2026 Utah Utes Football Depth Chart

Devon Dampier returns as Utah’s starting quarterback after a productive-but-flawed 2025 campaign in which the New Mexico transfer threw for 2,490 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 835 yards and 10 scores. Those dual-threat numbers are tantalizing for fantasy, but Dampier’s accuracy issues and turnovers (he battled interception problems throughout the season) temper the enthusiasm. Backup Byrd Ficklin also returns, giving the Utes depth, but Dampier’s rushing floor makes him a viable QB1 in college fantasy if the passing efficiency improves under new offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven.

Wayshawn Parker is the clear RB1 and arguably Utah’s most valuable fantasy asset. The sophomore led the Big 12 in yards per carry (6.6) among qualified rushers, finishing with 981 yards and six touchdowns on just 149 carries. That efficiency suggests an expanded workload could push Parker toward elite production in 2026. Behind him, Chavez-Soto brings power-back instincts (448 yards, seven touchdowns as a freshman), while Bray and Bell add versatility and change-of-pace ability to the rotation. Parker is the dynasty centerpiece here.

The wide receiver room gets a major boost from Utah State transfer Braden Pegan, who caught 60 passes for 926 yards and five touchdowns last year and already knows McGiven’s offense from his time at Utah State. At 6’3″ and 210 pounds, Pegan enters spring as the clear WR1 and could push toward 1,000 yards if he develops chemistry with Dampier. The biggest concern for the whole offense is a completely rebuilt offensive line – five new starters – which could limit upside across the board early in the season. Utah’s fantasy assets have high ceilings but come with real variance tied to the line’s development.