Can Utah Rebound in 2025 After a Disastrous Big 12 Debut?

The Utah Utes football team was one of the Big 12 Conference’s biggest disappointments last season.

Many picked the Utes to win the Big 12 in their first season in the conference. Instead, Utah endured injuries and an unimpressive debut, finishing 5-7 overall and 2-7 in Big 12 play. At one point, the Utes went on a seven-game losing streak.

Now, head coach Kyle Whittingham — who has a head-coach-in-waiting with defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley — hopes to get the Utes back to where they were in the Pac-12.

Lindy’s Sports recently published its preview for the Big 12, including the Red Raiders. Heartland College Sports will weigh in with our previews later this summer. 

The magazine picked Utah to finish ninth in the Big 12. Here are three thoughts on the preview.

NO MORE RISING

The Cam Rising era finally ended at Utah after this season. He finally medically retired in May after being told by two orthopedic surgeons that he was done.

So, now, the projected starter is Devon Dampier, even though last year’s part-time starter, Isaac Wilson, is back after flirting with the transfer portal. Dampier spent two seasons at New Mexico and earned All-Mountain West First-Team honors in 2024, becoming the first Lobo quarterback to do that.

He led the Mountain West with 3,934 total yards, including 2,768 passing yards, the league’s second-highest total.

So why Utah? He’s following his New Mexico offensive coordinator, Jason Beck, who joined the Utes this season. It’s the way of the transfer portal these days — successful players follow their successful coaches to the next destination.

THAT BOLDFACE O-LINE

No Big 12 team can make this claim — Utah has its offensive line starters and tight end returning for 2025. Baylor and Arizona State came close, but the Utes have it all back. That’s why those players are in bold type in the preview.

Now, what is that worth? Last year, Utah was No. 102 in scoring offense (23.6 ppg), No. 98 in rushing offense (130.4 ypg), No. 98 in passing offense (199.4 ypg), and No. 115 in total offense (329.8 ypg).

This could be a case of the right players at the right time. Right tackle Spencer Fano is an all-American, and left tackle Caleb Lomu was identified by Lindy’s as the unit’s rising star.

If the skill players around them stay healthy and are effective, this offensive line has the potential to do some real damage.

THE DEFENSE SHOULD BE FINE

Although the entire team was banged up a season ago, the defense played great statistically. The unit was No. 25 in the country in scoring defense and was in the Top 40 in the remaining statistical categories. That could bode well for a future where Scalley is the head coach.

That adds some context to that seven-game losing streak. Five of those losses were by single digits, and three were by a field goal or less.

The defense has four returning starters, led by defensive end Logan Fano. Utah’s top tackler in 2023, linebacker Levani Damuni, is back after missing all of 2024 with an injury. Transfers like Auburn cornerback JC Hart and LSU defensive tackle Dilan Battle should give the unit some added heft.

Utah’s potential turnaround may be led by its defense, at least to start the season.