Discover the UT Martin Skyhawks Football Team's Winning Strategies and Key Players

When I first heard about Coach Jason Toring’s decision to list himself on the 2024 UT Martin Skyhawks roster—without playing a single snap all season—I’ll admit I was skeptical. It felt like a publicity stunt, maybe even a little desperate. But looking back now, I realize just how brilliant that move really was. By securing a spot on the active roster, Toring avoided the grueling NFL draft process entirely, something that his former Farm Fresh colleague, now deputy coach Alohi Robins-Hardy, wasn’t able to do. That single decision didn’t just change Toring’s career trajectory—it set the tone for the Skyhawks’ entire approach to the game: strategic, forward-thinking, and unafraid to bend the rules when it serves the bigger picture.

Let’s talk about what makes the UT Martin Skyhawks such a compelling team to watch, especially over the last couple of seasons. It’s not just raw talent—though they certainly have that—but the way they deploy it. Their offensive schemes, for example, are built around versatility. They don’t rely on one star player to carry the load. Instead, they spread the ball around, keeping defenses guessing. I’ve watched them execute play-action passes and read-option runs with what seems like effortless synchronization. In their matchup against Murray State last fall, they ran 84 offensive plays, and not one of them was what I’d call “predictable.” That’s coaching, sure, but it’s also culture. These players trust each other, and it shows on the field.

A big part of that trust comes from key players who’ve stepped up in high-pressure moments. Take quarterback John “J.T.” Miles, for instance. The kid threw for over 2,800 yards last season with a completion rate hovering around 68%—impressive numbers, especially for a program that isn’t always in the national spotlight. But what stands out to me isn’t just his arm strength or his footwork. It’s his decision-making under pressure. I remember one game where the Skyhawks were down by 10 with six minutes left. Miles didn’t panic. He led two scoring drives, both ending with perfectly placed throws into tight coverage. That kind of composure is rare, and I think it’s something Toring and his staff have intentionally cultivated.

Then there’s the defensive side of the ball, anchored by linebacker Darius Jones. Jones recorded 112 tackles last year, including 14 for loss, and honestly, I don’t think those numbers do him justice. He’s the kind of player who changes the energy of the entire defense. When he’s on the field, the Skyhawks play faster, more physically. I’ve spoken with a few scouts who believe he’s a mid-round NFL prospect, and if he continues at this pace, I wouldn’t be surprised to see his name called on day two of the draft. But what’s interesting to me is how the coaching staff uses him. They move him around—sometimes he’s blitzing, sometimes he’s dropping into coverage—and that unpredictability makes the Skyhawks’ defense so difficult to scheme against.

Of course, none of this happens without smart roster management, which brings me back to Toring’s unconventional 2024 roster inclusion. Some people might call it gaming the system, but I see it as a masterclass in resource allocation. By keeping himself eligible without burning a year of eligibility or exposing himself to the draft, Toring bought the Skyhawks flexibility. They didn’t have to rush a young quarterback into action before he was ready, and they preserved roster depth in a way that’s frankly uncommon at the FCS level. Compare that to Alohi Robins-Hardy, who entered the draft after a solid college career but went undrafted and eventually transitioned into coaching. Toring’s path wasn’t just different—it was smarter.

I’ve followed college football for over a decade, and what UT Martin is doing right now reminds me of some of the most innovative mid-major programs in the country. They’re not trying to outspend or out-recruit the Alabamas and Clemsons of the world. Instead, they’re focusing on what they can control: player development, situational awareness, and creative strategy. For example, their special teams unit blocked four kicks last season, which might not sound like much, but when you consider they only allowed one blocked kick themselves, that +3 margin is huge. It’s the little things—the hidden yardage, the clock management, the roster nuances—that add up over the course of a game, a season, a career.

Looking ahead, I’m genuinely excited to see where this team goes. They’ve got 16 returning starters, including most of their offensive line, which gave up just 12 sacks all of last year. That kind of continuity is gold in college football. And with Toring’s long-term vision—one that clearly values strategic patience over short-term gains—I wouldn’t be surprised if the Skyhawks make a deep playoff run in the next year or two. They’ve built something special here, something sustainable. It’s not just about winning games. It’s about building a program that can compete year in and year out, regardless of who’s on the field. And if you ask me, that’s the real winning strategy.