Utah’s offense will feature two quarterbacks, Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin, for a second straight season. Dampier will start and Ficklin will serve as his backup, but both players are expected to see plenty of snaps.
Utah’s Offense
First-year offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven plans to feature both Dampier and Ficklin in the offense, much like his predecessor Jason Beck did in 2025. The Utes led the Big 12 in total offense, rushing offense, and scoring offense last season, with Dampier and Ficklin combining to produce 66% of Utah’s total yardage and 39% of the team’s rushing yardage.
Dampier played through a sports hernia for much of last season, but still threw for 2,490 yards and 24 touchdowns, while adding 835 yards and 10 scores on the ground. Ficklin also had a strong season, with a career-best 166 yards and two touchdowns on only six carries against Baylor.
Both quarterbacks are looking to improve their skills, with Dampier wanting to become a more complete passer and Ficklin looking to become a true dual-threat playmaker. The two quarterbacks have a beneficial competition, with Dampier crediting Ficklin for pushing him to be a better quarterback.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.