Utah
Utah receives no favors from AP Top 25 voters in latest poll
Despite an impressive 38-21 win over in-state rival Utah State, the Utah Utes found themselves disrespected in the latest AP Top 25 Poll, failing to crack the top ten once again. The Utes, who have consistently performed well this season, were ranked just outside the top ten, even as teams like No. 11 USC were idle and No. 10 Penn State struggled to a narrow 34-27 victory against Bowling Green on Saturday.
What makes Utah’s exclusion from the top ten particularly surprising is the adversity they overcame in their recent win. With starting quarterback Cam Rising still sidelined, freshman backup Isaac Wilson made his first career start, showing poise and maturity beyond his years.
Wilson played efficiently, managing the offense well and leading the team to a convincing victory. His performance, combined with the Utes’ solid defense and balanced offensive attack, showcased Utah’s depth and resilience. The win highlighted Utah’s ability to remain competitive even without their veteran signal-caller, a factor that should have boosted their ranking in the eyes of voters.
Instead, Utah’s impressive victory was overshadowed by the reshuffling at the top of the poll. Georgia, previously the consensus No. 1 team, was overthrown by Texas, who claimed the top spot despite a softer 56-7 win over UTSA. Georgia fell to No. 2, followed by No. 3 Ohio State, No. 4 Alabama, and No. 5 Ole Miss. The shifting dynamics in the top five did little to benefit Utah, who remained stuck outside the top ten despite a resume that continues to strengthen each week.
The Utes’ continued underestimation in the AP Poll has become a rallying cry for a program that has long felt overlooked on the national stage. Utah’s physical style of play, defensive strength, and ability to adapt under difficult circumstances are traits that typically warrant higher consideration.
Yet, pollsters have consistently favored brand-name programs like USC and Penn State, whose recent performances have outmatched the Utes. For Utah, the path forward is clear: keep winning convincingly and make an undeniable case to voters that they belong among the nation’s elite. Until then, Utah will continue to carry the chip on their shoulder, fueled by the disrespect that once again reared its head.
Utah will need a statement win against No. 14 Oklahoma State to open Big 12 play this week in Stillwater.
Utah
Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers Summer League recap and final score
The Utah Jazz won their final summer league game against the Portland Trail Blazers 83-79. It was a fun game that came down to the wire, with a few Jazz players showing promise that could help the team.
The player who surprisingly didn’t help as much as you’d hope was Blake Hinson, who shot just 1/9 from three. Hinson was a sharpshooter for the Jazz last season, and it’s too bad that he couldn’t show that shooting stroke in the summer league. It’s likely not a big deal, but it would have been nice to see that shooting continue in the summer league. It does make you wonder why all the players who played for Utah last season, or will be getting regular minutes next year, didn’t shoot well in Las Vegas. Is that a trend? Or is it just a coincidence? It makes you wonder if the Jazz have been running hard practices, or if the players are tired from enjoying their time in Las Vegas? There’s no way to really know, but it’s interesting.
Utah’s strongest performer, in terms of plus-minus, was Bez Mbeng. He was a team-leading +14 and, even though he didn’t shoot the ball well either, his defense and intensity really shows on the floor. In this one, Mbeng had 4 steals and handled the ball for a lot of the game. He was also one of the top players in minutes with 20 in this one. I personally really like Mbeng and I’m rooting for him to make the team. I do think he can be a defensive-focused do-it-all player who could really contribute if he keeps improving.
Justin Harmon scored the ball well, leading the team in scoring with a team-leading 21 points. He had 6 free throws in this one and was a positive contributor overall. Harmon could be a nice addition to the training camp roster and, if he can show out, maybe he can earn himself a roster spot. He’s worth watching going forward at the very least.
And with that, the summer league is now over, and we now enter a long summer that will lead into one of the most exciting eras of Jazz basketball I can remember. It will be led by the best prospect in Jazz history to actually suit up for the Utah Jazz, and I can’t wait to see him develop into a superstar wearing the purple and blue.
Utah
Here’s who will lead Utah Valley University as its next president
Jon Anderson will be charged with moving the Orem school forward following the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on campus last year.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Incoming UVU President Jon Anderson poses for a photo with his family after an event announcing his selection at Utah Valley University in Orem on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Utah
Beaver County residents set up thousands of sandbags ahead of flashfloods
BEAVER COUNTY, Utah — A massive community effort is underway as volunteers and Beaver County crews distribute thousands of sandbags to protect homes from the potential path of floodwaters.
After the Cottonwood Fires, residents have been waiting for weeks for relief to come in the form of rain, though officials now warn it may come all at once with an increased risk of flooding and debris flow.
Emergency Service Director Les Whitney believes that the fire has left plenty of debris to bring trouble for residents.
“We got a lot of water. We’re bringing debris with it, so tree branches, tree limbs, logs, lots of different size firewood, and that’s all in the creeks. We’re worried about that plugging up our bridges and stuff, so we have heavy equipment and excavators located in strategic places so that we can keep those bridges open,” said Whitney.
An estimated 140 homes and condominiums were spared from the flames, but remain in the paths of floodwaters.
Residents can also pick up sandbags at the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office or at the Beaver County Rodeo Fairgrounds.
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