The Utah Blockcast

Utah keeps winning. Can the Utes keep getting better while they do it? Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett preview Utah vs. Colorado and discuss what a cleaner, more complete performance would look like.

We break down Wayshawn Parker’s growing national profile, Zereoue Williams and the offensive line’s development, and how Rabbit Evans and Utah’s secondary need to respond after Kansas.

Then we dive into the matchups: how Devon Dampier and Utah can attack Colorado’s defense, what challenges the Buffs’ offense presents, and how the Utes can take control without letting another offensive lull keep the game interesting.

Plus, rapid-fire over/unders, players to watch and our final score predictions. Drop your prediction in the comments and subscribe for more Utah football coverage from Utah Blockcast.

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Utah football is undefeated, but the Utes still have room to grow. What needs to improve for Morgan Scalley’s team to turn a strong start into a special season?

Steve Bartle opens with a look at Utah’s bigger picture: balancing legitimate concerns with the progress, adjustments and responses that shape a season. The Kansas win offered examples of both—and Utah now has to show it learned from them.

Then, Bill Riley, the voice of the Utes, joins the Utah Blockcast to discuss:

• Kevin McGiven’s versatile offense and Devon Dampier’s development
• Wayshawn Parker’s emergence and Utah’s growing collection of playmakers
• Jordan Gross and an offensive line exceeding expectations
• Utah’s improved run defense and the next step for its pass rush
• Byrd Ficklin’s unique role and Nate Ritchie’s valuable presence
• Colorado, the road ahead and the potential stakes of Utah–BYU

Plus, Bill explains why he’s sticking with his preseason prediction of an 8–0 Utah team heading into the rivalry game.

Subscribe for more Utah football and basketball coverage from Steve Bartle and KSL Sports.

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Utah football quarterback coach Ryan Gunderson, quarterback Devon Dampier, quarterback Byrd Ficklin, and running back Wayshawn Parker meet with the media Monday following the Utes' 41-24 victory over Kansas.

The group discusses Utah's explosive offensive production, the continued development of Dampier as a quarterback and leader, and the unique two-quarterback system featuring Ficklin.

Gunderson breaks down areas for improvement, Parker reflects on his big-play production, and Ficklin discusses embracing his role and staying prepared for every opportunity.

The Utes also address maintaining their high standards despite an unbeaten start as they turn their attention to Saturday's matchup against Colorado.

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Utah beat Kansas 41-24, but what did we learn after further review? We break down Wayshawn Parker’s impact, Devon Dampier’s uneven performance, and the defensive tradeoff between containing Isaiah Marshall and creating pressure.

Plus, how should we weigh Utah’s week-to-week mistakes against its development over the full season? The Utes keep winning, but where do they need to get better?

We also recap Week 6 around the Big 12 and update our Utah Blockcast Power Rankings, debating the contenders, biggest movers, and Utah’s place at the top.

Drop your take in the comments: After the Kansas win, do you feel better, worse, or the same about Utah?

Subscribe for more Utah football analysis, Big 12 discussion, and Utah Blockcast episodes.

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Utah beats Kansas 41–24 to improve to 5–0, but the Utes gave us plenty to discuss along the way.

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett react to Wayshawn Parker’s outstanding night, Devon Dampier’s uneven performance, and a defensive game plan that contained Isaiah Marshall’s running but allowed too many explosive passes.

Parker delivered 171 rushing yards, 207 total yards and two touchdowns, including the 90-yard burst that followed Utah’s critical goal-line stand. Should the Utes be putting the ball in his hands more often?

We break down:
 Parker’s production and second-quarter usage
 Dampier’s costly mistakes and second-half response
 Ricky Johnson’s 104-yard breakout
 Containment vs. pressure: Does Utah need to rethink its cage rush?
 The goal-line stand and Rice-Eccles’ whiteout atmosphere
 Penalties, officiating frustrations and what needs to improve before Colorado

A messy performance, a strong response and a 17-point win. How are you feeling about the Utes?

Drop your takeaways in the comments and subscribe for more Utah football coverage.

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Utah football is 4-0, ranked No. 12 nationally, and looking like a legitimate Big 12 championship contender. Coming out of the bye week, can the Utes keep rolling against Kansas?

