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Jay Sawvel Likes What He Sees as Wyoming Begins 2026 Fall Camp

Jay Sawvel. Photo courtesy of UW Athletics
Jay Sawvel. Photo courtesy of UW Athletics

LARAMIE, Wyo. - The University of Wyoming officially opened fall camp Wednesday. Third-year head coach Jay Sawvel said the energy surrounding his football team was evident from the moment players arrived.


"This team was really excited to get on the field. So that's a big positive right away," Sawvel said following the Cowboys' first practice of the 2026 season. "…From walk-through this morning, to meetings, to everything about it."


After an offseason centered around rebuilding Wyoming's roster, reshaping its offense and improving the team's overall athleticism, Sawvel said the Cowboys have already made measurable gains before camp began.

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Article Continues Below

"We're all a lot better-looking football team in a number of positions," Sawvel said.


"There's been 720 pounds of muscle gained in this program since January," he said. "We do all these scans, body fats and all that, and we've lost 400 pounds of fat. This football team's in a good spot."

Sawvel also liked what he saw during the opening workout.


"I thought today's practice tempo-wise was good," he said. "I think our players have done a good job through the course of the offseason too of keeping up with what we need to be doing offensively and defensively. And that showed today as well."


Injury Report


Sawvel also provided several significant injury updates.


Junior offensive lineman Brandt Rice will miss time after suffering a broken ankle.


"Brandt Rice will be out for a period of time. He's got a broken ankle… he did that in a moped accident this summer."


Freshman quarterback Taylor Hasselbeck underwent surgery Tuesday after tearing his ACL during a summer workout.


"Taylor Hasselbeck tore his ACL in a summer drill," Sawvel said. "He had surgery yesterday."


Sawvel added that while Hasselbeck faces a lengthy rehabilitation, the prognosis was encouraging.

"As far as that injury goes, this was the best-case scenario for it."


Several other players remain on track to return later this season.


Sawvel said West Virginia transfer defensive lineman Diore Hubbard is expected to begin practicing sometime in September, while offensive lineman Jake Davies is likely on a similar timetable.


"The hope would be that both of those guys are full go for us when we get to conference play."


He also noted that veteran offensive lineman Chandler Donaway was absent from practice while attending to personal matters in Texas.

Sims Healthy Again


One of the biggest positive developments entering camp is the return of quarterback Landon Sims. He was seen during spring ball working out on the sidelines.


"From the look of it, he's healthy."


Sawvel said Sims posted his fastest recorded speed this summer.


"Landon hit a better top speed this summer than he ever did last summer. So... that's pretty impressive."


Sims also makes an impact inside the locker room.


"Everybody loves Landon Sims in this program. They love him because of how hard he works and how much he cares and how much he's invested in it."


Camp Just Beginning


Sawvel stressed that every position remains open as the Cowboys prepare for the season opener. From QB and on down the line, everyone is going to be earning their spot.


"There's going to be a battle for everything that we do."


As the first day of fall camp winds down, Sawvel expressed optimism.


Sawvel liked what he saw.


"This football team's in a good spot."




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