The University of Utah has finalized its 2026 football roster and official schedule, setting the stage for a season that begins on Sept. 3 against Idaho at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The announcement follows several weeks of preseason preparations and player award recognitions, including the recent naming of Devon Dampier to the Davey O’Brien Award Watch List.
Roster Composition and Key Players
The 2026 roster features a mix of returning veterans and new talent across various positions. Among the notable players is senior wide receiver Kyri Shoels, a 6-foot-0 transfer from San Jose State, and senior cornerback JC Hart, who joins the roster from Auburn. The team also features several fifth-year players, including safety Rabbit Evans, linebacker Nate Johnson, and defensive end Lance Holtzclaw.
2026 Season Schedule
The University of Utah's 2026 schedule highlights a competitive slate of games within the Big 12 Conference. After the season opener against Idaho on Sept. 3, the Utes will host Arkansas on Sept. 12 and Utah State on Sept. 19 at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The team's non-conference schedule also includes a trip to Ames, Iowa, to face Iowa State on Sept. 26.
Big 12 Conference Outlook
The Big 12 Conference preseason landscape shows several teams positioned for success, with four teams ranked in the preseason AP Top 25. According to Big 12 sports data, the current standings show Arizona and Arizona State at the top of the conference rankings. Other notable conference members include Baylor and BYU, both of whom are listed in the initial standings as the season begins.
Preseason Award Recognition
Individual player achievements have already begun to surface during the preseason period. The University of Utah confirmed that quarterback Devon Dampier was named to the Davey O’Brien Award Watch List on Aug. 20. Additionally, wide receiver Braden Pegan was tabbed for the Biletnikoff Award Watch List on Aug. 19.
Coaching Staff Leadership
The coaching staff for the 2026 season is led by Head Coach Morgan Scalley. The staff includes Offensive Coordinator Kevin McGiven and Defensive Coordinator Colton Swan. Other key members of the leadership team include Associate Head Coach Sharrieff Shah, who serves as the Cornerbacks and Special Teams Coordinator, and Mark Atuaia, who serves as Assistant Head Coach for Running Backs.
Roster Continuity
The roster builds upon the foundation established during the 2025 season. The 2025 roster included players such as linebacker Levani Damuni, running back Wayshawn Parker, and quarterback Isaac Wilson. The transition to the 2026 squad includes several players who were active in the previous year, such as linebacker Nate Ritchie and wide receiver Daidren Zipperer, both of whom were listed as juniors in 2025 and seniors in 2026.
Program Developments
As the season approaches, the University of Utah continues to promote its football program through various media updates. Recent updates from the athletic department have included content regarding fall camp and the introduction of the 2026 team, as well as the announcement of Eric Weddle as a 2026 Utah Football Ring of Honor Inductee.
