The Las Vegas Bowl traditionally features a Big Ten-vs.-Pac 12 matchup, but due to conference realignment and expansion, the Utes were sent to the bowl game for the seventh time in program history as one of the legacy Pac-12 teams.
Nebraska finished the regular season on a two-game skid against Penn State and Iowa. The Cornhuskers will look to TJ Lateef at quarterback once again, as Dylan Raiola remains out for the season with an injury and intends to enter the transfer portal.
The Las Vegas Bowl marks the start of a new era of Utah football, with Morgan Scalley taking over as head coach with Kyle Whittingham now at Michigan. Utah’s offense ranks fifth in the nation in scoring at 40.9 points per game and second in rushing offense at 269.8 rushing yards per game.
Here’s how to watch the Las Vegas Bowl between Utah and Nebraska, including time, TV schedule, streaming information, game odds and more:
What channel is Utah vs Nebraska on today?
The Las Vegas Bowl between Utah and Nebraska will air nationally on ESPN, with Lowell Galindo, Aaron Murray and Lauren Sisler on the call. Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a cable login) and Fubo, the latter of which offers a free trial.
Utah vs Nebraska time today
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET | 2:30 p.m. CT | 1:30 p.m. MT
Location: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)
Utah and Nebraska are scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. local time) from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.
Here’s who experts within the USA TODAY Sports Network picked to win the Citrus Bowl:
Matt Hayes: Utah
Jordan Mendoza: Utah
Paul Myerberg: Utah
Erick Smith: Utah
Eddie Timanus: Utah
Blake Toppmeyer: Utah
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.
Who is Morgan Scalley? Here’s what to know of Utah’s new head coach replacing Kyle Whittingham, beginning with the Las Vegas Bowl: …
Dec. 31, 2025, 6:08 a.m. ET
Utah football will embark on a new era when Morgan Scalley leads the Utes into the Las Vegas Bowl against Nebraska on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Scalley, who was named Utah’s coach-in-waiting in 2023, is replacing Kyle Whittingham after the latter announced he was stepping down from the program after the season (before getting hired by Michigan football). Whittingham had led Utah from 2005 through 2025.
The 46-year-old former defensive coordinator has big shoes to fill, as Whittingham was the second-longest tenured coach in college football behind Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz. Whittingham replaced Urban Meyer, a three-time national championship-winning coach at Florida and Ohio State.
“Being a part of the Utah football program was a childhood dream of mine that has turned into an incredible 25-year journey that I am blessed to say is continuing,” Scalley said in Utah’s announcement after being announced as head coach on Dec. 13.
Here’s what to know of Scalley, who’s leading Utah for the first time as head coach on Dec. 31.
Who is Morgan Scalley?
Scalley, Utah’s next head coach, is a Ute through and through.
Scalley, born in Salt Lake City, was a defensive back at Utah from 2000-04, winning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and being named a second-team All-American as a senior. He finished his career with eight interceptions and led Utah to a BCS bowl, becoming the first non-Power program to reach such a bowl.
He then started his career as a coach at Utah in 2006, rising from graduate assistant to safeties coach. He was promoted to defensive coordinator and safeties coach in 2016 and has held the position since. Scalley was coached as a player by Whittingham, who was Utah’s defensive coordinator from 1995-2004. Scalley has been an assistant under Whittingham for his entire coaching career.
Scalley’s defenses have been impressive since he took over play-calling duties, with his unit in 2025 ranking 16th in scoring defense (18.7 points per game) and No. 5 in passing efficiency. He was a 2019 finalist for the Broyles Award — given to the top assistant in college football — after the Utes’ defense ranked No. 2 nationally in total defense.
Thirty-three players he coached have been drafted into the NFL, including former first-round pick linebacker Devin Lloyd. He also coached NFL standouts Eric Rowe, Marcus Williams and Jaylon Johnson, among others.
Scalley said he’s learning on the go ahead of the Las Vegas Bowl, but he has embraced the challenge.
“I’m fired up,” Scalley told reporters on Dec. 26 in Las Vegas. “I’m excited. I mean, there’s going to be learning on the go. At the same time, I have complete trust in our coaching staff and our players. They’re locked in. They’re dialed in.”
Morgan Scalley racial slur controversy
Scalley’s first amendment as Utah’s coach-in-waiting was rescinded in 2020 after an external investigation showed he texted a racial slur in 2013. Scalley was suspended by the program and he was later reinstated before regaining the amendment as coach-in-waiting to his contract in 2023.
