The Utah Blockcast

Utah’s defense is building momentum after the win over Arkansas. Luther Elliss, Lance Holtzclaw, James Chenault and Jireh Moe discuss the Utes’ progress through two games and preparations for Utah State. Elliss explains why Utah prioritized Moe in the transfer portal despite concerns about his size, how his impact extends beyond the stat sheet and why rotating the defensive front matters. Also in this media availability: • Holtzclaw discusses his versatility, creating pressure and playing in Colton Swan’s aggressive defense.• Chenault breaks down the secondary’s confidence, staying ready through rotations and playing alongside Jackson Bennee.• Moe explains the setup behind his successful spin move against Arkansas, drawing inspiration from Aaron Donald and why the staff’s sincerity helped bring him to Utah. Subscribe to Utah Blockcast for Utah football interviews, analysis and game coverage. #UtahFootball #GoUtes #UtahBlockcast

Utah’s offense is off to an explosive start, and the Utes believe there is still plenty more to come. Wayshawn Parker, Byrd Ficklin, running backs coach Mark Atuaia and tight end Noah Bennee met with the media Monday as Utah turns its attention toward an in-state matchup with Utah State. Parker discussed his six-touchdown start, his growing role in the passing game and the promise he made to Ficklin before their 51-yard connection against Arkansas. Ficklin broke down Utah’s versatile offensive packages, his relationship with Devon Dampier and why the Utes are so comfortable moving quarterbacks, running backs and receivers all over the formation. Atuaia discussed Parker’s development, Daniel Bray’s growing role and Utah’s talented running back room, while Bennee reflected on his breakout performance against Arkansas and what it means to play Utah State as a lifelong Utah fan. Subscribe to KSL Sports and Utah Blockcast for more Utah football coverage throughout the 2026 season.

Utah made a statement in Week 2, burying Arkansas 43-10 and answering some of the biggest questions surrounding the Utes entering the season. Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett break down what stood out most from the win, including Utah’s performance in the trenches, the offensive line handling Arkansas’ pressure packages, Jireh Moe’s breakout performance and the growing depth throughout the defense. They also dive into Devon Dampier and Utah’s more aggressive passing attack, Wayshawn Parker’s versatility, Noah Bennee’s emergence and why Kevin McGiven’s offense has become so difficult to predict. The guys also run through a wild Week 2 across college football and the Big 12, including Oklahoma State’s upset of Oregon, Michigan’s win over Oklahoma, BYU’s second-half response against Arizona, questions surrounding Texas Tech and what Iowa State’s performance means with Utah’s conference opener looming. An updated Big 12 power ranking, why Utah currently belongs in the conference-title conversation and what still needs to improve before the schedule gets tougher. #UtahFootball #GoUtes #Big12Football #UtahUtes #CollegeFootball

Utah made a statement Saturday night with a dominant 43-10 win over Arkansas at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett break down the Utes’ complete performance, beginning with Wayshawn Parker’s three-touchdown night and Jireh Moe’s breakout showing up front. They dive into how Utah answered its biggest questions in the trenches, Devon Dampier’s efficient four-touchdown performance, Noah Bennee’s emergence as a legitimate big-play threat, and the defensive adjustments that shut Arkansas down after its opening drive.  The guys also discuss Kevin McGiven’s unpredictable offensive approach, Colton Swan’s early impact as defensive coordinator, Utah’s improved tackling and defensive depth, and why this performance should raise expectations for what the Utes can become in the Big 12. It wasn’t a perfect night — and that might be the most encouraging part. Utah dominated while still leaving plenty to clean up.   Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for Utah football analysis, insider coverage, postgame reaction and recruiting updates throughout the season. #UtahFootball #GoUtes #Big12Football #UtahUtes #CollegeFootball

Can Arkansas handle Utah under the lights at Rice-Eccles Stadium? Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett preview the matchup, respond to D.J. Williams’ comments and celebrate Eric Weddle’s Ring of Honor recognition—including his memorable showdown with Calvin Johnson. The guys break down Utah’s offensive line, Braden Pegan and Wayshawn Parker against Arkansas’ defense, and Elijah Reed’s matchup with Chris Marshall. Plus, why Devon Dampier’s experience could be the difference against KJ Jackson. They finish with rapid-fire over/unders, breakout picks, score predictions and a look at a revealing Big 12 weekend. #UtahFootball #UtahBlockcast #ArkansasFootball #Big12

Utah head coach Morgan Scalley and members of the Utes’ defense meet with the media ahead of Saturday night’s matchup against Arkansas. Scalley explains why the game could be decided at the line of scrimmage, provides updates on Keith Olson and Isaiah Garcia, and discusses Utah’s unsettled offensive-line rotation. Utah’s safety coach Derrick Odum and players - Elijah Reed, Rabbit Evans, Scooby Davis, Karson Kaufusi - break down different dynamics of last week's performance and look ahead to Saturday's contest against Arkansas.

