Utah College Football Offseason Recap: Key Team Updates

According to athletic department updates, Morgan Scalley has taken over as the University of Utah’s head football coach, becoming just the fourth individual to hold the position since the turn of the century. Scalley succeeds longtime coach Kyle Whittingham following a season where the Utes went 7-2 in conference play and 11-2 overall.

The transition brought immediate roster adjustments. According to program reports, offensive linemen Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu alongside tight end Dallen Bentley moved to the NFL, while defensive players John Henry Daley, Salesi Moa, and Jonah Lea’ea followed Whittingham to the University of Michigan.

Despite the departures, key contributors return to the roster. Quarterback Devon Dampier resumes his role under center, joined by running back Wayshawn Parker and wide receivers Braden Pegan and Larry Simmons, alongside incoming star freshman tackle Kelvin Obot.

Brigham Young University Retains Momentum Following Top-15 Finishes

Brigham Young University enters the season looking to build on consecutive top-15 finishes after starting unranked in the preseason AP Polls for both 2024 and 2025, according to national rankings data. Head coach Kalani Satake and offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick return to guide the offense.

Sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier assumes primary leadership of the offense following the departure of notable targets Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston. According to team previews, pass catchers Jojo Phillips, Kyle Kasper, and Legend Glasker are projected to step into primary receiving roles.

According to program statistics, Poppinga takes over a unit that finished in the top 10 in red zone defense and interceptions.

Utah State University Enters Rebuilt Pac-12 Under Bronco Mendenhall

Utah State University transitions into the rebuilt Pac-12 Conference after leaving the Mountain West Conference, according to conference affiliation announcements. Second-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall oversees the program following a 6-7 overall campaign in 2025.

To reshape the roster, Mendenhall signed 32 transfers during the February window, adding former BYU quarterback McCae Hillstead, along with offensive targets Javon Robinson and Eli Wood, according to team signing data. Senior safety Brevin Hamblin anchors a defense that adds defensive end Jordan Pendleton and linebacker Asher Cunningham.

Weber State University Appoints Eric Kjar to Lead Big Sky Push

Weber State University introduces a new era under head coach Eric Kjar, who compiled a 181-39 record over a 17-year high school coaching tenure, according to university hiring announcements. Kjar finalized his initial roster additions through February signings and the transfer portal.

According to program reports, senior quarterback Devin Brown—who previously played under Kjar at Corner Canyon High School and spent time at Ohio State University as well as the University of California, Berkley—joins the Wildcats. Defensive reinforcements include former Utah State University linebacker Zion Andreasen alongside freshmen Tevita Paongo and Hunter Knighton.

Southern Utah University Revives In-State Rivalry in the Big Sky

Southern Utah University returns to the Big Sky Conference alongside its transition, renewing its in-state rivalry with Weber State, according to conference schedules. Head coach DeLane Fitzgerald enters his fifth season aiming to rebound from a 1-10 overall record.

According to team rosters, the Thunderbirds added former University of Texas at San Antonio quarterback Noah Lugo and former BYU receiver Lamason Waller III over the offseason. Quarterback Will Burns and linebacker Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner return as the program’s representatives at the Big Sky Football Kickoff Weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who replaced Kyle Whittingham as the head coach at the University of Utah?

Morgan Scalley took over as head coach after serving on the program’s coaching staff for the majority of Whittingham’s 20-year tenure, according to university reports.

What conference is Utah State University competing in this season?

Utah State University competes in the rebuilt Pac-12 Conference after parting ways with the Mountain West Conference, according to athletic department announcements.

Who is the new head coach at Weber State University?

Eric Kjar serves as the head coach of the Wildcats, bringing an 181-39 high school coaching record to the Big Sky program, according to school hiring details.