The Utah Blockcast

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.

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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.  

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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.

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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. 

Week three of fall camp availability with Utah head coach Morgan Scalley, quarterback Devon Dampier, offensive lineman Solatoa Moea'i, and tight end Hunter Andrews. 

Utah football has officially reached the dog days of fall camp—the stage when Morgan Scalley and his staff begin learning which players they can truly trust.

Steve Bartle breaks down the latest developments from Rice-Eccles Stadium, including Utah’s unsettled offensive line, Alex Harrison’s growth at center, the buzz surrounding Kelvin Obot and concerning red-zone results from Saturday’s scrimmage. 

Plus, Mateaki Helu and Lance Holtzclaw are making their cases for larger roles, Devon Dampier is being tested by Colton Swan’s defense, Hunter Andrews is feeling healthy again and Scalley continues reconnecting former players with the program. The season is getting closer, but Utah still has important questions to answer. 

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Utah football feels reenergized under Morgan Scalley—but two weeks of fall camp cannot answer whether the Utes are ready to win the Big 12.

Steve Bartle examines Scalley’s renewed investment in boosters and former players, the early impact of Steve Saunders’ strength program and what limited practice viewing can actually reveal.

The episode also breaks down:

• Devon Dampier and Wayshawn Parker as Utah’s championship foundation
• Kevin McGiven’s challenge distributing touches
• Braden Pegan and Utah’s deeper collection of playmakers
• The offensive line’s physical development, work habits and football intelligence
• Utah’s unresolved defensive-line and pass-rush questions
• Why the secondary could become a major strength

The excitement surrounding Utah is justified. Now the Utes must prove that their increased energy, improved physical development and deeper roster will translate once the games begin.

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Utah Director of Football Performance Steve Saunders joins the Utah Blockcast to explain the philosophy behind the Utes’ new strength and conditioning program.

Saunders discusses what changed this offseason, how Utah evaluates body composition and meaningful physical development, which players and position groups made the biggest strides, and how the staff balances strength, size, speed and explosiveness. 

Plus, Saunders discusses the long-term vision for Utah’s strength program and what he hopes will physically distinguish a Utah football team in the years ahead. 

Topics include: 

• What changed in Utah’s strength and conditioning program 

• Steve Saunders’ training philosophy 

• Utah’s emphasis on body composition and lean mass

• Building strength without sacrificing speed and explosiveness 

• The biggest physical developments from the summer 

• How Utah evaluates player development • Training durability for a Big 12 season 

• How in-season workloads and recovery are managed

• Preparing players for October and November football 

• The long-term physical vision for Utah football 

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Utah fall camp week two defensive media availability with cornerback Elijah Reed, defensive tackle Jireh Moe, safety Rabbit Evans, and linebacker Cyrus Polu. 

Utah fall camp week two media availability with head coach Morgan Scalley, offensive lineman Zereoue Williams, and quarterback Byrd Ficklin. 

Utah football opened the doors to fall camp practice, giving us our first real opportunity in years to watch the Utes work during August.

Steve Bartle breaks down what stood out from the viewing session, starting with a rebuilt offensive line that looks noticeably different physically. Zereoue Williams has added significant size, the competition continues across the front, and Utah is trying to turn improved bodies into the chemistry and physicality needed to replace five starters.

Then, Byrd Ficklin continues to generate buzz. His arm talent flashed during practice, but the bigger development may be how Ryan Gunderson and Kevin McGiven are helping him process the game faster while still allowing him to remain the dynamic playmaker Utah saw last season.

Also discussed:

• Why Utah still has questions to answer against the run

• Morgan Scalley’s surprising assessment of defensive end vs. defensive tackle depth

• Ethan Day, Pupu Sepulona and other young defensive linemen adding size

• The competition behind Wayshawn Parker at running back

• Why Daniel Bray, Steve Chavez-Soto and Mateaki Helu remain intriguing options

• The possibility of Semi Taulanga and Sione Motuapuaka getting carries

• Why Utah’s secondary could have one of the highest ceilings on the roster

Fall camp has officially given us something tangible to evaluate. Now the next few weeks are about figuring out which encouraging developments can translate when the season begins.

Utah play-by-play voice Bill Riley joins the Utah Blockcast to explain why the program already feels different under new head coach Morgan Scalley—and why the 2026 Utes have the ingredients to contend in the Big 12.

Bill discusses Scalley’s leadership, Kevin McGiven’s offensive vision, Devon Dampier’s continued development, Wayshawn Parker’s pursuit of a bigger season and the questions Utah must answer before opening against Idaho.

The conversation also explores Utah’s championship ceiling, its challenging November schedule and what Bill has learned during nearly two decades as the voice of the Utes. 

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