Utah’s offseason buzz has centered on one addition, and Braden Pegan arrived with the kind of résumé that makes people pay attention.
The former Utah State receiver was a first-team All-Mountain West selection after carving up secondaries last fall. He finished the 2025 season with over 925 yards, averaged over 15 yards per catch, and scored five touchdowns. For Utah, that production came with a bonus: Pegan followed offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven from Logan to Salt Lake City.
“Coach McGiven gave me a call, and I liked what we did last year, so I knew this is where I wanted to be,” said Pegan. “He took a chance on me when nobody believed in my abilities.”
That comfort level matters, because Pegan now has to translate a breakout season into the Power Four. He already sounds like a player who knows exactly why this fit makes sense.
“In this offense, we like to throw the ball a lot, and we like to throw the ball deep,” said Pegan. “There's a lot of different stuff he throws in to get me and the rest of the guys open. He's super creative and the offense this year is very similar to what we did last year.”
Getting on the same page with Devon Dampier was always going to be a priority, and Utah’s quarterback made that easier by bringing a group of receivers to Arizona this offseason for extra training. Pegan didn’t hesitate to join in.
“It was awesome being able to get a lot of extra work in,” said Pegan. “We got to spend extra time trying to hone in on our connection.
I honestly think it even showed in our first practice. I'm excited for the rest of camp and what's to come this season.”
The two have only been working together for eight months, but Pegan already has a strong read on the Big 12 newcomer of the year.
“He's a great leader,” said Pegan. “He's also hilarious and well-spoken.
Devon knows what he wants, and it's easy to get on the same page as him. I think that's another thing that is already taking effect on day one.”
Pegan wasn’t the only wideout in Arizona, either. Several receivers joined Dampier, and that offseason work has already helped tighten the group.
“I think everybody has made big strides this offseason,” said Pegan. “It's been insane just watching how deep the room is and how explosive everybody is. We're just trying to elevate every day so it's been really fun.”
Utah fans have been waiting for a more dangerous passing attack, and Pegan gives them a real shot at it. If the Utes are going to become more dynamic through the air, a true No. 1 target is a must. In Pegan, they may have found exactly that.
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