Bryson Blue
Writer
The Utah Utes’ (11-2, 7-2 Big 12) season ended in triumph with a win over Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl, but that didn’t stop a mass exodus of talent from happening. Kyle Whittingham is no longer with the program and has since begun a new era as the Michigan Wolverines’ next head coach. As is typical in these situations, many Utes have followed him to his new home.
While the program may look grim to some people, the future is still really bright for Utah. The Utes’ new leader, Morgan Scalley, shows immense confidence in his ability to make Utah football a Big 12 powerhouse. While many left, a few key players have decided to stay in Utah, giving Utes fans something to be excited about.
Certainly, the talent the Utes have lost will be sorely missed. Cornerback Smith Snowden, wide receiver JJ Buchanan, and edges Jonah Lea’ea, and John Henry Daley have followed Whittingham to Michigan, with more expected to soon. Others, like safety Tao Johnson, who committed to UCLA, have chosen to leave the program for other schools.
Offensive tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu are slotted to be early draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Running back NaQuari Rogers, and Spencer’s brother, defensive end Logan Fano, have also entered their names into the 2026 draft as well.
However, the Utes’ star quarterback, Devon Dampier, has opted to stay in Salt Lake City for another year. In addition, their likely QB1 of the future, Byrd Ficklin, decided to come back. For years, the Utes have been on the cusp of the College Football Playoff, but have not gotten over that hill with the old staff. Hitting a soft reset button on the program is their best bet in doing so.
Scalley has been the head coach in waiting for what feels like ages. Now, he has the opportunity, and he already plans on making the most out of it. Scalley started his head coaching career off strong with a bowl game win over Nebraska, and if the 44-22 victory is any indication of what he is capable of, Utes’ fans should be excited.
Under Scalley, the “Utah Man” culture is not going anywhere. In fact, Scalley plans to build the culture at Utah to be even stronger than before, saying that his identity is “very similar to Kyle Whittingham’s”. The Utes will still be physical and strong, while Scalley adds his own wrinkles to their already-established identity.
While it sucks to see so much familiar talent leave, the future is still bright in Utah. This is the fresh start they needed to head in the right direction. With Scalley at the helm, Utes’ fans have plenty to look forward to.
Tony Thomas
Writer
The Oregon Ducks defense pillaged the championship aspirations of Texas Tech from their competitive psyche
Tony Thomas
Writer
Two talented defenses will battle for supremacy in the Orange Bowl
The No. 5 Oregon Ducks (12-1) defeated No. 12 James Madison (12-2) in the first round of the College Football Playoff. However, if the team that was seen in the second half shows up in the Orange Bowl, they won’t beat Texas Tech
