The Utah Blockcast

Kyle Whittingham made some interesting comments about the bigger picture of college football. He talked a lot about collective bargaining and suggested that an NFL minor league might be in the game's best interest. Plus, Utah kicks off the start of fall camp in two weeks. It's time to start previewing what's ahead, and that begins with the receiver room in this episode.

The Big 12 Conference and it's media membership converged on Frisco, TX for Media Days earlier this week. Kyle Whittingham, Devon Dampier, Spencer Fano, Lander Barton, and Smith Snowden represented Utah on day two of the event. Here's what we learned about the Utes at Big 12 Media Days.

Utah RB commit LaMarcus Bell joins me for a fun 20-minute conversation. Plus, it's been a week of fireworks for Utah on the recruiting trail with the commitments of Kelvin Obot, Jaron & Kennan Pula, and the positive trend for the No. 1 prospect in the state of Utah.

Taking a look at where things stand for Utah football after a productive month of recruiting, and where things currently sit with some of their remaining top targets. Then, shift gears to Runnin' Utes recruiting, which is taking on a different mindset with Alex Jensen, Wes Wilcox, and staff.

Recapping the productive recruiting weekend for Kyle Whittingham's program. Utah hosted nine visitors to campus for their final OV weekend, including the No. 1 offensive tackle in the country, five-star Felix Ojo. The Utes have already seen returns on their efforts, while other recruitments are trending positively for Utah as well.

On this episode of the Utah Blockcast, Steve Bartle breaks down his Post-Spring Big 12 Power Rankings. After doing homework on programs throughout the league following the conclusion of spring ball and the bulk of transfer portal activity, Bartle ranks all 16 teams and breaks them up into five different tiers.

Isaac Trotter joins the podcast to discuss all things Alex Jensen and the Runnin' Utes. From breaking down Utah basketball's potential identity under Jensen to individual player breakdowns, Trotter shares his thoughts on what Utah basketball has accomplished in its roster construction so far. He also gives his takes on the Big 12 and who the Utah Jazz should take at No. 5 in the NBA Draft. 

On this episode, 247 Sports national recruiting analyst Blair Angulo joins the Blockcast to talk recruiting. From the improving talent in the state of Utah to individual updates on prospects like Salesi Moa, Kelvin Obot, and others, Blair provides some good insights into the latest with Utah recruiting.

What are the biggest X-Factors for Kyle Whittingham's squad going into the 2025 season? Steve Bartle breaks down seven factors he believes are the biggest influences to Utah football's success this upcoming season.

Cam Rising announced he's been advised to medically retire, ending a great career. I run through Rising's greatest moments as the starting quarterback for Utah football.

I'm also joined by Andrew Crowley of the Runnin' Hoops podcast to discuss all things Runnin' Utes basketball, including an initial starting five projection and many other thoughts on the state of the program.

After an extended time away from the mic, host Steve Bartle dives into the transfer portal activity of both the basketball and football programs. He also wraps up some thoughts on the football squad after spring ball. 

Breaking down what I've seen and heard from spring ball. Then, a lengthy conversation with Andrew Crowley, aka Runnin Hoops, about all things ball. 

It was the media's first viewing session of spring ball, which provided a few impressions and takeaways. Utah basketball continues to make moves that speak to a significant commitment to the program. Lastly, Sly Sylvester joined me to talk about the 2008 team reunion over the weekend. 

It was a good week for Utah basketball with the introduction of Alex Jensen as head coach. The program rode the wave of momentum into Friday when they announced the hiring of Raphael Chillious, who is a bonafide stud on the recruiting trail. Utah football is back in action with spring ball underway. Then wrapped this one with a Q&A.

Breaking down what's happened with the Utah basketball program and what could be next. Is Andre Miller the next piece to the puzzle? As well as some thoughts on the Huntsman Center, and Utah football's spring ball. 

An instant reaction to the news that Alex Jensen has accepted the deal to become Utah's newest head coach of the men's basketball program. 

Both Utah women's and men's basketball earned victories on Saturday, with the women's team defeating BYU, 76-73, thanks to a halfcourt heave at the buzzer by Maty Wilke. Just like old times, the men's team earned a 26-point win over Sun Devils. Utah is also going through a coaching search and things seem to be trending the way Utah fans would hope. 

Andrew Crowley, aka RunninHoops, joined me to discuss all things related to Utah's decision to fire Craig Smith, from initial reactions to what led to the decision before transitioning to Alex Jensen's candidacy and what it would mean for Utah Basketball. 

Utah swept the Sunflower State as they sent Kansas State home with a 74-69 loss after they knocked off the Jayhawks 48 hours earlier. Recapping the game, as well as some thoughts on Bill Self's and Jerome Tang's comments on the Jon M. Huntsman Center. 

Spring ball begins soon, and we now know the dates. Utah men's basketball earned a big upset win over the Kansas Jayhawks, 74-67. And the Utah women's basketball squad won their seventh straight game in a heated Big 12 race. 

The Big 12 announced 2025 schedules and Utah football now knows the path they have to navigate to get to the title game next season. How does Utah preserve its culture in the NIL era? Lastly, some thoughts on Utah basketball at the halfway point of the conference schedule. 

Open up with a couple of quick shoutouts and thoughts before hitting on Utah and the 2025-26 Playoffs way-too-early projection. Dive into some key things from Utah's 69-66 win over the Cincinnati Bearcats and finish with the top five offensive players returning in 2025 for Utah Football. 

Assessing Utah's 70-36 loss to No. 7 Houston and what it says about Utah in the immediate and long-term views. Switching gears to football, who are Utah's top five defensive players returning in 2025? Lastly, assessing Utah's completely new running back room. 

Friend of the pod, Andrew Crowley, aka Runnin' Hoops Pod, joins me to break down Utah's 73-72 win over BYU in the 265th edition of the rivalry game. Then, I switch gears to football to talk about who has joined the program at the midyear point (who is here for winter workouts and spring ball) before a little dive into the QB room. 

After a month and a half, the Blockcast has returned from its hibernation. Utah Football held an "Offseason Kickoff" press conference earlier in the week, and some noteworthy comments were made. Utah and BYU will play the 265th edition of the rivalry basketball game and there are some keys to the game for the Utes.