The Utah Blockcast

With a Dec. 5 deadline, this episode dives deep into one of the most pivotal decisions in modern Utah Football history: will Whitt return for another run, or is this the moment he steps away and hands the program to Morgan Scalley?

We break down the full case for retirement, the full case for returning, and how each path reshapes the identity and trajectory of Utah Football. From roster strength, NIL momentum, and unfinished business to the emotional toll. 

On this episode, joining the show as a special guest co-host is Andrew Crowley, better known as Runnin’ Hoops Pod, bringing sharp insight, and a veteran eye for how this team stacks up both stylistically and statistically. 

We cover:

Utah’s offensive pop and the standouts driving it

The defensive culture Jensen is building — and where Utah is falling short

The Big 12 landscape and where the Utes realistically fit

Progress indicators, red flags, and projections for conference play

It’s honest, detailed, and built for fans who want to understand why Utah looks the way it does — and what comes next. Whether you’re optimistic, skeptical, or somewhere in between, this is the episode that sets the stage for the rest of the season.

In this post-Signing Day episode, we break down Utah’s monumental 2026 recruiting class — headlined by legacy flip Salesi Moa and five-star tackle Kelvin Obot — while connecting the dots between on-field success and off-field wins. We recap Utah’s 10–2 season, massive All-Big 12 awards haul, and trench dominance that laid the foundation for this class. From Moa’s emotional flip to the program’s growing national identity, this episode explores how Utah Football just took a major step from contender… to commanding presence in the Big 12.

It’s National Signing Day and Utah is in the process of wrapping up one of its most intriguing recruiting hauls in recent memory. In this solo episode, we break down the Utes' 2026 class top to bottom — including headliners like Kelvin Obot and LaMarcus Bell. As well as late flip drama with Fameitau Siale and... Salesi Moa??? As well as a likely defection from the Pula twins. Then, we dive into instant impact guys, long-term projects, superlatives, and how a 10-2 season has set Utah up to dominate the portal and build 2027 momentum. All that and more on a jam-packed Signing Day edition of the Blockcast.

Battling through some in-home technical difficulties... This episode is a preview of signing day for the Utes. A rundown of where the class stands, some of the headliners and developmental guys, as well as two big storylines to monitor. 

 In this episode... Steve Bartle & Josh Bennett briefly recap the 2025 season and who made the biggest difference for Utah this season. Then, briefly touch on potential bowl game destinations. That leads to a discussion of the offseason, and who Utah should prioritize in player retention. Lastly, it's a crazy time of year and rumors are swirling. 

Steve Bartle & Josh Bennett live reaction to Utah's 31-21 win over Kansas. Despite a lethargic performance on both sides of the ball through three quarters, Utah's 4th quarter was pretty special and led to their 10-point victory. 

In this episode, Steve chops it up with Kansas insider Jon Kirby of Jayhawk Slant for a no-frills look at what Utah’s walking into in Lawrence. Kirby breaks down KU’s real offensive identity, Jalon Daniels’ confidence, and where Utah could look to take advantage. Steve also reacts to Utah landing at No. 13 in the CFP rankings — a spot that’s equal parts earned and annoying. The committee still can’t quit its favorite helmets. Either way, the path exists, and as long as Utah takes care of business Friday morning, Week 14 turns into pure rooting-for-chaos scoreboard watching for the Utes.

In this episode... I break down some interesting comments from Kyle Whittingham’s Kansas-week media session. From an offense tearing it up and a defense that flat-out failed, to injuries, and roster architecture for the future.

This was a quick live reaction recapping the game and the incredible final seven minutes of the game that led to Utah's 51-47 win.

No. 12 Utah’s Big 12 title hopes are alive — but it starts with beating Kansas State. Bartle and Bennett break down Utah’s five playoff paths, the key matchups in Manhattan, and what Kyle Whittingham’s team must do to finish the job. Can Devon Dampier and Wayshawn Parker keep the offense rolling? Can Utah’s defense contain Avery Johnson?

No. 12 Utah’s Big 12 title hopes are alive — but it starts with beating Kansas State. Bartle and Bennett break down Utah’s five playoff paths, the key matchups in Manhattan, and what Kyle Whittingham’s team must do to finish the job. Can Devon Dampier and Wayshawn Parker keep the offense rolling? Can Utah’s defense contain Avery Johnson?

On this episode... I run through the recently updated Top247 ratings and rankings, which greatly benefitted a handful of Utah commits: Kelvin Obot, Mataalii Benjamin, Jaron & Kennan Pula, and also briefly run through this weekends list of visitors. Then, I welcome Mitch Fortner of KMAN radio and the voice of Powercat Pregame to provide some context and insight around the Wildcats heading into this weekend's matchup. 

