984, 1986-88
Jessica Fox, 2003-05, Track & Field
Art Howe, Baseball, 1967-69
Steven Suder, Westling, Athlete 1975-79, and Coach, 1989-2008
Cory Wedel, Football, 1994-97
1987 WAC Champion Football Team
C lass of 2019
Andrea Everett Blocher, Cross Country and Track, 1982-83
Wes Gasner, Wrestling, 1983-84
Jay Martin, Skiing, 1965-67
Mack Peyton, Basketball and Baseball, 1947-49
Courtney Stapp Pool, Basketball, 1995-98
Larry Zowada, Football, 1955-57
1966-67 Men’s Basketball Team
C lass of 2020-21
Jon Cogdill, Football & Wrestling, 1986-90
Dennis Dreher, Special Category
Brandon Ewing, Men’s Basketball, 2006-09
Wiles Hallock, Administration, 1949-60
Kevin Mannon, Track & Field, 1998-99
Mike Schenbeck, Football, 1985-88
Tom Wilkinson, Football & Baseball, 1964-65
C lass of 2022
Walter Goffigan, Football, 1980-83
Wayne Jensen, Track & Field, 1969-71
Mary Johnson, Administration
Erin Kirby, Volleyball & Track, 2011-15
Grant Salisbury, Football, 1986-88
Les Witte, Men's Basketball, 1931-34
1988 WAC Championship Football Team
C lass of 2023
Kenneth "Dabby" Dawson, Football, 1988-89
Chad Lavin, Women's Basketball Coach, 1986-98
Larry Nance Jr., Men's Basketball, 2012-15
Audrey Vandiver. Women's Basketball, 2007-11
1968-69 Men's Basketball Team
1984-85 and 1985-86 Wrestling Teams
C lass of 2024
Jovon Bouknight, Football, 2002-2005
Kelsey Conci, Swimming, 2009-2012
Diane Dodson, Administration
Adam Goldberg, Football, 1999-2002
Joe Legerski, Women's Basketball Coach, 2004-2019
Jim Sanchez, Cross Country Coach, 1981-2003
Jil Robins Thomason, Volleyball, 1991-1994
MOUNTAIN WEST
This is the Mountain West
From its inception in 1999, the Mountain West has been committed to excellence in intercollegiate athletics, while promoting the academic missions of its member institutions. Progressive in its approach, the MW continues to cultivate opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the highest level while fostering academic achievement and sportsmanship. Now in its 26th year, the MW has been assertive in its involvement with the NCAA governance structure and has taken a leadership role in the overall administration of intercollegiate athletics.
History
The Mountain West was conceived on May 26, 1998, when the presidents of eight institutions — Air Force, BYU, Colorado State, New Mexico, San Diego State, UNLV, Utah and Wyoming — decided to form a new NCAA Division I-A intercollegiate athletic conference. The split from a former 16-team conference re-established continuity and stability among the membership within the new league and signaled the continuation of its tradition-rich, long-standing athletic rivalries. Three of the MW’s eight original members have been conference rivals since the 1960s (New Mexico, Wyoming and Colorado State), while San Diego State (1978) and Air Force (1980) were longtime members as well. UNLV and TCU entered the fold in 1996 and the Rebels continued as one of the original eight institutions that formed the MW in 1999. TCU re-joined the group with its first year of competition in the Mountain West in 2005-06. With conference realignment sweeping the nation in recent years, the MW has been proactive in addressing membership changes. Boise State University joined the Mountain West in 2011-12, followed by Fresno State and the University of Nevada on July 1, 2012. Also on July 1, 2012, the University of Hawai‘i became a football-only member of the Conference. On July 1, 2013, the Mountain West further expanded when San José State University and Utah State University joined the Conference, bringing to 11 the number of full-time member institutions and 12 football-playing members. On July 1, 2014, the Colorado College women’s soccer program became the first non-football affiliate member of the Mountain West, expanding that sport to 12 Conference participants.
When the Mountain West officially began operations on July 1, 1999, the new league had in place a seven-year contract with ESPN, giving the broadcast entity exclusive national television rights to MW football and men’s basketball, and three-year agreements to send the league’s football champion to the Liberty Bowl and a second team to the Las Vegas Bowl. Commissioner Thompson also arranged a third bowl tie-in each of the first three seasons (1999 Motor City, 2000 Silicon Valley, 2001 New Orleans) before securing a four-year deal with the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco in 2002.
An innovator in the postseason bowl structure, the MW engineered many “firsts,” as league teams have participated in seven inaugural bowl games (2000 Silicon Valley, 2001 New Orleans, 2002 San Francisco (Emerald), 2005 Poinsettia, 2006 New Mexico, 2015 Arizona, 2015 Cure), as well as placing the first non-automatic-qualifying FBS team into a BCS bowl game with Utah’s appearance in the 2005 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and into the College Football Playoff (CFP) with Boise State’s selection to the 2014 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.
Bret Gilliland Deputy Commissioner
John Sullivan Associate Commissioner, Football Javon Hedlund Associate Commissioner, External Strategy
Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez
Gloria Nevarez, a 25-year veteran of intercollegiate athletics, is the second Commissioner in the history of the Mountain West Conference.
