On the heels of a 5-7 season and an offseason offensive renovation with the hire of new offensive coordinator Jason Beck, the University of Utah had an extremely busy December in the transfer portal.

The fall transfer portal window officially closed on late Saturday night for Utah players, bringing a 20-day college football free agency blitz to an end, at least until the spring.

The tally, as of Monday morning? Twenty-four players entered the transfer portal from Utah, with the Utes picking up 15 players. That’s right on target, as coach Kyle Whittingham said in November that the Utes were expecting to add around 10-15 players through the portal, though the Utes might not be done yet.

Though the transfer portal has closed for most teams — teams playing in the postseason get a five-day extension for their players to enter following the conclusion of their seasons — programs can still pick up those in the portal at any time (the deadline is only for players to enter their names), so Utah can still add players to their team as the calendar turns to January.

That said, the majority of transfer portal action has concluded, so here’s an overview of how the Utes fared.

Quarterback

This was by far the biggest need in the transfer portal for Utah after two seasons of dismal play at the position. Shortly after the school hired New Mexico’s Beck as the schools offensive coordinator, his quarterback announced that he was coming along for the ride.

New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier, a sophomore, was the perfect fit for Beck’s quarterback-run-heavy offensive scheme, helping the Lobos generate 484.2 yards per game and become the fourth-most-productive offense in the country last season.

Dampier was one of the most productive quarterbacks in the nation, accounting for 3,934 yards of offense in 2024 (2,768 passing and 1,166 rushing). While there are some accuracy issues he’ll need to clean up as he makes the move to the Big 12 — he threw 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and competed just 57.9% of his passes — there’s one thing that’s almost guaranteed: Utah’s offense is going to be a lot more exciting to watch than the last two years.

Dampier has a lot of upside and raises the ceiling of Utah’s offense. As long as he can be more accurate in 2025, the Utes will be in a much better position under center.

Behind Dampier, the presumed 2025 starter, the Utes have Oklahoma freshman transfer Brendan Zurbrugg, a 6-foot-2, 207-pound freshman that redshirted last season, and Isaac Wilson, who removed his name from the portal and returned to Utah.

Running back

If quarterback was priority No. 1, running back was definitely priority No. 2 for the Utes in the transfer portal. Every scholarship running back — Micah Bernard, Jaylon Glover, Mike Mitchell, Anthony Woods, Dijon Stanley and John Randle Jr. — either ran out of eligibility or entered the transfer portal.

A complete revamp of the room was necessary, and that started with the addition of Washington State’s Mark Atuaia, who was brought in by Beck to be Utah’s new running backs coach.

Washington State freshman Wayshawn Parker, who rushed for 735 yards and four touchdowns on 137 carries in his true freshman season in Pullman, was perhaps Utah’s biggest transfer portal pickup. The 6-foot, 199-pound running back was ranked by 247Sports as the No. 2 running back, and 40th overall player, in this year’s transfer portal.

Behind Parker is New Mexico junior NaQuari Rogers (74 carries for 382 yards and five touchdowns) and UNLV freshman Devin Green (29 carries for 123 yards and one touchdown). Utah had a commitment from New Mexico State’s Mike Washington (725 yards and eight scores on 157 carries), but he flipped to Arkansas.

Overall, Utah met its needs here, though keeping Mitchell, who played injured most of the year and was a candidate for a better 2025 season, would have been nice.

Wide receiver

Utah initially landed a coveted wide receiver transfer in Tulsa’s Joseph Williams, who was named the American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year. Williams, who had 30 receptions for 588 yards and five touchdowns, had offers from numerous Power Four teams, including Michigan, USC and Colorado.

Williams never signed with Utah after committing, however, and a visit to Colorado sealed the deal for the Buffaloes. Williams’ flip was a blow to Utah’s transfer portal receiving class, as the Utes lost their premier pickup.

Utah still brought in three receivers — Mississippi State’s Creed Whittemore, who chose to redshirt after four games (four receptions for 65 yards, 41 rushing yards); New Mexico’s Ryan Davis (54 receptions for 747 yards and three touchdowns) and Utah State’s Otto Tia (44 receptions for 434 yards and seven touchdowns).

Whittemore could see time in the slot for Utah, while Davis brings chemistry and time with Dampier. Tia is perhaps the most intriguing player, bringing size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) and experience as a senior to the room.

Having Joseph Williams would have really completed the room, but Utah picked up some promising pieces.

It remains to be seen if one of these transfers breaks out as a WR1 for the Utes, or if it will be one of the returning players like Zacharyus Williams (who came on strong during the last four games and finished with 10 catches for 101 yards) and Dadrien Zipperer (eight catches for 122 yards).

Cornerback

One of the more surprising portal entries this cycle was from Ute cornerback Cameron Calhoun, who couldn’t turn down an offer from Alabama and transferred to Tuscaloosa.

With Calhoun’s transfer, plus the transfers of CJ Blocker and Randle Jr., who spent time at cornerback this season, and the graduation of Zemaiah Vaughn, Utah went after three players in the portal to fill the room back up.

Utah is an easy sell to a cornerback transfer and as a result, the Utes snagged Blake Cotton, a UC Davis junior who was ranked the No. 20 cornerback in the transfer portal by 247Sports, and Jeremiah Caldwell, a Garden City Community College product who is ranked the No. 5 junior college cornerback by 247Sports.

