Utah's athletic director, Mark Harlan, has been nominated for the prestigious 2026 Athletic Director of the Year award by Sports Business Journal. Since taking the reins in 2018, Harlan has been a transformative figure for Utah athletics, and this nomination places him among an elite group of finalists, including Scott Dolson from Indiana, Kirby Hocutt from Texas Tech, Candice Storey Lee from Vanderbilt, and Dan Bartholomae from Western Michigan.
This year has been particularly eventful for Harlan and the Utah athletic department, highlighted by a groundbreaking partnership with private equity firm Otro Capital. This innovative deal will create Utah Brand Initiatives, a new entity designed to manage and grow the department's revenue streams such as trademark licensing, event revenues, sponsorships, and ticketing. The collaboration is projected to bring in upwards of $500 million, marking a significant milestone in college sports finance.
Under Harlan's leadership, Utah celebrated the opening of the state-of-the-art Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark, a $36 million investment that now serves as the home for the Utes baseball team. This development is part of a broader push to enhance the university’s athletic facilities and programs.
The department also achieved a record-breaking $63.3 million in donations during the 2025 fiscal year, underscoring the strong support and engagement from the community and alumni. Academically, Utah matched a school record with a 95% Graduation Success Rate in 2025, reflecting the department's commitment to student-athlete success beyond the field.
In terms of athletic achievements, Utah's ski team claimed the 2026 national championship, while the gymnastics team secured the Big 12 championship. The football team had an impressive 11-2 season, although they fell short of the Big 12 title game.
Looking to the future, Harlan made a strategic move by hiring Alex Jensen to head the men’s basketball program, signaling a commitment to revitalizing the team. While there are still areas for growth, particularly in restoring the basketball program to its former glory, Harlan's leadership continues to drive Utah athletics towards new heights.