The Utah Blockcast

Utah football is 4–0, but how much should expectations rise? Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett deliver a bye-week stock report on the Utes, examining who they’re buying, who they’re holding and what still needs to improve before the toughest Big 12 tests arrive.

Devon Dampier’s development and Wayshawn Parker’s playmaking have fueled confidence in the offense. The defense has been stingy, but can Utah generate enough pressure with four rushers against better quarterbacks?

In this episode:
• Rising stock: Cedric Jefferson, Cyrus Polu, Lance Holtzclaw and Utah’s running backs
• Why Dampier still has room to elevate his game
• Offensive line development and the biggest defensive question
• The different tests Kansas, Colorado, Houston and Cincinnati will present
• Why 10 or 11 wins feels increasingly realistic in Morgan Scalley’s first season

Plus, the Big 12 games worth watching while Utah is idle.

Which Utah player are you buying stock in—and how many games do you expect the Utes to win? Drop your picks in the comments and subscribe to Utah Blockcast for more Utah football analysis.

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Devon Dampier is giving Utah football a more dangerous passing attack—but what still needs work after a 4–0 start? Steve Bartle answers your questions in this Utah Blockcast bye-week mailbag, using Hudl IQ charts and film observations to examine the Utes’ progress.

We break down Dampier’s downfield improvement, Kelvin Obot’s push for a starting role, Cedric Jefferson’s encouraging play and why Byrd Ficklin had fewer opportunities against Iowa State. Plus, how concerned should Utah fans be about third-quarter slowdowns, blitz protection and generating pressure with four?

Also in this episode:
• Coaching grades for Morgan Scalley, Kevin McGiven and Colton Swan
• Early returns on Utah’s recruiting changes and Otro Capital partnership
• Whether the Big 12 has college football’s best running backs
• Big 12 fanbase rankings and Ames vs. Morgantown
• Favorite road-trip destinations, barbecue and an unexpected grape obsession

What has encouraged you most about Utah through four games—and what’s your biggest concern? Drop your answers and future mailbag questions in the comments.

Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for Utah football analysis, Big 12 discussion and coverage from KSL Sports Utah Insider Steve Bartle.

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Utah football is 4–0 after beating Iowa State 31–17, but another sluggish third quarter leaves plenty to discuss. Wayshawn Parker powered the win in Ames—so how close are the Utes to putting together a complete game?

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett break down Parker’s standout performance, the offensive line’s progress and Devon Dampier’s improvement as a downfield passer. They also examine Iowa State’s second-half adjustments, Utah’s need for more pressure from its four-man rush and what the Utes should address during the bye.

Plus, our updated Big 12 Week 4 Power Rankings: Why Utah holds the top spot over BYU and Texas Tech, what Cincinnati’s win over Kansas State changes, and how Oklahoma State and Houston fit into the contender conversation.

In this episode:
• The Ames experience and Iowa State’s welcoming fans
• Parker’s big day and Big 12 weekly honors
• Kelvin Obot, improved run blocking and the work still ahead
• Dampier’s deep-ball growth and Utah’s third-quarter struggles
• Defensive adjustments, tackling and the pass rush
• Our full Big 12 countdown from No. 16 to No. 1

Who belongs at No. 1 in the Big 12—and what is Utah’s biggest bye-week priority? Leave your take in the comments and subscribe to Utah Blockcast for more Utah football analysis.

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Utah is 4-0 after a 31-17 win at Iowa State, and Wayshawn Parker was the difference. He piled up 239 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns, from a 54-yard run on Utah’s first snap to the fourth-quarter score that put the game away.

In this postgame Utah Blockcast, we break down Parker’s performance, the offensive line’s progress, Devon Dampier’s sharp first half and Utah’s run defense against Aiden Flora. We also get into the uncomfortable part: how a 24-3 halftime lead shrank to 24-17, what Iowa State found against Utah’s man coverage, and why the offense went quiet in the third quarter.

Morgan Scalley said the Utes needed to face adversity. We discuss what their response showed and what they need to clean up heading into the bye week.

Subscribe for more Utah football coverage, and tell us your biggest takeaway from Ames in the comments.

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From a rainy, empty Jack Trice Stadium the day before kickoff, KSL Sports' Steve Bartle previews Utah's first true road game under Morgan Scalley — a Big 12 opener against Iowa State — where a mist-and-drizzle forecast, a hostile 61,000-seat whiteout, and two coaches in their conference debut push the game onto the details.

The preview develops in the order Bartle takes it: the setting, then the Utah offense (Dampier and the run to the edge), then the Utah defense against Jaylen Raynor and Iowa State's edge run and shot-play passing, closing with his rapid-fire over/unders and a final score.

Utah opens Big 12 play in Ames for its first road game under Morgan Scalley. Alec Busse of CycloneAlert joins the Utah Blockcast to break down what the Utes will face against Iowa State.

