Former five-star quarterback finally earns the top job for the Miners
The wait is over in El Paso. After months of speculation, former five-star recruit Malachi Nelson has officially been named the starting quarterback for the UTEP Miners, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. It’s the first time in his college career that Nelson enters a season as QB1, and it comes after a winding road filled with transfers, setbacks, and high expectations.
Nelson time at Los Alamitos High School in California saw him become one of the most decorated prospects in the nation. He was the No. 11 overall recruit in the 2023 class, ranked as the fifth-best quarterback. Twice named Gatorade California Player of the Year, his rise was meteoric. But college football doesn’t always follow the script.
From USC to Boise State: Waiting His Turn
Nelson’s first stop was USC, where he signed to play for head coach Lincoln Riley. The Trojans, however, already had Caleb Williams under center, who was a Heisman winner and eventual No. 1 NFL draft pick. Nelson appeared in just one game, redshirting before transferring out in search of playing time.
At Boise State, Nelson found himself in another battle. This time he lost the job to Maddux Madsen, who went on to help lead the Broncos to the College Football Playoff. Nelson saw limited action again, attempting just 20 passes across his career to that point.
A Crowded Room at UTEP
When Nelson arrived at UTEP in January, it looked like the fresh start he needed. But even then, the path wasn’t easy. He came out of the spring buried on the depth chart, appearing to be the fourth quarterback in a five-man race. Fall camp, however, brought opportunity.
Head coach Scotty Walden gave Nelson more first-team reps, and the former five-star made them count. His talent began to shine as camp progressed, and he separated himself from returning starter Skyler Locklear, Shay Smith, Cade McConnell, and true freshman Chad Warner.
A New Chapter Begins
Now, with Utah State looming in the season opener on Aug. 30, Nelson finally steps into the role many projected for him years ago. It’s a chance to reset his career and prove that his early hype wasn’t misplaced.
For UTEP, Nelson’s arm talent and poise could spark a turnaround for a program hungry to compete in Conference USA. For Nelson, it’s an opportunity to write his own story, not one defined by what could have been, but by what comes next.
The Miners believe they’ve found their leader. Now, it’s Nelson’s chance to show he was worth the wait.
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