Nevarez comes from the West Coast Conference (WCC), where she served as Commissioner since 2018. While at the WCC, Nevarez shaped nearly every facet of the internal and external operations of the WCC. She directed significant overhauls to the conference’s branding, expanding the league’s national television contracts, adding a long-term title sponsor for the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, and launching groundbreaking social justice initiatives.
After an exhaustive and collaborative six-month review with WCC stakeholders, the brand, reflective of the mission and values of the WCC schools was refreshed with a new brand identity. The WCC also embarked on a comprehensive rebranding initiative to bring consistency across all platforms. In her second full year on the job, Nevarez renegotiated the media rights agreement for the conference, resulting in unprecedented levels of national exposure for the league, including an updated eight-year agreement with ESPN and the addition of two national television partners in CBS Sports and Stadium. The exposure of WCC’s men’s basketball has nearly doubled from coast-to-coast.
The WCC became the first Division I conference to adopt a diversity hiring initiative with the groundbreaking “Russell Rule” adopted in July 2020. The “Russell Rule” required all WCC schools to include a member of a traditionally underrepresented community in the final candidate pool for every athletic director, senior administrator, head coach, and full-time assistant coaching search. Nevarez currently serves on the NCAA’s Division I Transformation Committee, the NIT Men’s Basketball selection committee, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee, and the Board of Directors of USA Basketball, Women Leaders in College Athletics and is a member of the Knight Commission.
Before her commissioner role at the WCC, Nevarez had a successful stint as the Senior Associate Commissioner, Senior Woman Administrator at the Pac-12 Conference. In her role at the Pac-12, Nevarez oversaw all conference sports and championships except football. She also served as the conference liaison for men’s basketball and tournament director of the men’s basketball tournament in Las Vegas. Nevarez led all-star teams to China and Australia and brought conference teams to China for the first-ever NCAA regular season game. During her tenure at the Pac-12, Nevarez was instrumental in league expansion, the relocation and success of both the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, the creation and operation of the Pac-12 Networks, the development of international initiatives, and advanced the conference’s sustainability efforts.
Prior to joining the Pac-10 staff, Nevarez served as Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of Oklahoma. Her responsibilities were wide-ranging, including sport administration duties and overseeing the department’s strength and conditioning, marketing, and human resources units. She also served as the sport administrator for men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, soccer, men’s and women’s track and field, softball, and women’s rowing. Nevarez served Oklahoma as the senior woman administrator and oversaw the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the department’s Staff Council, Title IX compliance, and worked with the fundraising group, the Sooner Stilettos.
Before her time at Oklahoma, Nevarez spent five years working in compliance at the WCC, joining the conference in January 2002. During her first stint at the WCC, her primary emphasis was to direct the conference’s compliance efforts. In that role, she was involved in education efforts at all member institutions and the league office. She assisted the schools with their certification efforts, violations, waivers, and rule interpretations.
Prior to the WCC, Nevarez was at the University of California, where she served in multiple roles. She was the lone compliance officer and served as an executive officer for the department and its 29 intercollegiate athletics teams. She conducted NCAA and Pac-10 rules education workshops for student-athletes, coaches, and department staff on an annual basis. Nevarez was also involved with legal matters involving the department, including lawsuits, serving as the department’s campus liaison. She was responsible for processing all departmental contracts, including game contracts, and served as the department’s campus contact for all athletic-related contracts. Her efforts at Cal went beyond the legal realm as she served as co-coordinator of the team that conceived and ran the first Cy-Bear auction, the first time a collegiate entity had partnered with an online group – Yahoo! – to host an online auction, raising more than $180,000.
Nevarez began her athletics administrative career at San José State University, where she was the first full-time Director of Compliance in school history and developed and implemented an NCAA compliance program
A graduate of the NCAA Fellows Program and the NACWAA Executive Institute, Nevarez completed five years as an adjunct faculty member at the University of San Francisco’s Sport Management Master’s program, teaching sports law.
Nevarez received her Juris Doctorate from the University of California. A four-year scholarship athlete and letter-winner in basketball at the University of Massachusetts, she graduated cum laude from UMass. While a student, Nevarez served on the La Raza Law Journal and was a co-founder of the Boalt Hall Sport and Entertainment Law Society. She served on the board of advisors for the UMass sports management department, a division of the Isenberg School of Business.
A native of Santa Clara, California, Nevarez is married to fellow Berkeley Law graduate Richard Young.
