The Utah Blockcast

Pick Six Previews founder Brett Ciancia joins the Utah Blockcast to explain why he has Utah third in the Big 12 and inside his national top 25. Brett breaks down the Utes’ potential path to an 8–0 start, where Utah fits alongside Texas Tech and BYU, and whether Devon Dampier, Wayshawn Parker and a favorable schedule can overcome complete offensive-line turnover, significant defensive losses and the transition from Kyle Whittingham to Morgan Scalley.

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett rank the 10 most important players to Utah’s 2026 season—not simply the best players, but the Utes whose roles may be the hardest to replace. They debate Devon Dampier’s command of an offense built around him, Karson Kaufusi’s ownership of Utah’s defensive-tackle tradition, Braden Pegan’s impact and whether Wayshawn Parker is ranked too low. Plus, “6–7” gets its moment, and Eric Weddle receives proper recognition with his Ring of Honor induction.

Morgan Scalley has impressed throughout his opening months as Utah’s head coach, from his introductory press conference and spring practices to Big 12 Media Days and his work building relationships with program supporters. Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett examine the personality, preparation and institutional understanding that give Scalley a strong foundation—along with potential blind spots that could define his first season. Can he turn Utah’s culture into a complete teaching system, empower his assistants and remain decisive when adversity arrives?

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett draft their five most interesting Utah football players entering fall camp, allowing to break down position battles, breakout candidates and unresolved roles that could determine whether the Utes are ready to contend for a Big 12 championship.

What Is Utah Football Trying To Become? Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett ask the defining question surrounding Morgan Scalley’s first Utah team. They project the Utes’ offensive and defensive identities, set statistical expectations for Devon Dampier and both units, and examine how Utah can preserve its traditional physicality while becoming more adaptable, explosive and complete.

Utah must replace all five offensive line starters after losing Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu and a unit that powered one of college football’s most productive rushing attacks. Steve examines what happened to Washington, Michigan and Oklahoma after similar resets—and why history suggests Utah should expect a decline in protection and rushing efficiency. But those teams also replaced their quarterbacks. With Devon Dampier returning after an impressive offseason, could Utah’s biggest offensive star also be the X-factor that keeps its biggest concern from becoming a fatal flaw?

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett recap Big 12 Media Days with a Utah-focused notebook from Frisco, covering Morgan Scalley’s first impression, Devon Dampier’s standing among Big 12 quarterbacks, Utah’s offensive line questions and key breakout candidates entering fall camp. The episode ends with interviews with Devon Dampier and Johnathan Hall. 

Sorting through two of the loudest Utah football conversations of the summer: recruiting panic and Big Ten speculation. First, explaining why Utah’s current recruiting class looks more like a continuation of the program’s traditional developmental model than a reason to panic. Then, they break down why Utah keeps getting mentioned in future Big Ten conversations, how the Protect College Sports Act has reignited realignment buzz nationally, and why the Big 12 remains Utah’s present platform. The big takeaway: Utah fans can be ambitious without being unrealistic — and the answer is still to win, build and grow where you are.

Utah football picked up three commitments in one day, landing Texas speedster Darnell Jackson Jr. along with Timpview standouts Ian Aloisio and Fui Vakapuna. Steve breaks down what each addition brings to Morgan Scalley’s 2027 class and why the recent recruiting run matters. Then, a closer look at Utah’s official announcement that it is exploring modernization options for the Jon M. Huntsman Center, what the feasibility study means, and what the university should prioritize as it considers the future of one of campus’ most iconic venues. Plus, an interview with receiver commit Dillon Sykes.

Hitting on two proof-of-concept questions for Utah’s major programs. First, breaking down whether Utah football is recruiting at a Big 12 contender level, how to balance Morgan Scalley’s first full recruiting cycle with the program’s established winning standards. Where the class stands after the commitments of Kaleb Hall and Jaden Bibbs, and what could be on the horizon.  Then, the conversation shifts to Utah basketball and what Alex Jensen’s identity should look like moving forward. Diving into what the blueprint will be as the Runnin’ Utes hope to climb in the Big 12 and bring real energy back to the Huntsman Center.

Reacting to the news of Utah's & adidas new apparel partnership. 

