Birmingham, Ala. – UAB football walked off the field Thursday night with a 52–42 win over Alabama State, but the final score felt more like a warning siren than a statement victory. Instead of proving growth under head coach Trent Dilfer, the Blazers struggled to put away an FCS opponent, and the spotlight on Dilfer’s job security is now hotter than ever.
Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body dominated the game, throwing for 312 yards and four touchdowns while adding another 119 yards on the ground. His play exposed a UAB defense that had no answers for his dual-threat ability, giving the Hornets life until the final minutes at Protective Stadium.
On the UAB side, Jalen Kitna managed the offense efficiently, while Jevon Jackson and Solomon Beebe powered the ground game. But despite the offensive production, the defensive lapses overshadowed the win and reignited questions about whether Dilfer is the right man to lead the program forward in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
The Trent Dilfer Hot Seat Debate
Dilfer, a former Super Bowl–winning quarterback hired in 2023, has yet to deliver consistent results in Birmingham. His first two seasons ended with records of 4–8 and 3–9, leaving him with a 7–17 overall record entering 2025. That resume already had UAB fans restless before Thursday night’s closer-than-expected result.
The numbers tell an even harsher story:
- UAB ranks near the bottom of FBS in rushing defense, surrendering over 200 yards per game.
- Turnovers have increased each season under Dilfer.
- Offensive production has slipped compared to the Bill Clark era, when UAB regularly contended for Conference USA titles.
Against that backdrop, allowing 42 points and 514 yards to a SWAC opponent only amplified the narrative that UAB is moving backward, not forward.
Pressure Mounting from Fans and Media
The Trent Dilfer hot seat isn’t just a local storyline anymore. National outlets have begun to question the hire, with some calling UAB’s effort against Alabama State “pathetic” given the mismatch on paper. Even members of Bill Clark’s family have criticized the current state of the program, pointing out how far the Blazers have fallen since Clark’s retirement.
For UAB’s administration, the question is whether Dilfer can correct course quickly enough. His $3.6 million buyout offers only limited protection if alumni and boosters push for change.
What Comes Next for UAB
The Blazers will dive into AAC play soon, where the competition ramps up significantly. If UAB’s defense cannot contain FCS quarterbacks like Andrew Body, the challenge of facing conference powerhouses could make for another long season.
For now, UAB is 1–0. But the buzz around Protective Stadium isn’t about the win—it’s about whether Trent Dilfer’s time as UAB head coach is running out.
The margin for error in Birmingham is slim, and after Thursday night, so is the patience.