Utah’s first meaningful test of the season has arrived. Longtime Arkansas Razorbacks voice Chuck Barrett joins Steve Bartle to provide an inside look at Ryan Silverfield’s rebuilt team. They discuss Arkansas’ offensive struggles against North Alabama, KJ Jackson’s development, concerns along the offensive line, the Razorbacks’ defensive strengths and what Arkansas must do to survive an 8:15 p.m. kickoff inside Rice-Eccles Stadium. Then, Steve explains why Utah appears to have more paths to victory. Can Wayshawn Parker and Devon Dampier establish the run? Will Dampier continue creating explosive plays against pressure? Can Utah attack vertically and force Arkansas’ young quarterback into mistakes? Saturday night should reveal plenty about both programs. Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for Utah football coverage, analysis and reaction throughout the season. #UtahFootball #GoUtes #ArkansasFootball #CollegeFootball

Utah football opened the season with a dominant 66-14 victory over Idaho. Now, the Utes turn their attention toward an SEC test against Arkansas at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett react to a wild opening weekend of college football, beginning with Michigan’s controversial 13-12 escape against Western Michigan—and the mysterious extra second that kept the Wolverines alive. They also unveil their updated Big 12 power rankings, examine Oklahoma State’s disastrous loss to Tulsa and identify the teams that impressed—or disappointed—in Week 1. Then, it’s an early scouting report on Arkansas: KJ Jackson’s short passing game, the Razorbacks’ struggles creating movement on the ground, Charlie Collins and a talented defense, and the areas that will genuinely test Utah. Finally, Steve and Josh revisit Utah’s opener, including Devon Dampier’s efficiency, Byrd Ficklin’s performance, the Utes’ offensive depth and an encouraging multi-player pass rush. Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for Utah football analysis, news and coverage throughout the 2026 season.

Utah opened Morgan Scalley’s first full season with a dominant 66-14 win over Idaho at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett react to Devon Dampier’s efficient performance, the emergence of Wayshawn Parker and Braden Pegan, Byrd Ficklin’s versatility and an offense that produced 633 total yards and nine touchdowns. They also examine Utah’s extensive personnel rotations, Colton Swan’s aggressive defensive approach and the lingering concerns created by Idaho’s success running the football during two 75-yard touchdown drives. How much did Utah prove in the opener—and what still needs to improve before Arkansas arrives in Salt Lake City? SUBSCRIBE to the Utah Blockcast for year-round Utah football coverage, analysis and immediate postgame reactions.

Utah football is finally back. Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett preview the Utes’ 2026 season opener against Idaho and identify what Utah needs to show in Morgan Scalley’s first regular-season game as head coach. They break down how Utah’s defense should contain dual-threat quarterback Joshua Wood, which defenders could create the most havoc, what to expect from Devon Dampier and Kevin McGiven’s passing attack, and which running back could emerge behind Wayshawn Parker. The episode closes with rapid-fire predictions, players to watch and final score picks. Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for Utah football analysis, instant postgame reaction and year-round Utes coverage.

What did Utah football actually reveal during fall camp? Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett compare their independent lists of five things they think they learned about the Utes. The conversation covers Utah’s playable depth, a potentially top-tier running back room, Braden Pegan emerging as WR1, increased confidence in individual offensive linemen and Devon Dampier’s complete command of the offense. They also examine how Morgan Scalley and Jason Swan could use defensive depth as a tactical advantage, the noticeable impact of Utah’s revamped strength and conditioning program, Scalley’s trust in his assistant coaches and the energy he has injected throughout the operation. Plus, Utah announced several Rice-Eccles Stadium experience updates, including new LED lighting, a refreshed Moment of Loudness and changes designed to get fans into the stadium earlier. Which fall-camp development gives you the most confidence entering the season—and which conclusion still needs to be proven?

