Utah Football: 2026 Utes Season Preview and Prediction

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jul 7, 2026 10:31 AM ET

Utah underwent a major change when Kyle Whittingham stepped away after 21 seasons and accepted the head-coaching job at Michigan. But new coach Morgan Scalley has been groomed for the top spot and looks to provide consistency and continuity after several years with the program. He’ll have to do it with a new staff and 18 new faces on the roster in his first season, but his experience with the program should allow for a smooth transition as the Utes pursue a Big 12 title.

Utah Football: 2026 Utes Season Preview and Prediction

Utah quarterbacks Byrd Ficklin (15) and Devon Dampier (4) celebrate a touchdown against Kansas State at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Nov. 22, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah.© Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Previewing Utah's Offense for 2026

The Utes offense is transitioning from former offensive coordinator Jason Beck to veteran play-caller Kevin McGiven, who arrives from Utah State and will look to maintain a strong run game while attempting to establish a more productive passing attack. Utah welcomes an infusion of proven talent from the portal, including Braden Pegan from Utah State (60 receptions, 926 yards, five touchdowns last season) and Kyri Shoels from San José State, who will complement up-and-coming returners from last season.

Dynamic quarterbacks Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin, who return in a “tag-team” effort, highlight the offense, along with leading rusher Wayshawn Parker. But they’ll have to get the job done behind an offensive line that replaces five starters. There’s optimism that the line can still be effective, but the success of the offense will largely depend on how well
that line functions this season.

Rob Gray/USA TODAY Sports

Previewing Utah's Defense for 2026

The defense lost several key players from last season’s team to graduation or the portal, but the unit was able to reload in areas of need. A big area of focus — adding more talent to the defensive line after the Utes were gashed in the run game in the latter part of the season. Utah addressed that need in the portal by adding proven players Jireh Moe (San José State) and Lucas Samsula (Wyoming), among others, and the line looks poised for improvement.

Utah added size and physicality to its defensive backs room, while the linebackers provide more versatility than in previous seasons. As a whole, Utah has a veteran defense, one that can provide a bit more versatility for new head coach Morgan Scalley and new defensive coordinator Colton Swan to stress opposing offenses.

Previewing Utah's Specialists for 2026

Utah didn’t need its special teams unit to do too much last year, but Dillon Curtis returns as the team’s placekicker and Orion Phillips as the team’s punter. The two provide consistency and experience to a part of the game that is expected to improve overall. Additionally, Mana Carvalho looks to be a game-changer in the return game with a year of experience under his belt.