Which position group has to exceed expectations for the Utes to contend in the Big 12, and what Morgan Scalley must prove in Year 1 as head coach, those are the topics today.  The discussion starts up front with Utah’s defensive line, where run defense, interior toughness and X-factors who could determine whether the Utes have a championship-level defense. Then, Scalley’s biggest Year 1 assignment: providing proof of concept for his version of Utah football.

Utah football keeps stacking in-state momentum as quarterback commit Jonah Lubno joins the show to discuss his decision, his fit in the offense, and what he wants to bring to the program. Plus, a breakdown of Diesel Dart’s commitment, why Utah’s local recruiting push matters under Morgan Scalley, and what the Huntsman Center seating changes say about Alex Jensen’s effort to reconnect Utah basketball with its winning past.

Former Utah quarterback Travis Wilson and receiver Kenneth Scott join the podcast to discuss their upcoming football camp on the Ute Reservation, why giving back through the game matters, and what they hope young athletes take away from the experience. The former Ute tandem also reflect on their playing careers, the bond they built at Utah, lessons learned under Kyle Whittingham, and what life looks like now after football. Plus, Noam Yaacov is in Salt Lake City, and Utah football hosting another big group of official visitors this weekend.

Josh Furlong joins the Utah Blockcast to react to the Brendan Sorsby news and help explain Utah’s finalized Otro Capital partnership and the launch of Crimson Brand Partners in plain English. We break down what the deal actually is, why Utah pursued it, how it could impact football and men’s basketball, and what questions still remain as college athletics continues moving toward a more professional business model.

Ben Portnoy of Sports Business Journal joins the show to break down the business side of college athletics’ new era, from Utah’s private capital partnership with Otro to the Big 12’s revenue race, House settlement fallout, and the Brendan Sorsby injunction. Plus, a look at what these changes mean for Utah’s future positioning in a rapidly changing college sports landscape.

Breaking down the latest on Noam Yaacov’s path to joining the Runnin’ Utes, what Utah’s potential apparel move could look like from timeline to design priorities, and how football recruiting momentum is building after the commitments of Aiden Martin and Dillon Sykes ahead of another big official visit weekend.

Utah football continues to build momentum through official visit season. This episode breaks down what that means and how Utah helped itself during its second OV weekend. Then, what Devon Dampier and the passing attack need to become from a numbers perspective, what might the receiver production look like this season. Lastly, a thought on Cody Campbell looking awfully hypocritical after the Brendan Sorsby injunction.

In this episode, Morgan Scalley reflects on when he first fell in love with the University of Utah, what he learned as a player and coach, how his approach has changed since becoming head coach, and what he wants Utah football to represent moving forward. The conversation also dives into culture, RSNB, recruiting, leadership, Devon Dampier, year-one expectations and the future of the program. Timestamps: 0:00 — Welcome to the show 1:00 — Morgan Scalley joins the Utah Blockcast 2:00 — When Scalley first fell in love with the University of Utah 3:00 — When did coaching first became part of his future 5:00 — What his players have taught him over the years 7:00 — What has changed since becoming Utah’s head coach 8:30 — Year-one expectations and goals for the 2026 season 11:30 — Turning culture into more than just a slogan 13:30 — What recruits and families need to understand about Utah 15:00 — What Scalley wants opponents to feel when they play Utah 16:00 — How RSNB shows up in his coaching and game-day philosophy 18:00 — What made past Utah leaders like Devin Lloyd, Chase Hansen, Julian Blackmon and Hunter Dimick special 20:00 — Devon Dampier’s leadership and growth at quarterback 22:00 — What Scalley wants fans, recruits and former players to believe about Utah’s future 25:00 — Final message to Utah fans

Utah athletics is entering a new era, and this episode looks at both sides of that reality. Steve opens with the latest on Utah’s private equity deal and why financial pressure across college athletics makes the move feel less like a luxury and more like a necessity. Then, the focus shifts to Utah football’s official visit weekend, the key recruits in town, and which prospects feel most realistic to commit as Morgan Scalley’s first full recruiting cycle begins to take shape.