We discuss Jimmy Rogers’ first three games, the Cyclones’ more aggressive defense, their emerging run game and the questions surrounding their passing attack. We also look at how Iowa State’s front matches up with Utah’s rebuilt offensive line, what Devon Dampier could see in coverage and how the weather might shape the game.
For Utah fans making the trip, Alec shares his Ames food recommendations and what to expect at Jack Trice Stadium—including the “Juicy Wiggle.”

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Utah football enters Big 12 play with a 3–0 record and plenty to build on. Hear from wide receivers coach Chad Bumphis, quarterback Devon Dampier and left tackle Zereoue Williams during Monday’s media availability on September 21.

Dampier discusses his connection with Braden Pegan, why Wayshawn Parker’s blocking reflects his leadership, and the playoff urgency behind Utah’s approach to every week.

Bumphis breaks down Ricky Johnson’s emergence, the competition for receiver snaps and what needs to improve after missed opportunities against Utah State.

Williams discusses the offensive line’s growing confidence, freshman Kelvin Obot’s impact and the details Utah needs to sharpen in the run game.

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Utah football improved to 3-0 with a 33-0 shutout of Utah State, but the final score doesn’t tell the entire story.

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett break down Devon Dampier’s impressive decision-making, Braden Pegan’s breakout performance and why Utah struggled to generate consistent movement in the run game. Was the offensive line the problem, or did Utah State’s aggressive defensive approach deserve more credit?

They also examine another dominant performance from Utah’s defense, the emergence of Rabbit Evans and a linebacker group that continues to exceed expectations.

Then, it’s time for the Utah Blockcast Big 12 Power Rankings. Utah, BYU and Texas Tech lead the championship conversation—but which team has earned the No. 1 spot through three weeks?

Topics include:

• What Utah learned from its uneven running game
• Dampier’s throws and rapid decision-making
• Pegan’s emergence as a featured target
• Rabbit Evans and Utah’s defensive depth
• The Big 12’s contenders, risers and frauds
• An early look toward Utah’s trip to Iowa State

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Utah football is back at Rice-Eccles Stadium for the Battle of the Brothers against Utah State, and the Aggies bring a defense that could give the Utes a very different challenge than Arkansas did.

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett preview Utah vs. Utah State, breaking down Devon Dampier’s efficiency, Wayshawn Parker’s hot start, Utah’s improving offensive line and the key individual matchups to watch on both sides of the ball.

They also dive into Utah State’s strong run defense, Grady Brosterhous’ scrambling ability, Javon Robinson’s big-play threat, Utah’s pass rush, and what the Utes still need to prove before Big 12 play begins.

Plus, Utah stat spotlights, rapid-fire over/unders, final score predictions and live viewer questions.

Utah football’s 2–0 start has supplied reasons to believe the Utes can contend in the Big 12. Which early developments deserve the most confidence—and what still needs to improve?

Steve Bartle breaks down what Utah has shown against Idaho and Arkansas, starting with an offensive line that has exceeded expectations and an offense giving Devon Dampier more help. Wayshawn Parker’s emergence as a complete offensive weapon, Noah Bennee’s breakout and Kevin McGiven’s emphasis on creating space have made the Utes a different kind of challenge.

On defense, Johnathan Hall and Jireh Moe are providing important answers, a deeper rotation is helping Utah up front, and the secondary is giving Steve a reason to buy in.

In this episode:
• Why the offensive line has changed Utah’s outlook
• How Utah is creating more yards after the catch
• What makes Wayshawn Parker’s start so impressive
• Hall, Moe and the encouraging run defense
• Why Steve trusts Utah’s secondary—even with tougher passing offenses ahead
• What Utah needs from its wide receivers against Utah State

Which Utah player or position group has earned your confidence through two games? Leave your answer in the comments, and subscribe for more Utah Blockcast coverage from KSL Sports.

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Utah’s defense is building momentum after the win over Arkansas. Luther Elliss, Lance Holtzclaw, James Chenault and Jireh Moe discuss the Utes’ progress through two games and preparations for Utah State.

Elliss explains why Utah prioritized Moe in the transfer portal despite concerns about his size, how his impact extends beyond the stat sheet and why rotating the defensive front matters.

Also in this media availability:

• Holtzclaw discusses his versatility, creating pressure and playing in Colton Swan’s aggressive defense.
• Chenault breaks down the secondary’s confidence, staying ready through rotations and playing alongside Jackson Bennee.
• Moe explains the setup behind his successful spin move against Arkansas, drawing inspiration from Aaron Donald and why the staff’s sincerity helped bring him to Utah.

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Utah’s offense is off to an explosive start, and the Utes believe there is still plenty more to come.

