EJ Colson emerging as an alpha for UTEP

Quarterback transfer from Incarnate Word looks to elevate Miners' offense in 2026

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:23pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the dynamic movements and energy of a quarterback in action, the player's face and details obscured in the energetic composition.Colson's dynamic playmaking ability and leadership are poised to elevate UTEP's offense in 2026.El Paso Today

After struggling with quarterback play in 2025, UTEP has brought in three new signal-callers for the upcoming season, headlined by transfer EJ Colson from Incarnate Word. As the Miners go through spring practices, Colson has stood out with his improved understanding of the offense and his immediate leadership presence in the locker room, positioning himself to potentially take over as the team's starting quarterback.

Why it matters

UTEP's quarterback play was a major weakness in 2025, and the team is hoping that adding new talent at the position, particularly with an experienced transfer like Colson, will help elevate the offense and give the Miners a better chance to compete in Conference USA this fall.

The details

Colson, who started his career at UCF before playing last season at UIW, has impressed UTEP head coach Scotty Walden with his quick grasp of the team's fast-paced offense and his ability to make pre-snap reads and adjustments. Walden noted that Colson has already displayed leadership qualities that the team has been lacking at the quarterback position, jumping right in as the 'alpha dog' in the locker room.

  • UTEP has five more spring practices remaining, including the team's spring game on April 18, 2026.
  • The 2026 season will be Walden's third year as UTEP's head coach.

The players

EJ Colson

A transfer quarterback from Incarnate Word who is looking to take over as the starter for UTEP in 2026 after the team struggled at the position in 2025.

Scotty Walden

The third-year head coach of the UTEP Miners, who has made improving the quarterback play and reducing turnovers a top priority heading into the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“I am understanding the offense more and more. I always say I have to be able to teach it to know it. So, I need to understand what everyone is doing from the left tackle to the Z receiver.”

— EJ Colson, UTEP Quarterback

“There was a check that EJ made on Monday that took a quarterback from my past two years to make.”

— Scotty Walden, UTEP Head Coach

“Coach Walden wants to go fast, fast, fast. It is about understanding that we don't want the defense to get set, but we also have to make the right decisions with the ball. We have to move fast, but everything around us needs to move slow.”

— EJ Colson, UTEP Quarterback

“I think our team is craving an alpha dog at quarterback to lead our locker room. In a situation before, we had a transfer come in and he waited until he got the respect of the locker room before taking over as the alpha. EJ situation has been different. While no one has been named the starter, he has jumped right into the pool. I think that is what we need.”

— Scotty Walden, UTEP Head Coach

What’s next

Colson and the Miners will continue their spring practices, culminating in the team's spring game on April 18, 2026. Walden will use the remaining practices and the spring game to further evaluate the quarterback competition and determine who will be the starter heading into the 2026 season.

The takeaway

UTEP's struggles at quarterback in 2025 highlighted the need for an upgrade at the position, and the addition of transfer EJ Colson appears to be providing the team with the leadership and playmaking ability they were lacking. If Colson can continue to impress throughout the spring and solidify himself as the starting QB, it could be a significant boost for the Miners as they look to improve upon their 2025 campaign.