What the CFB preview magazines are saying about the Utes' 2021 season

SALT LAKE CITY — Coming off back-to-back Pac-12 South Division titles, the 2020 season was unlike any other for the University of Utah.

And while the previous season can often serve as a baseline for the upcoming season, 2020 was an anomaly characterized by a global pandemic. It serves merely as a reference point to what can be expected for the Utes.

But as we approach the 2021 season, the college football preview magazines like Athlon Sports, Lindy's, Phil Steele and Pix Six Preview (comes out Friday) give their best estimates for the Utes this season.

Here's what some of the early college football preview magazines are saying about the Utes.

Utah

Record in 2020: 3-2

Ranking in 2020: N/A

Head coach: Kyle Whittingham (134-66, 17 years)

National position rankings (Phil Steele): Offensive Line (5th), Defensive Line (11th), Linebackers (13th), Defensive Backs (13th)

Projected 2021 standings: Athlon (3rd in Pac-12 South), Lindy's (3rd in Pac-12 South), Phil Steele (2nd in Pac-12 South)

Preseason rankings: Athlon (26th), Lindy's (30th), Phil Steele (15th — though he projects teams as a final ranking)

What they're saying

"The heartache associated with Ty Jordan's death isn't going away. It could be a rallying point. Even so, it could also pose challenges. Avoiding extreme peaks and valleys won't be easy, especially with a lot of youth in the program. The offense will have a new look at running back and possibly at quarterback," according to Lindy's Magazine.

"Now a decade into its Pac-12 membership, Utah has reached the point where it is annually expected to contend for a league title, and 2021 isn't going to be any different. The Utes return talent on both sides of the ball, and if they can get the quarterback situation sufficiently dealt with — the position was a team weakness last season — they will be a factor. (Charlie) Brewer is the favorite to win the job, but (Cameron) Rising will have a say," according to Athlon Sports.

"This year they have 19 returning starters and all eight positions rank in my Top Units in the front of the magazine," Phil Steele said. "Coach (Kyle) Whittingham has had a lot of dominant Lines but calls this the best of his tenure. Baylor transfer QB Charlie Brewer may be an upgrade. I like the skill positions and Utah has my #1 Oline and #1 Dline in the Pac-12. If they play up to my expectations, the Utes could be favored in as many as 11 games and are my #4 Surprise Team."

Biggest question mark: Quarterback

Coming off a rough 2020 season of quarterback play, Utah is again looking for a starting signal-caller. Rising, who was named the starter in 2020, played only three series against USC and was lost to a season-ending injury. The position is still his to lose, but Baylor transfer Charlie Brewer might have the inside lane to claim the No. 1 spot.

Brewer has thrown for 9,700 yards and 65 touchdowns in his four-year career. If he's able to replicate anything like his junior season at Baylor, where he threw for 3,161 yards and 21 touchdowns, Utah has a no-brainer on its hands for naming the starting quarterback.

"If you've seen Charlie Brewer's tape from Baylor, you should be scared playing these guys," a coach told Athlon Sports in anonymity. "It's never a guarantee that a grad transfer locks in right away, but these pieces fit, man. If Brewer plays like he did when (Matt) Rhule was still at Baylor, this team can win the conference."

Phil Steele considers Utah's offensive line to be the fifth best in the country, so finding a complementary signal-caller under center is imperative for Utah to have success this season.

Key returners

Utah returns nearly everybody on offense and defense, which will allow the Utes to hit the ground running when it kicks off the season. Several players are tabbed for big seasons and could help Utah in pursuit of its third South Division title in four years.

Devin Lloyd, LB, Junior: Utah returns one of the most prolific linebackers in the country with Lloyd, who decided to come back to Utah instead of pursuing an NFL career after a five-game 2020 season. In just five games, Lloyd managed 48 total tackles (145 in his three-year career), two sacks and a forced fumble. Phil Steele sees Lloyd as the third best inside linebacker in the country and a first team All-America candidate.

Britain Covey, WR, Junior: The Swiss Army knife of the Utah program, Covey returns for his fifth season (he's still only a junior despite starting in 2015). Few can argue his impact on the offense and special teams as his shifty style unlocks a wide array of plays for the team. Phil Steele sees him as a third team All-America candidate — provided he stays healthy for a full season.

Key additions

Utah went to work in the offseason and quickly made a name for themselves in the transfer portal, added instant talent at several positions — notably at quarterback and running back. Add the offseason additions to Utah's strong recruiting class and there's several big-name additions to this team. Some of the most notable are as follows.

Charlie Brewer, QB, Baylor: Arguably the most impactful transfer to Utah, Brewer comes into the program with 9,700 career passing yards and a winning resume to back up his potential status as the starting quarterback. In 2019, Brewer led Baylor to an 11-1 regular-season record and narrowly missed out on the program's first College Football Playoff berth.

TJ Pledger, RB, Oklahoma: Pledger comes to Utah from Oklahoma where he spent three years of his collegiate career before transferring to Utah in January. In his three years, Pledger amassed 695 total rushing yards and six touchdowns, but looks to be a key component to Utah's run game after a strong spring camp with Utah.

Chris Curry, RB, LSU: Two days after Pledger transferred to Utah, Curry followed and became the second running back to be picked up in the transfer portal by the Utes. Curry comes to Utah from LSU as a former four-star recruit out of Florida; he managed only 336 rushing yards in three seasons with the Tigers but will be in contention for a starting position.

Other notable additions: Ja'Quinden Jackson (Texas, QB), Theo Howard (UCLA, WR), Josh Calvert (Washington, LB), Brandon McKinney (Washington, S), Munir McClain (USC, WR).

Coach speak

Anonymous coaches speak to Athlon Sports when granted anonymity.

"In a lot of ways, they've emulated Stanford to the point where they are the new Stanford, and right now they're more talented. This team is a brand. It's toughness and defense. They're the most physical team in the conference every single year now, and they're one of the meanest in the game. This is all Whitt; it's his mindset, it's his attitude. 'Mental toughness' is a cliche, but Whitt has those guys ready. They're even, never too high or low.

"(Andy) Ludwig is coming along with the offensive side; they're starting to build their own brand there, too. You see consistency in the calls. Again, you know what they are when you go in: They're built by their running game, with the backs and with the QB run and moving the pocket. That works because they're usually good upfront, and when they can run steady they're going to work you as much as they can with play-action. It's one of the best matches to a defense of any offense in the Power 5."

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