Malachi Nelson Takes the Helm as UTEP’s Starting Quarterback

The former five-star quarterback, Malachi Nelson, has been named UTEP’s starter ahead of the Miners’ week one clash against Utah State, sources reveal.

Nelson, the redshirt sophomore, triumphed over returning players Cade McConnell and Skyler Locklear for the spot. This opportunity marks a pivotal moment for Nelson, who is now tasked with leading an offensive unit striving for improvement after a lackluster 3-9 season under coach Scotty Walden.

The Journey

Nelson’s road to this moment has been anything but straightforward. His tenure began at USC in 2023, where he redshirted behind high-profile players Caleb Williams and Miller Moss. He later transferred to Boise State, but found himself on the sideline once again, losing out to Maddux Madsen.

Now, he has landed at UTEP, a program that has seen limited success in the past decade but is looking for rejuvenation. As he gets his shot, fans are eagerly watching to see if Nelson can fulfill the high hopes once placed upon him.

Expectation and Reality

While he has yet to make a significant impact on the field, with only a handful of passes logged over two years, his agent Justin Giangrande emphasized the importance of this moment, stating: “This is a huge moment for Malachi, one that’s incredibly well-earned.”

As UTEP begins its season, the spotlight is firmly on Nelson and how he will handle the challenges ahead, especially with expectations to revive the momentum that has eluded the program.

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