- Fred Wendt set the NCAA’s single-season rushing record in 1948 and held that spot for 20 years.
- Aaron Jones is UTEP’s all-time leading rusher.
- Trevor Vittatoe holds several UTEP records, including passing yards, passing touchdowns, total yards, and total touchdowns.
The UTEP Miners football program played its first season in 1914. Since 2005, they’ve competed in Conference USA.
However, starting in 2026, they’ll become a member of the Mountain West Conference.
For now, and when they become a member of the MWC, football betting on their NCAAF odds will always be available at the BetMGM online sportsbook.
I’ll rank the top five Miners below.
5 Best UTEP Miners Football Players, Ranked
| Rank | Player | Position | Miners Years |
| 1 | Fred Wendt | RB | 1946-1948 |
| 2 | Aaron Jones | RB | 2013-2016 |
| 3 | Trevor Vittatoe | QB | 2007-2010 |
| 4 | Barron Wortham | LB | 1990-1993 |
| 5 | Brian Natkin | TE | 1997-2000 |
UTEP Miners All-Time Greatest Football Players
1. Fred Wendt
Wendt played for UTEP in 1942 and again from 1946 to 1948 as a running back.
He was a second-team Little All-American and led the NCAA in rushing yards in 1948.
He held the single-season rushing record (1,546 yards) until O.J. Simpson broke it 20 years later.
His 1,546 rushing yards rank third in a single UTEP season. However, he held that record until Donald Buckram broke it in 2009.
Wendt still holds the single-game rushing yardage record, going for 326 in 1948 against New Mexico State.
Over his career, he had 23 rushing touchdowns (sixth in program history). He had 20 in one season (1948), a record that remains the program’s single-season mark.
2. Aaron Jones
Jones also played running back for UTEP. He was there from 2013 to 2016.
He ran for 4,114 yards (first) and holds the single-season rushing record with 1,773 yards (2016).
Jones also had 33 rushing scores (second).
3. Trevor Vittatoe
Vittatoe played quarterback for UTEP from 2007 to 2010.
He threw for 12,439 yards (first) and 97 touchdowns (first).
He holds the single-season passing touchdown record with 33 (2008).
Vittatoe also ranks first in total yards (12,291) and total touchdowns (98).
4. Barron Wortham
Wortham played linebacker for UTEP from 1990 to 1993.
He recorded 566 tackles (first).
He was a first-team All-American, the WAC Defensive Player of the Year, three-time All-WAC, and the WAC Freshman of the Year.
5. Brian Natkin
Natkin played tight end for UTEP from 1997 to 2000.
He recorded 172 catches (third) for 1,922 yards and 11 touchdowns.
During the 2000 season, he caught 64 passes, which was the most among any tight end in college football.
Natkin was a unanimous All-American in 2000 and was first-team All-WAC three times.
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