Utah football rules two players out for Week 10 matchup vs. Cincinnati

The Utah football team ruled defensive tackles Semi Taulanga and Dallas Vakalahi ‘out’ for Saturday’s showdown against Cincinnati. Taulanga and Vakalahi were do …

The Utah football team ruled defensive tackles Semi Taulanga and Dallas Vakalahi “out” for Saturday’s showdown against Cincinnati.

Taulanga and Vakalahi were downgraded from “doubtful” in the Utes’ Thursday availability report.

Vakalahi is set to miss his second straight game after playing in his team’s 24-21 loss to BYU on Oct. 18. The 6-foot-2 sophomore from West Valley, Utah, made starts against UCLA and West Virginia earlier in the season.

Taulanga is listed as a defensive tackle, though the Utes have gotten creative with how they use the 317 pound freshman from Santa Ana, California. He’s lined up as an extra offensive lineman on run plays and even as a tight end in some instances, catching two passes from that spot during the Cougars game.

Tobias Merriweather remained “questionable” for the Week 10 contest at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The 6-foot-5 wide receiver is fourth on the team in receiving yards (130) after missing last week’s 53-7 triumph over Colorado.

As for the Bearcats, they didn’t make any changes to their availability report on Thursday. Leading rusher Evan Pryor remained “out,” along with linebacker Terrell Holcomb, while linebacker Montay Weedon was categorized as “probable.”

Pryor had to leave Cincinnati’s 41-20 win over Baylor last week early due to a lower leg injury. The 5-foot-9 redshirt senior leads Cincinnati in rushing yards (478) and and yards per carry (7.2, also No. 1 in the Big 12).

Here’s a look at Thursday’s availability report for Saturday’s game.

Out

Questionable

Out

Probable

Big 12 football programs are required to submit daily availability reports beginning three days before each game. The initial reports are posted on the league’s website at 8 p.m. MT.

MORE UTAH NEWS & ANALYSIS

Source: Utah News

Cincinnati vs. Utah bold predictions for massive top 25 clash in Week 10

Two of the top teams in the Big 12 face off in Week 10 as Cincinnati and Utah face off, and we make three bold predictions on the game.

The post Cincinnati vs. Utah bold predictions for massive top 25 clash in Week 10 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

It is a top-25 matchup in the Big 12, and the site of ESPN’s College Game Day as Cincinnati visits Utah. This game could go a long way in the race to play for the Big 12 Title, and we have bold predictions on the match-up.

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Cincinnati comes into the game at 7-1 on the year. The team lost to Nebraska 20-17 to open the year, and has since run off seven straight wins. Furthermore, the team has been dominant in recent weeks. After an eight-point win over Iowa State, Cincinnati has won three straight games by nine or more points. Last week, they faced Baylor. Cincinnati was up 24-0 before Baylor scored with 16 seconds left in the first half. The Bearcats would go on to win the game 41-20.

Meanwhile, Utah has moved to 6-2 on the year. After a 3-0 start, the Utes struggled against Texas Tech, falling 34-10. They would then run off two major wins in a row, before falling to BYU 24-21. Last week was a complete beatdown of Colorado. Utah scored on seven of the ten first-half drives, plus added a safety to lead 43-0 at the end of the first half. They would add another ten points in the second half, going on to win the game 53-7.

Tawaee Walker has a solid day

The Cincinnati offense has been solid this year. They are 23rd in the nation in points per game while sitting 36th in yards per game. They are 70th in the nation in passing yards per game, while sitting 29th in FBS in rushing yards per game. The leader for the Bearcats in the running game has been Evan Pryor. Pryor has run for 478 yards and three scores this year. He was great against Baylor, running for 66 yards and a touchdown. Still, Pryor will be missing the game with Utah due to an injury.

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Quarterback Brendan Sorsby has been a major part of the rushing attack, running for 425 yards and seven touchdowns, but the bulk of the carries will be going to Tawee Walker. He has run for 466 yards and four touchdowns this year, while also having a receiving touchdown this year.

