More than 400 first-year Blazers brought their energy and school spirit to Protective Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 12, as they took part in the fourth annual First-Year Student Run Out during UAB’s home opener.

Students stormed the field before kickoff, joining the UAB football team as they prepared to take on ULM. The run-out gives first-year students an opportunity to experience one of UAB’s biggest campus traditions together while celebrating their first football season as Blazers.

The excitement continued after kickoff as UAB rallied from a 10-point second-half deficit to defeat ULM 26–20. The Blazers scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, including a 43-yard touchdown pass from Ryder Burton to EJ Reid that gave UAB its first lead of the afternoon.

For the more than 400 first-year students who took the field, the afternoon offered an early opportunity to create memories, build connections and experience the energy of being a Blazer together.