Utah football plays in “Sack Lake City” and currently holds a 21-season streak with at least one pick-six.
Morgan Scalley is a defensive mastermind. His defenses have always been up to the occasion, and 2025 isn’t shaping up to be any different. Here’s a breakdown of each position group and the players to look for as Utah prepares for the start of its next campaign on Aug. 30.
Defensive Line
Dominant defensive linemen seem to consistently come out of nowhere for the Utes. Guys like Bradlee Anae, Hunter Dimick and Nate Orchard were all under-the-radar recruits out of high school that flourished into NFL draft picks under Utah’s defensive scheme.
This season, there are a handful of candidates who have the potential to join this list as the next great Utah pass rusher. Right defensive end Logan Fano is back from a brutal knee injury suffered in 2023. Fano is feeling 100% ahead of the 2025 season. His 6’5 260-pound frame stacks up with the greatest ends at all levels, so don’t be surprised if he breaks out in his junior year.
Opposite of Fano, John Henry Daley will play left side defensive end. The Lone Peak High School graduate joined the Utes in 2024 but didn’t see much playing time. Jumping into action will be a test for Daley, but guys like Paul Fitzgerald and Lance Holtzclaw will be there to back him up if necessary.
At the interior defensive line, coach Kyle Whittingham has expressed confidence in his young core. Dallas Vakalahi and Aliki Vimahi will likely be the starters at d-tackle, but Karson Kaufusi has stood out in fall camp as a reliable third option.
Linebackers
If Ute fans aren’t already familiar with the name Lander Barton, they will be after this season. Barton stuffed the stat sheet in 2024, despite playing through numerous injuries. Now that he has impactful experience to pair with a healthy body, Barton has the opportunity to play his way up NFL draft boards for 2026.
On his side, Levani Damuni will play the Mike, rounding out the starting backers. Damuni was sidelined for the entirety of the 2024 season after he suffered a preseason injury. While the graduate student would’ve loved to be out there for 2024, he is certainly ready to put it all on the line in his final season of college ball.
Cornerbacks and Nickel
Utah has experienced a sort of revolving door in its cornerback room throughout the last two seasons. Players transferring in and out have kept fans on their toes, anxiously awaiting the next great core to cheer on.
This season, that core is shaping up to be a combination of Elijah Davis, Blake Cotton, Rock Caldwell and Don Saunders. It has been a tight race between these four, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see each of them get an opportunity to prove their abilities.
At Nickelback, Smith Snowden is the man. He was a bright spot for the defense in 2024, and it sounds like his offseason improvement will be a shock to many. Snowden, like many others, has the opportunity to play his name into the NFL draft with a good 2025 season.
Safeties
Safety will be the most familiar core from 2024. Strong safety, Rabbit Evans, and free safety, Tao Johnson, are both coming off very solid seasons. Throw Johnathan Hall in there at Rover, and the secondary unit is built for battle.
Returners
At punt returner, Rayshawn Glover will likely lead the charge. Glover returned five punts for 10 yards last season. Standing at 5’8, Glover has a quickness that Ute fans are used to out of their return men. He will also be on the kick return team alongside Snowden.
Overall, Utah will be adding more than subtracting from a well-performing defense in 2024. A boost in health and talent through the transfer portal gives Ute fans, players and coaches all the reason to feel confident as the season begins shortly.