ESPN’s latest quarterback tier rankings put Devon Dampier in an interesting spot entering 2026: respected, proven and clearly viewed as one of the better quarterbacks in the Big 12 — but still with another level to reach. Then, Eric Lilly joins the show for a Cincinnati post-spring check-in. The conversation digs into the Bearcats’ offseason progress, the state of the quarterback room, offensive identity, defensive questions and where Cincinnati fits in a wide-open Big 12 race.

Iowa State is entering one of the more interesting post-spring periods in the Big 12. The Cyclones are moving into a new era under Jimmy Rogers after Matt Campbell’s departure. Joining the show on this one is Alec Busse, who covers Iowa State for Cyclone Alert and 247Sports.  7:00 - What feels most different about the Cyclones now under Jimmy Rogers?9:45 - What are the defining characteristics of Rogers program? 13:00 - Jaylen Raynor feels like the presumed QB1, how does he compare to Rocco Becht?16:00 - Does tight end remain a focal point? Who is standing out in the new receiver room? 22:30 - Does the O-line provide indicators of a fast the rebuild?27:30 - Defensively, what feels most settled, what are the strengths? 31:00 - Utah travels to Ames, what should fans making the trip expect? 35:30 - Assessing TJ Otzelberger's offseason and other basketball thoughts. 

It’s a Monday Mailbag edition of the Utah Blockcast, and we’re covering everything from $9 Taco Bell orders, Feldman’s slander, Crown Burger vs. In-N-Out, MJ vs. LeBron, Father’s Day meals, and the Drake/Kendrick debate. Then we briefly touch on things like the PE deal, Huntsman Center renovation, Olympic facility questions, before diving into football & basketball questions like Devon Dampier’s Heisman case, fall camp position concerns, secondary depth, run defense, and how Kevin McGiven’s offense may compare to Jason Beck’s. Plus, we close the show with an interview with Utah’s newest commit, Jonah Mailei.

This episode opens with a busy stretch of Utah news, starting with the Utes landing a commitment from 2027 Skyline running back Jonah Mailei, the first running back pledge in Utah’s 2027 class. We also talk through the latest with Noam Yaacov, whose strong showing at the NBA G League Combine has created a more complicated — but not unexpected — waiting game for Utah basketball as NBA interest grows. Then, SunDevilSource.com publisher Chris Karpman joins the show for a Big 12 insider conversation. We get his view on Arizona State’s rise under Kenny Dillingham, how sustainable the Sun Devils’ momentum is, what the rest of the league should expect from ASU going forward, and where Utah fits in the Big 12 picture under Morgan Scalley. It’s a broader look at a league still trying to sort out its hierarchy — and what Utah has to prove as it enters a new era.

This episode heads to Morgantown for a closer look at one of the Big 12’s most interesting reset programs. Mike J. Asti joins the show to break down West Virginia football entering Year 2 of Rich Rodriguez’s return, including the quarterback picture, the identity of the offense, and what the Mountaineers need to prove in 2026.  

Jason Scheer of Wildcat Authority joins the show to break down Arizona football’s 2026 outlook, including Noah Fifita, Brent Brennan, the Wildcats’ Big 12 ceiling and the November matchup with Utah. Then, 247Sports national recruiting editor Brandon Huffman joins for a deep dive into Utah football recruiting, regional battles, key targets and how the Utes are building under Morgan Scalley.

Post-spring Big 12 power rankings are here. We break down where Utah lands in the conference heading into the summer, why Texas Tech still sits at the top, and which teams could rise or fall by the time the season kicks off. Plus, thoughts on Houston, Oklahoma State, Arizona State and more in the league in 2026.

Utah football is entering a new era under Morgan Scalley, but the expectations remain familiar. On this episode of the Utah Blockcast, we’re joined by Dalton Wasserman, co-host of the Preferred Walk-On Podcast, to take a national look at Utah’s 2026 outlook, the state of the Big 12, and the program’s growing NFL Draft profile. The conversation starts with Utah’s place in the Big 12 under Scalley. Is this still a conference title contender, or does the transition make 2026 more of a prove-it year? We dive into Kevin McGiven’s offensive vision, what Devon Dampier needs to show to reach another level, why Wayshawn Parker could be one of the swing pieces of the season, and which defensive position group matters most for Utah maintaining its standard. Then, we zoom out to the Big 12 as a whole. With multiple programs all capable of talking themselves into contention, Dalton helps separate real contenders from offseason optimism in one of college football’s most volatile leagues.

