Utah Tech Trailblazer football opened its 2026 fall camp on Wednesday, July 29, at Greater Zion Stadium, marking the beginning of the program's inaugural season in the Big Sky Conference. Under third-year head coach Lance Anderson, the team began a 15-practice schedule and two scrimmages to prepare for its season opener against Montana State.
### Coaching and Team Development
Entering his third season at the helm, head coach Lance Anderson noted that the team has shown measurable improvement. Speaking to the Fan Sports Network on Aug. 1, Anderson observed that the squad appeared more athletic and physical during the early stages of camp.
"We're getting better," Anderson said, noting the team's increased execution level during the third day of summer camp. He remarked that while he cannot yet predict how these improvements will translate to wins, the work ethic of the players is evident. Anderson's tenure has seen the program transition through a 2-10 record last season and a 1-11 record during his first year.
Anderson emphasized that the move to the Big Sky Conference, which includes in-state rivals Southern Utah and Weber State, represents a premier opportunity for the university. "This is the premier FCS football conference in the country," Anderson said. "We have a great opportunity to be a part of it and it's just great for our university as a whole."
### Quarterback Competition
One of the most critical battles during the 2026 fall camp is the competition for the starting quarterback position. Coach Anderson identified three qualified candidates vying for the role: junior Bronson Barbon, junior college transfer CJ Tiller, and fifth-year senior Deacon Hill.
Barbon, who served as the primary quarterback for much of the previous season, brings significant experience to the competition. Hill, who started for the Trailblazers two years ago before a season-ending injury, is returning after missing the entire 2025 campaign. Tiller joined the program via transfer from Utah State and previously played for Boise State.
"All three of them have strengths and they all have their weaknesses," Anderson said regarding the group. He noted that the coaching staff hopes to name a definitive starter before the season opener on Aug. 29, which will serve as a vital gauge for the team's readiness against top-tier competition.
### Roster Depth and Newcomers
Utah Tech enters the 2026 season with a roster of 115 players, including 60 returning letter winners and redshirts. Of those returnees, 13 are returning starters, including seven on offense and seven on defense. The roster also includes 55 newcomers, consisting of 10 four-year transfers, 12 junior college transfers, and 33 freshmen.
Anderson highlighted the increased depth across the roster compared to previous years, specifically pointing to the cornerback position as a strength. He identified Brevin Czosnyka, Quincy Lejay, River Moore, and Jeremiah Jimoh as key contributors in the secondary.
Additionally, Anderson noted strength in the running back room, citing Ace Chatman, Junior Curtis, and Kona Crowell as developing options. Chatman enters the season after rushing for 536 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games last year, leading the team with 713 all-purpose yards.
### Defensive and Special Teams Standouts
On the defensive side, sophomore inside linebacker Daylen Love returns following a breakout freshman season in 2025, where he recorded 60 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks. Senior outside linebacker Will Alovao also returns, having led the defense last season with 8.5 tackles for loss and 33 total tackles.
Other key returning defensive contributors include fifth-year starters Fasitootai Sagapolu and Brevin Czosnyka. The defensive secondary is further bolstered by juniors Jeremiah Jimoh and River Moore, as well as inside linebacker Moe Passi.
On special teams, senior punter Ryan Marks returns after a record-breaking 2025 season. Marks, who was named to the 2026 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Third Team, set Utah Tech's single-season and career records in punt yardage last year, averaging 46.4 yards per punt.
