Overview
- Devon Dampier remains the starter but is playing hurt, with Whittingham describing his status as day-to-day and leaving open that he may not start against Kansas State.
- True freshman Byrd Ficklin has surged with limited snaps, logging 166 rushing yards and touchdown runs of 67 and 74 yards in the win at Baylor after an Oct. 25 start when Dampier was out.
- Whittingham said keeping both quarterbacks will require increased NIL and revenue-sharing resources, calling it an administrative challenge.
- The NCAA’s revised calendar creates a Dec. dead period and a Jan. 2–16 transfer-portal window, concentrating roster decisions after the regular season.
- Reporting notes Dampier is believed to be owed a low-seven-figure sum in 2026, and Ficklin’s rise is expected to drive up his NIL value as Utah weighs retention options.