On this episode, I take a look at the top of Utah basketball's 2027 recruiting board with five names that fans should know this cycle. Also, recapping Utah baseball's series win over rival BYU and what it means for the Utes with two weeks to go before the Big 12 Tournament.   

In this episode, I break down five questions for Utah Runnin' Utes men's basketball heading into the season: whether Noam Yaacov can truly run the show, where consistent shooting will come from, how this roster holds up defensively, what the frontcourt identity looks like, and how quickly the younger pieces can become reliable in a league that doesn’t wait for development. I also spend time on some of the ripple effects of Brendan Sorsby’s gambling situation. 

It was a historic weekend for Utah football, as the program saw two players selected in the first round for the first time in program history. Recapping that and the rest of draft weekend from a Utah football perspective. Then, turning the page. Who’s next? A way-too-early look at the 2027 NFL Draft class. 

Two first-round picks. One statement night. Utah made history at the 2026 NFL Draft as Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu both went in the first round — the first time the program has ever done it. In this episode, we celebrate the accomplishment for both. Then talk through what each landing spot means, why Fano is ready to contribute immediately, how Lomu fits as a high-upside investment, and what this moment says about Utah’s offensive line development model moving forward.

Breaking down Utah basketball’s 'essentially complete' 2026–27 roster from top to bottom — going position by position to define roles, and what this team is actually trying to become under Alex Jensen. Plus, CBS Sports’ Shehan Jeyarajah joins the show to talk Utah football and the Big 12 outlook heading into 2026 — including national perception, conference hierarchy, and what it’ll take for Utah to stay in the title conversation under Morgan Scalley.

In this episode, I break down the addition of Noam Yaacov - a big time recruiting win for the Utes. Landing a true offensive engine in Yaacov this is a look into how the other pieces fit — and what Utah still needs with one or two roster spots left to fill.

We opened the mailbag… and Utah fans delivered. This episode hits everything — opening with burgers and pizza debates to music takes (album Mt. Rushmore, walkout songs, and whether game-day vibes are about to level up). Then we get into the real stuff. At 27:00, we shift to football, it’s a deep dive — QB room beyond Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin, breakout candidates, whether the Utes can finally produce a 1,000-yard receiver, Wayshawn Parker’s ceiling, DL concerns, return specialists, and how this new staff compares to the old one in recruiting, culture, and scheme. We wrap with basketball — portal insights, roster outlook, expectations under Alex Jensen, and what it’ll actually take to rebuild this thing in the Big 12. It’s a full-spectrum Utah mailbag — smart questions, honest answers, and a clear look at where things stand heading into a pivotal offseason.      

On this episode of the Utah Blockcast... Talking some about the development of Devon Dampier — and why his continued growth is central to Utah’s ceiling after a 2025 season that saw him throw for nearly 2,500 yards and 24 touchdowns while adding 800+ rushing yards. Plus, a one-on-one conversation with Utah offensive lineman Ike Garcia on the trenches, leadership, and the tone being set up front this spring, followed by an interview with 2027 defensive end commit Jack Henderson, breaking down his recruitment, his fit in Utah’s defensive identity, and why he chose the Utes.

Utah lands one of the most impactful players in the transfer portal — but what does Jackson Holcombe actually change? Breaking down why the Utah Valley standout is more than just a stat-sheet addition, diving into his all-around production and what those numbers say about winning at a high level. From roster fit to Big 12 translation, this is a deep dive into how Holcombe raises Utah’s floor, clarifies its identity, and signals a very intentional approach to building the 2026 roster.

Former Utah linebacker and NFL veteran Stevenson Sylvester joins the show to break down the current state of the program — from culture and identity to the growing importance of alumni involvement in today’s college football landscape. Sylvester offers perspective on what he's seen from the program this spring. Plus, five Utah players who need a strong summer to solidify both their roles and their position groups heading into the season, and what their development could mean for the Utes’ overall ceiling in 2026.

