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. Update (Oct. 14): Parker rushed for 171 yards and two touchdowns against Kansas on October 10, including a 90-yard touchdown run. Dampier added 238 passing yards, 71 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns in the victory. Utah must replace its top three receivers from 2025, but Daidren Zipperer returns after missing last season due to injury. Utah State transfer Braden Pegan and San Jose State transfer Kyri Shoels join the receiving corps. Update (Oct. 14): Ricky Johnson has emerged as a key receiving option, recording 104 yards against Kansas, while Creed Whittemore has moved into the starting slot receiver role. Utah also replaced all five starters along the offensive line in 2026. Solatoa Moea’i entered the season with the most proven starting experience in the group, with seven career starts. Meanwhile, Zereoue Williams, Alex Harrison, Keith Olson, and Cedric Jefferson entered the season with limited starting experience. Update (Oct. 14): Utah’s current starting offensive line features Zereoue Williams at left tackle, Keith Olson at left guard, Kelvin Obot at center, Cedric Jefferson at right guard, and Alex Harrison at right tackle. The rebuilt group helped Utah produce 287 rushing yards and 545 total yards against Kansas.
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, but the Utes must replace seven of last year’s top nine tacklers. On the defensive line, Kash Dillon returns, and North Texas transfer Ethan Day joins 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.
With its starting quarterback, leading rusher, and leading tackler back, Utah entered 2026 facing significant turnover at receiver and along the offensive line while replacing seven of its top nine tacklers on defense. Update (Oct. 14): Utah is 5-0 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play, ranked No. 11 in the AP poll following a 41-24 victory over Kansas on October 10. The Utes have established a productive rushing attack behind their rebuilt offensive line, while Dampier and Parker have provided consistent offensive production.