Featured Image: Junior running back Tommy Ansley (39) pushes through the defense during the UT Martin vs. Central Arkansas football game on Aug. 27, 2026, at Hardy M. Graham Stadium in Martin, Tennessee. (Pacer Photo/ Kaniya Anthony)
College football has returned, and with that, the UT Martin Skyhawks opened their season at home against the Central Arkansas Bears.
The opening drive for the Skyhawks went south as graduate quarterback Julian Calvez, a transfer from Grambling State University, threw an interception on the second play of the game.
The passing defense struggled after the first defensive drive for the Skyhawks, allowing Bears sophomore quarterback Donovyn Omolo to find quick options. The rushing defense held their own until late second-half struggles.
The first score for the Skyhawks came in the form of a pick-six by sophomore safety Trey Cotton after a tip from another defensive back. This was the first pick-six for the Skyhawks since Oct. 26, 2024, and the first and only interception thrown by Omolo on the night.
Just minutes later, Central Arkansas was able to answer with an eight-yard passing touchdown from Omolo to redshirt freshman tight end Kealen Juniel. The point after touchdown (PAT) was blocked by the Skyhawks, marking one of two PATs that were blocked. The Skyhawks lead 7-6 after the first quarter.
To start the second quarter, the Skyhawks increased their lead with a field goal from sophomore kicker Brandon Sims, making the score 10-6.
With just under six minutes remaining in the first half, Central Arkansas found their first lead of the game on a three-yard rush from sophomore tight end Que Tillman to make the score 13-10. UT Martin answered with a seven-yard rush from junior running back Tommy Ansley, marking his first of two touchdowns on the night, making the lead 17-13.
With 27 seconds remaining in the first half, Central Arkansas scored on a 19-yard pass from Omolo to senior wide receiver Arlie Lee to regain the lead, despite the second blocked PAT of the night.
The special teams unit shined for UT Martin in the first half. The Skyhawks only allowed 28 total return yards, split 14 on punts and 14 on kickoffs.
Early in the third quarter, Omolo was able to find Lee once again, this time on a 51-yard pass, to put the Skyhawks down two scores. Following the touchdown from Lee, the Bears scored a field goal by redshirt sophomore kicker Caleb Jones to make the lead 26-17.
Just when the fans in the stands and the players on the sideline thought they were out of it, the Skyhawks were able to find the end zone on a 24-yard rush from Ansley’s second touchdown of the night.
With the score at 29-24 in Central Arkansas’ favor, UT Martin had a momentum shift with just under 10 minutes remaining. However, the Bears would go on to score one last time on a 27-yard rush from redshirt sophomore running back Jalen Washington, with the final score being 36-24.
The Skyhawks had obvious struggles on third down, only converting three out of 11 times while allowing the Bears to convert 10 out of 15 times.
“We got to make more plays and be more explosive, and we got to get off the field on third downs,” said Skyhawks Head Coach Jason Simpson.
In Calvez’s first start for the Skyhawks, he recorded 13 completions on 24 attempts with zero touchdowns and two interceptions, along with 37 rushing yards. On top of his two touchdowns, Ansley also added 61 yards on 10 carries.
Leading the defense for the Skyhawks was Cotton, with one forced fumble and eight total tackles on top of his pick-six.
The next opponent for the Skyhawks is the Chicago State Cougars, the first meeting of the two on the gridiron, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at Hardy Graham Stadium in Martin, Tennessee.
