Utah the Big 12 favorite? Brett Ciancia answers | Blockcast Mailbag: Wayshawn’s Heisman case?

Has Utah become the team to beat in the Big 12?

Brett Ciancia of Pick Six Previews joins Steve Bartle to explain why he has the Utes favored in every remaining game—and why he sees Utah and BYU meeting in the Big 12 championship game.

We break down Utah’s offensive line, Devon Dampier’s development, Wayshawn Parker’s emergence and the defensive improvement driving a 5–0 start. Plus, Brett identifies the key advantages against Colorado and weighs in on Notre Dame–BYU, Houston–Oklahoma State and the proposed 24-team College Football Playoff.

Then it’s time for the Blockcast Mailbag: Steve updates his season prediction, discusses Parker’s Heisman potential and tackles questions about Utah’s pass rush, forcing turnovers, NIL and playoff expansion. And yes, there’s room for chicken sandwiches and one questionable business proposal.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Welcome to Utah Blockcast
1:52 Brett Ciancia joins the show
3:52 Why Utah has exceeded expectations
8:03 Devon Dampier’s growth and Wayshawn Parker’s rise
10:54 Utah’s defensive improvement
12:53 Utah–Colorado: Key matchup advantages
15:26 Is Utah the Big 12 favorite?
18:39 Big 12 risers, fallers and contenders
22:36 Notre Dame–BYU and Houston–Oklahoma State
25:56 The 24-team playoff debate
29:34 A Utah–BYU Big 12 championship game?
33:27 Mailbag: Updating Utah’s season prediction
35:50 Parker’s Heisman potential
38:30 Pressure adjustments and pass-rush concerns
44:36 Punching the ball out and avoiding an upset
46:11 NIL payments, revenue sharing and taxes
49:07 What playoff expansion could mean for Utah
55:36 Chicken sandwiches and “Remains to Be Seen”

Send your mailbag questions to UTAHBLOCKCAST@GMAIL.COM.

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The Utah Blockcast is a podcast for University of Utah Athletics fans. Focusing on Utah Football and Runnin' Utes basketball, the Blockcast is just what passionate Utah fans need. Hosted by KSL Sports' Steve Bartle and often co-hosted by Cameron Beck and Tyson Moll, particularly during football season, the Blockcast is a great place to discuss, argue, and stay current on Utah Athletics.