Recap: What happened to Utah college football programs over the offseason

School is back in session. Across Utah, students are heading to new classes, meeting with new teachers and adapting to new schedules. This time of year can be filled with change and stress. That said, as scholars return to coursework, certain athletes return to the gridiron.

Though no professional team calls Utah home, it's a state that loves its football programs. Heading into this season, local colleges are expected to make waves in the Big XII, Pac-12 and Big Sky conferences, as well as send players to the NFL.

While no in-state team has played a down of competitive football since 2026, several developments have taken place. Here's what's happened over the offseason to in-state universities' teams:

University of Utah

Since the turn of the century, only three individuals have served as the University of Utah's head football coach. This year, a fourth joins their ranks.

Morgan Scalley is not a new face on campus. One of the most accomplished defensive backs in the school's history, he was on the team's staff for a majority of former coach Kyle Whittingham's twenty-year tenure. He takes over a team that went 7-2 during in-conference play and 11-2 overall.

Already in his new position, Scalley has had to make several roster decisions. Offensive linemen Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu are now in the NFL, as well as tight end Dallen Bentley. Defensive players John Henry Daley, Salesi Moa and Jonah Lea'ea also followed Whittingham to his new school, the University of Michigan.

With that said, many figures from last year's team are suiting up for the Ute's again. Quarterback Devon Dampier will return under center, playing alongside veteran running back Wayshawn Parker and familiar wide receivers Braden Pegan and Larry Simmons. Star freshman tackle Kelvin Obot signed with the team as well — adding strength to the offensive line.

Brigham Young University

BYU has surpassed expectations during their last two seasons. Unranked in pre-season AP Polls in 2024 and 2025, they finished both years in the top 15. The college football world is starting to believe in the Cougars, but that doesn't mean they hit the field without challenges.

After taking the Big XII by storm, all eyes are on sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier to lead Brigham Young's offense to new heights. While head coach Kalani Satake and offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick will still serve as his play callers, he won't be able to throw to noteworthy targets Chase Roberts or Parker Kingston this year. Pass catchers Jojo Phillips, Kyle Kasper and Legend Glasker are expected to take over as his new receivers.

Recruited by Whittingham, BYU's former defensive coordinator Jay Hill will join the Wolverines this season. Kelly Poppinga has been promoted from linebacker coach to fill his position — taking over a defense that finished top 10 in red zone defense and interceptions.

Utah State University

Utah State University's football team enters a new world of competition in 2026. After parting ways with the Mountain West Conference, they became one of seven teams to join the rebuilt Pac-12.

Second year head coach Bronco Mendenhall led the Aggies to a 4-4 in-conference and 6-7 overall record during 2025. This offseason, he worked to bring new faces to the program by signing 32 transfers in February — a list that included former BYU quarterback McCae Hillstead.

Senior safety Brevin Hamblin remains a staple on Utah State's defense, which now features defensive end Jordan Pendleton, linebacker Asher Cunningham and multiple new defensive backs. On the offensive side of the ball, Hillstead will be able to throw to recent transfers Javon Robinson and Eli Wood.

Weber State University

Like at the University of Utah, a coaching change has sparked a new era at Weber State University. Eric Kjar comes to the Wildcats with a successful background as a high school head coach — one who went 181-39 during his 17-year tenure. Now, he looks to help a program return to the top of the Big Sky.

Kjar started his reign with 12 signings in February, adding to 18 who signed with the school in December. That said, he's also gotten to work in the transfer portal. Senior quarterback Devin Brown, who first played with Kjar during his time at Corner Canyon High School, comes to the Wildcats after being with Ohio State University as well as the University of California, Berkley.

On the defensive side of the ball, former Utah State University linebacker Zion Andreasen aims to make a significant impact. He arrives on the Wildcats alongside freshmen Tevita Paongo and Hunter Knighton.

Southern Utah University

As Utah State enters the Pac-12, Southern Utah University returns to the Big Sky Conference — rekindling their in-state rivalry with Weber State.

Head coach DeLane Fitzgerald has worked to make his fifth year with the Thunderbirds his most dynamic. Over the offseason, he brought in former University of Texas at San Antonio quarterback Noah Lugo as well as former BYU receiver Lamason Waller III. Quarterback Will Burns and linebacker Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner remain on the Thunderbirds roster, and will represent the school at the Big Sky Football Kickoff Weekend.

Southern Utah ended their last season in the Big Sky with a 0-8 in-conference record, going 1-10 overall.

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