Mountain States Athletic Conference
(Skyline Conference)
1938
John Winterholler, HB
1939 None
1940 None
1941
Al Lokanc, G
1942
None
1943 (No official league play due to World War II)
1944 (Unofficial league play only)
None
1945 (Unofficial league play only)
None
1946
Jim Clayton, T Henry Kolasinski, HB
1947
Larry Martoglio, G
1948
Eddie Talboom, HB
1949
Charles Peterson, T Fred Taucher, C
Eddie Talboom, HB
Walker “Sonny” Jones, FB
1950
Dick Campbell, LB
Tom Drost, DE
C. T. Hewgley, T
Dewey McConnell, WR
Selmer Pederson, S
Doug Reeves, C
Marlin Smith, G
Marvin Strauch, DT
John Townsend, DL
Eddie Talboom, HB
1951
Dewey McConnell, WR
Jim Martin, T Selmer Pederson, DB
Doug Reeves, C
Bob Schildgen, DT
1952
Bill Hileman, LB
Ted Layman, DE
Chuck Spaulding, HB
1953
Dale Haupt, G
Wimp Hewgley, T Joe Mastrogiovanni, HB
1954
Clarence “Bugs” Carter, WR
Ray Lutterman, T
1955
Clarence “Bugs” Carter, WR
Joe Mastrogiovanni, QB
1956
Jim Crawford, HB
Buster Elder, WR
John Watts, FB
Larry Zowada, QB
1957 (first official All-Skyline team)
Wimp Hewgley, End
1958
None
1959
Len Kuczewski, G Jim Walden, QB
1960
Marty Hamilton, E
Jerry Hill, HB
Chuck Lamson, QB
Mark Smolinski, FB
1961
First Team:
Chuck Lamson, QB
Mike Walker, HB
Bob Bisacre, FB
Second Team:
Chuck Schmitt, E
WYOMING ALL-CONFERENCE PLAYERS
Howard Colling, T Daryl Matthews, G Honorable Mention: Bob Knight, E Lonnie Dunn, E Kevin Ward, E Bill Levine, G Stan Popeck, C Vince Zimmer, C Dick Williams, C Western Athletic Conference
1962
Glen Hopkins, T Joe Vitale, G 1963
Mack Balls, E Don Quinn, T Bill Levine, G 1964
Darryl Alleman, E Herm Memmelaar, T Bill Levine, G 1965
Jerry Durling, G Jim Kiick, HB 1966
Jerry Marion, E Mike LaHood, T Dave Rupp, G Jim Kiick, TB Jerry DePoyster, K Tom Frazier, E Ron Billingsley, T Jerry Durling, G Dick Speights, HB Vic Washington, HB 1967
Mike LaHood, T Paul Toscano, QB Jim Kiick, TB Gene Huey, FL Jerry DePoyster, K Tim Gottberg, E Mike Dirks, T Jim House, LB Vic Washington, HB Dick Speights, HB 1968
Tommy Tucker, G Byra Kite, T Bob Jacobs, K Larry Nels, T Jim House, LB Gene Huey, HB 1969
Tommy Tucker, G Al Zerfoss, T Bob Jacobs, K Brent Engleright, LB Larry Nels, T Rich Trautwein, T 1970
Tom Gorman, LB 1971
Scott Freeman, FL Nick Bebout, T Don Meadows, G 1972 Fritz Turner, CB 1973
Al Duyn, S Frank Erzinger, LB 1974
None 1975
Dennis Baker, T Aaron Kyle, S Lawrence Gaines, FB 1976
Dennis Baker, T Walter Howard, TE Paul Nunu, LB Ray Stawowy, T Kevin McClain, S 1977
Ken Fantetti, LB Walter Howard, TE
Dennis Baker, T Myron Hardeman, RB 1978
Dan Christopulos, K
Don Clayton, P
Ken Fantetti, LB
Michael Dennis, S
1979
Dan Pittman, WR
Mike Shaft, OG
Chuck Bradford, NG
Jerry Eure, DB
Mike Smith, P
1980
Guy Frazier, DE
Chuck Bradford, NG
John Salley, CB
Mandel Robinson, RB
Gregg Taylor, C
1981
Jim Eliopulos, LB
Darnell Clash, SPEC
Walter Goffigan, RB
James Williams, TE
Joe DiGiorgio, OC
Gary Crum, OL
1982
Joe DiGiorgio, OL
1983
Walter Goffigan, RB
Joe Ramunno, OG
Jack Weil, P
1984
Joe Ramunno, OL
Jay Novacek, TE
Pete Benedetti, DB
Rick Donnelly, P
Dave Evans, RB
Kevin Lowe, RB
Paul Chytka, DL
1985
None
1986
Galand Thaxton, LB
1987
Anthony Sargent, WR
Bill Hoffman, TE
Tony Kapushion, OT
Gerald Abraham, RB
Jeff Knapton, DT
Galand Thaxton, LB
Tom Kilpatrick, P
1988
Grant Salisbury, C
Randy Welniak, QB
Dabby Dawson, RB
Pat Rabold, DT
Mitch Donahue, DE
David Edeen, DE
Mike Schenbeck, LB
Eric Coleman, CB
1989
Mitch Donahue, DE
1990
Mitch Donahue, DE
Tyrone Fittje, OG
Paul Wallace, CB
1991
Robert Rivers, RS
1992
Ryan Yarborough, WR
Prentice Rhone, RS
1993
Mike Jones, TE
Kurt Whitehead, DE
Ryan Yarborough, WR
1994
Ryan Christopherson, RB
Brian Gragert, P
Marcus Harris, WR
1995
Joe Cummings, DE
Brian Gragert, P
Marcus Harris, WR
Steve Scifres, OL
Cory Wedel, K
1996
Marcus Harris, WR
Steve Scifres, OT
Jim Talich, LB
Lee Vaughn, DB
Josh Wallwork, QB
Cory Wedel, PK
1997
Jay Korth, C
Brian Lee, FS
Cory Wedel, PK
1998
Marques Brigham, RB
Julian Hooker, TE
Wendell Montgomery, WR
Al Rich, FS
Mountain West Conference
