The transfer portal transformed the landscape of college football, but it's main impact at UTEP has been more subtle.
In a new era when players come and go, the portal has cast a light on the biggest strength of what coach Dana Dimel has built. It's cast a light on the loyalty of the players the Miners have recruited.
The program has lost two players of note to the portal: Jacob Cowing to Arizona, who wanted to be closer to his mother and son; and Jeremiah Byers, who went to Florida State.
Those are understandable transfers, just as it would have been understandable if players such as Praise Amaewhule, Tyrice Knight and Kobe Hylton had left for power conference schools.