“I am truly sorry, and I own up to the hurtful effects of my choice,” Scalley said in 2020. “Through my actions and words going forward, I will demonstrate that my use of that slur in 2013 does not reflect or define who I am or what I stand for. My action is indefensible and I will use my voice and position to bring about meaningful and much-needed change.”
But the topic on which Cox has been the most intentional about changing his tone in 2025 is that of religion, and the essential role it plays in Utah’s success, and in sustaining the soul of the …
But the topic on which Cox has been the most intentional about changing his tone in 2025 is that of religion, and the essential role it plays in Utah’s success, and in sustaining the soul of the …
The tone of the game has changed from Kyle Whittingham’s final game at Utah to Morgan Scalley’s first, but motivation remains the same for the Utes.
With so much going on around the Utah football program, it would have been easy for the Las Vegas Bowl to fade into the background.
Last Friday, former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham took the head coaching position at Michigan, throwing a wrench into the transition between Whittingham and new head coach Morgan Scalley.
Whittingham is reportedly targeting a number of Utah assistant coaches to join his staff, including offensive coordinator Jason Beck and offensive line coach Jim Harding. While Scalley is putting together his staff at Utah, he’s also preparing for the transfer portal to open on Jan. 2, just two days after the Las Vegas Bowl.
It could be easy for game preparation to take a back seat to the future of the program, but Scalley and the Utes are full steam ahead for New Year’s Eve’s Las Vegas Bowl vs. Nebraska.
After acknowledging the other work he is doing this week, Scalley made it clear that sending Utah’s seniors out with a win is the priority.
“My job is to sell Utah and to prepare for the future of this program, and that’s what we’re doing. But the priority, priority No. 1, is sending these guys out the right way,” Scalley said.
Even with the changes of the past two weeks, the expectation is that the majority of Utah’s available two-deep will play. The Utes have had just three confirmed opt-outs — offensive tackle Spencer Fano, offensive tackle Caleb Lomu and defensive end Logan Fano — all of whom have declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Utah will also have a mostly full coaching staff for the Las Vegas Bowl — Beck is in Sin City — with the only change being that Scalley will handle head coaching and defensive coordinator duties.
Quarterback Devon Dampier wanted to finish the season the right way.
“We’re just excited for the opportunity to be here,” he said. “One last ride for the boys. Our team is built off of love. Very rare in the way college football is going now, it’s rare to see a team that they want to go out there and play this last game for each other. Just the number of seniors that want to continue to play, not sitting out.
“It sparks my heart. It’s like, man, this is real love that we got going on here. So I’m excited to get one more with those guys.”
Utah (10-2) is a 14-point favorite over Nebraska (7-5). The lack of opt-outs gives the Utes an advantage, as the Cornhuskers are missing starting quarterback Dylan Raiola and star running back Emmett Johnson, who rushed for 120.9 yards per game, fourth in the nation. Meanwhile, starting safety DeShon Singleton, one of Nebraska’s top defense players, is out with an injury.
“We entered this game knowing that probably a lot of people don’t give us much of a chance, but that has nothing to do with us, how people see us,” Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said. “… So we’re not going to take the field, walking on the field like underdogs.”
Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen will use a “running back by committee” approach in the Las Vegas Bowl with Johnson’s absence. Isaiah Mozee (19 carries for 83 yards) and freshman Mekhi Nelson (15 carries for 59 yards and a touchdowns) are the two Husker running backs to watch.
The Utes’ run defense has not been up to par to close the season, ranking No. 111 in the nation after giving up an average of 182.8 yards per game. Can they reestablish the classic Utah run D against Nebraska’s backup running backs?
With Raiola injured in early November — he plans to transfer from Nebraska this offseason — the Cornhuskers turned to freshman TJ Lateef. Lateef has thrown for 461 yards and three touchdowns on 57% completion in three games as the starter. He’s also added 48 yards and a score on the ground.
Lateef suffered a hamstring injury in the regular-season finale against Iowa, but Rhule said he’s 100% for the game against Utah.
Defensively, Nebraska has allowed just 141.1 passing yards per game (No. 2 in the country) and 312.3 total yards per game (No. 23).
