Utah’s fall camp starts Thursday.
Which means — and yes, I know I’ve said this over and over again in our TribUte newsletters — it’s almost time for college football.
With that being said, I wanted to take the opportunity to forecast Utah’s 2025 results, game by game. I don’t have a crystal ball, but here are my predictions for the season.
Game 1: Utah @ UCLA
What a great first test for the Utes. This matchup certainly got more interesting once UCLA signed former five-star and Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava in the spring transfer portal.
Still, I think the Utes have the upper hand over the Bruins defensively.
Prediction: Utah defeats UCLA, 28-21 (1-0)
Game 2: Utah vs. Cal Poly
This is what many refer to as a “buy game.”
There’s not much else to say about this contest other than that it will be a blowout.
Prediction: Utah defeats Cal Poly, 55-10 (2-0)
Game 3: Utah @ Wyoming
Welcome to Laradise, Ute fans.
It’s been a while since the Utes faced their old foes up north. Even if this is considered an old rivalry, I don’t expect this game to be close by any margin whatsoever.
I think the Utes’ offense will dominate. Utah’s defense will also force several turnovers.
Prediction: Utah defeats Wyoming, 42-14 (3-0)
Game 4: Utah vs. Texas Tech
What an opening contest to conference play, amirite?
The Utes will get their first crack at the NIL-rich Red Raiders to start Big 12 play at home in Salt Lake City. I think this will be a close game as well as Utah starting quarterback Devon Dampier’s first major test.
To me, the matchup to watch will be Utah’s offensive line vs. Texas Tech’s revamped defensive line, led by defensive tackle Lee Hunter. If Utah can win that battle, I think it’ll be in good shape.
Overall, I think the Utes will squeeze out a tough victory over the Red Raiders in Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Prediction: Utah defeats Texas Tech, 24-21 (4-0, 1-0 Big 12)
Game 5: Utah @ West Virginia
The Utes will have to travel 1,900 miles for their first Big 12 road trip of the 2025 season.
And it will be against a formidable opponent in the Mountaineers, too.
Following a big win against the Red Raiders, I think WVU and returning starting quarterback Nicco Marchiol get one over the Utes.
Dampier will also have his first “bad” game as Utah’s quarterback.
Prediction: West Virginia defeats Utah, 31-21 (4-1, 1-1 Big 12)
Game 6: Utah vs. Arizona State
Last year the Utes were defeated by Arizona State, the defending Big 12 champs, in nightmarish fashion.
Cam Rising’s season ended after he sustained a severe lower-leg injury against the Sun Devils. Plus, the Utes’ defense was torched by former ASU running back Cam Skattebo.
Knowing all of that, it sets Utah up for a get-back game. But, I don’t think it ends up going that way.
Prediction: ASU defeats Utah, 17-14 (4-2, 1-2 Big 12)
Game 7: Utah @ BYU
We all know what happened in this game last season.
Utah AD Mark Harlan walked onto the field.
There was the controversial holding penalty against Utah cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn, which ultimately allowed BYU and former quarterback Jake Retzlaff’s game-winning drive on the road.
This year the Utes will be traveling to Provo, and I think they come out of the game with a win. Utah will avenge its loss from a season ago.
Prediction: Utah defeats BYU, 42-36, (5-2, 2-2 Big 12)
Game 8: Utah vs. Colorado
In 2024, Colorado and head coach Deion “Prime” Sanders got the best of the Utes in Boulder.
The loss was one of the worst offensive performances for Utah and backup quarterback Isaac Wilson. Also Utah’s sixth straight loss of the season, it left Whittingham feeling like he was “in the ‘Twilight Zone.’”
Without Heisman winner Travis Hunter and star quarterback Shedeur Sanders, I think the Utes top Colorado at home, avenging the loss from a season ago.
Prediction: Utah defeats Colorado, 38-21, (6-2, 3-2 Big 12)
Game 9: Utah vs. Cincinnati
Cincinnati was not very good last season (neither were the Utes). And I’m not sold on the Bearcats heading into 2025.
This, for me, is an easy prediction to make.
Prediction: Utah defeats Cincinnati, 28-7, (7-2, 4-2 Big 12)
Game 10: Utah @ Baylor
Utah should be riding into this contest on a three-game win streak, but I think Baylor will humble Whittingham and the Utes in Waco, Texas.
Bears redshirt senior quarterback Sawyer Robertson will, uncharacteristically, have his way with Utah’s defense. I also think Dampier will struggle against Baylor’s secondary.
Prediction: Baylor defeats Utah, 27-13, (7-3, 4-3 Big 12)
Game 11: Utah vs. Kansas State
If Utah wants to win the Big 12 this season, I think it will have to beat Kansas State.
Ultimately, I expect this game to be close. Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson, running back Dylan Edwards and wide receiver Jayce Brown will really test Utah’s defense.
The Utes’ offense will have to match their pace. The big x-factor is that this game will be in Salt Lake City, though, which gives the upper hand to the Utes.
I think Dampier and Utah squeak out a close one over the Wildcats at home.
Prediction: Utah beats Kansas State, 13-10, (8-3, 5-3 Big 12)
Game 12: Utah @ Kansas
Utah could very well be fighting for a Big 12 championship berth heading into this contest.
It will be the Jayhawks’ final home game at their newly renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Despite that, the Utes will come into this game more hungry for the win. I expect this to be a close one with Utah coming out on top.
Prediction: Utah defeats Kansas, 21-14, (9-3, 6-3 Big 12)
What do you think?
Now, it’s your turn to predict Utah’s record. Tell me how you think the Utes will fare in 2025 in the poll below.