Blazer Victory Podcast

The 2026 UAB Position Preview Series concludes with a look at the secondary and special teams. Can Todd Grantham's secondary provide the coverage needed to unlock an aggressive defensive scheme? And can UAB's special teams quietly become a difference-maker by winning the hidden-yardage battle? In Episode 4, we discuss: Why the secondary may hold the key to Grantham's defensive philosophy. The outlook for UAB's cornerbacks and safeties heading into fall camp. How the pass defense can bounce back after a challenging 2025 season. The impact of Jonah Delange, Badger Hargett, and the special teams units. Biggest strengths and concerns entering the 2026 season. Join Jimmy Marion, John Duncan, and former UAB offensive lineman Darion Smith as they wrap up the Position Preview Series and look ahead to what could define the Blazers' defense this fall. ⬇️ Let us know in the comments: Which position group are you most confident in heading into the 2026 season? #UAB #UABFootball #BlazerVictory #AmericanConference #CollegeFootball #GoBlazers

The 2026 UAB Position Preview Series continues with a look at the Blazers' front seven. Can Todd Grantham's defensive line generate the disruption UAB has been missing? Will the linebacker room provide the leadership, communication, and physicality needed to anchor the defense? In Episode 3, we discuss: Why improving the pass rush may be one of the biggest keys to UAB's season. New additions and returning talent along the defensive line. The outlook for the linebacker room and its role in Grantham's scheme. Statistical trends from recent seasons. Biggest strengths, concerns, and bold predictions heading into fall camp. As always, we're joined by former UAB offensive lineman Darion Smith and Blazer Victory's John Duncan to provide analysis and perspective as we preview the 2026 season. ⬇️ Let us know in the comments: Can UAB's front seven become the strength of this football team in 2026? #UAB #UABFootball #BlazerVictory #AmericanConference #CollegeFootball #GoBlazers

Can Ryder Burton and UAB’s passing attack take the next step in 2026? Episode 2 of our 2026 UAB Position Preview Series shifts the focus to the quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends. Jimmy Marion, Darion Smith, and John Duncan break down the players, position battles, returning production, transfer additions, and why the success of UAB’s aerial attack could determine just how high the Blazers can climb this season. 🏈 Topics include: * Ryder Burton’s development entering Year 2 as the starter * The quarterback room behind Burton * Can UAB’s wide receivers become one of the American’s most improved groups? * Impact newcomers and returning playmakers * The role of the tight ends in Alex Mortensen’s offense * Predictions and expectations for the 2026 season If you missed Episode 1, be sure to check out our breakdown of the offensive line and running backs. Stay tuned as our 2026 UAB Position Preview Series continues with in-depth looks at the defense and special teams leading up to kickoff. 💬 What position group are you most confident in entering the 2026 season? Let us know in the comments! 👍 Like the video, subscribe to Blazer Victory, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the rest of the series

Can the offensive line and running back room become the foundation of UAB’s offense in 2026? That’s the question we’re answering in Episode 1 of our 2026 UAB Football Position Preview Series. Jimmy Marion, Darion Smith, and John Duncan take an in-depth look at the Blazers’ offensive line and running back room, discussing returning starters, transfer additions, position battles, depth, leadership, and why these two position groups could ultimately determine UAB’s ceiling this season. 🏈 Topics include: * Can the offensive line become a strength? * Adam Lepkowski’s importance to the offense * Competition along the offensive line * Rod Robinson and the running back room * Why UAB’s backfield may be one of the deepest in the American * Predictions for the 2026 season Be sure to subscribe as our Position Preview Series continues with quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends, defense, and special teams leading into the start of the 2026 season.

Welcome back to the Blazer Victory Podcast! On this episode, John Duncan, Darion Smith, and Jimmy Marion are joined by Darrien Starling, one of the fastest-growing independent voices covering the American Conference. A former UTSA football player and creator of the Before Saturday Substack, Darrien shares his unique perspective on the state of the AAC, explaining how coaching, roster continuity, resources, revenue sharing, and administration are reshaping college football. We discuss: * Why the American Conference is more competitive than ever * Which teams are legitimate championship contenders * Sleepers and surprise teams for the 2026 season * How Darrien evaluates teams in the transfer portal era * Why continuity matters more than ever in college football * UAB’s outlook entering the 2026 season * What the Blazers must overcome to exceed expectations * Why the American remains the premier Group of Six conference * + Before Saturday’s AD Survey and Darrien’s Initial Interaction w/ the UAB Administration Whether you’re a UAB fan or simply follow the American Conference, this episode provides an in-depth look at one of the most unpredictable seasons the league has seen. Be sure to subscribe to Darrien’s Before Saturday Substack for outstanding American Conference coverage and follow him on X: ➡️ https://x.com/DarrienStarling ⸻ 🏈 Follow Blazer Victory 🌐 Website: https://blazervictory.com 🐉 X: https://x.com/BlazerVictory 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/BlazerVictory 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/BlazerVictory 🎙️ Support Blazer Victory Join our Patreon for exclusive podcasts, recruiting coverage, film breakdowns, and bonus content: https://patreon.com/BlazerVictory If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment with your predictions for the 2026 American Conference season. Which team do you think will win the AC?

The guys take a look at the daunting schedule and give predictions at the end.

Help support Blazer Victory by subscribing to our Patreon page HERE. Becoming a Patreon supporter helps support Blazer Victory’s continued coverage of UAB athletics and gives you access to exclusive podcast episodes each month. We also offer an annual Patreon membership for a discount.

 

Darion and Jimmy recap UAB football's spring game.

Help support Blazer Victory by subscribing to our Patreon page HERE. Becoming a Patreon supporter helps support Blazer Victory’s continued coverage of UAB athletics and gives you access to exclusive podcast episodes each month. We also offer an annual Patreon membership for a discount.

 

In this episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast, the guys get to talk with UAB Football Head Coach Alex Mortensen about how spring practice is going. This episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast is brought to you by Cahaba Brewing Company. Make sure to go to Cahaba’s website HERE and visit their taproom.

Help support Blazer Victory by subscribing to our Patreon page HERE. Becoming a Patreon supporter helps support Blazer Victory’s continued coverage of UAB athletics and gives you access to exclusive podcast episodes each month. We also offer an annual Patreon membership for a discount.

In this episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast, the guys give their thoughts on the UAB basketball budget problem.

This episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast is brought to you by Cahaba Brewing Company. Make sure to go to Cahaba’s website HERE and visit their taproom.

Help support Blazer Victory by subscribing to our Patreon page HERE. Becoming a Patreon supporter helps support Blazer Victory’s continued coverage of UAB athletics and gives you access to exclusive podcast episodes each month. We also offer an annual Patreon membership for a discount.

In this episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast, the guys talk about what's it going to take for UAB basketball to take home another trophy. Watch the episode below and please SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel.

This episode of the Blazer Victory Podcast is brought to you by Cahaba Brewing Company. Make sure to go to Cahaba’s website HERE and visit their taproom.

Help support Blazer Victory by subscribing to our Patreon page HERE. Becoming a Patreon supporter helps support Blazer Victory’s continued coverage of UAB athletics and gives you access to exclusive podcast episodes each month. We also offer an annual Patreon membership for a discount.