Where the Huskers’ defense has been vulnerable is on the ground. They’ve given up an average of 171.2 rushing yards per game this season, and in the last two games against Penn State and Iowa, Nebraska allowed 231 and 213 yards, respectively. The Huskers have struggled against mobile quarterbacks this season and will face another one in Dampier.
Can the Utes’ run game, featuring Wayshawn Parker and Dampier, play to the level it has all season with their two star tackles missing? Keith Olsen and Zereoue Williams will fill in for Fano and Lomu in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Utah has rushed for 269.8 yards this season, second in the nation, and has an opportunity to add to that against Nebraska.
The tone of the game has changed from Whittingham’s final game at Utah to Scalley’s first game, but the motivation remains the same for the Utes: to finish off the season with a win.
“I’m really happy for Coach Whitt, honestly, and I’m really happy for him to have this opportunity, but I’m also excited to be coached by Morgan Scalley and I’m going to tell our team ‘Let’s go get Coach Scalley’s first win on Wednesday,’” said senior Jaren Kump.
Utah underwent a resurgence with veteran coach Kyle Whittingham leading the way. The Utes were in the playoff conversation all season long and just missed out on the Big 12 Championship Game while …
No. 15 Utah and Nebraska are set to cap their respective seasons Wednesday in the Las Vegas Bowl. Though Nebraska and Utah are two of the most successful programs, historically, west of the Mississippi River, this will be just the fifth time the two have met on the football field and the first time since 1992.
Nebraska is 4-0 in previous meetings, though the Huskers are significant underdogs entering this year’s iteration. They looked like a legitimate College Football Playoff contender with a 5-1 record through the first half of the season. Then things unraveled, as the Huskers lost four of their last six games — including three of their last four — to plummet out of the rankings and the national race.
Still, Nebraska’s 7-5 regular season effort is the best it’s had under third-year coach Matt Rhule. Nebraska also has a chance to win back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2009.
Utah underwent a resurgence with veteran coach Kyle Whittingham leading the way. The Utes were in the playoff conversation all season long and just missed out on the Big 12 Championship Game while securing their first 10-win campaign since 2022. Utah won a combined 13 games in the two seasons between 2022 and 2025.
Nebraska vs. Utah: Need to know for Las Vegas Bowl
A new era at Utah: For the first time since 2004, Utah is preparing for a bowl appearance without Kyle Whittingham leading the way as its full-time coach. Whittingham announced shortly after the regular season ended that he was stepping down as Utah’s coach and, after Michigan fired Sherrone Moore, he was tabbed as Moore’s successor with the Wolverines. That transition means that Whittingham will not be present at the Las Vegas Bowl. Instead, defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley, who has long been head coach in waiting, will officially take the reins against Nebraska.
Big spot for Lateef: Freshman quarterback TJ Lateef emerged as Nebraska’s starter in the wake of Dylan Raiola’s injury. He had an impressive starting debut against UCLA when he tossed three touchdowns but has struggled since. He threw for just 256 yards combined in losses to Penn State and Iowa. Lateef completed nine of his 24 pass attempts versus the Hawkeyes. The Las Vegas Bowl presents one final chance for Lateef to impress Nebraska’s new staff as it assesses its personnel with an eye towards the transfer portal.
Utah trying to stop the skid: Utah has had plenty of postseason success since the turn of the century. With standout coaches like Urban Meyer and Whittingham leading the way, the Utes amassed an impressive 12-1 record in bowl games from 2003-17. Since then, though, the Utes are on a five-bowl losing streak. That includes a loss to Northwestern in the 2023 Las Vegas Bowl.
Where to watch Nebraska vs. Utah live
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET Location: Allegiant Stadium — Las Vegas, Nevada TV: ESPN | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
Nebraska vs. Utah prediction, picks
Both of these programs are in a state of flux. Utah is having to deal with an unexpected coaching transition, though it has had a plan in place for a while. Nebraska has had some significant departures hit the transfer portal, including quarterback Dylan Raiola. This is a game that Utah should win, but the final score will be closer than Vegas seems to think. Pick: Nebraska +14.5
The Boston Celtics face the Utah Jazz Tuesday at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, with tip-off set for 9 p.m. ET.
