What we’ve learned about No. 15 Utes ahead of Big 12 play
The beginning of the Morgan Scalley era has gone about as well as anyone could have hoped for. Now the real test begins.
The Utah Utes have started their 2026 season under new coach Morgan Scalley with impressive results. The team has won three games so far, including dominant victories over Idaho, Arkansas, and Utah State. Athletic director Mark Harlan acknowledged the challenges posed by the nonconference schedule, which ranks 130th overall, but head coach Scalley expressed confidence in his team's ability to handle any opponent.
Offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven has been instrumental in shaping the Utes' offense, which has proven to be highly unpredictable and challenging for opposing defenses. McGiven has utilized an array of formations, concepts, and plays, featuring two quarterbacks (Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin) and unique setups such as the "rhino" tight ends and horizontally aligned receivers. This unpredictability has made it difficult for defenses to prepare effectively.
McGiven has also emphasized the importance of motion and pre-snap communication to confuse opponents. The Utes have demonstrated a willingness to go for two-point conversions, with success in one instance. Quarterback Kevin Dampier has shown improvement, throwing for 690 yards and seven touchdowns with a high completion rate. The receiving corps has also stepped up, with multiple players exceeding 80 receiving yards and several with touchdowns.
Overall, the Utes' offense has been a standout feature of Scalley's early campaigns, and the team appears well-prepared to face tougher competition in the Big 12.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
