By Mark Pszonak
Only two years ago, Malachi Nelson was a five-star recruit who was touted to be the next great quarterback at USC. Now, already at his third school, Nelson is trying to rejuvenate his career at UTEP.
First day of spring practice, first media availability with UTEP football prized transfer Malachi Nelson.
“I’m gonna bring a work ethic that is unmatched and I'm gonna bring a winning attitude. Losing is not in me. don't like to lose. I hate losing. I don't plan on losing, so,… pic.twitter.com/0GWMJQhWPR
— Adrian Broaddus (@AdrianBroaddus) March 17, 2025
As a true freshman in 2023, Nelson redshirted while playing in one game with the Trojans. He then transferred to Boise State, where he lost the starting job to Maddux Madsen during summer camp and ended up playing in only three games. With Maddux returning, Nelson once again hit the portal. Now he is at UTEP, not only trying to jumpstart his career, but also a Miners’ program that has gone 11-25 over the last three seasons.
However, Nelson won’t be handed the job at UTEP. The Miners are also returning their starter, Skyler Locklear, while Cade McConnell, who also saw time as a starter, is also back but missing the spring after wrist surgery. While both return, neither excelled during a 3-9 season. Combined, the two passed for 2,123 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
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This is likely a do-or-die season for Nelson. He doesn’t need to produce a Heisman caliber season, but needs to prove that he is a viable FBS quarterback. If he accomplishes this, it is quite possible that he transfers back to the P4 level, but if he flounders, he may be on the verge of being added to the long list of five-star high school quarterbacks who didn’t meet expectations.
