Utah Utes Football

The 2024 Utah Utes football team is all set to take on the Big 12 Conference, representing the University of Utah. Led by head coach Kyle Whittingham for the 20th year, they'll play their games at Salt Lake City's Rice-Eccles Stadium. It's an exciting year as they embark on their first season in the Big 12, ready to tackle new challenges and make their mark.

Utah Utes Football Team Introduction

The Utah Utes football team, representing the University of Utah, competes in the Pac-12 Conference. Since 1892, they've called Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City home. With an impressive history, they've clinched 28 conference titles across different leagues. Notably, their 17-8 record in major bowl games ranks them fourth nationwide in bowl win percentage. They've made memorable appearances in the Fiesta Bowl and Sugar Bowl, securing victories against formidable opponents. Transitioning to the Pac-12 has sparked success across various sports, including skiing, gymnastics, and volleyball. Football's seen championship games and high rankings, reflecting the Utes' athletic prowess and competitive spirit.

Utah Utes Football Team History

The Utah Utes football program boasts a rich history spanning 127 seasons. Beginning in 1892, they faced challenges but quickly gained momentum, winning conference championships and accolades. Coaches like Joe Maddock and Ike Armstrong ushered in eras of success, with Armstrong guiding the team to its first bowl game victory in 1939. Under "Cactus" Jack Curtice, they popularized innovative offensive strategies. In the mid-1990s, they became a national force, securing nine consecutive bowl victories. Notably, as the original "BCS Buster," they triumphed in the Fiesta Bowl and Sugar Bowl. Their consistent performance has earned them Top 25 rankings and unwavering fan support at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Utah Utes Football Team Coaches

Head Coach Profile

Kyle David Whittingham, born November 21, 1959, is an American football coach and former player. Serving as the head football coach at the University of Utah since 2005, he's revered as the program's all-time wins leader. Before his head coaching tenure, Whittingham spent a decade as Utah's defensive coordinator. Notably, he earned recognition as the AFCA Coach of the Year and received the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award in 2008. Under his leadership, the 2008 Utah Utes football team achieved an undefeated season, clinching victory in the 2009 Sugar Bowl. Whittingham's illustrious career includes playing college football for the BYU Cougars and stints in professional football leagues.

Utah Utes Football Team Stadium

Rice–Eccles Stadium, located at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, is the home turf of the Utah Utes football team in the Pac-12 Conference. Renowned for its role as the main stadium for the 2002 Winter Olympics, it hosted both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Initially built in 1927 as Ute Stadium, it underwent extensive renovation in the late 1990s to meet Olympic standards, partly thanks to a generous donation from the Eccles family. The stadium boasts a FieldTurf playing field and sits at an elevation of 4,637 feet above sea level, offering a breathtaking backdrop for football.

Utah Utes Football Team Rivals

Holy War: BYU vs. Utah

The Holy War represents the intense rivalry between BYU and Utah, dating back to their first meeting in 1896. Despite religious connotations, it's a fiercely contested battle on the football field. Notably, the schools have disputed the series' early meetings, but since 1922, Utah has led the series 59–32–4. The game is anticipated by fans and journalists alike, earning recognition as one of the top rivalry games. BYU snapped a nine-game losing streak in 2021, adding more fuel to the rivalry fire—the team's next clash in the 2024 season.

Battle of the Brothers: Utah vs. Utah State

The Battle of the Brothers is the longstanding football rivalry between Utah and Utah State. With roots dating back to 1892, it's marked by competitive spirit despite recent dominance by Utah. Utah leads the series 79–30–4. Although no games are scheduled presently, the rivalry remains significant in the eyes of both teams.

Rumble in the Rockies: Utah vs. Colorado

The Rumble in the Rockies reignites the rivalry between Utah and Colorado, dormant for nearly 50 years before being revived with their entry into the Pac-12. Colorado led the series before its discontinuation, but Utah has since taken the lead. The teams have discussed introducing a trophy to accelerate the rivalry's development. Notable games have had division title implications, adding stakes to the matchups. Utah currently leads the series 34-32-3.

Utah Utes Football Team Record and Stats

National championships

In 2008, the Utah Utes had a remarkable season in college football. They won the Mountain West Conference championship and went undefeated, ranking No. 7 in both the AP and Coaches polls at the end of the regular season. Despite their impressive record, they were not chosen to play in the BCS National Championship Game. Instead, they faced Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and secured a victory, finishing the season with a perfect 13-0 record.

In the final AP Poll, they were ranked No. 2, receiving 16 first-place votes. Coach Kyle Whittingham even ranked them No. 1 on his Coaches Poll ballot, although they officially placed No. 4. While some selectors named them national champions, the school does not claim this title.

Conference championships

Utah has won 26 conference championships in five different conferences during their history.

Division championships

Utah has won four division championships, all in the South division of the Pac-12 Conference.

