As we near the start of the 2025 college football season, the University of Utah is gearing up for its second season in the Big 12 with a combination of new and old faces.
With week one at the Rose Bowl coming closer and closer, Kyle Whittingham and his staff have work to do as they create a final depth chart for the year. Here’s what we have learned thus far through interviews and statements from coaches and players.
Quarterbacks
It’s clear who QB1 is in this offense. Devon Dampier, the junior transfer from New Mexico, has more than impressed his teammates and coaches as the dual-threat playmaker that the offense was built around. The real battle is happening between Isaac Wilson and Byrd Ficklin for the QB2 role.
When The Salt Lake Tribune asked him about the heated backup battle, offensive coordinator Jason Beck said, “It’s all about: Who can you trust? Who can you depend on? Who’s being consistent in that role? When their number is called and their opportunity comes up, who’s going to be ready to take that on?”
As the team finishes its final scrimmages of fall camp, the backup will be announced, but the third string won’t be too far behind.
Pass catchers
Wide receivers and tight ends have been a topic of discussion throughout the offseason for Utes fans. With leading pass catchers Dorian Singer, Brant Kuithe and Money Parks all graduated, Utah looked to the transfer portal for receiving help.
It appears that the top receiver targets for Dampier will be 6-5 receiver Tobias Merriweather, Southern Miss transfer Larry Simmons and Dampier’s former teammate Ryan Davis. At tight end, Dampier will have a plethora of options. Between Dallen Bentley, Otto Tia and a fast-emerging JJ Buchanan, the Utes are primed to continue a long-standing tradition of elite tight end play.
Running backs
At running back, Wayshawn Parker is expected to be the workhorse. The sophomore transfer from Washington State is coming off an excellent freshman year and is expected to continue improving behind a stacked offensive line. Parker’s backups are shaping up to be NaQuari Rogers and Bryce Duke.
Offensive line
Coach Jim Harding’s o-line has been gaining a lot of buzz from the national media this offseason. Returning all five starters is one thing, but when 40% of the group is projected to be drafted in the first round of the NFL draft, that is another. The group consisting of Spencer Fano, Michael Mokofisi, Jaren Kump, Tanoa Togiai and Caleb Lomu has some heavy expectations on their shoulders this year, and if all goes to plan, they will be the motor that makes the offense run.
Specialists
Utah will be working with two new specialists at kicker and punter this season. Punter Orion Phillips continues a legacy of Australian-born field-flippers at the U. Phillips played at Murray State in 2023 before transferring to Missouri in 2024. Despite not playing a snap at Missouri, Phillips had impressive stats the year prior. He averaged 43.1 yards per punt with a long of 71. If Phillips and his strong leg can maximize the elevation, he will certainly be a secret weapon for the Utes.
At kicker, the Utes brought in a sensational talent. Murray High School alum Dillon Curtis has a cannon for a leg and is no stranger to drilling 60+ yard field goals. The true freshman may have to go through some growing pains at the college level, but if he gets his accuracy locked in, he can be a legitimate game-changer from the kicker position.
While there are many unknowns regarding how this season will look on the offensive side of the ball, Utah’s staff has worked hard to get talent in the door. In what is shaping up to be an exciting season of football, Utah’s revamped offense has the potential to become an unstoppable force in the Big 12.
