The Utah Utes have long been known for tough, physical defense — and 2025 looks to be another solid year for that side of the ball. While the team had a few bumps last season, the defense still ranked among the best in the country in several key areas. With defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley leading the way, and plenty of talent returning, Utah is once again expected to be a force in the Pac-12.
One of the Best Defensive Units in the Nation
Last season, Utah’s defense was impressive, especially in key moments. The Utes were ranked third nationally in third down stops and second in fewest first downs allowed. They stayed strong for most of the season and only began to slip near the end, when injuries and fatigue took their toll.
Morgan Scalley, who many believe could be the next Utah head coach, will look to keep this elite unit going strong. He’ll have a few new faces to work in, but the foundation is solid.
Linebackers: A Strong, Experienced Group
Utah lost standout linebacker Karene Reid, but the group is still in good shape. Lander Barton, who led the team with 72 tackles, returns as the leader. He’s fast, physical, and can play both inside and outside.
Helping him will be Levani Damuni, a powerful inside linebacker who had 87 tackles in 2023 but missed all of last season. Now healthy, he’s expected to pick up where he left off. Another key player is Johnathan Hall, a 230-pound tackler who could become a major contributor alongside Barton.
Defensive Line: Tough but Unproven Inside
One of the biggest changes comes on the defensive line. Utah lost big pass rusher Keanu Tanuvasa to rival BYU, which hurts their ability to rush the passer from the inside. However, Utah has a tradition of developing strong linemen, and Aliki Vimahi is expected to step up as the top interior lineman.
The group is big and physical as always, but lacks game experience and depth. It may take a few games for the interior to find its rhythm.
On the outside, Utah is in better shape. Logan Fano is set to become the team’s top edge rusher. He’s quick and athletic, and with a full season ahead of him, he could post some big sack numbers. The other end spot will be up for grabs during fall camp, but Utah has enough talent to build a solid rotation.
Secondary: Solid at Safety, Confident at Corner
The secondary isn’t perfect, but it’s in good hands. There’s some reshuffling going on, but versatile players make the transition smoother.
The corners are in good shape with Elijah Davis leading the way. He’s physical, fast, and doesn’t get beaten often. But it’s at safety where the Utes really shine.
Tao Johnson had a fantastic season in 2024, finishing second on the team with 70 tackles and breaking up four passes. He’s a smart, physical player who’s always around the ball. Smith Snowden, one of the quickest defenders on the team, can play multiple roles and had 48 tackles last year while also defending passes and making key stops.
Key to Utah’s Defensive Success in 2025
The main issue will be building depth on the interior line. If the new starters hold up and Utah can stop the run like usual, this defense will be tough to beat. They’ll also need to avoid the late-season drop-off that hurt them last year.
Player to Watch: Lander Barton, LB
Barton was the team’s leading tackler last year and is expected to take on an even bigger role this season. He can play inside or outside, cover running backs, and make big plays at the line. He’s the heart of this defense now.
Utah’s defense is again looking like one of the top units in the Pac-12 — and possibly the country. With a mix of returning stars and developing talent, they should remain tough, smart, and hard to beat. If the line holds up and the secondary continues to improve, this group could carry the team through a challenging 2025 schedule.