The Utah Utes have made headlines by cracking the AP Top 25 at No. 22 for the first time this season, following a hard-fought 75-67 win over Iowa State. This marks Utah’s third consecutive season being ranked, despite an unexpected coaching change early in the season. Head coach Lynne Roberts departed for the WNBA, leaving longtime assistant Gavin Petersen to step in. Under Petersen’s leadership, Utah has thrived, demonstrating resilience and cohesion.

Petersen credited the team’s ability to stay focused and overcome adversity. “Our resilient crew has stepped up and faced the adversity that’s in front of them,” Petersen said. Utah’s win over Notre Dame during a Thanksgiving tournament was a pivotal moment that signaled their strength and potential.

Utah has ‘big money’ problem with a billionaire calling NIL shots for rival

The competition for dominance in women’s college basketball continues to intensify as the Big Ten and SEC assert themselves as the sport’s premier leagues. This week’s Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll highlights the strength of both conferences, with each boasting seven ranked teams, including four in the top 10.

The Big Ten’s recent expansion with the addition of No. 1 UCLA and No. 4 USC has bolstered its claim as the top league. UCLA’s consistent performances, including a victory over South Carolina, solidify their place at the top of the rankings, earning 30 of 32 first-place votes. Meanwhile, the SEC has also grown stronger with No. 5 Texas and No. 10 Oklahoma joining the conference. South Carolina, a perennial powerhouse, remains No. 2 and will face Texas in a highly anticipated showdown.

This week, the Utes prepare for a marquee matchup, hosting No. 12 Kansas State at the Huntsman Center. This game not only pits two top-25 teams against each other but also serves as a litmus test for Utah’s aspirations in the Big 12.

As Utah continues its unbeaten run in conference play, upcoming matchups against No. 11 TCU and No. 17 West Virginia will provide further opportunities to climb the rankings and solidify their standing among the nation’s elite.

LOGAN, Utah- Since the winter transfer portal opened on December 9, 2024, and closed on December 28, 2024, players across the country have left their current teams to find new homes, and teams have been active in recruiting these players to recoup losses and strengthen their rosters.

The transfer portal is especially important for a team like the Utah State Aggies, who just hired Bronco Mendenhall and a brand-new coaching staff.

Utah State Football Fills Out 2025 Schedule With SEC Tilt

Former Weber State Wildcat and BYU Cougar Jake Eichorn entered the transfer portal at the end of December and will be headed to his third stop in the Beehive State as he has committed to play his final year of eligibility for the Utah State Aggies.

ALL IN. 🤘@USUFootball @CoachAcitelli pic.twitter.com/eqKgTGCIe5

— Jake Eichorn (@EichornJake) January 6, 2025

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Eichorn spent two seasons as a member of the Weber State Wildcats between 2021-2023. Following his time in Ogden, Jake entered the transfer portal ranked as a three-star interior offensive lineman.

Eichorn chose to head down I-15 to Provo, where he spent a year as a backup offensive lineman for the BYU Cougars.

Eichorn then hit the portal for the third time in his collegiate career, landing in Logan where he will play for first-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall.

About Jake Cichorn Before College

Prior to the start of his college career, the former Beaver High School standout helped the Beavers win back-to-back state titles in 2019 and 2020.

Eichorn was one of the best high school football players in the state of Utah and signed with Weber State in December 2020. The offensive lineman sat out his first season with the Wildcats in 2021.

Tanner Tripp is a sports writer for KSL Sports covering all teams across the state of Utah. Follow him on X @tanner_tripp and Instagram @tanner.tripp here.

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Heavy snowfall in Utah caused an avalanche that was captured on camera from a nearby vehicle in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Local media reported that up to five inches (12.7cm) of snow fell in the area, causing the avalanche and stranding skiers for a while.

Seven US states have declared a state of emergency as Storm Blair sweeps through.