With less than two months to go until Utah opens the season against Idaho on September 3, the Utes are facing a daunting task: rebuilding their offense up front. The 2025 group, led by first-round NFL draft picks Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu, powered the Utes to a school-record 3,462 rushing yards. However, all five starters from last year's team are gone, either to graduation or to the NFL.
The new-look offensive line, coached by Jordan Gross, will have to play average for the Utes to contend for a Big 12 title. Morgan Scalley, the Utes' head coach, is optimistic about the group's potential, citing their development in the weight room and on the football field. "Their development both in the weight room and on the football field has been awesome," Scalley said. "I love the story of those guys that have been waiting their turn, have been grinding and getting the work in and finally have that opportunity and now it's time. So that's a group that I'm very excited about."
Veterans Keith Olson, Alex Harrison, Zereoue Williams, Solatoa Moea'i, and Roger Alderman each played at least 130 snaps last season. They'll be competing for starting jobs alongside transfer Cedric Jefferson and five-star freshman Kelvin Obot. Isaiah Garcia, a four-star from Corner Canyon, is also expected to make an impact. Scalley says the group's biggest motivation is the challenge of replacing the departed stars. "This is a group that all they've heard since the season ended was, 'How are you going to replace these guys? How are you going to replace these guys?'" Scalley said.
The offensive line's performance will be crucial to the Utes' success this season. Scalley says he's pleased with where the team is at, but the group still has a lot to prove. "We just want to continue to fly under the radar and show up on game day," Scalley said.
The Utes' wide receiver room is a different story. With the departure of last year's stars, Utah has brought in new talent, including transfer Braden Pegan from Utah State. Pegan had a breakout season in Logan last fall, snagging 60 receptions for 926 yards and five touchdowns. He's expected to be the Utes' top receiver this year.
San Jose State transfer Kyri Shoels brings blazing speed and sure hands to the Utes' offense. The race for the third option will be intriguing, with Ricky Johnson, Creed Whittemore, and Larry Simmons each taking steps forward this spring. Nate Johnson, a quarterback-turned-wide receiver, will also be in the mix.
The battle for the second-most touches will be one to watch, with Wayshawn Parker as the undisputed RB1. Steve Chavez-Soto, a transfer from San Jose State, and Daniel Bray, a returner, will be competing for the RB2 spot. Chavez-Soto, 6-foot and 205 pounds, could be used in short-yardage situations.
As fall camp begins on August 3, the Utes are facing a crucial test: can they rebuild their offense up front and contend for a Big 12 title? The team's performance will be closely watched, and Scalley is confident in his players' ability to step up.
Source: Yahoo Sports
