On3’s Andy Staples Makes Surprising Big 12 Title Pick

On3’s Andy Staples has made it clear he is not ready to count out Utah.

In his 10 bold takes article, Staples predicted that the Utes will not only bounce back from a 5-7 season in 2024 but also play for a Big 12 Championship in their second year as members of the league.

Staples pointed to context that can be easy to forget. When quarterback Cam Rising suffered a knee injury in the 2022 Rose Bowl, it set off a two-year quarterback carousel that left Utah without stability under center. But before that injury, the Utes were two-time defending Pac-12 champions with the type of roster built to compete at the highest level.

What sets Utah apart in Staples’ eyes is the physicality up front. Offensive tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu were recruited to battle against the likes of Oregon, Washington, and USC, and Staples argued that few teams in the Big 12, or even the nation, can match that duo’s ceiling. In the trenches, Utah is still constructed like a championship program.

Another factor is the arrival of quarterback Devon Dampier, a transfer from New Mexico. Dampier’s ability to run adds a new layer to the Utes’ attack, creating problems for defenses that will be forced to commit to stopping his legs while leaving one-on-one opportunities downfield. Combined with Utah’s reputation for physical defense and discipline under Kyle Whittingham, Staples sees a path to a rapid turnaround.

After slipping under the radar in 2024, the Utes now have the chance to remind the Big 12 why they entered the league as one of the most respected new additions. If Staples’ bold take comes true, Utah could be right back in the thick of the conference title race this fall.