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The Utah Utes have one of the most interesting quarterback situations in the country. Two very explosive playmakers ready to make a statement in Morgan Scalley's first season as head coach.
For Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin, the QB room in Salt Lake City couldn't be better. Both are competitors, teammates and friends who are willing to do what's best for the Utes. When Dampier announced he would be staying for his final year with Scalley and his new-look staff, Ficklin was staying put as well. Not to say they're a package deal, but they're pretty close to being one. Dampier helped mentor Byrd during his time with the program.
What's the level of expectation for Dampier in his final season? The Utes' starter is ranked No. 22 in The Athletic's list of starting QBs in 2026. He's above several notable signal-callers around the nation, including Michigan's Bryce Underwood, BYU's Bear Bachmeier and Alabama's Keelon Russell. This puts Dampier as the third-best Big 12 passer behind Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker and Arizona's Noah Fifita.
Dampier has played outstanding during his time at Utah. His ability to take off as a rusher will be one of his biggest assets to the Utes' offense. He had the third-most rushing yards among Power Four QBs last year with 835, along with one of the best touchdown-to-turnover ratios (34-to-6). Only one of those came from fumbling the ball away.
“He’s electric,” a Big 12 personnel director told The Athletic. “He’s someone who you want the ball in his hands.”
Dampier takes a step forward in many ways. He's one of the leaders for this Utes' team, which has already benefited from his experience of getting to where he's at right now. He isn't afraid to fix what's broken and calls out inconsistencies on either side of the ball. Scalley thought getting Dampier to stay after Kyle Whittingham would've been a long shot. As it turns out, it could be one of the best silver linings to the entire situation.
The Utes built an offensive scheme to feature Dampier's strengths under Kevin McGiven. A guarantee that would've never been promised to him elsewhere. Being able to stay and try to top an 11-win season is a top priority.
Utah enters the 2026 season on the fringe of being a top Big 12 contender behind BYU and Texas Tech. Not bad for Scalley's first year at the helm. It's also a continuation of where Whittingham left the program after his final year with the Utes.
Where Utah ranked in Phil Steele’s College Football preseason poll
Utah football is all over social media after film session catches attention of NFL veteran
Joe D'Orazio sends strong message to recruits: 'Utah puts people in the NFL
Continue reading...
For Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin, the QB room in Salt Lake City couldn't be better. Both are competitors, teammates and friends who are willing to do what's best for the Utes. When Dampier announced he would be staying for his final year with Scalley and his new-look staff, Ficklin was staying put as well. Not to say they're a package deal, but they're pretty close to being one. Dampier helped mentor Byrd during his time with the program.
What's the level of expectation for Dampier in his final season? The Utes' starter is ranked No. 22 in The Athletic's list of starting QBs in 2026. He's above several notable signal-callers around the nation, including Michigan's Bryce Underwood, BYU's Bear Bachmeier and Alabama's Keelon Russell. This puts Dampier as the third-best Big 12 passer behind Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker and Arizona's Noah Fifita.
Dampier has played outstanding during his time at Utah. His ability to take off as a rusher will be one of his biggest assets to the Utes' offense. He had the third-most rushing yards among Power Four QBs last year with 835, along with one of the best touchdown-to-turnover ratios (34-to-6). Only one of those came from fumbling the ball away.
“He’s electric,” a Big 12 personnel director told The Athletic. “He’s someone who you want the ball in his hands.”
Dampier takes a step forward in many ways. He's one of the leaders for this Utes' team, which has already benefited from his experience of getting to where he's at right now. He isn't afraid to fix what's broken and calls out inconsistencies on either side of the ball. Scalley thought getting Dampier to stay after Kyle Whittingham would've been a long shot. As it turns out, it could be one of the best silver linings to the entire situation.
The Utes built an offensive scheme to feature Dampier's strengths under Kevin McGiven. A guarantee that would've never been promised to him elsewhere. Being able to stay and try to top an 11-win season is a top priority.
Utah enters the 2026 season on the fringe of being a top Big 12 contender behind BYU and Texas Tech. Not bad for Scalley's first year at the helm. It's also a continuation of where Whittingham left the program after his final year with the Utes.
More Utah Utes News:
Where Utah ranked in Phil Steele’s College Football preseason poll
Utah football is all over social media after film session catches attention of NFL veteran
Joe D'Orazio sends strong message to recruits: 'Utah puts people in the NFL
Continue reading...
