The Daily Herald provided five true facts about the University of Utah on Nov. 5, 2026, as part of a weekly series regarding BYU's latest football opponent. The information highlights various historical and cultural aspects of the University of Utah program and campus.
Regarding the Beehive Boot, the University of Utah has won the award 18 times since it was first given in 1971. The trophy is awarded to the school with the best record against in-state foes. Since the award began, BYU has won it 25 times and Utah State has won it ten times.
The term Ute refers to an Indian tribe that originally settled Utah. Common definitions for Ute include people of the mountains or top of the mountains, while other references define it as land of the sun.
The Block U landmark was built in 1907 on Mount Van Cott, which borders the Utah campus at an elevation of 5,300 feet above sea level. While originally constructed with limestone, it was later replaced by a cement version. In 1969, the design was modified to include 124 lights. A 2006 fundraising campaign raised $400,000 to renovate the landmark, which now uses slabs of concrete and steel rebar to reinforce its 5,000-square feet of surface area.
Notable University of Utah alumni include Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell, Adobe Systems co-founder John Warnock, and author Orson Scott Card. Other alumni mentioned are former Salt Lake City mayor Rocky Anderson, former U.S. Senator Jake Garn, and former Olympic gymnast Missy Marlowe.
The Mighty Utah Student Section, known as the MUSS, is in its 25th year for the 2026-27 period. In 2021, the group was named the Live Mas Student Section of the Year by ESPN and Taco Bell.
The University of Utah is the subject of this week's feature in the Daily Herald's weekly series on BYU's football opponents.
