The Utah Utes are coming off a disappointing stretch, but don’t count them out just yet. After two rocky seasons marked by offensive inconsistency and close losses, the 2025 team looks reloaded, refocused, and ready to compete at the highest level. With a new quarterback, a revamped offense, and strong returning talent, Utah might just be the sleeper team of the Big 12 — and maybe even more.
What Went Wrong in the Last Two Seasons
Utah has always been a well-coached, disciplined team under head coach Kyle Whittingham, but the last couple of years exposed just how thin the margin for error can be.
The biggest issue? Quarterback inconsistency. Over the past two seasons, six different players threw at least 30 passes, and that lack of stability hurt the entire offense. As a result, Utah slipped from winning the Pac-12 in 2022 to going 13-12 over the next two years.
Last year alone, the Utes lost four games by six points or fewer and two more by just a single score. They went 2-7 in their last nine close games — a stat that reflects missed chances more than lack of talent.
Why 2025 Is Different
This season, the Utes are bringing in answers, not just hoping for improvement. Devon Dampier, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback from New Mexico, transfers in alongside his offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who helped lead one of the most exciting offenses in the country last year.
Dampier gives Utah something it hasn’t had in a while — a game-changing playmaker under center. He threw for nearly 2,800 yards and rushed for over 1,100 with 19 rushing touchdowns in 2024. That kind of explosiveness can completely flip Utah’s offensive identity.
Offensive Firepower Incoming
Utah’s offense struggled in 2024, ranking 115th in total offense and 102nd in scoring, but that’s about to change. Along with Dampier and Beck, Utah added key transfers to help right away:
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Wayshawn Parker (RB, Washington State): Shifty and explosive, he averaged over five yards per carry.
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Ryan Davis (WR, New Mexico): A reliable target who already has chemistry with Dampier.
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Otto Tia (WR/TE, Utah State): A 6’4” red zone threat who had seven touchdowns last season.
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Creed Whitmore (WR, Mississippi State): Brings speed and SEC experience.
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The offensive line is also elite — possibly the best in the Big 12 — led by stars like Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu, and Tanoa Togiai. This group will give Dampier the space and time he needs to make plays.
Defense Still Elite
Utah’s defense remains the backbone of the team. Players like Smith Snowden, Tao Johnson, Levani Damuni, and Lander Barton return, giving the Utes strength across all three levels. The only major concern is replacing top corner Cameron Calhoun, who transferred to Alabama.
Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley will continue to field a unit that gets stops when it matters — especially if the offense can help control the clock and keep them fresh.
Key to the Season: Finish Close Games
The most important improvement Utah must make? Winning the close ones. Last year’s 2-7 record in one-score games needs to flip if the Utes want to compete for a conference title. With a more explosive offense and veteran defense, there’s no reason they can’t.
Game to Watch: Texas Tech, September 20
The Big 12 opener will say a lot. Texas Tech has reloaded through the portal and is projected as a top-20 team. A win here could launch Utah into the national spotlight. It also comes before road trips to West Virginia and BYU — a stretch that will shape the entire season.
Projected Win Total: 8
Utah’s 2025 schedule is manageable. There are no elite-level powerhouses like Ohio State or Alabama on the slate. Non-conference games are winnable, and the Big 12 — while deep — doesn’t have unbeatable teams at the top.
Likely Wins: Cal Poly, Colorado, Cincinnati, at Wyoming
Toss-up Games: Arizona State, at Baylor, at BYU, at Kansas, Kansas State, Texas Tech, at UCLA, at West Virginia
Likely Losses: None guaranteed
Utah isn’t getting much national buzz heading into 2025 — and that’s a mistake. With a stable, exciting offense, a proven coaching staff, and one of the best defenses in the Big 12, the Utes are quietly building a contender. If Devon Dampier lives up to the hype, Utah has a real shot at winning the conference and making a push for the College Football Playoff.