2025 College Football Big 12 Team Previews: Utah Utes

Team: Utah
Mascot: Utes
Student Population: 35,236
Established: 1850
Motto: “Imagine, then Do”
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Head Coach: Kyle Whittingham
Offensive Coordinator: Jason Beck
Defensive Coordinator: Morgan Scalley
2024 Record: 5-7

Rankings

SP+: 31
FPI: 46
Kelly Ford: 34

Power Rankings

CBS Sports: 9

The Utes have been routinely humbled since joining the Big 12, but made some nice swings over the offseason to get back into the conversation. The new braintrust comes via New Mexico, where offensive coordinator Jason Beck and quarterback Devon Dampier combined for one of the best rushing offenses in America. If the Utes can get even above-average offensive play, the ceiling raises dramatically. (+600)

SB Nation: 6

In what could be head coach Kyle Wittingham’s final year on the sideline, the Utes could end up winning the Big 12 just based on the fact that they won’t be as injured as they were in 2024. The QB rotation in 2024 was largely due to every QB getting yanked off the field by injury, but with QB Cam Rising exhausting his eligibility, Wittingham and the Utes went portaling. By hiring offensive coordinator Jason Beck, he also got QB Devon Dampier, one of the most fun offensive players to watch at the G5 level. How his play translates to the Big 12 will be the biggest question, but with offensive linemen Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu coming back, the protection should be much better.

Defensively, the Utes might be a bit top heavy, but with DC Morgan Scalley still calling the shots they could be good once again. EDGE Logan Fano and LB Lander Barton returning, the top end talent of Utah’s front seven should still be good. The secondary relies on their recruiting and development going into the season, but it’s a good play to make i the Big 12. Utah could be back once again if Dampier shakes out.

24/7 Sports: 7

Utah is once again viewed as a threat to win the Big 12 in 2025 — just as it was in 2024 before a major letdown season. Head coach Kyle Whittingham made necessary changes on offense, bringing in former New Mexico coordinator Jason Beck to take over play-calling duties. He also brought quarterback Devon Dampier, one of the top dual-threat playmakers in the FBS last season. If those additions click, the Utes should be right back in the conference title mix with a College Football Playoff berth within reach.

Transfer Class Rankings

24/7 Sports: National Rank 37 | Big 12 Rank 6 (21 players)
Rivals: National Rank 63 | Big 12 Rank 12 (13 players)

Miscellaneous

Bovada Win Totals: 7.5

Athlon Big 12 Predictions: 6

Utah entered 2024 as the preseason favorite to win the Big 12, but the season was quickly derailed by injuries, including starting quarterback Cam Rising. After the program’s first losing season (5-7) since ‘13, the Utes are primed for a significant rebound after coach Kyle Whittingham made a couple of key offseason adjustments.

Addressing an offense that managed only 5.2 yards a play and 23.6 points a contest was Whittingham’s top priority, and with coordinator Jason Beck and quarterback Devon Dampier arriving from New Mexico as a package deal, this unit should show marked improvement. Dampier should be among the Big 12’s most dynamic signal-callers and has room to grow as a passer in ‘25. The line should be a strength with tackles Spencer Fano and Logan Lomu returning. However, Beck has to navigate significant turnover at receiver.

Defense is usually a strength in Salt Lake City and that was certainly the case last season. Despite the offensive shortcomings, Utah’s defense ranked second in the Big 12 in fewest points allowed (20.7 a game) and third in fewest yards per play (5.1). Expect this unit to remain dominant in ‘25 with end Logan Fano, linebacker Lander Barton, and safety Smith Snowden leading the cast of returning players.