Former Hawkeye Kaleb Brown Emerges as UAB's Top Target in 2026

Former Iowa Hawkeye wide receiver Kaleb Brown is now the most experienced pass catcher on the UAB Blazers roster, stepping into a leading role as the program enters a full rebuild under first-year head coach Alex Mortensen. After a turbulent stretch that saw the firing of head coach Trent Dilfer midway through last season, UAB is starting over, and Brown's presence gives the Blazers at least one proven option in the passing game.

What Led to UAB's Coaching Change?

UAB football has had more than its share of upheaval. The program returned from a self-imposed hiatus in 2017 and found success under Bill Clark, who won 43 games in five years. Bryant Vincent took over after Clark retired, going 7-6 with a bowl victory, but the administration opted for a bigger name.

That name was Trent Dilfer, the former NFL quarterback turned high school coach. The move coincided with UAB's transition from Conference USA to the American Athletic Conference. It did not go well. Dilfer posted a 9-21 record before being dismissed midway through last season, and offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen was promoted to the top job.

Now, Mortensen has the chance to build the program his way. It will not be a quick fix, but the foundation starts now.

Can Former Iowa Receiver Kaleb Brown Step Up?

Brown's journey has taken him from Ohio State to Iowa and now to Birmingham. During his two years with the Hawkeyes, he caught 23 passes. Last season at UAB, he hauled in 17 receptions for 255 yards and two touchdowns.

Those numbers may not jump off the page, but context matters. UAB lost its top four wide receivers from last season, including Iverson Hooks, who transferred to Oregon, and Xavier Daisy, who left for Kentucky. Hooks alone accounted for 72 catches, 927 yards, and seven touchdowns.

Brown is the only returning Blazer with meaningful experience at receiver. None of the incoming transfers bring appreciable production either. If UAB's passing game is going to work, Brown has to be the one who makes it go.

How Does the Rest of the Offense Look?

The quarterback position appears settled. Starter Jalen Kitna is gone, but Ryder Burton returns after throwing seven touchdowns against five interceptions last season. Nate Rogers is also back as a reserve option.

The offensive line brings back guard Calib Perez and center Adam Lepkowski, while adding tackle transfers Keyon Cox from Oregon State and Cooper Young from West Virginia for depth.

The running game could be a real strength. UAB went 3-0 in games where it hit the 200-yard mark on the ground, including a stunning upset over Memphis. The backfield has been reinforced through the portal. Rod Robinson, a 6-foot-1, 235-pound bruiser from Georgia, joins Ja'Vin Simpkins from Coastal Carolina, who nearly hit 600 rushing yards last year, and Bam McReynolds from ULM, who topped 600 yards on the ground.

Even with significant roster turnover, expect the Blazers to push for over 400 yards per game offensively.

What Needs to Change on Defense?

Everything. UAB allowed 38.3 points per game last season, a number bettered only by UMass among all FBS teams. The Blazers gave up 42 or more points five times and allowed fewer than 24 points in zero games.

The pass defense was historically bad. UAB surrendered 9.7 yards per attempt and posted a defensive passer rating of 176.3, the worst in college football since Akron's abbreviated 2020 season. Third down was equally grim, with opponents converting 49 percent of their attempts, one of the worst rates in the country.

New defensive coordinator Todd Grantham brings serious credentials. He spent last year at Oklahoma State, has NFL coaching experience, and spent most of his career in the SEC. Grantham's presence should help stabilize a unit that desperately needs direction.

The Blazers loaded up on edge rushers in the portal. Marlin Dean arrives from Georgia State as a hybrid pass rusher who could make an immediate impact. Tylin Jackson from Eastern Washington and Blanche Gold from Morgan State add further depth on the edge. Inside, Boston College transfer Sterling Sanders at 305 pounds and fellow former BC lineman Nigel Tate at 330 pounds bring much-needed size.

Which Transfer Portal Moves Matter Most?

UAB needed a roster overhaul, and the coaching staff was aggressive in pursuing it. The secondary received particular attention, with multiple additions aimed at fixing last year's glaring issues.

The best addition is Marlin Dean, the edge rusher from Georgia State. At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds with two years of experience, Dean has the size and skill to be a disruptive force. He started at Utah State before moving to Georgia State, where he recorded 32 tackles, a sack, and three tackles for loss last season.

The biggest loss is wide receiver Iverson Hooks, who followed a 72-catch, 927-yard season with a transfer to Oregon. His departure leaves a void that Brown and the rest of the receiving corps must fill.

What Is the Season Outlook for UAB?

The coaching staff is improved, but the overall talent level likely is not sufficient to make a serious run in the American Athletic Conference. Fortunately for UAB, the league is not overwhelmingly deep, and the Blazers avoid Army and Tulane, the two projected conference frontrunners.

The defense should be better simply by default, but it lacks the veterans and proven playmakers needed for a dramatic turnaround. The offense was not the primary problem last season; it just could not outscore the defensive breakdowns.

Look for UAB to win at home against ULM, Samford, and Charlotte. There should be at least one upset along the way, similar to the Memphis shocker last year. A five-win season is possible if everything breaks right, but a 4-8 finish appears more realistic.

This is a foundation year. Mortensen needs time to establish his culture, bring in his players, and build a program that can compete consistently. By next season, things should look more settled in Birmingham.

Will UAB Football Turn Things Around in 2026?

A full turnaround is unlikely this season given the roster turnover and defensive deficiencies. However, the coaching upgrade from Dilfer to Mortensen, combined with Grantham's arrival on defense, gives the Blazers a more competent foundation. Progress will be measured in competitiveness, not necessarily in the win column.

What Role Does Former Hawkeye Kaleb Brown Play?

Brown is the de facto number one receiver by default. With the top four pass catchers from last season gone, his 17 receptions make him the most experienced returning option. Iowa fans who followed Brown during his time in Iowa City will want to watch how he handles being the primary target in a rebuilding offense.