Dec. 30, 2025, 7:50 a.m. MT
The Boston Celtics (19-12) face the Utah Jazz (12-19) Tuesday at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, with tip-off set for 9 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Celtics vs. Jazz odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Jazz lead 1-0 with 105-103 victory on Nov. 3, covering as 10.5 point road underdog as the Under (233) cashed
Boston saw its 4-game winning streak end Sunday with a 114-108 loss at the Portland Trail Blazers. The Celtics failed to cover as 9.5-point road favorites, and the Under (231.5) hit. G Jaylen Brown poured in 37 points on 14-of-23 shooting, extending his streak to 9 straight games with 30 or more points and tying Larry Bird for the franchise record.
Utah kept rolling Saturday with a second straight upset, knocking off the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 on the road. The Jazz won outright as 13-point underdogs, and the Under (243.5) cashed. F Lauri Markkanen poured in 29 points while G Keyonte George added 28. Utah has now beaten 2 of the NBA’s top 3 teams on back-to-back nights, snapping San Antonio’s 8-game winning streak after beating the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons 131-129.
If you want to live on the edge, I don’t hate taking the Jazz (+260) on the moneyline but I’ll take those points.
BET JAZZ +8.5 (-115).
This Jazz team has been a different animal in Salt Lake City, covering in 12 of 18 home games. With a sample size so large, that is not a fluke. The energy is better, the defense travels and role players tend to shoot with more confidence in that building. The upsets of Detroit and San Antonio on back-to-back nights, which tells me the effort level is there.
Boston comes in shorthanded with Tatum sidelined and that’s a massive hit to both scoring and shot creation. Without him this season, the Celtics’ margin for error is smaller than in previous seasons. Utah already has one win against the Celtics with George leading the way. If he suits up in this one, his recent scoring surge gives Utah a legitimate closer.
This feels like a classic spot where the market still leans on Boston’s name, but the matchup and situation favor the Jazz. At home, with confidence and momentum, Utah is the side I want — and I’ll take the points.
BET UNDER 241.5 (-110).
The Under is 4-0-1 in the last 5 head-to-head meetings between these teams. Boston has been Under in 5 of its last 7 games, still defending at an elite level and controlling tempo. I don’t see them getting into a fast-paced shootout in Utah, which makes the Under the cleaner play.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.
It’s an interesting time for both Nebraska and Utah as they try to use the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl to build for next season. Here’s the CFN prediction with what to know.
It was a good season for Utah and Nebraska in different ways, but the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl narratives for both teams have been hijacked.
But start with this – the Las Vegas Bowl has recently been great. Last season was a 35-31 USC win over Texas A&M, and three of the last four were decided by one score.
Nebraska’s days of the Big Red Machine are well in the past, but as the program tries to keep pushing forward, this is a shot for the first season with more than seven wins since 2016.
But the transfers and high-profile opt-out – following a season-ending injury – by star quarterback Dylan Raiola, and the absence of heart-and-soul running back Emmett Johnson, matter.
That, along with the idea that winning eight games at Nebraska is a positive, is contributing to the impatience of a die-hard fan base ready for way more than also-ran status.
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Meanwhile, not only did Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham leave after the regular season, but he’s now the main man at Michigan.
But it was a ten-win season, Utah was the third-best team in the Big 12, and now it really is the Morgan Scalley era about to get going.
Of course there’s always something to lose, but no one is thinking Nebraska is going to win this. So yeah, this team really can have the “nobody believes in us” chip on its shoulder, because it’s true.
No, Emmett Johnson won’t be around, and there’s no Raiola, but for the most part, the Huskers are relatively close to the version at the end of the regular season.
And the offense is going to run.
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No, quarterback TJ Lateef isn’t Raiola, but he can take off a little bit more, and he will.
This isn’t the normal Utah team of past years defensively. It gives up close to five yards per carry, and it only shut down the truly mediocre. Again, this isn’t the Nebraska of old running the ball, but it can do it. If it gets to well over 150 yards on the ground, it’ll be in this.
On the other side, the Husker pass defense has been terrific all year.
Maryland is the only team to get 200 yards through the air. The Nebraska secondary should be fine, and yes, it is possible to slow down this Utah ground game by getting to quarterback Devon Dampier before he can get moving.
Future NFL tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu are out – the Huskers have to keep fighting the good fight up front.
Nebraska is 6-0 when allowing fewer than 185 rushing yards, but …
It’ll run more than 40 times, it’ll get Dampier on the move, and it’ll get its 200 yards. As long as Dampier isn’t forcing anything and doesn’t have any interception issues – he threw five on the season, three in the two losses – everything else should work.