In this episode... Spend time talking about the Runnin' Utes and the atmosphere at the JMHC. Then, Utah's quarterback situation has been ideal this year, will it remain intact next season?

On this episode... Utah steamrolled Baylor 55–28, we break it all down — from the unstoppable rushing attack to the shirtless fan phenomenon and Johnathan Hall’s breakout at linebacker. Then, dive into the Dampier–Ficklin QB dynamic, what Week 12’s results means for Utah’s Big 12 title hopes, and a reminder to show up this weekend for senior day.

Steve Bartle & Josh Bennett were live on-site to react to Utah's 55-28 win over Baylor. Despite a lackluster defensive performance, Utah's rushing attack was the dominant factor in this one.

The Blockcast crew hits the road with the No. 13 Utah Utes as they travel to Waco for a pivotal Big 12 showdown against Baylor. With both teams coming off a bye, Utah looks to keep its conference title hopes alive while the Bears fight for bowl eligibility and respect on their home turf.

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett break down key matchups like Utah’s dominant rushing attack versus Baylor’s shaky front seven, and spotlight the tight end duel between Dallen Bentley and Baylor’s Michael Trigg. The potential game plan for disrupting QB Sawyer Robertson, how Utah’s defense can dictate tempo, and why balance on offense remains the key to a statement win.

Predictions, stats, and listener questions round out the episode — from rushing yard forecasts to who’s emerging as Utah’s quiet team leader

On this episode... Utah's Mark Harlan to the CFB Playoff Comittee, Utah men's and women's basketball sign 2026 class. Lastly, Utah sitting at 7–2 and ranked No. 13 in the College Football Playoff, Utah football has earned something many didn’t think was possible a year ago — think back twelve months ago, the Utes were limping through to the finish line of a 5–7 season. The leadership has been everything to Utah's turnaround.

Utah comes out of the bye with no margin for error. We break down Kyle Whittingham’s message heading into Baylor, plus some appreciation for Creed Whittemore. Then transition to Utah basketball, which picked up a commitment over the weekend, and improved to 3-0 Monday night.

Utah was on a bye, but the Big 12 wasn’t. Texas Tech’s win over BYU shifted the title-race math, so I break down the simplified path Utah needs to travel reach the Big 12 Championship — including the key tiebreakers that actually matter.

Then the switch to hoops: Utah basketball is 2-0 and back at the Huntsman on Monday night vs. Holy Cross. Go Utes.

In this week’s episode, Steve Bartle & Josh Bennett break down the latest — from Utah’s debut at No. 13 in the first 2025 College Football Playoff rankings, and position-by-position grades.

3:39 - No. 13 Utah & What Needs to Happen - We open with Utah’s ranking, what it really means, and map out the two possible paths to the playoff.

12:01 - Position-by-Position Grades - Here’s the gritty part: we grade every major unit — QB, run game, offensive line, WR/TE room, front seven, secondary, and special teams.

In this week’s episode, Steve Bartle & Josh Bennett break down the latest — from Utah’s debut at No. 13 in the first 2025 College Football Playoff rankings, and position-by-position grades.

3:39 - No. 13 Utah & What Needs to Happen - We open with Utah’s ranking, what it really means, and map out the two possible paths to the playoff.

12:01 - Position-by-Position Grades - Here’s the gritty part: we grade every major unit — QB, run game, offensive line, WR/TE room, front seven, secondary, and special teams.

The first 2025 College Football Playoff Initial Rankings dropped, with BYU Cougars at No. 7, Texas Tech Red Raiders at No. 8 and the Utah Utes cracking the top-13 at No. 13, the Big 12 Conference is finally getting respect.

On this episode:

• Why the committee’s nod of respect to Utah and the Big 12, now it's up to the league to 'prove it on the field.' 

• A rundown of Utah's chances at an at-large big, including what has to break outside Salt Lake City for the Utes to leapfrog teams like Oregon Ducks, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners.

In this week’s episode of the Utah Blockcast, we break down the Utes’ commanding 45-14 win over No. 17 Cincinnati — from explosive offensive plays and dominant rushing yards to game-changing special teams and what this means for Utah’s Big 12 title hopes. Join Steve, Cam, Tyson, and Josh as they unpack the big moments, highlight standout players, and look ahead to what’s next in the conference race.

ESPN College GameDay hits Salt Lake City and the stakes couldn’t be higher. No. 24 Utah hosts No. 17 Cincinnati in a Big 12 collision that could reshape the title picture. We talk about Utah’s dominant 53-7 win, Alex Smith as the GameDay guest picker, Cincinnati’s efficient, turnover-free offense, the key matchups, and The Winning Recipe that will decide which team takes control.