• Digital Preview | Preseason Release | Media Day Recap
After winning the OVC Championship last season, UT Martin was picked the 2022 OVC preseason favorite.
The 2022 season marks the 17th for head coach
Jason Simpson who moved into fourth place in OVC history with 100 career wins a season ago. He hit the century mark with a win over Missouri State in the First Round of the FCS Playoffs. Overall Simpson is one of just 16 coaches in league history to coach 10 or more seasons at the same school.
Although the team has to replace OVC Offensive Player of the Year Keon Howard at quarterback, and first-team All-OVC running back Peyton Logan, the team has plenty of returning firepower. That includes another first-team running back in
Zak Wallace (807 yards, 15 touchdowns) and wide receiver
Colton Dowell (22 catches, 398 yards, 2 touchdowns), along with three offensive linemen -
Matthan Hatchie,
Gavin Olson and
Lamar Morgan - who were selected to the Preseason All-OVC squad.
Defensively the team returns graduate linebacker
John H. Ford II (88 tackles, 4 interceptions, 1 forced fumble), who was named the Preseason OVC Defensive Player of the Year, and safety
Deven Sims (93 tackles, 1 interception) who earned the same honor from Lindy's magazine.
BELOW VIDEOS
UT Martin Live From Media Day
Head Coach Jason Simpson
WR Colton Dowell
LB John H. Ford II