Wayshawn Parker, Byrd Ficklin, running backs coach Mark Atuaia and tight end Noah Bennee met with the media Monday as Utah turns its attention toward an in-state matchup with Utah State.

Parker discussed his six-touchdown start, his growing role in the passing game and the promise he made to Ficklin before their 51-yard connection against Arkansas. Ficklin broke down Utah’s versatile offensive packages, his relationship with Devon Dampier and why the Utes are so comfortable moving quarterbacks, running backs and receivers all over the formation.

Atuaia discussed Parker’s development, Daniel Bray’s growing role and Utah’s talented running back room, while Bennee reflected on his breakout performance against Arkansas and what it means to play Utah State as a lifelong Utah fan.

Subscribe to KSL Sports and Utah Blockcast for more Utah football coverage throughout the 2026 season.

Utah made a statement in Week 2, burying Arkansas 43-10 and answering some of the biggest questions surrounding the Utes entering the season.

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett break down what stood out most from the win, including Utah’s performance in the trenches, the offensive line handling Arkansas’ pressure packages, Jireh Moe’s breakout performance and the growing depth throughout the defense. They also dive into Devon Dampier and Utah’s more aggressive passing attack, Wayshawn Parker’s versatility, Noah Bennee’s emergence and why Kevin McGiven’s offense has become so difficult to predict.

The guys also run through a wild Week 2 across college football and the Big 12, including Oklahoma State’s upset of Oregon, Michigan’s win over Oklahoma, BYU’s second-half response against Arizona, questions surrounding Texas Tech and what Iowa State’s performance means with Utah’s conference opener looming.

An updated Big 12 power ranking, why Utah currently belongs in the conference-title conversation and what still needs to improve before the schedule gets tougher.

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Utah made a statement Saturday night with a dominant 43-10 win over Arkansas at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett break down the Utes’ complete performance, beginning with Wayshawn Parker’s three-touchdown night and Jireh Moe’s breakout showing up front. They dive into how Utah answered its biggest questions in the trenches, Devon Dampier’s efficient four-touchdown performance, Noah Bennee’s emergence as a legitimate big-play threat, and the defensive adjustments that shut Arkansas down after its opening drive. 

The guys also discuss Kevin McGiven’s unpredictable offensive approach, Colton Swan’s early impact as defensive coordinator, Utah’s improved tackling and defensive depth, and why this performance should raise expectations for what the Utes can become in the Big 12. It wasn’t a perfect night — and that might be the most encouraging part. Utah dominated while still leaving plenty to clean up.  

Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for Utah football analysis, insider coverage, postgame reaction and recruiting updates throughout the season.

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Can Arkansas handle Utah under the lights at Rice-Eccles Stadium? Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett preview the matchup, respond to D.J. Williams’ comments and celebrate Eric Weddle’s Ring of Honor recognition—including his memorable showdown with Calvin Johnson.

The guys break down Utah’s offensive line, Braden Pegan and Wayshawn Parker against Arkansas’ defense, and Elijah Reed’s matchup with Chris Marshall. Plus, why Devon Dampier’s experience could be the difference against KJ Jackson.

They finish with rapid-fire over/unders, breakout picks, score predictions and a look at a revealing Big 12 weekend.

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Utah head coach Morgan Scalley and members of the Utes’ defense meet with the media ahead of Saturday night’s matchup against Arkansas.

Scalley explains why the game could be decided at the line of scrimmage, provides updates on Keith Olson and Isaiah Garcia, and discusses Utah’s unsettled offensive-line rotation.

Utah’s safety coach Derrick Odum and players - Elijah Reed, Rabbit Evans, Scooby Davis, Karson Kaufusi - break down different dynamics of last week's performance and look ahead to Saturday's contest against Arkansas.

Utah’s first meaningful test of the season has arrived.

Longtime Arkansas Razorbacks voice Chuck Barrett joins Steve Bartle to provide an inside look at Ryan Silverfield’s rebuilt team. They discuss Arkansas’ offensive struggles against North Alabama, KJ Jackson’s development, concerns along the offensive line, the Razorbacks’ defensive strengths and what Arkansas must do to survive an 8:15 p.m. kickoff inside Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Then, Steve explains why Utah appears to have more paths to victory. Can Wayshawn Parker and Devon Dampier establish the run? Will Dampier continue creating explosive plays against pressure? Can Utah attack vertically and force Arkansas’ young quarterback into mistakes?

Saturday night should reveal plenty about both programs.

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Utah football opened the season with a dominant 66-14 victory over Idaho. Now, the Utes turn their attention toward an SEC test against Arkansas at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett react to a wild opening weekend of college football, beginning with Michigan’s controversial 13-12 escape against Western Michigan—and the mysterious extra second that kept the Wolverines alive.