Utah Utes Football Team Roster

Here are the current players, captains, leaders, and injury updates for the team:

Quarterbacks:

Bryson Barnes (Junior)

Luke Bottari (Senior)

Mack Howard (Freshman)

Nate Johnson (Freshman)

Cameron Rising (Senior)

Brandon Rose (Freshman)

Steve Smedley (Freshman)

Running Backs:

Micah Bernard (Junior)

Chris Curry (Senior)

Jaylon Glover (Sophomore)

Ja'Quinden Jackson (Sophomore)

Mike Mitchell (Freshman)

John Randle Jr. (Freshman)

Hunter Schroeder (Freshman)

Dijon Stanley (Freshman)

Charlie Vincent (Junior)

Daniel Wood (Freshman)

Wide Receivers:

Brandon Bethel (Freshman)

Luca Caldarella (Junior)

Makai Cope (Sophomore)

Kaimana Hanohano (Freshman)

Mikey Matthews (Freshman)

Sidney Mbanasor (Freshman)

Munir McClain (Junior)

Jett Meine (Freshman)

Money Parks (Junior)

Mycah Pittman (Senior)

Peyton Rice (Freshman)

Emery Simmons (Senior)

Devaughn Vele (Not listed)

Daidren Zipperer (Freshman)

Tight Ends:

Noah Bennee (Sophomore)

Dallen Bentley (Sophomore)

Cody Christensen (Freshman)

Hayden Erickson (Sophomore)

CJ Jacobsen (Freshman)

Landen King (Sophomore)

Brant Kuithe (Senior)

Miki Suguturaga (Junior)

Luke Tucker (Freshman)

Thomas Yassmin (Not listed)

Offensive Line:

Roger Alderman (Freshman)

Keaton Bills (Not listed)

Hunter Deuel (Freshman)

Jacob Edmonds (Freshman)

Kolinu'u Faaiu (Sophomore)

Spencer Fano (Freshman)

Alex Harrison (Junior)

Falcon Kaumatule (Junior)

Jaren Kump (Sophomore)

Sataoa Laumea (Not listed)

Caleb Lomu (Freshman)

Johnny Maea (Senior)

Shintaro Mann (Junior)

Solatoa Moeai (Freshman)

Michael Mokofisi (Sophomore)

Keith Olson (Freshman)

Isaia Thompson (Freshman)

Tanoa Togiai (Sophomore)

Zereoue Williams (Sophomore)

Defensive Line:

Ka'eo Akana (Freshman)

Jonah Ellis (Not listed)

Logan Fano (Freshman)

Van Fillinger (Junior)

Chase Kennedy (Freshman)

Jonah Lea'ea (Freshman)

Gavin Nawahine (Sophomore)

Connor O'Toole (Junior)

Helaman Ofahengaue (Freshman)

Vili Taufatofua (Sophomore)

Jori Benson (Sophomore)

Tevita Fotu (Sophomore)

Austin LaRue (Freshman)

James LeBaron (Freshman)

Simote Pepa (Sophomore)

Bobby Piland (Freshman)

Junior Tafuna (Junior)

Keanu Tanuvasa (Freshman)

Nifai Tonga (Freshman)

Aliki Vimahi (Junior)

Linebackers:

Lander Barton (Sophomore)

Josh Calvert (Junior)

Owen Chambliss (Freshman)

Spencer Clegg (Freshman)

Levani Damuni (Junior)

Sione Fotu (Freshman)

Hayden Furey (Senior)

Justin Medlock (Freshman)

Shay O'Kelly (Freshman)

Karene Reid (Junior)

Jason Siaosi (Senior)

Cornerbacks:

Miles Battle (Not listed)

CJ Blocker (Freshman)

JaTravis Broughton (Senior)

Elijah Davis (Freshman)

Nick Howe (Sophomore)

Tao Johnson (Freshman)

Kenzel Lawler (Sophomore)

Jocelyn Malaska (Freshman)

Faybian Marks (Junior)

Smith Snowden (Freshman)

Xane Uipi (Freshman)

Zemaiah Vaughn (Junior)

Safeties:

Briton Allen (Junior)

Cole Bishop (Not listed)

Ben Durham (Freshman)

Johnathan Hall (Freshman)

Austin Keetch (Freshman)

Brock Nowatzke (Freshman)

Bryson Reeves (Junior)

Nate Ritchie (Freshman)

Darrien Stewart (Sophomore)

Sione Vaki (Not listed)

Special Teams:

Cole Becker (Junior)

Chase Carter (Senior)

Joey Cheek (Freshman)

Tanner Cragun (Sophomore)

Jack Bouwmeester (Sophomore)

Nathan Price (Sophomore)

Justice Brusatto (Sophomore)

Logan Castor (Freshman)

JT Greep (Junior)

Utah Utes Football Team Schedule

Here's the Utah Utes Football Team Schedule:

Aug 29 (Thu): vs Southern Utah

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Rice-Eccles Stadium

Sep 7 (Sat): vs Baylor

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Rice-Eccles Stadium

Sep 14 (Sat): at Utah State

Location: Logan, Utah / Maverik Stadium

Sep 21 (Sat): at Oklahoma State

Location: Stillwater, Okla. / Boone Pickens Stadium

Sep 28 (Sat): vs Arizona

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Rice-Eccles Stadium

Oct 11 (Fri): at Arizona State

Location: Tempe, Ariz. / Mountain America Stadium

Oct 19 (Sat): vs TCU

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Rice-Eccles Stadium

Oct 26 (Sat): at Houston

Location: Houston, Texas / TDECU Stadium

Nov 9 (Sat): vs BYU

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Rice-Eccles Stadium

Nov 16 (Sat): at Colorado

Location: Boulder, Colo. / Folsom Field

Nov 23 (Sat): vs Iowa State

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Rice-Eccles Stadium

Nov 29 (Fri): at UCF

Location: Orlando, Fla. / FBC Mortgage Stadium