He showed what he can do as the primary running back last week after Pryor went down. He ran for 84 yards and a score against Baylor. He is also averaging 5.2 yards per carry this year. While Utah has a solid defense, they have been weaker against the run. Walker is going to fill in for Pryor in a big way, running for over 100 yards and a score in the game.

Devon Dampier returns and is great

Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Rob Gray-Imagn Images

The Utah offense has also been great this year. They are 15th in the nation in points per game while sitting 12th in yards per game. The running game has been great, sitting fourth in the nation in yards per game, while the passing game is ranked 94th. Quarterback Devon Dampier missed the last game against Colorado, but could be back for this game.

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He has completed 138 of 201 passes for 1,35 yards and 13 touchdowns with four interceptions. He has also run for 442 yards and five touchdowns this year. Dampier has had some great games on the ground. He has four games over 60 yards and has scored on the ground in three games this year. Meanwhile, he has run for 184 yards and three touchdowns in his last two games.

Dampier has accounted for multiple touchdowns in each of his last three games, and he will have at least two touchdowns in this game while running for over 50 yards.

The Bearcat defense keeps it tight

Both defensive units in this game are solid. Utah is ninth in the nation in opponent points per game while also sitting 12th in opponent yards per game. They have struggled some against the run, allowing 146.9 yards per game, which is 58th in FBS. They have been great against the pass, though, sitting fourth in FBS against the pass.

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While the Utah defense has been great, the Cincinnati defense will be the story of the game. Cincinnati is 34th in the nation in opponent points per game, but they are 94th in the nation in opponent yards per game. They are 68th against the run and 119th against the pass. While the defense has not been great, it has been great in recent weeks.

Last week against Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robinson, Cincinnati held him to just 137 yards passing with two touchdowns. It was still the worst game of the season for Robinson.

Where Cincinnati has been great on defense is in the red zone. They are 18th in FBS in red zone scoring percentage at just 76.92 percent. Meanwhile, Utah has struggled in the kicking game. They are 104th in the nation in field goal conversion percentage at just 66.7 percent.

Odds at the time of writing, according to FanDuel, have Cincinnati as a 9.5-point underdog. Cincinnati is going to struggle to pull the upset. They do not have the same level of offense or defense as Utah. Still, they are going to keep this close and cover the spread in this one thanks to their defense.

Related: Nebraska’s Matt Rhule lands 2-year contract extension

Related: Auburn football WR Cam Coleman’s status for Kentucky game in doubt

Source: Utah News

Spooky Season: Ghost hunting and paranormal shows with episodes about Utah

Check out our list of ghost-hunting and paranormal shows that are all about or have episodes that feature Utah. From Skinwalker Ranch to haunted houses, Utah has been explored top to bottom by …

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Have you ever wondered about ghost evidence in Utah? While there are plenty of urban legends and haunted locations, now is the perfect time to settle in with some popcorn and enjoy a paranormal TV show right in time for Halloween.

Check out our list of ghost-hunting and paranormal shows that are all about or have episodes that feature Utah. From Skinwalker Ranch to haunted houses, Utah has been explored top to bottom by paranormal investigators.

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“Ghost Hunters”

The American “Ghost Hunters” series began airing in 2004, and only visited Utah once during its nearly 20-year run. Season 13, episode 7 of the show, titled “The Last Mission,” takes place at the Historic Wendover Air Field.

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“Perhaps the most historically significant role of the base was as the test and training site for the atomic bomb and the 509th Composite Group under the command of Colonel Paul W. Tibbets, Jr. It was Colonel Tibbets, flying his B-29, ‘Enola Gay,’ who dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in August 1945,” the Historic Wendover Airfield writes on their website.

In the episode, released in 2020, investigators say that paranormal activity has been reported recently. They claim that “dozens of pilots” died on the base during training back when the airfield was still an active Air Force Base.