Utah basketball was dealt a major blow with Noam Yaacov ruled ineligible for the 2026-27 season. Steve Bartle briefly breaks down what the Utes lose without their projected offensive centerpiece, why Trey Campbell became Utah’s contingency plan, and which guards now need to take on bigger roles as Alex Jensen reshapes the backcourt.

Which Utah football position groups improved the most during fall camp—and which still have something to prove before the season opener against Idaho? Steve Bartle delivers a complete Utah Football Stock Report after hearing from the Utes’ coordinators and assistant coaches. The running backs and cornerbacks made the biggest jumps, the edge rotation strengthened its case and the offensive line appears closer to identifying its top seven or eight players. The episode also examines: Why Devon Dampier remains a Big 12 championship-level quarterback How Brandon Rose could create more opportunities for Byrd Ficklin Is Wayshawn Parker, Daniel Bray and Utah’s running-back depth being overlooked? Braden Pegan’s emergence as Utah’s go-to receiver? The questions behind Hunter Andrews at tight end Utah’s developing offensive-line rotation Paul Fitzgerald’s potential impact off the edge The rise of Jireh Moe and Dilan Battle at defensive tackle Elijah Reed’s impact on a much-improved cornerback room The versatility surrounding Utah’s safeties and nickelbacks Fall camp is over. Idaho preparation has begun. Here is where every Utah position group stands entering the final stretch before Week 1. Subscribe for year-round Utah football analysis, reporting and Utah Blockcast episodes. #UtahFootball #GoUtes #Big12Football

Utah football director of alumni relations Bo Nagahi joins the Utah Blockcast to explain why Morgan Scalley made reconnecting former Utes an early priority—and how the program plans to make “family” last beyond a player’s final snap. Nagahi discusses his history with Scalley, the response from former players and his three primary goals for the alumni program: connection, engagement and access. He also outlines a larger vision involving career opportunities, mentorship, degree completion, mental-health support and stronger relationships between current and former players. Before the interview, Steve Bartle identifies 10 Utes who could surprise this season, including Elijah Reed, Paul Fitzgerald, Ricky Johnson, and Steve Chavez-Soto. Utah is developing its next generation while reconnecting with the players who helped build the program. Subscribe for Utah football analysis, fall camp updates and Big 12 coverage. #UtahFootball #MorganScalley #GoUtes

Fall camp week three availability with Utah defensive end Lance Holtzclaw, safety Nate Ritchie, and cornerback Elijah Reed. 

Week three of fall camp availability with Utah head coach Morgan Scalley, quarterback Devon Dampier, offensive lineman Solatoa Moea'i, and tight end Hunter Andrews. 

Utah football has officially reached the dog days of fall camp—the stage when Morgan Scalley and his staff begin learning which players they can truly trust. Steve Bartle breaks down the latest developments from Rice-Eccles Stadium, including Utah’s unsettled offensive line, Alex Harrison’s growth at center, the buzz surrounding Kelvin Obot and concerning red-zone results from Saturday’s scrimmage.  Plus, Mateaki Helu and Lance Holtzclaw are making their cases for larger roles, Devon Dampier is being tested by Colton Swan’s defense, Hunter Andrews is feeling healthy again and Scalley continues reconnecting former players with the program. The season is getting closer, but Utah still has important questions to answer.  Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for Utah football analysis, fall camp updates and Big 12 coverage.  #UtahFootball #GoUtes #Big12Football

Utah football feels reenergized under Morgan Scalley—but two weeks of fall camp cannot answer whether the Utes are ready to win the Big 12. Steve Bartle examines Scalley’s renewed investment in boosters and former players, the early impact of Steve Saunders’ strength program and what limited practice viewing can actually reveal. The episode also breaks down: • Devon Dampier and Wayshawn Parker as Utah’s championship foundation• Kevin McGiven’s challenge distributing touches• Braden Pegan and Utah’s deeper collection of playmakers• The offensive line’s physical development, work habits and football intelligence• Utah’s unresolved defensive-line and pass-rush questions• Why the secondary could become a major strength The excitement surrounding Utah is justified. Now the Utes must prove that their increased energy, improved physical development and deeper roster will translate once the games begin. Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for complete Utah football coverage throughout the 2026 season. #UtahFootball #GoUtes #Big12Football

