As UTEP begins preparing for a new era in the Mountain West Conference, the Miners added a pair of experienced players through the transfer portal on Early National Signing Day 2026 — giving the 2026 roster both depth and veteran leadership in key spots.
Incoming Transfer Players
Chance Bell — Tight End
Bell joins UTEP after playing at Mesa College in San Diego. Standing 6-5 and 255 pounds, he brings size, experience catching passes, and versatility to the Miner tight end room. In his junior college career, he had productive receiving numbers, showing reliable hands and red zone ability.
Johan Camacho — Tight End
Camacho, a three-star athlete from Bowie High School in El Paso, came to UTEP after contributing at the collegiate level. He adds local talent and multi-dimensional skills — both as a blocker and receiver — which should help UTEP diversify its offensive packages under coach Scotty Walden.
These transfers bolster UTEP’s roster at tight end as the Miners look to blend returning players with new additions to address depth and production through both the passing and blocking games.
Context and What This Means
UTEP’s portal activity this offseason has included both departures and additions. With several key contributors from 2025 entering the portal or pursuing new opportunities elsewhere, the Miners have been proactive in bringing in portal talent that can contribute right away.
Bell and Camacho’s arrivals — coupled with a strong high school signing class — give UTEP a mix of experience and local talent as they prepare for a deeper conference slate in 2026. Adding proven transfer players at tight end helps the offense in areas like blocking on the perimeter and creating mismatches in the passing game, which could be valuable against tougher Mountain West competition.
