Devon Dampier, Utah Focused and Fired Up Ahead of Las Vegas Bowl Sendoff for Whittingham
As Utah gears up for its Las Vegas Bowl clash with Nebraska, quarterback Devon Dampier isn’t just locked in-he’s energized. The Utes are looking to cap off a season defined by resilience with one more win, and the mood inside the facility reflects that.
“The vibes are high,” Dampier said after Thursday’s practice. “We’re proud of what we did, but we got one more. It’s been a minute since we won a bowl game.”
It’s been no secret that Dampier has battled through injuries for much of the season. Given the wear and tear, nobody would’ve faulted him for sitting this one out.
But that’s not how he’s wired. As one of the offense’s emotional leaders, he’s all in for one final run with this group.
“I chose to finish out this season with my team. I’m gonna play in the game,” he said.
“But for some people, it’s a lot higher stakes. Got a couple of first-rounders and things like that.
We know those guys love us. They let it be known every day since they’ve been here.
So we still support those guys. They support us.”
That kind of team-first mentality has been a hallmark of this Utah program under head coach Kyle Whittingham. And now, with Whittingham set to step down after the bowl game, the Utes are rallying around the idea of sending their longtime leader out with one more win.
“That’s a legend,” Dampier said of Whittingham. “I got a lot of respect for him.
I think he’s transformed this program. It means a lot to me.
I could try to speak for everybody on the team, but me, especially-just, that’s a coach that believed in me to come in here after being at New Mexico, and just had full trust in me, in the offense, to do what we do.”
Whittingham’s impact on Utah football goes well beyond wins and losses. He built a brand-tough, disciplined, physical football-and Dampier knows exactly what that legacy means.
“This is one of the only programs in college football where you know what the Utes do, you know how they play, and you know the mentality. So for him to leave, I got to finish well for him.”
Looking ahead, Morgan Scalley is set to take over the reins starting January 1. For Dampier, that transition isn’t a cause for concern-it’s a continuation of the culture Whittingham built.
“He’s made it perfect for Scalley to step in. And I’m excited to still be a Ute,” Dampier said.
“I’m very confident in Scalley. When I came here on my visit, that was someone I talked to, and he let me know the rundown.
When his time comes, he had his full belief in me and in my talent. So I’m perfectly fine where I’m at.”
That confidence in the future is telling, and while Dampier stopped short of making a formal announcement about returning in 2026, he didn’t exactly hide his intentions either.
“Y’all gonna see. I’m very happy to be here,” he said with a grin.
His backup, Byrd Ficklin, has already confirmed he’ll be back next season. The two had hoped to make a joint announcement, but Ficklin’s news got out early. Still, Dampier is looking forward to another year with his quarterback room running it back.
“It’s gonna mean a lot. We’re trying to do something special,” he said.
“But his got a little leaked out before we could get to it. But it’s coming.”
Despite the coaching change and all the outside noise that often comes with bowl season, the Utes are staying grounded. There’s a clear sense of focus-but also joy-in the building as New Year’s Eve approaches.
“We’re definitely having fun with it,” Dampier said. “We’ve got a couple of days before the game truly gets close.
But business is business when we step in this facility. We know it’s work, but a lot of smiles going around.
A lot of people are happy.”
And why wouldn’t they be? Utah has a chance to close the book on the Whittingham era with a win, while laying the foundation for what’s next.
The Utes have their leader under center, a plan in place, and a locker room that’s clearly bought in. That’s a strong place to be heading into bowl week.