CFB Top 50, #37: 2025 Utah Utes

by
Bracket Yard
July 17, 2025

Down to number 37 on the CFB Top 50 countdown, we happen upon the 2025 Utah Utes out of the Big 12.

Last year was not a great one for Utah. They missed out on a bowl game, in part because of their depressing offense, which means that they wasted their top-25 defense. The good news for the Utes is that they have brought in a new quarterback transfer in hopes of revitalizing this group into something more competitive.

Injuries were a part of that story for the 2024 Utah offense, as quarterback Cam Rising went down after three games. The Utes are hoping for more stability under center, and therefore better results.

2025 Utah Utes Basic Facts

Head Coach: Kyle Whittingham (21st season)

2025 Conference: Big 12

2024 Record: 5-7 (2-7)

Final Resolution of Last Season: Did not qualify for bowl game

2024 Scoring Offensive Rank: 102nd (23.6)

2024 Scoring Defensive Rank: 25th (20.7)

Utah Key Additions and Subtractions

IN – Devon Dampier, quarterback. Transferred from New Mexico.

IN – Wayshawn Parker, running back. Transferred from Washington State.

OUT – Cameron Calhoun, cornerback. Transferred to Alabama.

OUT – Caleb Lohner, tight end. Drafted by Denver in 7th round of 2025 Draft.

Best Game on the Schedule in 2025

October 18 at BYU. It’s the Holy War, what else do you want from them?

2025 Utah Utes: Outlook

Dampier, who was the full-season starter for New Mexico last season, is likely to be the starter for the Utes this year. He leads what is a pretty young quarterback room, but he’s got experience leading an offense. His Lobos had a good offense, scoring 33.5 points per game in 2024, so that’s a reason for some optimism for Utah fans. Dampier will need to get the interceptions under control, however – he threw 12 of them last season, but he made up for it by rushing for 19 (!) touchdowns. Dampier was in the top 10 in the nation in rushing touchdowns in FBS last season, and third amongst quarterbacks.

There will be a number of new faces on offense, which given how things went last year, that’s probably a good thing. As for the defense, there are a number of upperclassmen projected to start, so the gameplan for the Utes is maintain a decent defense while there’s nowhere to go but up on offense.

Utah has no guarantee of starting the season undefeated, as they have a tough game in Week 1 – UCLA. Cal Poly and Wyoming after that should be more winnable, but I’m sure they’d like to be 3-0 going into the Texas Tech game. The Utes were a disappointment last season, but our sense is that they have something to prove in 2025, and should figure out a way to rebound back into bowl season.