Devon Dampier Set to Lead Utah in Las Vegas Bowl, Eyes Strong Finish for Whittingham
Utah quarterback Devon Dampier made it official after Thursday’s practice - he’s suiting up for the Las Vegas Bowl. And make no mistake, this isn’t just another bowl game for the Utes. This one marks the final chapter of Kyle Whittingham’s storied run as head coach, and Dampier is ready to lead the charge.
The junior signal-caller has been the heart of Utah’s offense this season, and his commitment to playing in the Dec. 31 matchup against Nebraska sends a clear message: he’s not done building something in Salt Lake City.
“Got to finish well for him,” Dampier said, referring to Whittingham. “That’s a coach that believed in me after I came over from New Mexico. He trusted me with this offense, and that means everything.”
That kind of loyalty is rare in today’s college football landscape, where bowl opt-outs and transfer portal exits have become the norm. But Utah’s locker room is showing up for Whittingham - not just in words, but in action.
Aside from a few NFL-bound players - offensive tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu, and defensive end Logan Fano - the Utes are expected to be close to full strength in Vegas. None of the team’s transfer portal departures were part of the two-deep, so Utah’s core remains intact for one final ride under Whittingham.
“As far as not playing in the game, I think what we have right now is what we’re going to the game with,” Whittingham said. “I hope so.”
Linebacker Lander Barton echoed the team’s mindset heading into the bowl: “We’re just going to try to play our butts off and get one more for Coach.”
Dampier’s presence under center gives Utah a real shot to do just that. Despite battling injuries throughout the year, he threw for 2,180 yards and 22 touchdowns while adding 687 yards and seven scores on the ground. His dual-threat ability transformed the Utes’ offense, and his leadership has been just as impactful off the field.
While he hasn’t officially announced his 2026 plans, Dampier’s bowl commitment - and his energy - speak volumes.
“Y’all going to see,” he said with a grin. “But it is great.
I’m very happy to be here. Seriously.”
His backup and close friend, Byrd Ficklin, is also locked in for the future. Ficklin re-signed with Utah last week after a promising freshman season that saw him post 301 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, while rushing for 503 yards and 10 scores. That’s a dynamic one-two punch Utah fans can get excited about.
“Man, it’s going to mean a lot,” Dampier said about returning alongside Ficklin. “We’re trying to do something special.
It got a little leaked out before we could really get to it, but it’s coming. It’s coming.”
The Utes will enter a new era in 2026 with Morgan Scalley taking over as head coach. But if you ask Dampier, the foundation is already solid.
“I’m very confident in Scalley,” he said. “When I came here on my visit, he was someone I talked to.
He let me know the rundown when the time comes. He believed in me and my talent, so I’m perfectly fine where I’m at.”
So while the Las Vegas Bowl may mark the end of Whittingham’s tenure, it also feels like the beginning of something new. Dampier is still here.
Ficklin is still here. And Utah’s not looking to take a step back - they’re aiming to build on what’s already been a remarkable run.
First, though, there’s one more game to play. And for this team, it’s personal.