UTM Football: Honors and Highlights of the 2025 Season

MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) football team is on a roll, and the accolades keep pouring in for its standout players. As the postseason unfolds, fans and followers can stay updated on the Skyhawks’ All-American honors, showcasing the team’s exceptional talent and hard work.

All-American Accolades: A Glimpse of Excellence

Two players have already made headlines this offseason, earning prestigious All-American honors. Offensive tackle Elijah Bowser and edge rusher Keyshawn Johnson have been recognized by both the Associated Press and FCS Football Central for their outstanding performances during the season. These accolades not only highlight their contributions to the team but also put UTM football on the map in the competitive landscape of college football.

You can stay tuned for more updates on the Skyhawk honors by checking back frequently. For real-time updates and behind-the-scenes looks, be sure to follow the UTM football team on Twitter (@UTMSports | @UTM_Football) and Instagram (@UTMSports | @utmskyhawkfootball).

Spotlight on Elijah Bowser: Offensive Force

Honors and Recognition

Elijah Bowser received honorable mention as an FCS AP All-American, a recognition that speaks volumes about his abilities on the field.

Career Overview

A crucial member of the offensive line, Bowser has made his mark as a two-year starter. Throughout his Skyhawk career, he accomplished the impressive feat of starting every game, showcasing his versatility with 23 starts at right tackle and three at right guard.

Performance Metrics

This season alone, Bowser played in 778 snaps, demonstrating endurance and reliability in crucial moments of the game. His work ethic earned him BossHog Player of the Week honors on two occasions. Notably, he graded out at 84 percent or better in every game, which is a testament to his consistency and skill.

Bowser made significant contributions with a total of 72 knockdowns, while limiting the pressure on his quarterback, who boasted a stellar 71.2% completion rate—ranking fifth nationally. With only three sacks allowed throughout the season, Bowser stood out as a lineman who truly understands the dynamics of the game.

Keyshawn Johnson: Defensive Dynamo

Honors and Recognition

Keyshawn Johnson, on the other hand, has taken the defensive world by storm. He is a first-team selection for both the FCS AP All-American and FCS Football Central, marking him as one of the top edge rushers in the nation.

A Historical Season

Johnson had a banner year, culminating in the title of OVC-Big South Defensive Player of the Year and first-team all-conference honors. His aggressive and relentless play style made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.

Eye-Catching Statistics

He finished the regular season ranking third nationally in both sacks (1.13 per game) and tackles for loss (1.67 per game), ultimately setting a new single-season record for UTM with 13.5 sacks. His performance was particularly noteworthy in his final games; he recorded five sacks over the last three contests and racked up 20 tackles for loss throughout the season.

In a standout performance during the season finale against Tennessee Tech, Johnson showcased his dominance with 10 tackles, earning the title of OVC-Big South Defensive Player of the Week for the second time that season. His overall stats include 53 total tackles (30 solo), two forced fumbles, and ten quarterback hurries, making him a multifaceted threat on the field.

Legacy

Johnson’s achievement places him among the elite, as he becomes just the fourth player in UTM history to earn the conference’s defensive player of the year honor, joining the ranks of legends like Danny Watkins (1976), Emanuel McNeil (1988), and John H. Ford II (2022).

As the offseason progresses, the UTM football community eagerly anticipates further accolades, continuing to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable athletes. The combination of Bowser’s offensive prowess and Johnson’s defensive tenacity exemplifies the high level of talent present in the Skyhawk program.