Kyle Whittingham's QB2 pick: Who will be Cameron Rising's backup option in 2024?  

Utah Utes freshman Isaac Wilson has won out as the team's QB2 behind Cameron Rising. Coach Kyle Whittingham announced the news on Monday. Wilson beat out experienced quarterbacks Sam Huard and Brandon Rose for the job.

While speaking to reporters after the first practice of week three, Whittingham praised the quarterback's multi-threat qualities.

“Right now, Cam Rising No. 1, Isaac Wilson No. 2, that’s where we’re at,” Whittingham said. “Three and four, still working through that but without much debate Cam is 1, Isaac is 2. ...

“Isaac continues to get better each day. He's seeing the field better, he's making better decisions, he's got a live arm, ball comes out of his hand like he's supposed to. Very mobile, and that's another facet that he is really the strength of his is being able to have escapeability in the pocket. He senses the rush very well, able to get himself out of jams and still make a play on the move.”

Isaac Wilson spoke after winning Utah's QB2 role

Isaac Wilson was a four-star recruit from Corner Canyon High and arrived on campus in January. Wilson has been a Utes fan since childhood, and the chance to be Cam Rising's backup immediately will be a special feeling for him.

After he was named QB2, Wilson said how complicated learning the playbook had been and how he intended to proceed after winning the backup job.

“Oh my gosh, coach Lud’s offense, this is a complicated offense but it’s needed,” Wilson said. “Just coming in early, learning the x’s and o’s, has really pushed me forward. ... So getting here early has really boosted me forward. I gotta work, just gotta keep working. I’m just a freshman, I haven’t earned anything yet.

"The coaches always say, we need the team more than they need us, and I stay true to that."

Earning Utah's QB2 is a huge accomplishment, especially considering the experience of the quarterbacks Wilson beat out for the job. The Utah Utes are well set for a future after quarterback Cam Rising with the surprising emergence of the freshman talent.