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Almost no one will bring more energy and fight this bowl season than Nebraska. It’s never a question of want-to, but it simply doesn’t have the guys.
The backfield will be fine, but it’s asking a whole lot of Lateef to take over as a passer to open things up. And yes, the Huskers have a few backs ready to show what they can do, but Johnson was special this season.
The Huskers weren’t even close in their last two games of the season. Penn State and Iowa allowed Nebraska to run a bit, closed down almost everything through the air, and most importantly, both hammered away up front.
Nebraska allowed more than 200 rushing yards in three of the last four games, Utah won’t take any major chances, and …
Nebraska vs Utah Prediction, Betting Lines
It’ll take a little while, but eventually Utah will break through.
Nebraska will come up with a few early scoring drives, and it’ll look like Utah won’t have the same power and consistency, and then it’ll start to kick in.
The Utes will start to control the clock a little more, the defensive front will start to get into the backfield on third downs, and the momentum will turn before halftime.
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Nebraska was hanging with Iowa down 17-16 late in the first half with under a minute to play. The Huskers lost 40-16.
It was 10-3 Penn State deep into the first half. It was 30-3 before Nebraska got back on the board in a 37-10 Nittany Lion win.
Give it 20 minutes, and then Utah will get the Morgan Scalley era off and rolling.
Utah 38, Nebraska 17 Line: Utah -14, o/u: 51.5 ATS Confidence out of 5: 3 Must See Rating: 3.5 – Las Vegas Bowl: CFN Expert Picks
Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
It’s bowl season, which means we have a lot of football to watch between Dec. 13 and Jan. 19! Ohio State, Utah, Georgia Southern, Army, Texas A&M — and just about everyone in between — will take part …
It’s bowl season, which means we have a lot of football to watch between Dec. 13 and Jan. 19! Ohio State, Utah, Georgia Southern, Army, Texas A&M — and just about everyone in between — will take part in a total of 47 games that will ultimately conclude with the 2026 CFP National Championship.
Matchup:Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Utah Utes Date:Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 Kickoff:3:30 p.m. ET Stadium:Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas, Nev. TV:ESPN
Game Overview
The Las Vegas Bowl is surrounded by two extremely interesting storylines: Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham leaving his program to take the opening at Michigan, and Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola leaving his program and entering the transfer portal.
Team Overviews
Nebraska Cornhuskers Conference:Big Ten Head Coach:Matt Rhule Record:7–5
Nebraska is the definition of a middle-of-the-road program, ranking 54th of 136 in total offense (29.2 points scored per game) and 53rd in total defense (23.0 points allowed per game) in 2025.
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The Cornhuskers won’t have everything at their disposal, however.
Raiola, running back Emmett Johnson and offensive lineman Rocco Spindler will all miss the matchup after opting out earlier in the month.
Utah Utes Conference:Big 12 Head Coach:Morgan Scalley Record:10–2
Utah is as good as it gets with regards to non-playoff teams, ranking 5th of 136 in total offense (41.1 points scored per game) and 17th in total defense (18.7 points allowed per game) in 2025.
Morgan Scalley, the club’s new head coach, will have his work cut out for him trying to keep the club on the right track, though.
The Utes will be without offensive lineman Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano, as well as defensive linemen Logan Fano and John Henry Daley.
Players to Watch
Nebraska QB TJ Lateef WR Jacory Barney Jr. WR Nyziah Hunter WR Dane Key LB Javin Wright LB Vincent Shavers Jr. DB DeShon Singleton
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Utah QB Devon Dampier QB Byrd Ficklin RB Wayshawn Parker WR Ryan Davis TE Dallan Bentley DL Kash Dillon LB Trey Reynolds DB Jackson Bennee
Key Notes
Nebraska defensive coordinator Jon Butler was fired earlier this month. Phil Snow will serve as the interim in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Kenneth Scott, a former Utah receiver who played for new Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham, said it won’t be long before the Michigan players and fans are fully on board with his hiring.
Dec. 29, 2025, 11:00 p.m. ET
Kenneth Scott, a former Utah receiver who played for new Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham, said it won’t be long before the Michigan players and fans are fully on board with his hiring.
Whittingham was formally introduced as Michigan’s new coach on Sunday in Orlando where the team is preparing to face Texas in the Citrus Bowl on Wednesday. He said his most immediate goals are securing the roster, with freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood at the top of the list, and hiring his staff.