They also unveil their updated Big 12 power rankings, examine Oklahoma State’s disastrous loss to Tulsa and identify the teams that impressed—or disappointed—in Week 1.

Then, it’s an early scouting report on Arkansas: KJ Jackson’s short passing game, the Razorbacks’ struggles creating movement on the ground, Charlie Collins and a talented defense, and the areas that will genuinely test Utah.

Finally, Steve and Josh revisit Utah’s opener, including Devon Dampier’s efficiency, Byrd Ficklin’s performance, the Utes’ offensive depth and an encouraging multi-player pass rush.

Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for Utah football analysis, news and coverage throughout the 2026 season.

Utah opened Morgan Scalley’s first full season with a dominant 66-14 win over Idaho at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett react to Devon Dampier’s efficient performance, the emergence of Wayshawn Parker and Braden Pegan, Byrd Ficklin’s versatility and an offense that produced 633 total yards and nine touchdowns.

They also examine Utah’s extensive personnel rotations, Colton Swan’s aggressive defensive approach and the lingering concerns created by Idaho’s success running the football during two 75-yard touchdown drives.

How much did Utah prove in the opener—and what still needs to improve before Arkansas arrives in Salt Lake City?

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Utah football is finally back. Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett preview the Utes’ 2026 season opener against Idaho and identify what Utah needs to show in Morgan Scalley’s first regular-season game as head coach.

They break down how Utah’s defense should contain dual-threat quarterback Joshua Wood, which defenders could create the most havoc, what to expect from Devon Dampier and Kevin McGiven’s passing attack, and which running back could emerge behind Wayshawn Parker. The episode closes with rapid-fire predictions, players to watch and final score picks.

Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for Utah football analysis, instant postgame reaction and year-round Utes coverage.

What did Utah football actually reveal during fall camp?

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett compare their independent lists of five things they think they learned about the Utes. The conversation covers Utah’s playable depth, a potentially top-tier running back room, Braden Pegan emerging as WR1, increased confidence in individual offensive linemen and Devon Dampier’s complete command of the offense.

They also examine how Morgan Scalley and Jason Swan could use defensive depth as a tactical advantage, the noticeable impact of Utah’s revamped strength and conditioning program, Scalley’s trust in his assistant coaches and the energy he has injected throughout the operation.

Plus, Utah announced several Rice-Eccles Stadium experience updates, including new LED lighting, a refreshed Moment of Loudness and changes designed to get fans into the stadium earlier.

Which fall-camp development gives you the most confidence entering the season—and which conclusion still needs to be proven?

Utah basketball was dealt a major blow with Noam Yaacov ruled ineligible for the 2026-27 season.

Steve Bartle briefly breaks down what the Utes lose without their projected offensive centerpiece, why Trey Campbell became Utah’s contingency plan, and which guards now need to take on bigger roles as Alex Jensen reshapes the backcourt.

Which Utah football position groups improved the most during fall camp—and which still have something to prove before the season opener against Idaho?

Steve Bartle delivers a complete Utah Football Stock Report after hearing from the Utes’ coordinators and assistant coaches. The running backs and cornerbacks made the biggest jumps, the edge rotation strengthened its case and the offensive line appears closer to identifying its top seven or eight players.

The episode also examines:

• Why Devon Dampier remains a Big 12 championship-level quarterback
• How Brandon Rose could create more opportunities for Byrd Ficklin
• Is Wayshawn Parker, Daniel Bray and Utah’s running-back depth being overlooked?
• Braden Pegan’s emergence as Utah’s go-to receiver?
• The questions behind Hunter Andrews at tight end
• Utah’s developing offensive-line rotation
• Paul Fitzgerald’s potential impact off the edge
• The rise of Jireh Moe and Dilan Battle at defensive tackle
• Elijah Reed’s impact on a much-improved cornerback room
• The versatility surrounding Utah’s safeties and nickelbacks

Fall camp is over. Idaho preparation has begun. Here is where every Utah position group stands entering the final stretch before Week 1.

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Utah football director of alumni relations Bo Nagahi joins the Utah Blockcast to explain why Morgan Scalley made reconnecting former Utes an early priority—and how the program plans to make “family” last beyond a player’s final snap.

Nagahi discusses his history with Scalley, the response from former players and his three primary goals for the alumni program: connection, engagement and access. He also outlines a larger vision involving career opportunities, mentorship, degree completion, mental-health support and stronger relationships between current and former players.

Before the interview, Steve Bartle identifies 10 Utes who could surprise this season, including Elijah Reed, Paul Fitzgerald, Ricky Johnson, and Steve Chavez-Soto.

Utah is developing its next generation while reconnecting with the players who helped build the program.

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Fall camp week three availability with Utah defensive end Lance Holtzclaw, safety Nate Ritchie, and cornerback Elijah Reed.