As college football’s preseason rankings begin to take shape, ESPN has pointed to two names in Utah that could matter plenty this fall: BYU linebacker Cade Uluave and Utah quarterback Byrd Ficklin.
ESPN’s list of “X factors” for teams projected to open the season in the top 25 included both local programs, with BYU checked in at No. 12 and Utah at No. 18.
In Tuesday’s coaches poll, the Cougars and Utes came in three spots lower, at Nos. 15 and 21, respectively. The preseason AP poll, described as the most official one, is due out Aug.
For BYU, the spotlight falls on Uluave, the Cal transfer and Utah native who is back home to finish his college career. Kyle Bonagura highlighted the linebacker’s resume and impact this way: “The Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023, Uluave had three productive years at Cal before returning home to Utah to finish his college career at BYU.”
Bonagura also noted the production Uluave brought with him: “Last season, he was a first-team All-ACC selection after finishing the year with 100 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. Few teams have been able to match the Cougars’ linebacker play over the past two seasons and Uluave’s arrival should keep that trend alive.”
On Utah’s side, Bonagura singled out Ficklin, even with starting quarterback Devon Dampier in place. “Starting QB Devon Dampier is one of the most experienced returners in college football and primed for a big season. But there is still a case that he’s not the most exciting quarterback on his own roster, a distinction could belong to Ficklin.
“As a true freshman last year, Ficklin had 61 carries for 513 yards and 10 touchdowns. His 8.4 yards per carry ranked No. 3 nationally. It will be interesting to see how Ficklin’s role evolves this year, especially considering the change at offensive coordinator with Kevin McGiven coming in to replace the departed Jason Beck (Michigan).”
For ESPN, those are the two names to watch as BYU and Utah head into the season with real national attention already attached.
In Other News...
BYUs Offense Looks Real Again As One Defensive Concern Lingers
BYU wrapped the first two weeks of fall camp with a scrimmage that tilted toward the offense, a welcome sign for a program trying to build real momentum on that side of the ball again. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier has reportedly taken a notable step forward from last season, and he is working with a deep, talented collection of weapons that gives the Cougars more options than they had a year ago.
The defense still has plenty going for it, especially speed, but one lingering issue remains hard to ignore. BYU has not yet identified a clear star pass rusher, and that leaves a little uncertainty about where the consistent pressure is going to come from when the games start to matter. [Read more 🡒]
BYU Fans Just Got A Revealing Look At Utahs Football Divide
A new Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll offers a useful snapshot of where Utah college football loyalties stand, and it is a reminder that the rivalry landscape in the state is broader than one game. Among Utah fans surveyed, 36% said they most closely follow the University of Utah, while 29% said BYU and 13% said Utah State, giving a clearer picture of how the fan base is divided across the state.
The more revealing part for BYU followers is how those allegiances shift by age, religion and politics. Younger and older fans leaned more toward BYU, while middle-aged fans were more likely to side with Utah, and the survey also found differences tied to religious background and political affiliation. For BYU, that kind of split matters because its fan base has always been about more than win-loss records, and this poll suggests the schools reach still cuts in different directions depending on who is looking. [Read more 🡒]
BYUs Frontcourt Plan Hinges On One Crucial Eligibility Fight
BYU still has two open roster spots to sort through, and the frontcourt remains the biggest piece of the puzzle. The Cougars are in the mix for a Michigan State big man who would fit a clear need, and they are watching a California court injunction that could determine whether he is even allowed to enter the transfer portal. If the ruling goes the players way, BYU is viewed as one of the leading candidates to land him.
There is also another name in the frame, but the financial side of the equation is already shaping the rest of the search. With limited room to maneuver, the Cougars appear to be working through a choice rather than building out a full wish list, which leaves the frontcourt plan tied to a legal decision as much as a basketball one. For now, the roster picture is still waiting on that next turn. [Read more 🡒]