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett are LIVE to preview Saturday night's whiteout matchup at Rice-Eccles Stadium. We'll break down Kansas' biggest threats, Utah's offensive line, how Devon Dampier and Wayshawn Parker can attack the Jayhawks, and what to expect from the Utes' defense.

Plus, reactions to Utah's new hand-painted helmets, a look around the Big 12, and rapid-fire over/unders and score predictions.

Join the conversation LIVE and let us know what you expect Saturday night! #UtahFootball #GoUtes #Big12Football #UtahBlockcast

Utah basketball showed some promise in its 79–69 exhibition win at UNLV. Can Alex Jensen’s new backcourt and improved defense give the Runnin’ Utes a foundation for a better season?

Steve Bartle breaks down Trey Campbell’s scoring, T.J. Burch’s defensive disruption and the biggest takeaways from Utah’s first outing before opening the Utah Blockcast mailbag.

On this episode:
• Basketball standouts, rebounding concerns and realistic expectations.
• Utah’s best football recruiters—and where Morgan Scalley ranks.
• How the offense is changing the conversation with receiver recruits.
• What Utah needs to improve against Kansas.
• Where this season’s start compares with the memorable 2019, 2021 and 2022 teams.
• Rock Caldwell’s role, getting Semi a touch and naming the Byrd Ficklin–Devon Dampier package.

What would count as a successful Utah basketball season? And what should Utah call its two-quarterback package? Drop your answers and next week’s mailbag questions in the comments.

Subscribe to Utah Blockcast for Utah football, basketball and recruiting coverage.

Morgan Scalley has needed just four games to change the national conversation around Utah football. What’s driving the Utes’ rise—and what could it mean for their Big 12 title hopes and recruiting momentum?

Steve Bartle opens with why Utah is answering preseason questions faster than expected, then welcomes two guests:

Michael Swain of Kansas 247 breaks down the Jayhawks ahead of Saturday’s whiteout at Rice-Eccles Stadium. We discuss Isaiah Marshall’s mobility, Dylan Edwards, Kansas’ improved defensive front and what must happen for the Jayhawks to threaten Utah.

Cam Mellor of Pro Football Network examines Utah’s standout secondary, Zereoue Williams’ emergence, Devon Dampier’s ceiling and Wayshawn Parker’s growing national case. Plus, how do Utah, BYU and Texas Tech stack up in the Big 12 race.

Has Utah’s start changed your expectations? Let us know in the comments and subscribe for more Utah Blockcast coverage.

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Utah didn’t play this weekend, but did the rest of the Big 12 give Utes fans more reasons to believe?

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett recap Week 5, update the Utah Blockcast Big 12 power rankings and discuss why their confidence in Utah continues to grow. BYU survives at TCU, Baylor makes a statement, Arizona shuts down Cincinnati, and Texas Tech wins without settling every question.

Then, the conversation turns to Utah: Did the road get easier, or do we simply trust the Utes more? From Devon Dampier’s leadership to an offense and defense equipped to win different kinds of games, we explain what separates Utah—and why continuing to raise the standard matters.

Plus, a quick look ahead to Kansas and the return to Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Subscribe to Utah Blockcast for Utah football analysis, Big 12 discussion and coverage throughout the season.

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Did Utah basketball do enough this offseason to take a meaningful step forward?

Steve Bartle and Andrew Crowley of the Runnin’ Hoops Podcast hand out offseason grades for Alex Jensen, Wes Wilcox and the Runnin’ Utes. Following basketball media day, they break down a roster built for more size, better defense and greater depth—and how losing Noam Yaacov changes the outlook.

The conversation covers:
• Transfer portal grades and why Jackson Holcomb could set the tone.
• The international additions and what they bring to Utah’s rotation.
• Returning players, health questions and Lucas Langarita’s opportunity.
• The pivot to Trey Campbell and the uncertainty surrounding his eligibility.
• Whether the nonconference schedule gives Utah what it needs.
• Overall offseason grades and why the next step has to show up in the win column.

There’s a clear vision for what Utah wants to become. How much confidence should fans have that this roster can deliver?

Subscribe to Utah Blockcast for more Utah basketball and football coverage, and leave your offseason grade in the comments.

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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