In 2024, the Utah Utes were poised to dominate the Big 12, entering their inaugural season in the conference as preseason favorites, ranked No. 12 in the AP poll, with visions of a playoff berth dancing in their heads. Instead, they stumbled to a 5-7 record, their worst since 2013, missing a bowl game for the first time in a decade. Rice-Eccles Stadium, once a cauldron of dominance, hosted more groans than roars, as Utah’s season unraveled like a bad Netflix reboot. With a resume boasting back-to-back Pac-12 titles and a 10-year streak of winning records, this collapse was a gut punch. What went wrong? And can Utah, under the grizzled Kyle Whittingham, bounce back in 2025, or is this the start of a downward spiral? Let’s slice open the 2024 season with a scalpel of stats and facts.
The Collapse: What Tanked Utah’s Season
Utah’s 2024 campaign was a textbook case of everything breaking at once—think a car with a flat tire, a dead battery, and a busted radio. Injuries, offensive ineptitude, coaching missteps, and defensive cracks combined to sink a team that started 4-0. Here’s the data-driven dissection.
Injuries: A Roster in Ruins
Cam Rising’s Final Blow
Quarterback Cam Rising, a seventh-year senior and the Big 12’s preseason darling, was Utah’s heartbeat. In 2022, his last full season, he powered an offense ranked 17th nationally in total yards (463.9 YPG). In 2024, his season ended almost before it began. A hand injury in Week 2 against Baylor sidelined him briefly, and after a brief return, a leg injury three plays into the Arizona State game required surgery, ruling him out for good. Utah’s passing offense, which averaged 262.8 YPG with Rising in 2022, cratered to 129th nationally (151.8 YPG) without him, earning a dismal 49.7 PFF passing grade.
A Devastated Depth Chart
The injury bug didn’t stop at Rising. Tight end Brant Kuithe, a first-round draft prospect with 148 career receptions, suffered a season-ending injury, gutting the passing game. Wide receivers Money Parks (31 catches, 293 yards in 2023) and Mycah Pittman (317 yards in 2022 at Florida State), plus backup quarterback Brandon Rose and linebacker Levani Damuni, were also done by November. The result? Utah’s offense, which ranked 94th in total yards (348.4 YPG) in 2023, sank to among the 19 worst FBS offenses in 2024, per KSL.com, with a 49.7 PFF offensive grade.
Offensive Collapse
A Passing Game in Shambles
Utah’s offense was historically bad, ranking 129th in passing yards (151.8 YPG) and 96th in scoring (23.2 PPG). True freshman Isaac Wilson, thrust into the starting role after Rising’s injuries, struggled against aggressive defenses, completing just 53.7% of his passes with a 9:11 TD-to-INT ratio. The Utes’ opponent-adjusted offensive success rate was among the nation’s lowest, per CollegeFootballData.com. Even a league-average offense (e.g., 25 PPG, 90th nationally) could’ve flipped Utah’s six losses (averaging 5.6 points) into a 9-3 record, given their elite defense.
Offensive Line Breakdown
The offensive line, expected to anchor the offense, was a liability. In 2023, Utah’s O-line earned a 46.0 PFF pass-blocking grade, fifth-worst nationally, and 2024 was worse with three new starters. Sophomore left tackle Spencer Fano, despite All-American potential, struggled early, and the unit allowed 2.5 sacks per game, ranking 104th. This pressure suffocated Wilson and walk-on Luke Bottari, who closed the season, stifling any chance of offensive rhythm.
Coaching Blunders
Andy Ludwig’s Departure
Offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig’s resignation after a 13-7 loss to TCU was a tipping point. His predictable play-calling, heavy on inside zones and short passes, failed to exploit defenses, even before injuries. Utah’s offense averaged just 17.8 PPG in Big 12 play, worst in the conference. Interim OC Mike Bajakian, promoted from quarterbacks coach, introduced quick routes but couldn’t salvage the season, with Utah scoring 20+ points in only three of their final eight games. Ludwig’s exit, after 10 years, highlighted a failure to adapt to modern spread schemes.