Utah Director of Football Performance Steve Saunders joins the Utah Blockcast to explain the philosophy behind the Utes’ new strength and conditioning program. Saunders discusses what changed this offseason, how Utah evaluates body composition and meaningful physical development, which players and position groups made the biggest strides, and how the staff balances strength, size, speed and explosiveness.  Plus, Saunders discusses the long-term vision for Utah’s strength program and what he hopes will physically distinguish a Utah football team in the years ahead.  Topics include:  • What changed in Utah’s strength and conditioning program  • Steve Saunders’ training philosophy  • Utah’s emphasis on body composition and lean mass • Building strength without sacrificing speed and explosiveness  • The biggest physical developments from the summer  • How Utah evaluates player development • Training durability for a Big 12 season  • How in-season workloads and recovery are managed • Preparing players for October and November football  • The long-term physical vision for Utah football  Subscribe for Utah football analysis, interviews and year-round coverage from the Utah Blockcast. #UtahFootball #GoUtes #Big12Football

Utah fall camp week two defensive media availability with cornerback Elijah Reed, defensive tackle Jireh Moe, safety Rabbit Evans, and linebacker Cyrus Polu. 

Utah fall camp week two media availability with head coach Morgan Scalley, offensive lineman Zereoue Williams, and quarterback Byrd Ficklin. 

Utah football opened the doors to fall camp practice, giving us our first real opportunity in years to watch the Utes work during August. Steve Bartle breaks down what stood out from the viewing session, starting with a rebuilt offensive line that looks noticeably different physically. Zereoue Williams has added significant size, the competition continues across the front, and Utah is trying to turn improved bodies into the chemistry and physicality needed to replace five starters. Then, Byrd Ficklin continues to generate buzz. His arm talent flashed during practice, but the bigger development may be how Ryan Gunderson and Kevin McGiven are helping him process the game faster while still allowing him to remain the dynamic playmaker Utah saw last season. Also discussed: • Why Utah still has questions to answer against the run • Morgan Scalley’s surprising assessment of defensive end vs. defensive tackle depth • Ethan Day, Pupu Sepulona and other young defensive linemen adding size • The competition behind Wayshawn Parker at running back • Why Daniel Bray, Steve Chavez-Soto and Mateaki Helu remain intriguing options • The possibility of Semi Taulanga and Sione Motuapuaka getting carries • Why Utah’s secondary could have one of the highest ceilings on the roster Fall camp has officially given us something tangible to evaluate. Now the next few weeks are about figuring out which encouraging developments can translate when the season begins.

Utah play-by-play voice Bill Riley joins the Utah Blockcast to explain why the program already feels different under new head coach Morgan Scalley—and why the 2026 Utes have the ingredients to contend in the Big 12. Bill discusses Scalley’s leadership, Kevin McGiven’s offensive vision, Devon Dampier’s continued development, Wayshawn Parker’s pursuit of a bigger season and the questions Utah must answer before opening against Idaho. The conversation also explores Utah’s championship ceiling, its challenging November schedule and what Bill has learned during nearly two decades as the voice of the Utes.  Subscribe for Utah football analysis, interviews and year-round coverage from the Utah Blockcast. #UtahFootball #GoUtes #Big12Football

Utah football’s defensive coaches take stock of the young front, emerging secondary depth and position battles shaping Morgan Scalley’s first defense. Defensive coordinator Colton Swan explains how Utah will preserve the foundation of Scalley’s system while introducing his own ideas—and why “players over scheme” will guide the final personnel decisions. Inoke Breckterfield identifies four defensive ends the Utes already trust, Luther Elliss discusses a wide-open competition at defensive tackle and the staff evaluates the continued development of Trey Reynolds and Cyrus Polu at linebacker. The conversation also covers Jackson Bennee’s growth, Utah’s five- or six-player safety rotation, improved depth at cornerback and the remaining questions that padded practices must answer. Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for complete Utah football fall camp coverage, analysis and reaction.

Utah football’s offensive coaches break down the Utes’ progress through the opening days of fall camp—and the offense is beginning to look like Devon Dampier’s. Kevin McGiven and Ryan Gunderson explain how Utah is giving Dampier greater control of protections and coverage checks while continuing to develop Byrd Ficklin’s processing without restraining his playmaking instincts. Jordan Gross discusses a rebuilt offensive line with as many as 10 playable options, while Chad Bumphis details a versatile receiver rotation featuring Tobias Merriweather, Nate Johnson and Creed Whittemore. The coaches also examine Utah’s plans for Wayshawn Parker and Daniel Bray, the competition involving LaMarcus Bell and the different ways the running backs and tight ends could be featured in McGiven’s offense. Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for complete Utah football fall camp coverage, analysis and reaction.