1999 First Team Offense:
WR Wendell Montgomery
Second Team Offense:
OL Dan Delcorio
First Team Defense:
LB Patrick Chukwurah
DB Matt Lehning
2000
First Team Defense:
DL Patrick Chukwurah
Second Team Offense:
OL Adam Goldberg
Honorable Mention:
PK Aaron Elling
DB Lamar James
WR Ryan McGuffey
LB Kwabena Peprah
QB Jay Stoner
2001
First Team Offense:
WR Ryan McGuffey
OL Adam Goldberg
Second Team Offense:
QB Casey Bramlet
PK Jarvis Wallum
Second Team Defense:
LB Leo Caires
Honorable Mention:
WR Malcom Floyd
DB Eric Lee
DB Guy Tuell
2002
First Team Offense:
OT Adam Goldberg
Honorable Mention:
WR-PR/KR Jovon Bouknight
QB Casey Bramlet
P Luke Donovan
DB Jacque Finn
C Trenton Franz
LB Tyler Gottschalk
WR-PR/KR Scottie Vines
DB Nate Young
2003
Second Team Defense:
DL Brandon Casavan
Honorable Mention:
WR/KR Jovon Bouknight
QB Casey Bramlet
DB Chris Dixon
WR Malcom Floyd
C Trenton Franz
LB Tyler Gottschalk
WR Ryan McGuffey
OL Issac Morales
TE Aaron Robbins
PK Deric Yaussi
2004
First Team Offense:
C Trenton Franz
PK Deric Yaussi
PR/KR Hoost Marsh
First Team Defense:
DL Zach Morris
Second Team Offense:
TE John Wadkowski
PR/KR Jovon Bouknight
Second Team Defense:
DL Dusty Hoffschneider
P Adam Brooks
DB Derrick Martin
Honorable Mention:
QB Corey Bramlet
WR Jovon Bouknight
OL Chase Johnson
DB John Wendling
2005
First Team Offense:
WR Jovon Bouknight
Second Team Offense:
PR/KR Jovon Bouknight
Second Team Defense:
DL Dusty Hoffschneider
Honorable Mention:
LB Ward Dobbs
DL John Flora
OL Chase Johnson
OL Jason Karcher
DB Derrick Martin
DB Ron Rockett
DB John Wendling
2006
First Team Offense:
OT Chase Johnson
First Team Defense:
SS John Wendling
Stuart Hanson, DT/DE
Second Team Offense:
WR Tanner Gentry
PR/KR
Vinnedge
2008
Team Offense:
Team Defense:
Tashaun Gipson
2012
Tyler Strong
First Team Offense: C Nick Carlson
Second Team Offense: WR Chris McNeill
First Team Defense: DT Mike Purcell
Honorable Mention: QB Brett Smith
WR Robert Herron
LB Ghaali Muhammad P Tim Gleeson
2013 First Team Defense: DE Eddie Yarbrough
Second Team Defense: FS Marqueston Huff
Honorable Mention:
QB Brett Smith
WR Robert Herron
LB Jordan Stanton
2014
First Team Defense: DE Eddie Yarbrough
Honorable Mention: OG Chase Roullier
2015
Second Team Defense: DE Eddie Yarbrough
S Andrew Wingard
Second Team Offense:
RB Brian Hill
OG Chase Roullier
2016
Dan Grego, T TE
Johnny Miller, T Greg Chytka, C Myron Hardeman, RB
Youhanna Ghaifan
Second Team Offense: C Keegan Cryder WR Isaiah Neyor RB Xazavian Valladay Honorable Mention: DE Garrett Crall OG Logan Harris NT Cole Godbout
2022 First Team Defense: Easton Gibbs, LB Second Team Special Teams: John Hoyland, K Honorable Mention: DeVonne Harris, DE Andrew Peasley, QB Clayton Stewart, P Cam Stone, CB Treyton Welch, TE 2023
First Team Defefense: Easton Gibbs, LB First Team Offense: Frank Crum, OT Second Team Defense
Jordan Bertagnole, DT Honorable Mention: Wyett Ekeler, S Andrew Peasley, QB Harrison Waylee, RB Treyton Welch, TE Wyatt Wieland, WR
First Team Offense:
RB Brian Hill
TE Jacob Hollister
C Chase Roullier
Second Team Offense: QB Josh Allen
Je`Ney Jackson, CB
UW ADMINISTRATION
DR. EDWARD SEIDEL
University of Wyoming, President
Ed Seidel began service as the University of Wyoming’s 28th president July 1, 2020. The distinguished scholar has led academic, research and innovation programs at multiple universities.
Before coming to UW, Seidel was the vice president for economic development and innovation for the University of Illinois System, building and supporting programs that engage university, public and private partners -- and strengthening the links among higher education, research and business to stimulate economic development across that state.
His long record of leadership experience includes more than three years as director of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was among the original co-principal investigators for Blue Waters, a federally funded project that brought one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers to UrbanaChampaign.
