Seven Hall of Famers honored as Bears host Utah Tech Saturday

CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas will welcome a new class of athletic luminaries Saturday, as the Bears return to Estes Stadium to host Utah Tech in United Athletic Conference play.

Seven new inductees into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame will be honored prior to kickoff, setting the stage for a significant homecoming moment. In addition, the 1976 Bears football team is holding its 49th reunion.

It will be a meaningful day for the Bears (1–4, 0–1 UAC), who aim to notch their first league victory, while the Trailblazers (1–4, 0–1) travel to Conway hoping to improve on a difficult start.

Bears seek breakthrough after narrow losses

Last week, UCA nearly completed a comeback at Lamar. Trailing late, the Bears rallied to score 15 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and regained possession deep in Cardinal territory.

But their final pass into the end zone fell incomplete, ending the rally and sealing a 35–32 defeat.

Quarterback Austin Myers, returning from injury, offered promise. He threw for 358 yards and three touchdowns in his first action of 2025. Running back Landon Chambers has been a consistent presence, carrying the ball 91 times for 451 yards and three touchdowns before Saturday’s game.

Receiver Malachi Henry leads the Bears’ passing corps with 28 catches for 325 yards and three touchdowns.

On defense, Dillon Williams leads the team with 32 tackles, and Gary Lewis has recorded three sacks. Linebacker Travion Traylor tops UCA with five tackles for a loss.

For Utah Tech, 2025 has been challenging under second-year head coach Lance Anderson.

Quarterback Reggie Graff has completed 48 passes for 408 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions, and has done much of the ground work himself with 63 rushes for 288 yards and two scores.

Running back Asa Chatman has added 227 yards and two touchdowns. Their leading receivers, Eric Olsen and Kaden Eggett, have amassed 171 and 148 yards respectively.

On defense, Daylen Love leads Utah Tech with 34 tackles, 3.5 for loss, and two sacks. Dallin Haves has added 17 tackles, 3.5 for loss, and three sacks.

Statistically, UCA has faced struggles in situational play. The Bears have converted just 32.4% of third downs (23-of-71) and have been successful on 9-of-18 fourth-down attempts (50%). Utah Tech, meanwhile, sits near the bottom of the conference in third-down conversion rate at 39.7%.

Honoring seven into the Hall of Fame

Saturday’s festivities will include the induction of Dr. William “Bill” Bandy (Meritorious Service), Troy Brown (Track & Field), Hollie Fowler (Women’s Soccer), Gary Huggins (Football and Coaching), Shane McConnell (Football), Darryl McCree (Football), and Joanna Velasquez (Softball).

The honorees will be introduced before kickoff, adding a celebratory tone to the home event.

This is the latest chapter in UCA’s commitment to honoring its athletic history, one that complements the program’s efforts under coach Nathan Brown to inject new energy and continuity into the roster.

“There’s going to be a lot of new faces, a lot of new numbers to learn, but I think it’s a good thing,” Brown said.

The Bears’ 2025 schedule is ambitious. They opened the season on the road against Missouri, where they were routed, 61–6, as Beau Pribula and the Tigers’ offense delivered a dominant performance. But that loss is arguably the low point in a season still full of opportunity.

Broadcast, walkthrough, and outlook

Saturday’s matchup will be available on ESPN+, The Bear The Point 94.1, or via live stats online. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. local time.

The Bears enter this contest seeking momentum in league play, while Utah Tech looks to salvage progress in a challenging season. The game’s outcome may have ripple effects on the bottom of the UAC standings.

Brown emphasized balance: he expects his team to maintain composure under pressure, manage turnovers, and execute on both sides of the ball. UCA’s defense, particularly in red-zone and third-down defense, will need stronger showings.

For Utah Tech, matching UCA’s offensive output while maintaining defensive discipline will be key. Their defense must contain Myers and limit explosive plays if they hope to leave Conway with a win.

Key takeaways

• UCA combines pageantry with purpose — introducing seven new Hall of Fame inductees before a crucial UAC game.

• The battle for the first UAC win is at hand — both teams enter 0–1 in conference play.

• Turnover margin, third-down stops, and situational conversion success may decide this matchup.