The following is a list of the top five Utah Athletics headlines for the week of July 18 - July 24.

5. Report: Big 12 and Pac-12 partnership talks end but possibility remains for Big 12 to invite individual teams

According to reports, the Big 12 and Pac-12 will not partner as talks end.

4. Recruiting Update: Utah commit Michael Mitchell earns four-star rating

Previously receiving a three-star composite rating of .8685 early in June, Mitchell has received two significant boosts over the last month and a half, resulting in an updated four-star composite rating of .8908.

3. Utah's Tavion Thomas named to Doak Walker Award Watch List

Thomas is one of 72 student-athletes to be named as a preseason candidate.

2. Utah's Cameron Rising named to Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award Preseason Watch List

Cameron Rising is one of 35 quarterbacks named to the Davey O'Brien Preseason Watch List.

1. Utah quarterback Bryson Barnes is looking 'damn good' ahead of fall camp

"We've been doing a lot of extra work together outside of the lifts and stuff," Vele said. "I don't know if people realize how much progress Bryson has made. I remember when he first came here you could tell he was definitely a walk on, but now Bryson has basically solidified himself as a very damn good quarterback. His understanding of the game and the way he's changed how he throws the ball, his confidence, and everything, it's awesome to see."

More must-reads:

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Marvin Lewis opens up about about return to NFL coaching
Celtics HC shares Kristaps Porzingis update ahead of NBA Finals
Jalen Brunson claps back at tiredness narrative after Knicks' playoff exit
Red Sox lose yet another player to injury
Former NFL GM has huge praise for Packers QB Jordan Love
Drake Maye reportedly being treated as Patriots' QB3
Veteran 1B rejects outright assignment, elects free agency
Giannis Antetokounmpo to play for Greece in Olympic qualifier
Padres lose two top pitchers to injured list on same day
Fever announce remarkable attendance milestone in fifth 2024 home game
Senators reportedly undecided on qualifying defenseman
Lamar Jackson's curious offseason decision costing him significant money
Blue Jays two-time All-Star pitcher lands on IL for second time this season
Lakers set to benefit from Pelicans’ NBA Draft decision
One rookie quarterback is showing 'elite downfield accuracy' during OTAs

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