Whittingham’s Questionable Calls
Kyle Whittingham, in his 20th season, faced scrutiny for sticking with Ludwig too long and mismanaging the quarterback room. Both Wilson and Rose entered the transfer portal post-season, leaving Utah with zero scholarship QBs for 2025 spring ball. Whittingham’s decision to start Rose over Wilson against BYU backfired, with Rose completing just 6 of 14 passes. Despite a storied career—711 wins, 28 conference titles—Whittingham’s offensive oversight was a weak link, with Utah’s 348.4 YPG (94th) in 2023 dropping further in 2024.
Defensive Cracks
Elite but Not Perfect
Utah’s defense remained a bright spot, ranking 3rd in the Big 12 and 11th nationally in points allowed (16.5 PPG). They led the conference in defensive PPA, success rate, stuff rate, line yards, and DB havoc, per UtahCFBstats. They also ranked 2nd nationally in first downs allowed (171) and 3rd in third-down conversion rate (27.4%). Yet, critical lapses cost them. Utah allowed 20+ points in four of seven losses, including 27 to Arizona and 24 to TCU, with missed tackles and big plays proving fatal.
The BYU Debacle
The 22-21 loss to BYU was a microcosm of defensive woes. Utah’s fourth-down stop was nullified by a controversial holding call, leading to a game-winning field goal. BYU’s offense, averaging 35.1 PPG, exploited Utah’s secondary for 339 total yards, including 197 passing. The Utes’ lack of sacks (1.8 per game, 87th nationally) let quarterbacks like Jake Retzlaff escape, magnifying small errors in tight games.
The 2025 Outlook: Rebound or Repeat?
Utah’s 5-7 record was a shock, but history suggests they’re not doomed. Whittingham’s turned subpar seasons into rebounds before (e.g., 9-4 in 2018 after 7-6 in 2017). Can they do it again?
Reasons for Hope
Offensive Line Continuity
Despite 2024’s struggles, Utah returns four O-line starters, including PFF First Team All-American Spencer Fano and veteran Michael Kump (47 career games). Youngsters Tanoa Togiai and Caleb Lomu add depth. Spring ball showed improved cohesion under new OC Jason Beck, whose New Mexico offense ranked 4th nationally in total yards (484.3 YPG) in 2024. A stronger line could lift Utah’s offense from its 129th-ranked passing attack.
Jason Beck’s Impact
Beck, hired December 5, 2024, brings a dynamic scheme emphasizing red-zone efficiency (New Mexico ranked 1st in the Mountain West) and rushing (253.6 YPG, 5th in FBS). His track record—coaching Virginia’s Bryce Perkins to 3,538 passing yards in 2019—suggests he can develop quarterbacks. Rumored transfer Devon Dampier, with an 89.8 PFF offensive grade, could provide dual-threat juice, potentially pushing Utah’s scoring above 25 PPG.
Defensive Strength
Utah’s defense, led by Morgan Scalley, remains elite, with 2024 rankings of 1st in Big 12 defensive success rate and 2nd in first downs allowed. Returning starters like linebacker Karene Reid and safety Tao Johnson ensure continuity. If the offense improves, this unit could carry Utah to 8-9 wins, as it nearly did in 2024’s six close losses.
Reasons for Doubt
Transfer Portal Losses
Utah lost 14 scholarship players to the portal, including Wilson, Rose, and linebacker Lander Barton (67 tackles in 2023). With no scholarship QBs currently, Utah’s banking on transfers like Dampier, who’s unproven at the Power Four level. Losing running back Micah Bernard (1,000+ career yards) further strains the offense, which ranked 96th in scoring (23.2 PPG) even with him.
Brutal Big 12 Schedule
Utah’s 2025 slate includes Iowa State, BYU, and Colorado, all of whom beat them in 2024. The Big 12’s offensive firepower—six teams averaged 30+ PPG in 2024—will test Utah’s defense. With a 53rd-ranked conference schedule difficulty, per Suffolk News-Herald, and ESPN’s FPI likely favoring opponents, Utah could face another uphill climb.
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