Seidel spearheaded the creation of the Discovery Partners Institute and the Illinois Innovation Network, for which $500 million was appropriated by the State of Illinois. He also oversaw the University of Illinois System’s commercialization pipeline, including the Offices of Technology Management at Urbana-Champaign and Chicago, and the early-stage technology investment firm Illinois Ventures, which has catalyzed over $1.7 billion in venture funding for companies.
Previously, he was the senior vice president for research and innovation for the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in Moscow, Russia, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. There, he was responsible for building research capacity, guiding the institute’s strategic focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, establishing international partnerships, directing the development of 21st century research facilities and programs, and overseeing quality and compliance.
Before that, he directed the Office of Cyberinfrastructure and led the Directorate of Mathematical and Physical Sciences as National Science Foundation assistant director. The MPS Directorate possesses an annual budget of more than $1.4 billion. Within the Directorate, he oversaw national programs in astronomy, chemistry, materials science, mathematical sciences and physics. The Office of Cyberinfrastructure is responsible for national programs supporting advanced computing environments, software, computer networking and their application for addressing complex problems in science and engineering. He led the launch of new programs in computational and data-intensive science and engineering and the NSF-wide Cyberinfrastructure Framework for 21st Century Science and Engineering. At NSF, he also led emerging activities on data, public access to publications, and catalyzed development of interdisciplinary research programs, including the development of grand challenge programs to attack complex problems in science and engineering.
Prior to joining NSF, he held senior appointments as Floating Point Systems Professor in Physics and Astronomy, and Computer Science at Louisiana State University, where he founded and directed the interdisciplinary Center for Computation and Technology, an interdisciplinary research and innovation center involving more than four dozen faculty across the entire university. He had an integral part in the $50 million Louisiana Optical Network Initiative, connecting six research universities and two medical schools across the state of Louisiana.
Seidel also directed the numerical relativity group at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) in Germany.
Seidel has played central roles in launching international and regional research consortiums in Europe and the U.S., including the EU Astrophysics Network and GridLab projects that collectively involved a dozen countries.
Seidel is a fellow of the American Physical Society and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and has earned a number of awards, including the 2006 IEEE Sidney Fernbach Award, the Association for Computing Machinery’s 2001 Gordon Bell Prize, and the 1998 Heinz Billing Prize of the Max Planck Society for his work in research, and the 2018 Business Leadership Award of the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce for work in economic development.
Seidel has supervised dozens of graduate students and postdocs in physics, astronomy, computer science and other disciplines, and has published about 200 papers in professional journals. His work in general relativity and scientific computing is widely cited in scientific literature. His research has focused on Einstein’s equations, applications to black holes and gravitational waves, and algorithms for high-performance computing.
Seidel received his Ph.D. in relativistic astrophysics from Yale University, earned a master’s degree in physics at the University of Pennsylvania, and received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from the College of William and Mary.
Dr. Edward Seidel
TOM BURMAN
University of Wyoming, Director of Athletics
• Served as one of 13 Members on the College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee from 2020-22
• Has led over $120 million in fundraising projects as A.D. at Wyoming
• In January 2020, Presented Citizenship Award by Wyoming We the People: the Citizen and the Constitution
• Longest Serving Athletics Director in the Mountain West, currently in his 18th Year as University of Wyoming A.D.
• 10 of Wyoming’s athletics teams achieved perfect Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores of 1,000 for the most recent academic year measured.
Tom Burman is currently in his 18th year as Director of Athletics at the University of Wyoming. For the past 17 years that Burman has served as Athletics Director, many of the most successful and most memorable moments in Wyoming Athletics history have taken place.
Since Burman was named to the position of Athletics Director on Oct. 9, 2006, he has hired some of the most accomplished head coaches in University of Wyoming history. Academically, Cowboy and Cowgirl student-athletes have achieved at exceptional levels. Fundraising and season-ticket sales have reached record levels and numerous facility projects have been completed. Burman has also scheduled many of the greatest events in Wyoming Athletics history.
“I care deeply about this University, the success of UW Athletics and the well-being of our student-athletes,” Burman said upon his hiring. “We will build a program that wins championships, is a source of great pride to our alumni and generates enthusiasm across the state.”
Recent Successes
In 2023-24, Wyoming had another great season across the board. The Cowboy Football team finished the season with nine-wins for the most since the 1996 season. Cowboy Football also went 7-0 at home and recorded the largest single-season attendance in school history. UW was featured two-times on National Television once on CBS against Texas Tech and once against Fresno State. The Pokes won the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. The Cowgirl Volleyball team got off to their best start in program history under first-year head coach Kaylee Prigge. The Cowgirl basketball team made another deep run into the WNIT. Wyoming Track and field once again earned multiple All-Americans in the Indoor and outdoor season.