The full episode is currently available for free on LMN’s YouTube channel. Does any of the “evidence” they uncovered convince you?

“The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch”

(Courtesy of “The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch”)

(Courtesy of “The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch”)

Skinwalker Ranch in Uintah County has had a fair share of coverage from paranormal and alien investigators alike. Most recently and infamously has likely been “The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch.”

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The ranch’s owner, Brandon Fugal, and the ranch’s superintendent, Thomas Winterton, work to investigate paranormal activity and uncover the supernatural secrets of Skinwalker Ranch. Over the past few centuries, everything from UFO sightings to cattle mutilations to other “strange phenomena.”

The show first premiered in 2020 and has been running for six seasons. Well-known Utah figures such as Utah Senator Mike Lee, former Governor Gary Herbert, and former Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes have all made guest appearances on the show.

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A spin-off show, “Beyond Skinwalker Ranch,” was sparked after the success of the original. In that show, the investigators travel to other ranches and compare them to their experiences with Skinwalker Ranch.

PREVIOUSLY: ‘The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch’ Season 5: A conversation with Brandon Fugal, Thomas Winterton

“Ghost Adventures”

The paranormal reality show, which first premiered in 2008, has visited Utah a few times during its 17-year run on the air. “Ghost Adventures” filmed 18 episodes and two specials in the Beehive State. One of the most notable episodes is the 2011 “Tooele Hospital” investigation, the show’s first foray into the state of Utah.

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Many may also be familiar with Zak Bagan and his team’s visit to the Great Saltair or the Skinwalker Ranch, two more recent episodes that caught Utahns’ attention. If you’re looking for a paranormal episode near your hometown, “Ghost Adventures” just might have one.

Below is a full list of Utah-based “Ghost Adventures” episodes and where they were filmed in the state.

Episode Title

Location

Season/Episode

“Tooele Hospital”

Tooele

Season 4, Episode 26

“Fear Factory”

Salt Lake City

Season 9, Episode 5

“Leslie’s Family Tree”

Santaquin

Season 12, Episode 7

“St. Ann’s Retreat”

Logan Canyon

Season 13, Episode 7

“Witches in Magna”

Magna

Season 14, Episode 9

“Asylum 49”

Tooele

Season 14, Episode 11

“Ogden Possession”

Ogden

Season 15, Episode 2

“Kay’s Hollow”

Kaysville

Season 16, Episode 9

“Tintic Mining District”

Eureka

Season 17, Episode 4

“Haunted Hollow Forest”

West Haven

Season 21, Episode 6

“Industrial District of the Damned”

Salt Lake City

Season 21, Episode 9

“Mayhem in Millville”

Millville

Season 22, Episode 9

“Benson Grist Mill”

Stansbury Park

Season 22, Episode 10

“The Great Saltair Curse”

Magna

Season 23, Episode 1

“Carbon County Chaos”

Helper

Season 23, Episode 6

“Whitmore Mansion”

Nephi

Season 24, Episode 4

“Ghost Island”

Antelope Island

Season 27, Episode 2

“Terror on 25th Street”

Ogden

Season 28, Episode 1

“Serial Killer Spirits: Ted Bundy Ritual House”

Bountiful

Special

“Ghost Adventures: Skinwalker Invasion”

Uintah County

Special

Utah’s Most Haunted: 5 chilling sites keeping legends alive

“True Haunting”

A scene from Netflix’s “True Haunting.” (Courtesy: Netflix Tudum)

A scene from Netflix’s “True Haunting.” (Courtesy: Netflix Tudum)

While Netflix’s new “True Haunting” series is not a ghost-hunting show, it’s based on two real paranormal experiences. The final two episodes of the series, “This House Murdered Me,” follow a family that purchases a “Victorian” home in Salt Lake City’s avenues.