Here’s a look at the 10 moments that defined Utah’s 2025 season. After retirement rumors swirled leading up to Utah’s season finale at UCF in 2024, Whittingham announced his return for his 21st — and …
Utah football’s 2025 season was bookended by major decisions by Kyle Whittingham.
In between those two big moments, the Utes compiled 10 regular-season wins for the first time since 2019 and reignited an offense that struggled in 2024. In the end, Utah came up just short of a Big 12 championship game appearance by losing its two biggest games on the schedule — to Texas Tech and BYU.
Here’s a look at the 10 moments that defined Utah’s 2025 season.
Kyle Whittingham returns for 21st season
After retirement rumors swirled leading up to Utah’s season finale at UCF in 2024, Whittingham announced his return for his 21st — and what would end up being his final — season at Utah.
After a 5-7 campaign filled with its share of adversity in 2024, Whittingham ultimately decided that he could not end his Utah career on that note and vowed to “right the ship” in 2025.
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“I couldn’t stomach going out on that, with that season, as frustrating as it was, and as discouraging as it was,” Whittingham said at Big 12 media days this July.
“It just didn’t sit well with anybody, but most of all me and so I thought, ‘Hey, that’s not going to be the final act of my deal. I got to come back and try to get the ship right and get back on track.”
Shortly after announcing his return, Whittingham went to work to try and correct Utah’s offense, starting with hiring a new offensive coordinator.
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham speaks during the Big 12 NCAA college football media day in Frisco, Texas, Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero) | LM Otero
Jason Beck, Devon Dampier and more revamp Utah’s offense
After scoring just 23.6 points per game (No. 102 in the nation) and totaling just 329.8 yards per game on offense (No. 115 in the nation) with a backup-quarterback-led offense for the majority of the season, Whittingham knew Utah’s offense needed a major revamp.
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Longtime offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig resigned midseason in 2024, giving Utah the opportunity to bring in a new voice.
After a search, Whittingham settled on Jason Beck, who had transformed New Mexico’s offense into one that scored 33.5 points per game and ranked No. 4 nationally in total offense with 484.2 yards per game in 2024.
Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck, right, walks off the field with quarterback Devon Dampier at Rice-Eccles Stadium after the Utes’ victory over Arizona State Oct. 11, 2025. | Anna Fuder, Utah Athletics
Beck’s RPO-heavy scheme is easier for players to pick up than Ludwig’s pro-style scheme — a factor Whittingham weighed when selecting Beck.
Beck brought along quarterback Devon Dampier, who threw for 2,768 yards and rushed for 1,166 in 2024, and receiver Ryan Davis, who had 747 yards on 54 receptions.
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The three former Lobos would be the foundation for an offensive revival in Salt Lake City.
Those moves paid off for the Utes, who completed a stunning offensive turnaround, going from one of the worst offenses in the nation to one of the best.
Utah scored 40.9 points per game (No. 5 in the nation) and rushed for 269.8 yards per game (No. 2 in the nation).
Dampier, Davis, Byrd Ficklin and Wayshawn Parker, along with Utah’s offensive line, all played a part in making the Utes’ offense something fans could enjoy watching again.
New-look offense dazzles in season-opening win at UCLA
Utah quickly answered questions about how Beck’s offense would fare at Utah and if Dampier would excel at the Power Four Level in a 43-10 win at UCLA.
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Preseason, Dampier declared, “this is another year, where Utah is going to be able to score the ball as well.”
Boy, did they.
Dampier threw for 206 yards and two touchdowns on 84% accuracy and rushed for 87 yards and a score, while the Utes’ heralded offensive line powered Utah to 286 rushing yards.
Utah’s uptempo offense was a breath of fresh air, but the Utes proved they could be successful when slowing the ball down, too, as evidenced by a 20-play, 80-yard drive that took nearly 10 minutes off the clock.
It was the first proof of concept that Beck’s offense would work at Utah.
“The flow of the game, the calls had them off balance,” Whittingham said. “I thought the run-pass ratio was outstanding, the RPO facet that he brought and implemented. He’s just a masterful play caller, at least he has been and he was tonight.”
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Utah’s defense held the Bruins to only 220 yards of offense and rattled UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava all night.
Utah’s 2025 debut couldn’t have gone much better.
Utes fail first big test of the year
After starting the season 3-0 with wins over UCLA, Cal Poly and Wyoming, No. 16 Utah faced its first test of the season against No. 17 Texas Tech.