In the 2022-23 season, Wyoming Football earned its fifth bowl bid in the last seven seasons and finished second in the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division. UW’s Cowgirl Tennis team won the 2023 Mountain West regular-season championship outright and earned a bid to the first-ever Universal Tennis NIT, marking the first time a Cowgirl Tennis team earned a postseason berth. Cowgirl Soccer captured the 2022 Mountain West regular-season championship, earned the No. 1 seed in the MW Tournament and advanced to the Mountain West Tournament Championship Game. The Cowgirl Basketball team finished second in the regular-season conference race, advanced to the MW Tournament Championship Game and concluded the season in the Second Round of the WNIT. Cowgirl Cross Country was ranked as high as No. 34 in the nation, achieving its first national ranking in program history. Runner Katelyn Mitchem qualified for the NCAA Championships where she earned the NCAA Elite 90 award as the top scholar-athlete participating in the championship. Mitchem also was named the 2022-23 Mountain West Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Cowboy Golf earned a berth in the inaugural GOLFWEEK National Golf Invitational postseason tournament where they tied Penn State for second place. Wyoming Track and Field had six individuals, one woman and five men, qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field West First Round. Long jumper Kareem Mersal advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Championships where he earned Honorable Mention All-America honors, finishing in 20th place. Katelyn Mitchem advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 3,000-meter Steeplechase. She earned Second Team All-America honors, finishing 13th. Cowboy Wrestling continued its tradition of qualifying individuals for the NCAA Championships as three wrestlers qualified for the 2023 NCAA Championships.
The 2021-22 season saw the sports of football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, swimming and diving, track and field and wrestling all conclude their seasons with student-athletes participating in postseason competition. Football won the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl for its third consecutive bowl victory, and Cowboy linebacker Chad Muma was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft. Men’s basketball earned a bid to the 2022 NCAA Tournament after posting one of its most exciting seasons in years with a 25-9 record. Cowboy Basketball also achieved its first national ranking since the 2014-15 season. Women’s basketball advanced to the third round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament, and wrestling posted a Top 25 finish at the 2022 NCAA Championships, placing 23rd. The sports of football, swimming and diving, track and field and wrestling all had individuals earn All-America honors in 2021-22. Muma earned All-America honors in football. Diver Melissa Mirafuentes achieved All-America status at the NCAA Championships. Cowgirl long jumper Shayla Howell reached All-America status at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, while Cowboy long jumper Kareem Mersal and discus thrower Nathan Reid both earned All-America recognition at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Cowboy wrestler Stephen Buchanan placed third in the 197-pound weight class at the 2022 NCAA Championships to earn All-America honors for the second straight year.
In March of 2021, the Cowgirl Basketball team won the Mountain West Conference Tournament Championship, earning the program’s second-ever bid to the NCAA Tournament. Cowboy Wrestling qualified a program tying high of seven wrestlers for the 2021 NCAA Championships, with sophomore Stephen Buchanan earning All-America honors at 197 pounds by placing eighth. The Cowboys finished 26th in the nation as a team. In June 2021, senior discus thrower Colton Paller earned First Team All-America honors by placing seventh at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
In 2019, Cowboy Football won the 2019 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl and posted an 8-5 record. That marked the third time in four years that Wyoming earned a bowl bid. Wyoming linebackers Logan Wilson and Cassh Maluia were both selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Cowgirl Volleyball earned a postseason berth in 2019, advancing to the Second Round of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC). The Cowgirls posted a 22-9 record, which was the fifth 20-win season under the direction of head coach Chad Callihan. Senior cross country runner Chris Henry won the NCAA Elite 90 Award for the second consecutive year in November 2019. That award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals of one of the NCAA’s 90 national championships.
In January of 2020, the civic education organization “Wyoming We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” recognized Burman for his civic leadership in bringing members of the Black 14 back to the University of Wyoming campus in the fall of 2019. In the first 33 years of the organization at the state level in Wyoming, only five of these awards for significant contribution as a citizen have been presented.
The 2018-19 season began with the Grand Opening of the $44 million Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center. Among the most memorable moments of the year were: the men’s cross country team placing 12th in the nation at the NCAA Championships; Cowgirl soccer captured a share of its first-ever, regular-season Mountain West championship; Cowboy football earned bowl eligibility for the third consecutive season; Cowgirl volleyball and Cowgirl basketball both earned postseason bids; and Cowboy wrestling qualified seven individuals for the NCAA Championships and finished 34th in the nation as a team. Individually, Paul Roberts earned All-America honors at the NCAA Cross Country Championships placing 20th, while his teammate Chris Henry became the first UW student-athlete to earn the NCAA Elite 90 Award. Cowgirl track and field athletes Jerayah Davis, Ja’la Henderson, Jordan Edmonds and Shayla Howell earned a combined seven All-America honors at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Henderson also earned All-America honors at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Cowboy basketball player Justin James was the 40th overall selection by the Sacramento Kings in the 2019 NBA Draft, and Marcus Epps was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. In the 2017-18 season, Wyoming football appeared in its second consecutive bowl game and recorded a dominating win in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, defeating Central Michigan, 37-14. Wyoming wrestling placed 17th at the NCAA National Championships and senior Bryce Meredith captured second place at 141 pounds for the third All-America honor of his career and his second runner-up finish
at the NCAA Championships. The Cowgirl Volleyball team earned a bid to the Women’s National Invitational Volleyball Championship. Women’s basketball went down to the last game of the season battling for the Mountain West Conference regular-season championship and earned a bid to the WNIT. And the Wyoming men’s swimming and diving team captured the 2018 Western Athletic Conference team championship -- the program’s first conference title in men’s swimming and diving in 50 years. Ja’la Henderson earned Second Team All-America honors at the 2018 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, placing 15th in the triple jump, and she earned Honorable Mention All-America honors in the long jump, placing 17th.
Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen attracted national attention during the 2017 season and through the 2018 NFL Draft as he became the No. 7 overall pick by the Buffalo Bills -- the highest Wyoming Cowboy draft pick in history. In a study by national research firm Joyce Julius & Associates, the media exposure generated by Wyoming Football in 2017-18 was estimated at $159 million.
The 2016-17 year began when Wyoming earned the right to host the 2016 Mountain West Football Championship Game by winning the Mountain Division and being the highest ranked team in the conference to end the regular season. The Cowboys defeated two Top 25 teams along the way, were named the National Team of the Week by the Football Writers Association of America for one of those wins and received votes themselves in the 2016 college football polls. The Pokes went on to post an 8-6 record and earn a bid to the 2016 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.
In the winter, Cowboy wrestling tied for 21st at the 2017 NCAA Championships, and Wyoming junior Bryce Meredith of Cheyenne placed fourth at 141 pounds and earned All-America honors for the second consecutive season. Meredith had finished as the national runner-up at 141 pounds the previous season as a sophomore in 2015-16.
A young Cowgirl basketball team captured a second-place finish in the Mountain West Conference for the 2016-17 season. The Cowgirls defeated then No. 15 ranked Colorado to conclude non-conference play. Wyoming proceeded to post a 22-10 overall record, and earned a Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) bid, advancing to the second round.
The spring season saw Cowgirl Tennis win a school record 18 matches, and post a perfect 10-0 home record. Wyoming was undefeated (5-0) in conference duals to win the Mountain Division. The Cowgirls advanced to the semifinals of the 2017 Mountain West Championships.
Cowboy golfer Ryan Wallen qualified for the 2017 NCAA Washington Regional, where he placed 38th.
Competitive Excellence
•Burman changed the course of Wyoming football in December 2013 when he hired Craig Bohl as head coach. Bohl had coached North Dakota State to three consecutive FCS National Championships in 2011, ‘12 and ‘13, was named National Coach of the Year in 2012 and ‘13 and was part of two FBS National Championship teams as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Nebraska, in 1995 and ‘97. He then hired Jay Sawvel in December of 2023, as Sawvel had served on Bohl's staff as defensive coordinator since 2020.
•The Cowboys have made seven bowl appearances during Burman’s tenure as athletics director. Wyoming won the 2009 New Mexico Bowl, earned a bid to the 2011 Gildan New Mexico Bowl, played in the 2016 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, won the 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, won the 2019 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl, won the 2021 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and appeared in the 2022 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl and one the same bowl in 2023.
•Burman help oversee Cowboy Basketball earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament in 2022 and the program's first top-25 ranking since 2014-15. He hird Sundance Wicks as the 23rd head coach in program history in May of 2024.
•In the spring of 2011, Burman hired Larry Shyatt away from his position as associate head coach at the University of Florida to return to Laramie and take over as head coach of Cowboy Basketball. Shyatt had been part of two National Championships with the Gators in 2006 and ‘07. Burman’s hiring of Shyatt received numerous positive reviews, including an “A” rating from ESPN.com. Of the 19 coaching hires that ESPN.com rated, Wyoming received one of only five “A” ratings. Shyatt’s 2015 team won the Mountain West Tournament title and earned an automatic NCAA Tournament bid.
•Cowgirl Basketball achieved a great deal of success under the direction of former head coach Joe Legerski. Wyoming won the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) National Championship in the 2006-07 season, defeating Wisconsin, 72-56, in the championship game before a sold-out crowd in Laramie. In 2007-08, the Cowgirls earned the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament berth. In the 2020-21 season under the direction of head coach Gerald Mattinson, the Cowgirls won the MW Tournament title and earned the program’s second NCAA Tournament bid in program history.
•Head wrestling coach Mark Branch was hired by Burman prior to the 2008-09 season. Branch was part of four NCAA Championships as associate head coach at his alma mater, Oklahoma State, and won two individual NCAA titles as a competitor at OSU in 1994 and ‘97. Wyoming wrestling joined the Big 12 Conference, beginning in the 2015-16 season. Branch has led the Cowboys to multiple years of success at the NCAA Championships.
•Current track and field coach Bryan Berryhill is a fifth UW head coach who has achieved a national title and was hired by Burman. Berryhill captured individual NCAA national championships in the indoor 1-mile run and outdoor 1,500-meter run in 2001 at Colorado State.
Academic Success
•Under Burman’s leadership, University of Wyoming teams have achieved unprecedented academic success, reaching historic levels of excellence in Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores, Academic All-Conference honorees, team grade-point averages and graduation rates.
•The most recent APR scores released in May 2024 saw 10 UW teams achieve perfect APR scores of 1,000 for the most recent academic year measured. All of Wyoming’s athletics teams far exceeded the multi-year NCAA benchmark score of 930.