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The series dramatizes the experience of a woman, her husband, and her son, who move into a “charming Victorian house,” Netflix says. The family is rocked after a burglar breaks into their home, and they soon start experiencing paranormal activity. Although the show was not filmed on location in Salt Lake City, the true story took place there.

Ed and Lorraine Warren — who fans of horror and the paranormal may recognize from “The Conjuring” and their real-life work as paranormal investigators — are called in to help the family. What happens to the family will have to remain spoiler-free, as this show was only released at the beginning of October.

“Expedition X”

Another reality paranormal investigation show, “Expedition X” visited Skinwalker Ranch to investigate historic claims about alien and mysterious pheonomena. The episode, called “Skinwalker Valley,” was the seventh episode of the sixth season.

Phil Torres and Jessica Chobot head to Skinwalker Ranch and speak with locals and perform their own investigation into the UFO sightings, cattle mutilations, and “shape-shifting” creatures. They may even have encountered a skinwalker.

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While the mysteries associated with Skinwalker Ranch have already been covered in this article, the two investigators have their own take, interview interesting figures, and find some evidence that may make this compelling to those familiar with the ranch.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.

Source: Utah News

Utah Mammoth’s Logan Cooley lands 8-year extension: Tracking all the NHL news

Keep up with the latest NHL news, including Mammoth forward Logan Cooley and Stars defenseman Thomas Harley getting eight-year extensions.

Source: Utah News

Months after a man was killed at a ‘No Kings’ march in Utah, his wife still seeks answers

Arthur Folasa Ah Loo died in June when a man a part of a volunteer peacekeeping team fired three rounds at a man who allegedly brandished a rifle at protestors.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The widow of a beloved Utah fashion designer who was fatally shot during a June “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City demanded Wednesday that someone be held accountable for her husband’s death after more than four months without any charges filed in the case.

Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, known as Afa, died June 14 when a man who was part of a volunteer peacekeeping team for the protest fired three rounds at a man who allegedly brandished a rifle at demonstrators. One round injured the rifleman, who did not fire any shots, and another struck 39-year-old Ah Loo, a protest participant who later died at the hospital.

The sign Ah Loo was holding that day read, “The world is watching,” said his wife, Laura Ah Loo.

“Afa always stood for those who needed justice the most,” she said during a Wednesday news conference. “And now I stand for him, on his behalf. For his sake and for all of us, the world is watching.”

An arrest but no charges

Officers arrested but never charged Arturo Gamboa, the man with the rifle, saying at the time that he created the dangerous situation that led to Ah Loo’s death.

A lawyer for Gamboa has said he was attending the march as a supporter and was lawfully in possession of the unloaded weapon. It’s unclear what he intended to do with it. Gamboa was walking with it pointed at the ground before he was shot by the volunteer, lawyer Greg Skordas said.

A makeshift memorial for Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, known to friends and family as Afa, is seen in Salt Lake City in June.Hannah Schoenbaum/Associated Press

Skordas said Wednesday that Gamboa is “paralyzed by the lack of action” from the district attorney’s office. “They continue to tell us that homicide charges are still being considered against Arturo,” he said.

Police have not charged or publicly identified the safety volunteer who shot at Gamboa and fatally struck Ah Loo. But authorities have said they’re investigating whether that man was justified in firing his handgun.

The 50501 Movement, which helped organize the June “No Kings” protests nationwide, said all attendees, including those in safety roles, were asked not to bring weapons. The group severed ties with its Utah chapter shortly after the shooting.

Police have said the permit for the Salt Lake City protest did not specify that there would be armed security.

Family plans wrongful death lawsuit

Salt Lake City’s participation this month in another round of “No Kings” demonstrations — a nationwide mobilization against what participants see as a shift into authoritarianism under President Trump — brought renewed attention to the open-ended case. Thousands rallied outside the Utah State Capitol on Oct. 18 to demand justice for Ah Loo and his family.

