The one constant during the NIL era of college football has been change, and Utah’s offseason is a clear testament to that. The Utes faced a whirlwind of adjustments after enduring one of the most challenging seasons under head coach Kyle Whittingham. The team finished 5-7 in 2024, missing a bowl game for the first time since 2013. With a disappointing season behind them, it was time for Whittingham and his staff to reset and rebuild.
One of the most noticeable changes came in the coaching lineup. Utah welcomed three new full-time staff members: offensive coordinator Jason Beck and wide receivers coach Micah Simon, both from New Mexico, and running backs coach Mark Atuaia from Washington State. The fresh perspectives brought by these new hires aim to inject energy and strategy into the team’s playbook.
Roster turnover was another significant aspect of this offseason. Nearly half the roster will be new in 2025, thanks to a large graduating class and a substantial wave of 24 outgoing transfers. This level of turnover has become the norm in college football, where NIL money and unlimited transfers have reshaped the landscape. While this might seem overwhelming, Utah managed to retain key players such as offensive linemen Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu. On the flip side, they brought in standout additions like quarterback Devon Dampier from New Mexico, who racked up an impressive 3,934 total yards in 2024, and running back Wayshawn Parker from Washington State, who delivered solid stats with 735 rushing yards, four touchdowns, and an additional 108 receiving yards in his freshman year.
“We feel like we’ve been able to hang on to the nucleus of our roster with a few exceptions,” said Whittingham during a recent press conference. However, the transfer portal doesn’t just give; it also takes away. Utah lost some significant talent, including defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa, who transferred to BYU, and cornerback Cameron Calhoun, who joined Alabama. Other notable departures included running back Mike Mitchell and defensive tackle Simote Pepa.
NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals played a pivotal role in these departures. Whittingham acknowledged this during his press conference, stating, “The absolute overriding factor was NIL. There’s no doubt about it.” Tanuvasa’s transfer to BYU particularly stunned fans. He had previously appeared committed to Utah, even releasing a social media video reaffirming his allegiance. Despite Utah’s competitive NIL offer, Tanuvasa decided to move 45 miles south to BYU. Meanwhile, Calhoun opted for Alabama, where he’ll face stiff competition for a starting role.
Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley, who worked closely with Tanuvasa, now faces the challenge of filling two significant holes on the defensive line after Junior Tafuna’s graduation. The likely starters for next season are Dallas Vakalahi and Aliki Vimahi unless Utah finds a suitable replacement in the spring transfer portal. Scalley remains pragmatic, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the players still in the program. “My job is to develop the guys that we have in this program, and I do a disservice to them by spending much time on guys that aren’t a part of our team anymore,” he said.
As Utah continues to navigate the NIL landscape, Whittingham expressed satisfaction with retaining key players and adding new talent but acknowledged the ongoing challenges. “We’re doing what we can NIL-wise. It’s always a challenge, and you’re always wanting for more,” he said. The disparities between schools’ NIL resources are stark, with some elite programs boasting budgets five to six times larger than others.
This offseason stands out as one of the most unique in recent memory, partly because it precedes a historic shift in college sports. The NCAA is set to introduce an official revenue-sharing system with players, allowing schools to distribute up to $20.5 million to their athletes. While Utah’s athletic director, Mark Harlan, confirmed the school’s commitment to maximizing this distribution, Whittingham is skeptical about its ability to level the playing field. “Some people think revenue sharing will level the playing field. I don’t,” he said. “Other schools will still have pots of money coming from somewhere, so I don’t think that’s the solution.”
To prepare for this new era, Utah adopted an NFL-inspired approach to NIL budgeting. They assessed the value of each position group based on the modern NFL salary hierarchy, prioritizing high-impact positions like quarterback, offensive tackle, linebacker, edge rusher, and wide receiver. “We use the NFL model as far as positions that are weighted and more valued, and those positions you sink more money into,” Whittingham explained. Using an Excel spreadsheet to map out their budget, the team allocated resources strategically, adhering closely to this blueprint.
The strategy reflects Utah’s forward-thinking approach to building a competitive program in an ever-evolving landscape. The focus on key positions and deliberate budgeting underscores the program’s commitment to adapting to new challenges. As they prepare for the 2025 season, the Utes aim to bounce back stronger, leveraging fresh talent, new strategies, and the lessons learned from a transformative offseason.
For Utah fans, there’s plenty to look forward to. The combination of fresh coaching talent, promising new players, and a renewed sense of purpose suggests that brighter days are ahead. With the NIL era continuing to shape college football’s future, Utah’s proactive approach could make all the difference in reclaiming their spot among the sport’s elite.
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