Utah Transfer Portal Losses: 3 impact players Kyle Whittingham lost during winter window ft. Cameron Calhoun

Despite the Utah Utes having a disappointing season, the school has been depleted by the transfer portal. Kyle Whittingham’s team had 24 players enter the portal, tied for the seventh program with the most departing players.

There are a couple of silver linings for the Utes, however. Most of the personnel leaving were depth players and they have managed to retool the offense with solid players in the portal, including potential starters in running back Wayshawn Parker and quarterback Devon Dampier.

The Utes finished 2024 with an underwhelming 5-7 record after being considered the favorites to win the Big 12 in the conference media day. With so much turnover in personnel and coming off a disappointing season, here are three of the biggest losses the Utes felt in the transfer portal.

3 impact players Utah lost in the transfer portal

Brandon Rose almost led Utah to a historic upset of then-undefeated BYU. - Source: Imagn

#3. Brandon Rose, Quarterback

The Utes were able to get a couple of quarterback commitments in the transfer portal. Dampier (New Mexico) and Brendan Zubrugg (Oklahoma) should hold the position. However, it always helps to have an experienced returning quarterback on the roster.

With Cam Rising leaving after many injury-riddled seasons, Brandon Rose could get his shot in 2025. After starting the 2024 season third on the depth chart, Rose started for the Utes against BYU and almost led his team to a stunning upset.

However, Rose suffered a lisfranc injury that rattled him for the second half of the game and eventually ended his season. Rose finished the year with 157 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Temecula, California native announced he is going to UMass.

#2. Keanu Tanuvasa, Defensive Tackle

It’s not only that Keanu Tanuvasa left the Utah Utes, but that he is going to arch-rivals BYU. Tanuvasa had 16 tackles, four pass deflections and a sack in 2024, and was expected to play a major role in 2025.

In three years with the Utes, Tanuvasa had 50 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four sacks, a forced fumble and five pass deflections. The defensive lineman’s father said Utah did offer an NIL agreement, but the player decided to go anyway.

#1. Cameron Calhoun, Cornerback

The talented cornerback was among the best defensive backs in the portal, and it took little time for Alabama to snatch him. Cameron Calhoun finished the season with 21 tackles, one interception and nine passes defended.

The redshirt freshman still has three years of eligibility after spending 2023 at Michigan. He was one of the top players on the Utes defensive unit and will leave a big hole for Ty Whittingham’s squad.