The Utah Utes, fresh off an 11-2 (7-2 Big 12) season, begin a new era with Morgan Scalley moving from defensive coordinator to head coach. Kevin McGiven comes over from Utah State as the offensive coordinator. Dual-threat Devon Dampier returns after an outstanding season. It will be interesting to see how he performs in a new system away from his old offensive coordinator, Jeff Beck, who was with him even back at New Mexico. The Utes’ running game returns Wayshawn Parker, who averaged 76 yards per game on the ground last year. The top three receivers from a season ago are gone. The receiving corps has a lot of turnover. Utah is happy to get back Daidren Zipperer, who missed last year with an injury. Larry Simmons returns along with Tobias Merriweather. The Utes are eager to see transfers Braden Pegan (Utah State) and Kyri Shoels (SJSU) in action. Utah has a new-look offensive line and must find a combo that will help them compete in conference play.

On defense, longtime linebacker coach Colton Swan will take over defensive coordinator duties. The defensive line will have a new look this year with three new starters, and the Utes are eager to get their first look at North Texas transfer Ethan Day. At linebacker, last year’s leading tackler, Jonathan Hall, returns. Meanwhile, Scooby Davis and Jackson Bennee return to a rebuilt secondary.

In special teams, Sharrieff Shah returns as coordinator with the luxury of punt returner Mana Carvalho returning. Carvalho scored a punt return touchdown to put the game against the Bearcats out of reach. Daniel Bray returns as kick returner, Dillon Curtis returns as the field goal kicker, and Orion Phillips returns as the punter. Overall, Utah’s success will depend on how quickly the new pieces in the trenches and at receiver settle in.