As UTEP looks to add a few final pieces to its stellar 2025 recruiting class, Scotty Walden has demonstrated a willingness to push for flip targets in the Lone Star State. One such target is two-star WR John Smith, who has been committed to Colorado State for several months but remains in regular contact with the Miner staff.

In fact, UTEP is enough of a consideration for Smith that he showed up to El Paso last weekend for an official visit, which he discussed in detail with Rivals.

“It was fun at UTEP," remarked Smith. "They was showing me a lot of love. The coaches was showing me love; the players was showing me love. I liked it. It was nice up there. I thought the Sun Bowl was pretty nice too, and they played pretty well when I was up there.”