It was also the first challenge for the Red Raiders, who had revamped their offensive and defensive lines with a big NIL push from oil billionaire Cody Campbell.
A fan reacts to a call during the first half of the game between the Utah Utes and the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
The investment in the trenches paid off as Texas Tech defeated Utah 34-10 at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
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Utah’s potent ground game was held to just 101 yards and Dampier, nursing an ankle injury, was largely ineffective, throwing two interceptions.
Texas Tech backup quarterback Will Hammond, inserted into the game after Behren Morton was ruled out, threw for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Texas Tech rushed for 311 yards, dominating the Utes along the line of scrimmage.
“For us to lose the line of scrimmage, it doesn’t happen very often, but it certainly happened today,” Whittingham said.
The loss to the Red Raiders — and later, BYU — would be the reason the 10-2 Utes wouldn’t make it to the Big 12 championship game.
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A third-straight rivalry loss
After reeling off two consecutive blowout wins, including a 42-10 win over a Sam Leavitt-less ASU team, Utah made the short drive down to Provo for one of the highest-stakes rivalry games yet.
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw for 166 yards and a score and rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown, which was the dagger, and LJ Martin rushed for 122 yards as the Cougars won 24-21.
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) hurdles Utah safety Jackson Bennee (23) during a run as BYU and Utah play at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
The Utes lost the turnover battle 2-0, including a muffed punt that was especially costly.
All the talk among Utah fans after the game was about three failed fourth-down conversions. The Utes went for it on fourth-and-1 from the BYU 12-yard line in the first quarter, fourth-and-7 from the BYU 28-yard line in the second quarter, and fourth-and-3 from the BYU 8-yard line in the third quarter, coming up short each time.
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Whittingham defended each of those decisions, citing analytics.
“First of all, if you think you’re smarter than analytics, you’re not. Anybody out there, if you think you got a better grasp of the game and strategy than the analytics do, you don’t,” Whittingham said.
While there were certainly many factors in Utah’s loss, the fourth-down decisions were the most hotly debated after the game.
Utah’s third-straight loss to rival BYU ended up shutting the Utes out of the Big 12 championship game, making the defeat sting even more.
The emergence of Byrd Ficklin
As Utah learned in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, backup quarterbacks are anything but a sure thing in college football.
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Isaac Wilson was named the team’s backup quarterback ahead of the season, but freshman Byrd Ficklin rose to become Utah’s QB2 in-season.
After getting extended run in Utah blowout victories, Ficklin’s first chance to start came against Colorado, when he filled in for an ailing Dampier.
In the Utes’ 53-7 win over the Buffaloes, Ficklin threw for 140 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 151 yards and a score, providing Ute fans a taste of the future.
He was integral to two other Utah wins, rushing for touchdowns of 67 and 74 yards against Baylor and finding the end zone three times in Utah’s comeback win vs. Kansas State.
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“His composure and he’s just unflappable. Nothing bothers him and he is an intelligent young man, extremely intelligent. He’s got pretty much the whole offense at his disposal and that’s saying a lot for a true freshman,” Whittingham said in late October.
“He’s so athletic, that’s another thing. It’s something that makes him so difficult to defend. So much upside as a quarterback. He’s fast, he’s quick, he can make people miss, he’s tough. He can take hits and he’s got a really good arm.”
Ficklin re-signed with the Utes in December, and with Dampier set to come back as well, Utah’s quarterback situation is in a good place entering the Scalley era.
John Henry Daley’s breakout season
After transferring from BYU to Utah ahead of the 2024 season, Daley had to bide his time, but when he earned his chance to be a starter in 2025, he made the most of it.
Utah Utes defensive end John Henry Daley (90) hits Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton (2) during the first half of the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
In all, Daley had 48 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in a phenomenal redshirt sophomore season. He was named a first-team All-American by Walter Camp and appeared on the All-Big 12 first team.
Daley’s breakout season helped the Utes’ defense finish tied for No. 17 in points allowed per game and brought back the “Sack Lake City” moniker.
“How haven’t we seen him improve? He’s improved in every aspect of his game. He’s stronger. He’s a technician. I mean, he’s worked on his fundamentals and his techniques extremely hard,” Whittingham said in September. “He’s got really good pass-rush skills as evidenced by, I think he’s still leading the nation in sacks. He’s a guy that has really, really polished up his game over the last year and really made himself into an exceptional player.”
