Utah running back Wayshawn Parker was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 28 following a dominant performance that helped the No. 15 Utah Utes secure a 31-17 road victory over Iowa State on Sept. 26.
Parker's Dominant Performance
Parker, a junior from Richmond, California, recorded a career-high 174 rushing yards on 18 carries during the contest at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. He also added five receptions for 65 yards, totaling 239 yards from scrimmage. This marks the most scrimmage yards for a Utah player in a single game since Britain Covey amassed 252 yards during the 2021 Rose Bowl, according to reports from Utah Athletics and Mid-Utah Radio.
Three Touchdowns for Parker
The touchdown production from Parker was immediate and decisive. On the first offensive play from scrimmage, Parker took a direct snap and executed a 54-yard rushing touchdown to set the tone for the Utes. He added a second touchdown on a 1-yard run before halftime and secured the final score of the game on a 13-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Devon Dampier in the fourth quarter.
National Statistical Standing
Parker's performance contributed to a season total of nine touchdowns, tying him for second nationally with several other players including West Virginia's Michael Hawkins Jr. and Duke's Nate Sheppard. His scoring output was a key driver in Utah's 31-17 win, which moved the Utes to a 4-0 overall record and 1-0 in Big 12 play. The victory marks the third time in four years that the program has started with four consecutive wins.
Coaching Praise
Utah head coach Morgan Scalley praised the running back's impact on the team's momentum. Scalley described Parker as a complete back who sets the tone for both practice and games. The coach noted that Parker's early success in the game was crucial for the team's performance against a physical Iowa State squad.
Offensive Efficiency
The Utes' offense, led by Dampier, showed significant efficiency throughout the game. Dampier completed 18 of 27 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns. The team's offensive surge included a 90-yard march in the first quarter that resulted in a touchdown pass to Braden Pegan. Utah's offense also achieved a total of 411 yards of offense, marking the fourth time in four games that the team has surpassed the 400-yard threshold.
Winning Streaks and Trends
The victory at Iowa State was part of a larger national trend for the Utes, who have now scored 30 or more points in 10 consecutive games dating back to the 2025 season. This represents the longest active streak in the nation for games with 30-plus points. The win also highlights Utah's defensive resilience, as they held Iowa State without a conversion on their first seven third-down attempts.
Looking Ahead
Following their bye week, the Utah Utes are scheduled to return to action on Saturday, Oct. 10, when they host Kansas at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
