⚡ CFB Dashboard

- Dillon Curtis is expected to retain Utah's kicking job after a solid camp, but his 1-for-4 start against Wyoming last season and the offense's anticipated 2026 regression make field-goal reliability an important early variable. - Transfer Tanner Cragun gives Utah an experienced alternative at kicker after making 6 of 8 field goals for UTEP last season and 7 of 9 for Utah State in 2024. - Orion Phillips returns as Utah's punter after allowing only six returns, placing 15 punts inside the 20 and producing eight kicks of at least 50 yards last season. - All-Big 12 returner Mana Carvalho remains Utah's primary punt-return threat after a 75-yard touchdown and 212 return yards last season, while Daniel Bray is projected to lead the kickoff-return group.

- Devon Dampier is the clear starting quarterback, but Utah is expected to put backup Byrd Ficklin on the field frequently alongside him to use Ficklin's playmaking ability. - Wayshawn Parker projects as the starting running back after nearly reaching 1,000 yards last season, with spring standout Daniel Bray holding the primary backup role and Mataeki Helu pushing for snaps after a good camp. - Braden Pegan, Creed Whittemore and Kyri Shoels project as the starting receivers, with Whittemore emerging as the likely top slot target and Larry Simmons, Tobias Merriweather and Ricky Johnson supplying experienced situational depth. - Hunter Andrews is expected to return from last season's injury as a versatile starting tight end who can stretch the field and take handoffs, while Noah Bennee's improved route running and blocking should earn him significant snaps. - Utah has four likely offensive-line starters in Zereoue Williams, Solatoa Moea'i, Alex Harrison and Keith Olson, but injuries and an unsettled final interior job are expected to produce an early-season rotation that includes Isaiah Garcia and other reserves.

- Devin Dampier is described as being in total control entering his second season at Utah despite the transition to a new offensive coordinator. - Utah's running-back room developed meaningfully since spring and now provides greater playable depth. - The staff believes at least one key contributor is back to full health after questions about whether he could translate Mountain West production to Power Four play.

- Utah must replace five offensive-line starters and significant interior defensive-line production, making turnover on both lines the central roster concern. - The panel acknowledged the program's internal confidence in Morgan Scalley but questioned whether that transition and the personnel losses leave enough support to reach nine wins.