By Luke Fletcher ｜ Ft Collins, Colorado

There comes a point when patience stops being patience and starts becoming acceptance of mediocrity. For the University of Wyoming football program, that point may have arrived with Saturday’s 24-10 loss at Central Michigan. Wyoming is now 1-2 in 2026, with losses to Colorado State and Central Michigan surrounding an uninspiring 21-13 victory over FCS opponent Northern Colorado. For fans frustrated with the direction of the program, the argument for making a coaching change starts with a simple question:

What evidence is there that Wyoming football is moving forward under Jay Sawvel?

The Central Michigan Loss Was More Than Another Loss

Wyoming’s loss to Central Michigan was more than just a defeat; it was a clear display of physical dominance by the Chippewas. Central Michigan racked up an impressive 339 rushing yards, leaving Wyoming in a tough spot at halftime, down 17-0. At that point, CMU had already executed 43 plays for 246 yards, with a staggering 214 of those coming on the ground, while Wyoming managed only 20 plays and 113 yards. This is particularly alarming for a team that prides itself on toughness and a strong defensive game. Although Wyoming showed some fight in the second half, two crucial interceptions in the fourth quarter dashed any hopes of a comeback. Even Coach Sawvel admitted that the team struggled to handle adversity and emphasized the need for better leadership moving forward.

Those are troubling words in Year 3.

At some point, preparation, leadership, discipline and a team’s ability to respond to adversity all lead back to the head coach.

The Border War Should Have Raised the Alarm

The warning signs were already evident before Saturday rolled around. Wyoming kicked off the season with a disappointing 35-13 defeat against Colorado State in the 118th Border War, a game that held significant weight due to the Bronze Boot tradition. Watching CSU take it back in such a dominant manner was a tough pill to swallow for a team that needed to show improvement this year. Following that setback, Wyoming managed to scrape by with a 21-13 win over Northern Colorado. While a win is still a win, an eight-point margin against an FCS team didn’t exactly scream that the issues had been resolved. Then came the challenge of Central Michigan, leaving Wyoming at 1-2 as they head into Mountain West play. The road ahead looks tough, with Hawaii visiting Laramie next, followed by a trip to face North Dakota State and another away game against San Jose State.

Year Three Changes the Conversation

Sawvel’s situation needs some background. He took over the program from Craig Bohl, who stepped down after a decade of leading Wyoming football following the 2023 season. Rather than being an outsider tasked with a complete overhaul, Sawvel was already part of Bohl’s staff, promoted to ensure a smooth transition. However, maintaining continuity only matters if it leads to improvement. Before the Central Michigan game, Wyoming’s athletics department highlighted the 2026 roster, boasting a mix of returning players, 20 transfers, and a new offensive coordinator, Christian Taylor, with hopes that this combination would drive progress. Unfortunately, three games into the season, that anticipated advancement hasn’t happened. Wyoming has faced tough losses against its main rival, struggled against an FCS team, and allowed a staggering 339 rushing yards to Central Michigan.

Wyoming Can’t Settle for “Good Enough”

It’s unrealistic to think Wyoming will recruit like powerhouses such as Ohio State, Georgia, or Texas, and that’s not the benchmark they should aim for. Instead, the focus should be on building a tough, disciplined football team that develops talent, competes for bowl games, and makes a name for itself in the Mountain West while protecting War Memorial Stadium. Wyoming has shown that these goals are achievable in the past. While the university faces genuine geographic and recruiting hurdles, these shouldn’t serve as ongoing excuses for underperformance. With the college football landscape evolving, the next few years are crucial for Wyoming. As the Mountain West and its schedules shift, the program must work hard to secure its position in this new era of college football and avoid becoming irrelevant.

The Most Concerning Issue Is Identity

The main issue at hand is defining what Wyoming football looks like under Jay Sawvel. If the team isn’t going to rely on high recruiting or transfer portal rankings, it needs to carve out a clear identity that sets it apart. This identity should focus on being tough, emphasizing a strong running game, shutting down opponents’ rushing attacks, excelling in special teams, developing talent, minimizing mistakes, and making it tough for teams to play in Laramie. However, recent performances raise concerns; Wyoming allowed 339 rushing yards to Central Michigan, gave up 35 points to Colorado State, and barely edged out Northern Colorado with a 21-13 win. This inconsistency makes it hard to establish a solid foundation for the team’s identity.

The Program Needs New Energy

There’s still a lot of football left in 2026, and Sawvel has a chance to turn things around as conference play kicks off against Hawai‘i on September 26. However, the frustrations of Wyoming fans are becoming more and more justified. In today’s college football landscape, things move fast. The transfer portal allows players to switch teams quickly, and coaches can reshape their rosters in no time, making it crucial for programs to act decisively or risk falling behind. Wyoming doesn’t necessarily need a high-profile coach; what it really needs is someone who can bring back the core values that have historically defined Cowboy football; like development, toughness, physicality, discipline, and the knack for winning even when the odds aren’t in their favor. After just three games, the 2026 season is already casting doubt on whether the current coaching staff can achieve that.

This Is Bigger Than One Saturday

Firing a head coach shouldn’t hinge on just one poor performance. It’s important to look at the bigger picture rather than focusing solely on Central Michigan’s game. The overall results and the trajectory of the program are what truly count. A significant loss like 35-13 in the Border War, a shaky 21-13 win against Northern Colorado, and a 24-10 defeat to Central Michigan all contribute to a disappointing 1-2 start. The team recently allowed a staggering 339 rushing yards, and the head coach has openly questioned the players’ ability to handle adversity and show leadership. For those advocating for a change, these factors are crucial. Wyoming football doesn’t need to transform into something it’s not; it doesn’t require elite recruiting classes or a massive budget to succeed. It needs to become Wyoming again.

Tough. Physical. Disciplined. Relentless.

If Jay Sawvel cannot restore that identity and turn the 2026 season around quickly, the pressure on Wyoming’s administration to consider a new direction will only intensify. Because at Wyoming, rebuilding shouldn’t mean abandoning expectations.

The Cowboys deserve a football program with an identity and right now, they’re still searching for one.