Utah Football Transfer Portal Update: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and a Look at the 2026 Class
The college football offseason is officially underway, and while bowl season is in full swing, the transfer portal is already buzzing-even before it officially opens. For Utah, the next few weeks are shaping up to be pivotal. The Utes are preparing for their Las Vegas Bowl matchup against Nebraska, but behind the scenes, roster movement is already in motion.
The NCAA’s transfer portal window opens on January 2 and runs through January 16, a later start than last year’s December window. With the spring portal window now eliminated, this is the one and only chance for players to make a move before the 2026 season. And while the portal isn’t officially open yet, players are already signaling their intentions.
Let’s break down where Utah stands-who’s moving on, who’s coming in, and how the 2026 recruiting class is shaping up.
Departures: Who’s Leaving Utah
Utah is seeing a wave of young talent enter the portal, most of whom had limited or no playing time in 2025. While none of these names were major contributors this past season, their exits still impact the program’s depth and development pipeline.
- Isaac Wilson (QB, Sophomore) - Wilson logged just 12 snaps and rushed for three yards. A former highly-touted prospect, his departure is notable, even if his on-field role was limited.
- Drew Cowart (QB, Freshman) - Did not see the field in 2025.
Another young quarterback moving on, signaling a reset in Utah’s QB room.
- Jaylen Moson (CB, Freshman) - Appeared in just three snaps. A depth piece in the secondary now looking for opportunities elsewhere.
- Christian Thatcher (LB, Freshman) - Did not play on defense. A promising athlete who didn’t crack the rotation.
- Jaxson Jones (DE, Freshman) - Another defensive player who didn’t see snaps. His departure trims depth along the edge.
- Bryan Spotwood (WR, Sophomore) - No offensive snaps in 2025. Wide receiver remains a position Utah will likely continue to reload.
- Omar Shah (RB, Sophomore) and Devin Green (RB, Sophomore) - Both backs didn’t see the field this season. Their exits open up room in a crowded running back room.
- Justin Stevenson (WR, Redshirt Sophomore) - Played 31 snaps but did not record a reception. A veteran presence on the depth chart now moving on.
- Brendan Zurbrugg (QB, Redshirt Freshman) - Did not play in 2025. Another QB on the move, further thinning the position group.
None of these players made a major statistical impact in 2025, but their exits reflect the modern reality of college football-rosters are fluid, and players are constantly looking for the right fit.
Staying Put: A Key Returner
While several players are heading out, Utah got a big boost with the return of Byrd Ficklin, a freshman quarterback who made the most of his opportunities in 2025.
- Byrd Ficklin (QB, Freshman) - Ficklin threw for 301 yards and 3 touchdowns without an interception, but it was his legs that made headlines: 503 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s a dynamic dual-threat and a foundational piece for Utah’s future offense. His return gives the Utes a real building block under center heading into 2026.
Incoming Transfers: Who’s Coming to Utah
While no official names have been added to Utah’s incoming transfer list just yet, the portal window hasn’t officially opened. Expect this section to evolve quickly once January 2 hits. Utah has been active in the portal in recent years and will likely look to add experience, especially at wide receiver, defensive back, and potentially quarterback, given the recent departures.
2026 Recruiting Class: Building for the Future
Utah’s 2026 recruiting class is already taking shape, and it’s a strong mix of high-upside athletes and trench talent. Here’s a breakdown of the key names committed so far:
Headliners
- Kelvin Obot (OT, 5⭐️, 6-5, 300, Fruitland, ID) - This is a massive pickup, literally and figuratively. Obot brings elite size and technique to the offensive line and could be a future anchor up front.
- Salesi Moa (ATH, 4⭐️, 6-1, 190, Ogden, UT) - A versatile athlete who can contribute on either side of the ball. Utah has a strong track record of developing hybrid players like Moa into impact starters.
- Mataalii Benjamin (OT, 4⭐️, 6-7, 315, Lehi, UT) - Another towering offensive tackle with big-time potential. Utah continues to invest heavily in the trenches.
Offensive Additions
- LaMarcus Bell (RB, 3⭐️, 5-11, 190, Lake Oswego, OR) - A shifty back with good vision and burst. Adds depth and competition to the backfield.
- Michael Johnson (QB, 3⭐️, 5-11.5, 165, Douglasville, GA) and Kane Archer (QB, 3⭐️, 6-1, 205, Greenwood, AR) - Two quarterbacks with different skill sets, giving Utah options as they look to reshape the room.
- Bear Fisher (TE, 3⭐️, 6-5, 235, Queen Creek, AZ) - Big frame and soft hands. Could be a matchup nightmare down the road.
- Rowdy Pearce (IOL, 3⭐️, 6-3.5, 285, Midland, TX) and Moses Sparks Jr. (IOL, 3⭐️, 6-4, 280, Rio Rancho, NM) - Interior linemen with strong technique and upside.
Defensive Standouts
- Fameitau Siale (DE, 3⭐️, 6-4, 260, Seattle, WA) and PJ Takitaki (DE, 3⭐️, 6-4, 230, Lehi, UT) - Edge rushers with length and motor. Utah has a history of developing these types into productive players.
- Preston Pitts (LB, 3⭐️, 6-4, 213, League City, TX), LaGary Mitchell (LB, 3⭐️, 6-2, 200, Meridian, ID), and Tayson Reid (LB, 3⭐️, 6-1, 225, Snow College) - A trio of linebackers with different body types and skill sets. Expect at least one to break through early.
- Major Hinchen (CB, 3⭐️, 6-2, 175, La Quinta, CA), Aisa Galea’i (CB, 3⭐️, 6-1, 185, Orem, UT), and Dylan Waters (CB, 3⭐️, 6-1, 175, Missouri City, TX) - Long, athletic corners who fit Utah’s physical style of play in the secondary.
What’s Next
With the portal officially opening January 2, the next few weeks will be crucial for Utah’s coaching staff. Expect them to target experienced playmakers to fill immediate needs while continuing to develop their young core. The 2026 recruiting class is already shaping up to be one of the stronger ones in recent memory, particularly in the trenches.
The Utes are in transition, but they’re not starting from scratch. With Byrd Ficklin returning and a promising class on the way, Utah has the pieces to stay competitive-and maybe even take a step forward-once the dust settles.