Big 12 · 2026

Utah

2025 record 11–2 7–2 conference
Postseason Las Vegas Bowl W 44–22 vs Nebraska
Head coach Morgan Scalley Year 1; Kyle Whittingham → Michigan; Scalley coached Las Vegas Bowl
Scheme Multiple / 4-2-5
Conference
B+

11–2 baseline, Dampier/Parker, and a clear title tier behind TTU/BYU; Scalley Y1 + coordinator turnover are the discounts

Portal
B−

Portal #8; selective more than splashy, with solid overall recruiting underneath

Depth
B

depth chart still has Ute continuity on both sides; Whittingham staff exodus is the cohesion caveat

Market odds

To Win Big 12
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Over 8.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #4 37 commits · 249.43 pts
Portal #8 17 commits· avg 86.38

Roster notes

Leading story

Scalley Year 1 after Whittingham → Michigan

Offense

QB Devon Dampier; RB Wayshawn Parker; WR Larry Simmons / Braden Pegan / Kyri Shoels; TE Hunter Andrews; OL Zereoue Williams / Solatoa Moea'i / Alex Harrison / Keith Olson / Cedric Jefferson

Defense

Lance Holtzclaw / Karson Kaufusi / Pupu Sepulona / Ethan Day; Cyrus Polu / Johnathan Hall; Elijah Davis / Rabbit Evans / Nate Ritchie / Elijah Reed / Rock Caldwell

Key offense

  1. 01
    Devon Dampier QB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 212/334, 2,490 yds, 24 TD, 5 INT
    • 835 rush yds / 10 TD
  2. 02
    Wayshawn Parker RB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 149 carries, 981 yds, 6 rushing TD plus 13 receptions, 185 yds, 3 TD
  3. 03
    Byrd Ficklin QB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl) change-of-pace: 21/35, 301 yds, 3 TD
    • 513 rush yds / 10 TD — listed depth that can steal snaps

Key defense

  1. 01
    Johnathan Hall MAC/LB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 67 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT
  2. 02
    Nate Ritchie FS
    Returning
    • Listed FS1
  3. 03
    Lance Holtzclaw DE
    Portal
    • Listed LDE1 — 2025 sack production still light