The University of Utah football program is bracing for a whirlwind of changes as the 2024 season comes to a close and preparations for 2025 begin. The Utes are facing a crucial period with their final regular-season game against No. 22 Iowa State on Nov. 29. This is followed by a must-win game against UCF on the road to secure bowl eligibility.
Just a few days later, on Dec. 4, they will sign their 2025 high school and junior college recruiting class. The transfer portal opens on Dec. 9, marking the beginning of a significant roster overhaul. Head coach Kyle Whittingham is also on the lookout for a new offensive coordinator, a position that hasn’t seen a new hire since 2019.
This period of transition is becoming the norm in college football, and Whittingham is keen on ensuring that the new offensive coordinator’s scheme is simple enough to be quickly adopted by incoming players. With the transfer portal expected to bring in a substantial number of new players, Whittingham and his team are meticulously planning their strategy.
The Utes have already secured 17 commits for their 2025 class, including top prospect Christian Thatcher, a four-star linebacker from Las Vegas. The team’s recruiting class is currently ranked No. 52 nationally and No. 10 in the Big 12, according to 247Sports.
Transfer Portal Dynamics and Roster Turnover
The transfer portal is set to play a pivotal role in Utah’s roster management this offseason. With an unusually large outgoing senior class, the Utes are expecting more than 25 players to depart. This is significantly higher than the typical outgoing class of eight to 12 players. Additionally, some players may leave due to dissatisfaction with playing time or better financial offers from other programs.
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One player who has already announced his intention to enter the portal is running back Jaylon Glover. Once the dust settles, Whittingham projects that Utah will have around 40 to 45 new players, evenly split between high school and junior college recruits and transfer portal pickups. Whittingham describes this period as a *heavy shopping season* for the Utes, with a focus on getting the right players within their financial parameters.
Financial Planning and Revenue Sharing
As college football increasingly mirrors the NFL in terms of player management and financial planning, Utah is preparing for the introduction of revenue sharing next season. Each school is expected to receive $20.5 million for athlete compensation, with 75-80% of that amount likely going to football. Utah’s athletic department, led by Mark Harlan, is fully committed to this new financial landscape.
Whittingham has indicated that the team has already mapped out their budget for the transfer portal, allocating funds to each position. This detailed planning includes spreadsheets that outline how much money will be spent on offensive and defensive positions. The goal is to remain competitive, which means supplementing the revenue share with additional NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) funds to attract top talent.
Key Positions and High-Stakes Decisions
One of the most critical positions Utah will target in the transfer portal is the quarterback. The market for a *pretty decent* Power Four starting quarterback starts at around a million dollars and can go higher. Despite the high cost, Whittingham emphasizes that the quarterback position is too important to compromise on.
The team cannot afford to settle for anything less than elite talent, even if it comes with a hefty price tag.
Quarterback Cam Rising, who has been well-compensated, missed all of 2023 and most of 2024 due to injuries. This experience has not deterred Utah from investing heavily in a quarterback, as the market demands top dollar for quality players. Whittingham underscores that the team must be willing to spend big to secure the best talent available.
Coaching Changes and Future Outlook
In addition to player changes, Utah’s coaching staff is also undergoing significant adjustments. Lynne Roberts, the head coach of Utah’s women’s basketball team, has left to become the head coach of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. Gavin Petersen, who served as associate head coach, has been promoted to permanent head coach. This change marks the end of Roberts’ 10-year tenure with Utah.
Conclusion
The University of Utah football program is entering a transformative phase with significant roster changes, financial planning, and coaching adjustments.
The upcoming period will be crucial in shaping the team’s future. The focus will be on strategic recruitment and effective use of the transfer portal.
As Whittingham and his team navigate these changes, the goal remains clear: to build a competitive and resilient program that can thrive in the evolving landscape of college football.
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