•Cross country runner Katelyn Mitchem earned the NCAA Elite 90 honor at the 2022 NCAA Cross Country Championships as the top scholar-athlete participating at the championship. After completing the outdoor track and field season, Mitchem was also named the 2023 Mountain West Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
•In back-to-back NCAA Cross Country Championships in 2018 and 2019, Wyoming student-athlete Christopher Henry earned the NCAA Elite 90 Award at the NCAA Championships. That award goes to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals of one of the NCAA’s 90 national championships.
Revenue Generation/Facilities
• The Restore The War Campaign is currently ongoing at UW. The War Memorial Stadium renovation will aim to design the best fan experience, with a host of new amenities and gameday enhancements. When complete, the experience for fans in the lower west side will be dramatically different with improved seating, wider rows, and improved concessions, restrooms, and lighting. Furthermore, a renovation to the press box/media area will enhance the image of the university and the state as national media flock to UW to cover the Cowboys.
•Burman has spearheaded over $120 million in facilities projects during his time as athletics director, including: construction of a new $11 million Indoor Practice Facility (Fall 2007); construction of the $22 million Wildcatter Stadium Club & Suites addition to War Memorial Stadium (Fall 2010); extensive renovations to the east side of War Memorial Stadium; significant upgrades to the UniWyo Sports Complex for volleyball and wrestling; completion of a new $3 million Indoor Tennis Facility (Spring 2011); a new $1.2 million golf practice facility (Summer 2014); and Phase I and II of a $30 million renovation to the Arena-Auditorium that was completed in the fall of 2017.
•The new Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center was completed in the summer of 2018 and provides all UW student-athletes with a world-class training facility. The $44 million facility was funded by $24 million in private donations and $20 million in matching funds from the state of Wyoming that were allocated with the support from the Wyoming State Legislature and then Gov. Matt Mead.
•In November of 2017, the Cowboy Joe Club, the fundraising organization for the University of Wyoming Athletics Department, announced that it had reached the 5,000-member plateau, making it the largest annual athletics scholarship fund membership in the Mountain West Conference.
•Wyoming Athletics shattered its annual fundraising record in the 2015-16 fiscal year as $20.4 million in pledges and gifts were made to UW Athletics. That broke the previous record of $12.8 million in pledges and gifts to UW Athletics that was also set during Burman’s tenure as A.D. in the 2013-14 fiscal year.
•Cowboy Joe Club annual revenue grew from $2.1 million in 2006 to over $6 million as of the end of the 2017-18 fiscal year.
•In 2011, season-ticket sales for Wyoming Football surpassed the 10,000 season-ticket mark for the first time in school history. That 10,000 season-ticket milestone was reached for only the second time in 2017.
Before becoming A.D. at Wyoming, Burman had previously served as an Associate Athletics Director at UW from 1995-2000. His first position at his alma mater was as Associate Athletics Director for Development, serving as Executive Director of the Cowboy Joe Club from 1995-97. From 1997-2000, Burman was Wyoming’s Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs. During that time period, he was instrumental in raising funds for the $9.4 million Rochelle Athletics Center.
He served as Athletics Director at Portland State University from Sept. 2000 through March 2006. Burman returned to UW in March 2006 as Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement with the UW Foundation, before being selected by President Tom Buchanan as the eighth athletics director in UW history in October 2006.
Burman began his intercollegiate athletics career as Director of Marketing and Promotions (1993-95) at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. Before entering a career in college athletics, he worked as a project manager for the sports management company DeWilber & Associates in McLean, Va., from 1990-92.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wyoming in 1988 and an M.B.A. from Robert Morris University in Coraopolis, Pa., in 1991. Burman is 58 years old, born Jan. 4, 1966.
Tom Burman
2024-25 UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING HEAD COACHES
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING ATHLETICS
MISSION STATEMENT & GUIDING PRINCIPLES
MISSION STATEMENT
The University of Wyoming Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to the development of tomorrow’s leaders by creating an environment that promotes personal growth, academic and athletic excellence in a progressive, inclusive, and transparent manner. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will support the overall University of Wyoming mission, provide an outstanding fan experience, encourage community engagement, and serve as a source of pride for alumni, supporters, and the state of Wyoming.
CORE VALUES
Dedication to Student-Athletes
We will promote the well-being of student-athletes and provide opportunities for academic, athletic, and personal success. We will foster academic excellence, graduate student-athletes, support their development as citizens, and prepare them to be leaders.
Integrity
We will demonstrate integrity in all areas. We are dedicated to financial stability, rules compliance, diversity, and personal accountability.
Respect
We will celebrate a climate of mutual respect, inclusiveness, loyalty, and sportsmanship by recognizing contributions to our teams, our department, and the university.
Competitive Success
We will endeavor to be the very best when representing the University of Wyoming and our state. We are committed to providing the resources and personnel for our teams to achieve success.
Tradition
The legacy of the University of Wyoming athletics is proud and strong. We will honor our outstanding tradition.
Excellence
We believe in a spirit of comprehensive excellence. We will strive for excellence in all we do.
M ark B ranch Wrestling
J oe J ensen Director of Men’s and Women’s Golf
D ean c lower Women’s Tennis
J osey s ten D er Women’s Golf
B ryan B erryhill Men’s & Women’s Track&Field/CrossCountry
s un D ance w icks Men’s Basketball
D ave D enniston Men’s and Women’s SwimmingandDiving
