Buy at Utah, Sell at BYU in 2025? Why a College Football Analyst Endorses the Move

Utah Football: A Promising Bounce Back in 2025

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the landscape for several programs is shifting. Utah football, in particular, has become a team to watch closely, with many analysts and experts like Joel Klatt expressing optimism about their potential for a strong comeback.

One of the key reasons for this optimism is the arrival of quarterback Devon Dampier, who transferred from New Mexico to Salt Lake City. Dampier brings a dynamic presence to the offense, having run for over 1,100 yards in his last season at New Mexico. While he needs to improve his passing accuracy, his physicality and ability to run the ball make him a valuable asset. The Utes also have a solid defense that has consistently ranked among the top teams in the country, and they return all five starters on their offensive line, including two players projected as first-round draft picks.

Klatt highlighted that Utah's 2024 season was marred by injuries, which significantly impacted their performance. However, he believes the team is poised for a strong rebound under head coach Kyle Whittingham. With a new offensive coordinator, Jason Beck, and a fresh quarterback, the Utes could see a significant improvement in their overall performance. Klatt emphasized that if Dampier can bring stability to the quarterback position and avoid turnovers, the team should be able to rely on their strong defense and experienced offensive line to succeed.

Another factor contributing to the positive outlook for Utah is their potential to turn around close games. Last year, the Utes were 1-5 in one-score games, but Klatt believes that with improved execution and a more stable quarterback situation, they could flip that record to 5-1. This would put them in a position to finish the regular season with 10-2 record and potentially compete for the Big 12 title.

BYU Football: Navigating Uncertainty

In contrast, BYU football finds itself on the opposite end of the spectrum, with many analysts suggesting it’s a team to "sell" on for the 2025 season. The primary reason for this is the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position. Jake Retzlaff, who led the Cougars to an 11-2 record in 2024, has left the program after a seven-game suspension for violating the BYU honor code. His departure leaves a void in the offense, with no clear replacement emerging from the current quarterback competition.

The Cougars are now looking at a three-man battle between McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourget, and Bear Bachmeier. However, none of these quarterbacks have extensive experience at the Power Four level, making it difficult to predict their success. Klatt pointed out that while the schedule isn’t particularly tough, the Big 12 is known for its competitive nature, and BYU will face several evenly matched opponents.

Additionally, the Cougars are replacing eight starters on defense, a unit that was instrumental in their success last season. Without the same level of defensive consistency, it’s challenging to see how they can maintain their high level of performance. Klatt noted that while the program itself is not in decline, the timing of the quarterback transition is problematic. The lack of a proven leader on the field could lead to more close games and potential losses.

Despite these challenges, there is still hope for BYU. The team has a strong coaching staff, and with the right leadership, they could still have a successful season. However, for now, the focus remains on addressing the quarterback issue and rebuilding the defensive unit.

Conclusion

The 2025 college football season promises to be an exciting one for both Utah and BYU. While Utah looks to bounce back from a difficult 2024 season and capitalize on their new talent, BYU faces the challenge of navigating a quarterback transition and rebuilding their defense. Both programs have their own set of obstacles and opportunities, and how they handle these will determine their success in the coming season.