Wyoming QB Tyler Hughes Suffers Forearm Fracture
Wyoming coach Jay Sawvel says quarterback Tyler Hughes is doubtful to play against UTEP after a small forearm fracture.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Football
Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel announced Monday that quarterback Tyler Hughes has a small fracture in his forearm and is doubtful to play against UTEP this week. Hughes has a follow-up appointment on Monday.
Why it matters
The injury puts Wyoming's starting quarterback in question during a stretch that could shape its Mountain West title hopes, as the team sits at 5-1 in conference play. Landon Sims is the likely replacement if Hughes cannot return.
Hughes's season production includes 1,238 passing yards at a 62.4% completion rate and 676 rushing yards on 113 carries, both with six touchdowns. Sims has thrown one completion in six attempts this season, so the offense's efficiency could shift sharply if Hughes sits.
The players
Jay Sawvel
Jay Sawvel is the head football coach at the University of Wyoming, responsible for the team's game-day decisions and weekly media updates.
Tyler Hughes
Tyler Hughes is Wyoming's starting quarterback in his first season after transferring from William & Mary.
Landon Sims
Landon Sims is a Wyoming quarterback who began his college career at East Central Community College in Mississippi and is the likely starter if Hughes cannot play.
The details
Sawvel announced the injury during his weekly Monday press conference, naming Sims and Mason Drube as backup options. Hughes, in his first season at Wyoming after transferring from William & Mary, is doubtful for the matchup with UTEP.
Timeline
Monday, November 9, 2026: Sawvel announces Hughes's fracture and Hughes has a follow-up appointment.
This week: Hughes is doubtful to play against UTEP.
This weekend: Wyoming plays Utah, with Sims the likely starter if Hughes is out.
November 20, 2026: Wyoming hosts first-place New Mexico.
Season Trajectory
Wyoming's 5-1 start in the Mountain West puts it within striking distance of first-place New Mexico, which visits Laramie on November 20. A quarterback injury at this point in the conference schedule could determine whether Wyoming keeps pace in the division race.
If Hughes is out, Landon Sims becomes the starter and the passing game is likely to shift toward the run game, which Hughes has also been productive in. Fantasy managers rostering Hughes should monitor the Monday follow-up and Wyoming's Utah game status before the weekend.
The takeaway
A single injury can quickly reshape a conference contender's offense, so tracking the quarterback's status week to week is the most useful signal for Wyoming's remaining season.
What happens next
Hughes has a follow-up appointment on Monday, and Wyoming hosts New Mexico on November 20.
Further reading
For more on Wyoming's season, see Football coverage.