Attorneys for Laura Ah Loo called out the safety volunteer by name Wednesday and said they will pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against him in coming weeks. They also said charges should be filed against the volunteer and called for more transparency from authorities.

The Associated Press is not naming the volunteer because he has not been publicly identified by authorities. Phone and email messages were left Wednesday with his lawyer, Phil Wormdahl.

A woman laid flowers at a makeshift memorial for Arthur Folasa Ah Loo. Salt Lake City’s participation this month in another round of “No Kings” demonstrations brought renewed attention to Ah Loo’s open-ended case.Hannah Schoenbaum/Associated Press

“This is not a whodunit,” said Richard Lambert, a lawyer for Ah Loo’s wife. “We know who did it. We know who fired the fatal shot that took Afa’s life.”

Investigation continues, but charges are unlikely

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said on Wednesday that he sympathizes with the Ah Loo family’s loss and suggested criminal charges are still possible. His office met with the family early in the process and explained that the investigation would take time, Gill said.

“We are carefully working through a complex and nuanced legal analysis,” Gill said. “We expect to reach a decision soon.”

But legal experts say criminal charges are unlikely.

Utah gun laws expert and personal injury attorney Mitch Vilos has been following the case and does not expect charges against either the volunteer or Gamboa.

The right to self defense and the right to carry a firearm are both strong in Utah, Vilos said, and prosecutors would face a high bar in trying to prove criminal charges against either man.

Prosecutors in a criminal case must convince a jury beyond reasonable doubt that a crime occurred. But the bar in a civil lawsuit would be much lower, Vilos added, requiring simply a preponderance of evidence that a defendant was in the wrong or acted negligently.

For Ah Loo’s family, a civil lawsuit “might be the most feasible route to get some compensation and get some justice for their loss,” said Matthew Tokson, a law professor at the University of Utah.

Tokson agreed charges are unlikely. Utah law allows people to use deadly force in defense of others if they act reasonably, he said.

“I think the police always felt that he was acting in good faith,” Tokson said of the volunteer.

Source: Utah News

Utah Mammoth Sign Forward Logan Cooley to Eight-Year Contract Extension

The Utah Mammoth announced today the signing of center Logan Cooley to an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value (AAV) of $10 million.

The Utah Mammoth announced today the signing of center Logan Cooley to an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value (AAV) of $10 million.

“I’m excited to sign an eight-year extension with the Mammoth. Choosing to play with this group of teammates was the easiest part of this decision, and living in Utah has been amazing since day one,” said Logan Cooley, center for the Utah Mammoth. “The atmosphere at the Delta Center in front of our fans is unreal and Ryan and Ashley Smith have given our team every resource to succeed, which is all you can ask for as a player. We have an opportunity to do something special here thanks to the incredible people in the organization. This is an awesome day for me and my family, and I am proud to commit to the state of Utah and to the Mammoth.”

Cooley, 21, has registered 8-4-12 and a +5 rating through 11 games to start the 2025-26 season. He leads the team in goals, ranks tied for the team-lead in power-play goals (3) and tied for second in points, while his seven goals on the road are the most of any Mammoth skater. Among players aged 23 or younger, Cooley also ranks first in the NHL in goals and tied for third in points. He was named the NHL’s Second Star of the Week on Oct. 27, after scoring the first natural hat trick in franchise history as part of his first career four-point game (3g, 1a) in a 7-4 win at St. Louis.

“Logan is elite in every sense of the word,” said Ryan Smith, governor of the Utah Mammoth. “He’s one of the most exciting young players in the league, and the fact that he’s chosen to plant roots here in Utah says everything about what we’re building. He is part of an incredible core of young players that will have a major impact on the future of this franchise. Utah is a place where the community shows up, where the energy is through the roof, and where players know they can win. Logan choosing to put his roots down here and commit for the long-term is another important milestone in building a championship-caliber team.”

