Utah football just pulled off a late signing day flip that could quietly pay big dividends down the line. Fresno City College defensive back Brandon Holmes, who had been committed to Arizona, is now officially headed to Salt Lake City. The Utes announced the move with a simple but emphatic “Officially signed” post on social media - and for a program looking to reload its secondary, this one could be a sneaky-good pickup.
Holmes, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound defensive back with two years of eligibility remaining, hasn’t yet been rated by 247Sports as a JUCO prospect - but don’t let that fool you. His production at Fresno City speaks for itself: 45 tackles, five interceptions, two tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, and a sack in one season with the Rams.
That’s the kind of stat line that jumps off the page, especially when you consider the versatility he brings. Holmes has the tools to play outside at corner, but there’s also talk he could slide over to safety if needed.
That kind of flexibility is gold for a Utah defense that prides itself on physicality and adaptability.
And make no mistake - cornerback was a priority for the Utes in this cycle. Holmes becomes the fifth corner to join the program via the transfer portal this offseason, a clear sign that Utah’s coaching staff is intent on reshaping the back end of the defense. With his length, instincts, and ball skills, Holmes fits the mold of what Utah looks for in its defensive backs: aggressive, smart, and unafraid to make plays in space.
This kind of addition is classic Utah - low risk, high ceiling. The Utes have made a habit of identifying under-the-radar JUCO talent and molding them into impact players. It's a development pipeline that’s worked before, and Holmes could very well be the next name to emerge from that system.
He joins a loaded transfer class that’s already brought in talent from across the FBS and FCS landscape. On the defensive side alone, Utah has added safety Marcus Wimberly, defensive tackles Lucas Samsula, Jireh Moe, and Jamal Williams, defensive ends Ethan Day and Nicholas Igwe, and fellow corners Elijah Reed, James Chenault, Earl Parker, and Nicholas Brown. That’s 11 defensive additions through the portal, with Holmes being the latest - and potentially one of the most intriguing.
Offensively, the Utes have also been active, adding wide receivers Kyri Shoels, Braden Pegan, and Ricky Johnson, offensive linemen Isaiah Kema and Cedric Jefferson, running back Steve Chavez-Soto, and tight ends Noah Bennee and Will Monney. In total, Utah has brought in 20 players through the portal this cycle - a clear indication that the program is reloading with intent.
The transfer portal window officially closed at 11:59 p.m. ET on January 16.
Players had to enter by then, but didn’t need to sign with a new team before the deadline. Utah is expected to bring in at least a dozen portal additions to the 2026 roster, and those new faces - including Holmes - will be on campus for spring ball.
For a program that’s consistently been one of the toughest and most disciplined in the Pac-12, Holmes is another piece to a defense that’s looking to stay aggressive, fast, and physical. If he can carry over that JUCO production and continue to develop under Utah’s staff, don’t be surprised if he becomes a name to watch in the Utes' secondary sooner rather than later.