Overview
- Kyle Whittingham said retaining both Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin will require increased NIL and revenue-sharing resources handled by the administration.
- Dampier remains the starter but is playing hurt and is being evaluated day to day, with practice weeks where he gets no reps.
- Whittingham indicated Ficklin would start if Dampier cannot go, framing the situation as a potential program inflection point.
- Ficklin expanded his role in the win at Baylor, logging 166 rushing yards on six carries with touchdown runs of 67 and 74 yards, and he previously started on Oct. 25 when Dampier was out.
- KSL reported that Dampier is believed to be owed a low-seven-figure sum in 2026 under an existing two-year agreement, a factor that could influence offseason decisions.