Birmingham, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The UAB Blazers are set to kick off their football season against the Alabama State Hornets at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium. Under the leadership of Coach Trent Dilfer, the Blazers aim to improve from last year’s disappointing performance, bolstered by a revamped roster featuring numerous new players. The game will highlight key matchups, including UAB’s Corri Milliner against ASU’s Keane Lewis. Fans can watch the game live on ESPN+ or listen to WJOX 94.5 FM for commentary.
Birmingham Set to Host UAB Blazers Versus Alabama State Hornets in 2025 Football Season Opener
The UAB Blazers football team will kick off their 2025 season at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. CT, facing off against the Alabama State Hornets. After a disappointing previous season that ended with a 3-9 record, the Blazers are looking to turn things around under head coach Trent Dilfer, who is entering his third year at the helm. This season, UAB anticipates significant changes, including a revamped roster featuring 49 new players, 31 of whom are college transfers.
As the Blazers prepare for their upcoming game, they will enter with a steadily changing lineup. Only three starters return from last season: quarterback Jalen Kitna, right guard JonDarius Morgan, and safety Sirad Byrant. A key matchup to watch will be between UAB’s receiver Corri Milliner, regarded as the team’s biggest home-run threat, and Alabama State defensive back Keane Lewis. Lewis is the sole returning starter on an ASU defense that led the SWAC in both yards and points allowed per game last season, earning him first-team All-SWAC honors and a spot on the Aeneas Williams Award watchlist.
Milliner concluded last season with 24 receptions for 416 yards and three touchdowns, including a stellar finish in his last three games. As UAB’s offensive line integrates several new transfers, including Brandon Sneh (left tackle), Calib Perez (left guard), Adam Lepkowski (center), and Logan Moore (right tackle), JonDarius Morgan remains the only returning lineman.
In the quarterback position for Alabama State, Andrew Body returns from a season-ending shoulder injury that sidelined him for most of last season. In the one game he played last year, Body showcased his dual-threat abilities, having previously passed for 1,815 yards and 13 touchdowns along with 578 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in his full season. This dynamic could pose a challenge for the UAB defensive lineup, which does not return any starters from last year’s front six but contains five experienced seniors.
Alabama State will need to address the departure of star defensive end Treqwan Thomas, who recorded ten sacks last season, as they seek to improve on their recent history against FBS opponents. The Hornets maintain an overall record of 0-12 against such teams. Historically, the matchup between UAB and ASU is tied at 2-2, with UAB claiming victory in both meetings since moving to FBS.
As for predictions, UAB is favored to dominate the game with a projected score of 41-7 against Alabama State. Fans who cannot attend in person can catch the live stream on ESPN+ or listen via WJOX 94.5 FM, with commentary provided by Doug Sherman, Dave Steckel, and Marie Trivelpiece for ESPN+, and David Crane, Bryant Turner, and Landrum Roberts for WJOX.
Game Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | August 28, 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM CT |
| Venue | Protective Stadium, Birmingham |
| UAB Last Season Record | 3-9 |
| New Players on UAB Roster | 49 (31 transfers) |
| Returning Starters for UAB | 3 (Kitna, Morgan, Byrant) |
| ASU Last Season Defense Ranking | 1st in SWAC for yards and points allowed |
| Historic Matchup Record | 2-2, UAB winning last two meetings |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the UAB Blazers vs. Alabama State Hornets game?
The game is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM CT.
Where will the game be held?
The game will take place at Protective Stadium in Birmingham.
What are UAB’s prospects for this season?
UAB aims to improve from last season’s 3-9 record with a re-tooled roster that includes many new players.
Who are the key players to watch in the game?
Key players include UAB receiver Corri Milliner and ASU safety Keane Lewis.
How can fans watch or listen to the game?
Fans can stream the game on ESPN+ or listen on WJOX 94.5 FM.
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Additional Resources
- UAB Sports: UAB Hosts Alabama State for Season Opener
- AL.com: Scouting Report UAB vs. Alabama State
- Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama State vs UAB Streaming Info
- WBRC: UAB Football Releases 2025 Schedule
- UAB Sports: Premium Fan Experiences Announced
- Wikipedia: UAB Blazers
- Google Search: UAB Blazers football
- Google Scholar: UAB football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UAB Blazers
- Google News: UAB Blazers Alabama State
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
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