LARAMIE – The Cowboys will look a lot different in the backfield this week in Albuquerque.

Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel announced during his Monday press conference that quarterback Kaden Anderson will make his first career and star running back Harrison Waylee will make his season debut against New Mexico on Saturday at University Stadium (2 p.m., truTV).

Anderson, a redshirt freshman, was 15-for-24 passing for 182 yards while splitting snaps with Evan Svoboda during the Pokes' 27-25 loss to Utah State.

"It's definitely a surreal experience and it's all part of the dream," Anderson said of the opportunity. "I've been dreaming about this ever since I was a little kid and to do it as a redshirt freshman is pretty special for me for sure."

In six appearances this season, Anderson has completed 59.6% of his passes with two touchdowns and two interceptions in a backup role.

Now the 6-foot-4, 221-pound Texan will be in the spotlight as QB1. Anderson is used to handling pressure after following current Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers at high school football powerhouse South Lake Carroll.

"I thought overall he did a really good job of keeping us in a rhythm, keeping us in a flow," Sawvel said of Anderson's performance against Utah State. "What we've got to do is advance and build with players that are going to be here for the long term and we've got to send our seniors out right and do that, too."

Waylee, who was planning to have a big senior season until his 2024 campaign was derailed by a knee injury in fall camp, has altered his plans. He will play in UW's final four games before using his redshirt to return in 2025.

In 10 games (nine starters) last season, Waylee rushed for 947 yards and five touchdowns. Now he will lead a three-headed rotation with Sam Scott and Jamari Ferrell.

"I just want to play. It's been too long," Waylee said. "I hope I'm just able to help Sam and Jamari."

Scott had a career-high 115 yards on only 11 carries against the Aggies. The bruising junior is playing through some pain and looking forward to sharing time with Waylee.

"Especially with some of the things I've been dealing with health wise, he's going to be fresh and he's faster than me and he brings a different thing to the table," Scott said. "I'm excited and glad he's going to be back."

UW will be without two starting wide receivers against the Lobos. Alex Brown's on-field career is over after suffering a broken fibula and Tyler King is in concussion protocol after taking a vicious hit to the head against Utah State.

True freshman Chris Durr Jr. led the Cowboys with a career-high nine catches for 83 yards. Five of his receptions converted third downs.

"Oh man, Kaden, he's like my best friend," Durr said of Anderson getting the start against New Mexico. "I've been trying to get a connection with him since the spring time and I feel like when we got that chance it was just the right moment and we connected on all cylinders in that game.

"We came up short but me and him are going to be a bright future for Wyoming."
 
If you are interested in learning more about NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) or would like to support our student-athletes, please visit 1wyo.org. 1WYO was created out of Wyoming's culture of neighbor helping neighbor. The mission is to promote and strengthen local charitable organizations and develop Wyoming student athletes. 
 

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