“We are thrilled to sign Logan and have him with us in Utah for the next eight years,” said Bill Armstrong, general manager of the Utah Mammoth. “Logan is not only an incredible player but an even better person and we look forward to watching him grow. He, along with the rest of our core group, will have an impact in Utah for many years to come. It’s a great day for Mammoth fans and another exciting moment for our organization.”

The 6-foot, 191-pound center has skated in 168 career NHL games with Utah and the Arizona Coyotes over the past three seasons, recording 53-68-121 and 68 penalty minutes (PIM). Since Utah’s inaugural season in 2024-25, Cooley ranks second on the team in goals (33), third in points (77), fourth in assists (44), tied for third in power-play goals (10), and fifth in power-play points (24). He earned NHL All-Rookie Team honors in 2023-24, tallying 20-24-44 and appearing in all 82 games as a 19-year-old with the Coyotes.

Cooley played one collegiate season at the University of Minnesota in 2022-23, posting 22-38-60 and a +38 rating in 39 games. He led the Gophers to their first national championship appearance in nine years and finished as a top-three finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top player in Division I.

The Pittsburgh native has represented the United States at two IIHF Under-18 World Championships (2021 and 2022), two IIHF World Junior Championships (2022 and 2023) and one IIHF World Championship (2025). Cooley tied for the team scoring lead (4-8-12) and won a gold medal at Worlds in 2025, helping Team USA end its 92-year gold medal drought at the tournament.

Cooley was originally selected by Arizona in the first round (3rd overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. Among players from his draft class, he ranks first in career goals and points and third in assists.

Source: Utah News

Utah Mammoth sign Logan Cooley to an 8-year, $80 million extension

The Utah Mammoth signed Logan Cooley to an eight-year, $80 million extension, a deal that keeps the budding star center under contract through 2033-34. Cooley will count $10 million against the salary …

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Mammoth signed Logan Cooley to an eight-year, $80 million extension, a deal that keeps the budding star center under contract through 2033-34.

Cooley will count $10 million against the salary cap beginning when the contract that was announced Wednesday kicks in next season.

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“Logan is elite in every sense of the word,” owner Ryan Smith said. “He’s one of the most exciting young players in the league, and the fact that he’s chosen to plant roots here in Utah says everything about what we’re building.”

The 21-year-old Cooley has eight goals and four assists in 11 games, helping Utah get off to a strong start in the club’s first season known as the Mammoth, leading the Western Conference with a record of 8-3-1.

“We have an opportunity to do something special here thanks to the incredible people in the organization,” said Cooley, a Pittsburgh native who was the third pick in the 2022 draft by the then-Arizona Coyotes. “This is an awesome day for me and my family, and I am proud to commit to the state of Utah and to the Mammoth.”

Only four NHL players have scored more goals than Cooley so far, and he’s an emerging candidate to make the U.S. Olympic roster.

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“Logan is not only an incredible player but an even better person and we look forward to watching him grow,” general manager Bill Armstrong said. “He, along with the rest of our core group, will have an impact in Utah for many years to come.”

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Source: Utah News

Who will be ‘College GameDay’ guest picker for Utah vs Cincinnati? Predicting choice

Smith was the “GameDay” guest picker in 2023 for Utah’s game against Oregon, which might deter ESPN from choosing him again. Weddle, one of the best players in Utah history, is another potential …

ESPN’s “College GameDay” is heading to Big 12 country for a top-25 matchup between Utah and Cincinnati in Week 10.

The No. 24 Utes (6-2, 3-2 Big 12) and No. 16 Bearcats (7-1, 5-0) face off in a game that has College Football Playoff implications, as both teams are aiming to reach the Big 12 championship and subsequently earn a birth in the 12-team field. Utah and Cincinnati are both competing with No. 10 BYU and No. 12 Texas Tech in the conference, as well.

