UAB Edges Charlotte 23-12 at Home
Ja'Vin Simkins scored twice in the fourth quarter as UAB improved to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in the American Conference.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Football
UAB defeated Charlotte 23-12 on Saturday night in Birmingham, Ala. Ja'Vin Simkins scored two fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns, and Rod Robinson II ran for 101 yards.
Why it matters
The win keeps UAB in contention in the American Conference and extends its perfect home record to 5-0 this season. The result also points to a defense ranked 24th nationally in yards allowed, which held Charlotte to 234 yards.
UAB improved to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in the American Conference with a 5-0 home record. Its defense ranks 24th nationally, allowing 306.6 yards per game, and held Charlotte to 234 yards.
The players
UAB
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public research university whose football program competes in the American Conference.
Charlotte
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public research university whose football program competes in the American Conference.
The details
Trailing 3-0, UAB tied the game 3-3 at halftime on a 42-yard field goal from Jonah Delange with two seconds left in the second quarter. Delange added a fourth-quarter field goal before Simkins scored on a 1-yard run and again on a 5-yard run, and Jaden Barnes caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from Conner Harrell with 61 seconds left.
Timeline
Saturday night (November 7, 2026): UAB defeats Charlotte 23-12.
Next Saturday: Charlotte plays East Carolina, and UAB plays at Temple.
Season Trajectory
The victory gives UAB a path toward its first bowl season since its six-straight bowl streak ended in 2022. Its record and remaining schedule will determine whether it can make a postseason push in the American Conference.
UAB's 5-0 home record and 3-2 American Conference mark keep its path to a bowl berth open with games at Temple ahead. Fantasy managers tracking the backfield should note Simkins' two fourth-quarter touchdowns and Robinson's 101 rushing yards.
The takeaway
UAB's defense is a central strength, ranking 24th nationally in yards allowed, and that unit was decisive in holding Charlotte to 234 yards. The win keeps the team's late-season hopes intact.
What happens next
Charlotte plays East Carolina next Saturday, and UAB plays at Temple the same day.
Further reading
Find more coverage in Birmingham Football for context on the local team.
