⚡ CFB Dashboard

Utah enters 2026 with what the article describes as its deepest receiver room in more than a decade, reducing the need for any one target to carry the passing game.

Braden Pegan is projected to lead Utah with 700 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, with expected regression from his Utah State production attributed to stronger competition and a deeper target rotation.

Creed Whittemore is forecast to break out as Devon Dampier's primary slot target, while Kyri Shoels supplies the vertical speed Utah wants for a more explosive offense.

Utah expects its run defense to improve with Rabbit Evans back in the lineup and with returning defenders placing an offseason emphasis on reducing missed tackles.

Veteran edge defender Lance Holtzclaw is projected to lead a rebuilt defensive line with eight sacks, while the interior group is expected to generate more pocket collapse than it did last season.