Utah football is two days into fall camp, and the early storylines under first-year head coach Morgan Scalley are beginning to take shape. Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett discuss Scalley’s shorter-but-more-demanding practices, the player-led summer and why Steve Saunders’ strength program has become one of camp’s biggest talking points. They also break down Devon Dampier’s growing command of the offense, Utah’s five-man offensive-line rebuild, the defensive front’s push to restore its physical identity and the early buzz surrounding Ethan Day, Karson Kaufusi, Creed Whittemore, Cyrus Polu and others. The pads have yet to come on, so which developments feel legitimate, which are still August optimism and which position battles deserve the most attention moving forward? Share your biggest takeaway in the comments, and subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for more coverage throughout fall camp. #UtahFootball #GoUtes #Big12Football

Utah football is officially back. In this episode, hear all four interviews from Day 2 of fall camp as Johnathan Hall, Ethan Day, Lucas Samsula, and Jackson Bennee share their thoughts on the Utes.

Utah football is officially back. In this episode, hear all five interviews from Day 1 of fall camp as Morgan Scalley, Devon Dampier, Wayshawn Parker, Alex Harrison and Braden Pegan discuss the important storylines surrounding the Utes.

Utah football fall camp is officially here. Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett break down the biggest questions facing Morgan Scalley and the Utes as they begin preparing for a potential Big 12 championship run. What would make Scalley’s first season a genuine success? How much control will Devon Dampier receive in Kevin McGiven’s offense? And can Utah rebuild both lines of scrimmage without lowering its championship ceiling? The guys discuss: • McGiven’s unconventional definition of offensive balance • Dampier taking greater ownership at the line of scrimmage • How Utah can creatively involve Byrd Ficklin • Braden Pegan, Kyri Shoels and the receiver room’s vertical potential • Replacing Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu along the offensive line • Karson Kaufusi and Utah’s young defensive-tackle rotation • Whether Colton Swan can generate pressure without a dominant edge rusher The episode closes with rapid-fire fall camp predictions covering position battles, breakout freshmen, impact transfers, Utah’s strongest defensive unit and the players most likely to become fan and media favorites. Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for fall camp reports, player and coach interviews, Utah football analysis and complete coverage of the Utes throughout the 2026 season. #UtahFootball #GoUtes #Big12Football

Fall camp is here, and former Utah linebacker Stevenson Sylvester joins Steve Bartle to preview the first preseason under head coach Morgan Scalley. Sly explains what coaches are truly evaluating during camp, why accountability and confidence determine whether young players earn meaningful roles, and how communication reveals the maturity of a defense. The conversation examines Johnathan Hall’s transition into Utah’s leading voice at linebacker, the rebuilt defensive front, Colton Swan’s opportunity to shape the defense and the relationship between Utah’s personnel and its scheme. They also turn to an offense featuring Devon Dampier, Wayshawn Parker, Braden Pegan, Kyri Shoels and Byrd Ficklin—and why its versatility could force opposing defenses to simplify their approach. Topics include: What young players must prove during fall camp How Scalley could operate differently as head coach Hall’s next step as a leader What Utah needs from Karson Kaufusi and the defensive line How Swan could put his stamp on the defense Why Utah’s offense could be so difficult to prepare for Whether the Utes have the pieces to contend for the Big 12 championship  Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for Utah football analysis, fall camp updates and complete coverage of the Utes throughout the 2026 season.

Utah football enters Morgan Scalley’s first fall camp with Big 12 championship expectations—and major questions across both sides of the line of scrimmage. Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett break down the five storylines that will define camp: • Rebuilding all five offensive-line positions and four defensive-front roles • Devon Dampier’s command of Kevin McGiven’s new offense • Potential breakout players generating early camp buzz • How Scalley will operate his first fall camp as Utah’s head coach • Freshmen who could earn immediate roles, led by five-star tackle Kelvin Obot Which position battle will have the greatest impact on Utah’s 2026 season? Drop your answer in the comments. Subscribe to Utah Blockcast for analysis and complete coverage throughout fall camp. #UtahFootball #GoUtes #Big12Football #UtahUtes #CollegeFootball

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