Alex Mortensen Hopes to See UAB Respond to Adversity vs. Illinois, Plus 3 More Week 1 Takeaways

Alex Mortensen hopes to see UAB respond to adversity vs. Illinois, plus 3 more Week 1 takeaways

Alex Mortensen characterizes all first games as difficult, particularly in today’s college football climate. UAB’s week one challenge is daunting — traveling to face Big Ten opponent Illinois, coming off a 9-win season, on a short week. And it’s compounded by the fact that Illinois has several transfers expected to start — including quarterback Katin Houser.

Back in Big Ten, Katin Houser all-in at Illinois, opens with UAB

With just seven returning starters from its nine-win team, Illinois has plenty of questions to answer during Thursday's opener against UAB in Champaign, Ill.Can East Carolina transfer Katin Houser live up to the quarterbacking standards Luke Altmyer se...

UAB Opens 2026 Season Thursday Night at Illinois - UAB Athletics

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – UAB Football opens the 2026 season and the first full campaign under head coach Alex Mortensen on Thursday night as the Blazers travel to Champaign to face Illinois. Kickoff from Gies Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network.