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REQUIRED READING: Bowl projections: College Football Playoff gets one lock team after Week 9

The matchup marks the first time “GameDay” has attended a game with no SEC or Big Ten teams this season. In fact, the only team from outside those conferences to appear on the show in 2025 is Miami, which hosted rival Florida in Coral Gables, Florida, in Week 4 earlier in the season.

Salt Lake City should be quite the environment for “College GameDay” on Nov. 1. Here’s a look at potential celebrity guest pickers “College GameDay” in Week 10.

1 / 33

Here are some of the funniest signs from ESPN College GameDay this season

Fans cheer with signs at ESPN “College GameDay” in front of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, before the No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers host the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs.

‘College GameDay’ guest picker predictions for Utah-Cincinnati

Alex Smith

Smith, the No. 1 pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Utah, played 16 NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback was the 2020 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

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Smith was a first-team All-American in his final season with the Utes, throwing for 2,952 yards with 32 touchdowns to four interceptions in 2004. Smith is currently an NFL analyst for ESPN, which would make him an easy fit for the show.

Steve Smith Sr.

Another Ute legend, Steve Smith is a four-time All-Pro receiver and current NFL Network analyst.

Smith played two seasons at Utah after transferring from Santa Monica College, a two-year school where he played alongside future NFL legend Chad Johnson. He finished his Utah career with 78 receptions for 1,608 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Smith was the “GameDay” guest picker in 2023 for Utah’s game against Oregon, which might deter ESPN from choosing him again.

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Eric Weddle

Weddle, one of the best players in Utah history, is another potential option.

The five-time All-Pro safety retired after the 2021 season following his first Super Bowl win as a member of the Los Angeles Rams. He’s currently the head coach at Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego.

He was named to the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot in June for his accomplishments with Utah.

Post Malone

“College GameDay” has picked celebrities without clear ties to the university multiple times this season, from country artist Jelly Roll to comedian Theo Von.

Why not give Post Malone a call? The famed musician lives in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, which is just outside Salt Lake City. He’s also a huge Dallas Cowboys fan.

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His song, “Something Real,” was also used as ESPN’s college football anthem for the 2023-24 season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who will be ‘College GameDay’ guest picker for Utah vs Cincinnati?

Source: Utah News

Utah Falls 6-3 in Edmonton

EDMONTON – A five-goal second period led the Edmonton Oilers to a 6-3 win over the Utah Mammoth. Utah lost the final game of a four-game road trip and the team’s win streak ends at seven. Logan Cooley …

EDMONTON – A five-goal second period led the Edmonton Oilers to a 6-3 win over the Utah Mammoth. Utah dropped the final game of a four-game road trip and the team’s win streak ended at seven. Logan Cooley, JJ Peterka, and Barrett Hayton all scored for the Mammoth in the loss.

“We played a really good first period,” head coach André Tourigny said postgame. “We’re really happy about the way we played, the focus we had. We went away from that big time in the second and we paid for it. There’s a good team on the other side and (they) made big plays with what we opened up. It’s unfortunate, but we don’t want to forget we have six points out of eight on that trip and we have a good lesson today. So, there’s a lot of positive, and we didn’t go too high when we had success, we won’t go too low after a game like that.”

The line of Peterka, Cooley, and Dylan Guenther continues to find success. The trio were responsible for the first two goals tonight as Cooley and Peterka each scored, and Guenther had the primary assist on the opening tally. Whether it was stealing pucks, showing their elite shots, or pressure, the Cooley line continued to be a hard line to contain. They were a significant part of the Mammoth’s first period success where Utah had a 2-0 lead going into the second period.

“Coming out with a first period like that, I thought that was one of our best periods of the year,” Hayton explained. “Playing on top of them, playing with a lot of pace, playing our game. You need to play that way against a dangerous team like that. They have the star players and they’re able to take over control if we’re too passive. I thought we did a great job in the first, sticking to our game plan, playing with a lot of pace and just frustrating veering away from that in the second two periods.”

Source: Utah News