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A comeback for the ages against Kansas State
No one could have possibly predicted how Utah’s 51-47 win over Kansas State played out.
The Utes entered the game allowing 143.2 rushing yards per game — middle of the pack in the Big 12, but still respectable.
“It was a power run game, just a basic power play and it was an ‘A gap’ power play where they started strong side and cut it back and we continually didn’t defend it the right way,” Whittingham said.
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When Joe Jackson scored his third rushing touchdown of the night to put Kansas State up 12 with seven minutes left, it looked like the Utes were going to be dealt their third loss of the season.
Instead, Utah pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in school history.
It all started with a Tao Johnson interception return for a touchdown on the Wildcats’ two-point conversion, cutting the deficit to 10 points.
Dampier found Larry Simmons for a 20-yard touchdown on the ensuing Utah drive to bring the Utes within three points, then Utah’s defense got off the field early with a three-and-out to give Dampier the ball back with a chance to win.
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Facing fourth and 1 on that drive, Dampier kept the ball himself and ran 59 yards to get the Utes into the red zone. Dampier ran the ball in for the touchdown to give Utah the lead and cap off a comeback for the ages.
“That last score, it was surreal,” Whittingham said. “It was just a moment that, like I said, you can’t even dream it up.”
Spencer Fano wins Outland Trophy
Entering the season, Whittingham was not short on praise for his offensive line.
“I can say with confidence, we should be the best offensive line since I’ve been at the University of Utah, which has been forever,” Whittingham said at this year’s Big 12 media days.
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Anchored by tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu, both of whom declared for the 206 NFL draft, and bolstered by seniors Jaren Kump, Tanoa Togiai and Michael Mokofisi, Utah’s offensive line lived up to the hype.
Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano (55) blocks during an NCAA football game against UCLA on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. | Kyusung Gong
Dampier was sacked just eight times all season and the veteran offensive line powered the Utes to 3,237 rushing yards, just 27 yards short of breaking the school rushing record of 3,263, set in 1984. Since bowl games count toward school records, Utah will set the new school record for rushing yards in a season in the Las Vegas Bowl vs. Nebraska.
Dampier, Parker, Ficklin, NaQuari Rogers and Daniel Bray were all helped by Utah’s dominant offensive line. The standout player from the O-line was Fano, who allowed only five pressures and zero sacks.
Fano is expected to be a high selection in next year’s NFL draft, and his play all season helped the Utes’ offense complete a major turnaround.
Kyle Whittingham steps down, takes Michigan job
Certainly the biggest moment in a season full of them was the news that Whittingham was stepping down as Utah’s coach after a 21-year run at the helm of the team.
After over two decades of Whittingham leading the Utes, it will be Morgan Scalley at the helm when the Utes take on Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl.
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Whittingham built the Utes from a Mountain West program into one that won two Pac-12 titles. Even in his final season at Utah, the 66-year-old guided the Utes to a 10-win regular season — something that last happened in 2019.
Even as he was still turning in winning seasons, he felt now was the time to step down.
“Well, the program’s in a good place right now,” he said. “As I’ve said many times after last season, it just didn’t sit right with anybody, particularly me, and so came back and fortunately we were able to get the ship righted and everything’s on track.
“Program, like I said, is in a good spot. Got good coaches, coach (Morgan) Scalley will come in and do a great job, got good players, so now is the time.”
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Almost immediately after Whittingham stepped down, reports surfaced that the longtime Utah coach could pursue other coaching opportunities.
Whittingham, who still had a desire to coach, kept his options open.
Asked on Dec. 18 what the process of deciding whether to pursue other opportunities or move into his special assistant role at Utah looked like, Whittingham replied, “If my phone rings, I answer it, I like who’s calling? Then we’ll see. Yeah, that’s pretty much the process.”
“After 21 years at Utah, I stepped down a couple weeks ago,” he said. “Wasn’t sure if I was finished (coaching) or not. I knew there was a lot left in the tank. You could count on one hand the number of schools that I would be receptive to. Michigan was one of those schools. Definitely a top-5 job in the country, without a doubt. When the ball started rolling and the more I learned about Michigan, the more excited I got. I am elated to be here.”
Utah Utes head football coach Kyle Whittingham speaks to the media during post-practice media availability at the Spence Eccles Field House in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
