Morgan Scalley takes over as Utah’s head coach after an 11-2 overall and 7-2 Big 12 campaign in 2025, following his previous role as the Utes’ defensive coordinator. Kevin McGiven arrives from Utah State as offensive coordinator, while Devon Dampier returns at quarterback. Wayshawn Parker returns after averaging 76 rushing yards per game last season. Utah must replace its top three receivers from 2025. To address that turnover, Daidren Zipperer returns after missing last season due to injury, while Utah State transfer Braden Pegan and San Jose State transfer Kyri Shoels join the receiving corps. Utah also replaced all five starters along the offensive line in 2026. Solatoa Moea’i has the most proven starting experience in the group, with seven career starts, while Zereoue Williams, Alex Harrison, Keith Olson, and Cedric Jefferson entered the season with limited starting experience.

Colton Swan takes over as defensive coordinator as Utah returns four of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including its top two, Johnathan Hall and Jackson Bennee. Hall, Bennee, and Elijah Davis return as full-time starters, although the Utes must replace seven of their top nine tacklers from last year’s defense. On the defensive line, Kash Dillon returns, and North Texas transfer Ethan Day joins a group with three new starters. Hall returns at linebacker, while Bennee and Elijah Davis bring experience to a secondary with several new contributors.

Sharrieff Shah returns as special teams coordinator, with Dillon Curtis back at placekicker after dealing with an injury last season. Orion Phillips returns for his second season at punter, while Mana Carvalho returns as the primary punt returner after returning a punt for a touchdown last season. Daniel Bray also returns with experience on kickoff returns. Utah enters 2026 with its starting quarterback, leading rusher, and leading tackler returning. The Utes face significant turnover at receiver and along the offensive line while replacing seven of their top nine tacklers on defense.