CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah running back Joshua Dye has been named the United Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week after a standout performance in the Thunderbirds' season-opening win. The recognition comes as SUU debuts in the national spotlight, ranked No. 24 in the FCS by Stats Perform following its dominant 46-24 victory over Idaho State.
Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said
"Josh was outstanding on Saturday. He ran with toughness, and our offensive line and tight ends did a great job opening lanes for him to make plays. I'm proud of how our entire team executed in all three phases, and it's rewarding to see our guys earn national recognition with a Top 25 ranking this week. We'll enjoy this for a moment, and get back to work preparing for the next one."
Dye powered the Thunderbirds' offense with a dominant performance on the ground, carrying the ball 28 times for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Averaging 6.4 yards per carry, he consistently moved the chains and wore down the Bengal defense, highlighted by a 32-yard burst that set up a scoring drive. His combination of volume, efficiency, and finishing ability made him the centerpiece of Southern Utah's offensive attack.
Behind Dye's efforts, the Thunderbirds controlled the game from start to finish, holding Idaho State to just 23 rushing yards while finding balance offensively behind quarterback Bronson Barron's 240 passing yards and three scores. The decisive win propelled SUU into the national rankings, as the Thunderbirds appear in the Top 25 for the first time this season.
Southern Utah will look to build on the momentum of its strong start and national recognition when the Thunderbirds hit the road this week for their next matchup.
Next Up
The Thunderbirds will hit the road Saturday, September 5, 2025, when they take on the Torreros in San Diego. That game will kick off at 7:00 p.m. MT and can be streamed on ESPN+.
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