Utah football takes center stage in this episode as we break down an up-and-down practice viewing session that revealed where the offense is progressing — and where it’s still searching for consistency. From explosive flashes to frustrating stalls, what actually matters coming out of a day like that? Plus, a one-on-one conversation with wide receiver Ricky Johnson, who’s quietly putting together a strong spring. He shares insight into his development, and the receiver room.

Using takeaways from practice viewing sessions, as well as insights from Morgan Scalley and others to assess every position group. Who’s trending up? Who’s holding steady? And where are the real concerns as the focus shifts from installation to execution? From the development in the receiver and cornerback rooms to the lack of separation along the offensive line, we take a measured look at what’s real — and what still needs to improve.

Defining what success actually looks like in the transfer portal for Utah men's basketball, a closer look at how Daniel Bray could emerge as a true mismatch weapon, and an honest conversation about whether Utah’s defensive line has the presence it needs to hold up in conference play.

Utah football has hit the week three checkpoint in spring ball— when evaluation starts to matter and identities begin to form. Morgan Scalley made it clear: progress is real, competition is balanced, and the tone of the program is starting to show. Plus, a 1-on-1 conversation with Utah offensive lineman Isaiah Kema. And to round it out, we shift to the hardwood with Andrew Crowley (Runnin’ Hoops Pod) to talk Utah basketball’s offseason approach. 

Utah football hits a critical “stride week” in spring camp, where position battles start to take shape, as well as a 1-on-1 with safety Marcus Wemberly. Utah baseball delivers a gritty Big 12 series win over Kansas State—powered by explosive offense and back-to-back late comebacks, including a rally from an eight-run deficit in the finale . Plus, Utah basketball enters a pivotal transfer portal window that will define how competitive the roster can be heading into next season.

On this episode... we take a full snapshot of where Utah athletics stands right now — and there’s a lot moving. We break down the decision to renovate the Huntsman Center and what it means long-term for the program, then shift to the early buzz around Utah baseball and the growing energy at “The Chuck.” From there, we take you inside Pro Day with takeaways on draft risers like Caleb Lomu and Dallen Bentley, discuss Utah moving away from a traditional spring game, and close with real spring football insights — who’s standing out, what we’re hearing about the offense, and why the early signs point to a team with serious upside.

On this episode... It’s about who Utah is — and who’s next. Gaige Weddle discusses his development and recruitment as a rising 4-star prospect, while Cedric Jefferson dives into the mindset, physicality, and accountability driving Utah’s offensive line this spring.

Does it actually mean more when a head coach comes from within? With Morgan Scalley taking over at Utah, the conversation goes beyond continuity and into something bigger—ceiling. In this episode, we break down the real impact of homegrown head coaches: why the model works, where it fails, and what history tells us about programs led by their own. From Kirby Smart and Jim Harbaugh to cautionary tales like Scott Frost and Jimmy Lake, we explore whether Utah’s next step forward is tied directly to Scalley’s roots—or his ability to evolve beyond them.

On Saturday, media were invited to watch a Utah football practice. We provide our immediate takeaways on the new vibes, first impressions of coaches & players, and some other general thoughts from today's session.

On Friday, the University of Utah released contract details - including new requests and amendments, as well as some correspondence that are intended to provide clarity on what transpired over the final month of Whittingham's time with the program. We react to the details and share our thoughts on what this does and mean.

Morgan Scalley has made one thing clear — if Utah wants to compete for championships in this new era of college football, it starts with high-level quarterback play and dominance in the trenches. Now, the spotlight turns to Devon Dampier in spring ball. What does “high-value quarterback play” actually look like in this new system? How much more responsibility will be placed on QB1? And most importantly — what does Dampier need to show this spring to prove he can elevate his and Utah’s ceiling?

Utah basketball’s season has come to an end, but the bigger story may just be beginning. In this episode, we break down the Utes’ Big 12 Tournament loss to Cincinnati, how the game reflected many of the challenges Utah faced throughout the season, and what Alex Jensen learned in his first year navigating the physical grind of the Big 12. From the development of players like Terrence Brown and Keanu Dawes to the critical importance of the transfer portal and roster construction, we examine why this offseason could define the next phase of Utah basketball’s rebuild.