The Utes also added Texas A&M junior Donovan Saunders, who played 33 snaps over two games with the Aggies.

Elijah Davis returns and could be slotted in a starting spot, Smith Snowden returns at nickel and Kenan Johnson was trending toward a return to Utah, Whittingham said in November. That’s a solid starting group, though the loss of Calhoun, who seemed to be poised to be a starter next year, definitely hurts.

Overall, despite the loss of Calhoun, the Utes did a great job regrouping and bolstering the cornerback position.

Defensive tackle

Utah knew it was already going to have to replace one starter at the defensive tackle position after Junior Tafuna graduated, but the Utes didn’t expect to have to replace another.

Keanu Tanuvasa threw his name into the transfer portal in a very surprising portal entry that came weeks after he seemingly reaffirmed his commitment to the Utes on social media. On Monday morning, he reportedly transferred to rival BYU, dealing a blow to Utah’s defense.

Throw in the transfer of Simote Pepa and the graduation of Tevita Fotu, and the defensive tackles room is going to look a lot different in 2025.

Aliki Vimahi and Dallas Vakalahi both started in 2024 when Tafuna and Tanuvasa were injured, and should compete for the starting roles, but a transfer portal addition to the room is needed.

Associated Press

Utah Utes (10-2, 1-0 Big 12) at Arizona Wildcats (10-4, 1-0 Big 12)

Tucson, Arizona; Tuesday, 2 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Utah faces Arizona after Gianna Kneepkens scored 24 points in Utah’s 102-82 victory against the Arizona State Sun Devils.

The Wildcats are 7-1 on their home court. Arizona is 0-1 in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Utes are 1-0 in Big 12 play. Utah is 8-1 against opponents over .500.

Arizona’s average of 5.2 made 3-pointers per game this season is only 0.1 more made shots on average than the 5.1 per game Utah gives up. Utah scores 24.0 more points per game (83.1) than Arizona gives up to opponents (59.1).

The Wildcats and Utes face off Tuesday for the first time in conference play this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jada Williams averages 1.2 made 3-pointers per game for the Wildcats, scoring 11.5 points while shooting 24.6% from beyond the arc.

Ines Vieira is averaging 6.7 points, 5.9 assists and 2.1 steals for the Utes.

LAST 10 GAMES: Wildcats: 6-4, averaging 72.9 points, 33.9 rebounds, 13.5 assists, 11.8 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 61.5 points per game.

Utes: 8-2, averaging 80.6 points, 32.5 rebounds, 18.7 assists, 8.5 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 62.7 points.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah leaders responded to the death of former President Jimmy Carter with praise for the 100-year-old’s long-standing commitment to a service-oriented life.

According to a statement from The Carter Center, President Carter died on Sunday surrounde–d by family. He had entered hospice care more than a year ago, according to the Associated Press.

“A life well lived”

In a Facebook tribute, Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson offered thanks for Carter’s “service to our country.” She added her gratitude “for his service to humanity.”

Former President Carter was elected to the U.S. presidency in 1977. He also served the people of Georgia as a state senator, and later, as the state’s governor.

“Deeply devoted to his country”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox praised President Carter’s devotion to “humanitarian efforts around the globe,” in a post on X.

Jimmy Carter lived a life of service, integrity and faith. As a man deeply devoted to his country and to humanitarian efforts around the globe, he leaves a legacy that transcends politics. Our prayers are with his family and all who mourn his passing. pic.twitter.com/1rPfnjYXJe

— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) December 29, 2024

Carter volunteered for more than 30 years at housing nonprofit Habitat for Humanity. The organization helps provide housing for low- and moderate-income households across the United States and in “more than 70 countries around the world,” according to its website.

On Sunday night, Gov. Cox ordered state flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days to recognize Carter’s death. Cox welcomed private citizens and businesses to participate in the recognition.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a statement following the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter:

“Leading by example”

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remembered the former president as a “dedicated public servant,” and offered comfort to the Carter family.

We express our deepest sympathy to the family of President Jimmy Carter and join with others in honoring his legacy of service to his country. President Carter embraced the Savior’s admonition to “love thy neighbor,” leading by example in many humanitarian causes and promoting peace worldwide. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and devoted man of faith. We pray that the Carter family may feel comfort and peace as they reflect on President Carter’s remarkable life.

“Testament to integrity, humility”

In a statement, the Utah House Democratic Caucus described an event they held in 2024. It honored President Carter and First Lady Rosalyn Carter’s “incredible legacy.”

Earlier this year, to honor President Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s incredible legacy, Utah State leaders joined Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity for a special tribute to the Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity. Utah Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla … alongside Habitat CEO Ed Blake, unveiled “Opening Doors.” The installation began as two plain white doors, symbolizing the Carters’ efforts to open doors to brighter futures for thousands of low-income families.

“A champion of human rights”

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes also noted the former president’s humanitarian work “with global charities, his church, and local community” in a post on X.

AG @SeanReyesUT and our entire AG office convey sincere condolences to the family of President Jimmy Carter, recognizing the service he rendered to our nation before, during and after he served as America’s 39th President.

From his time in the U.S. Armed Forces, his work with… https://t.co/wGjJkRS0jM

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— Utah Attorney General (@UtahAG) December 29, 2024

“Unwavering dedication to peace”

After he lost the presidency to Ronald Reagan in 1979, former President Carter created The Carter Center. According to the Associated Press, Carter didn’t want the center to be a library or museum. Rather, he wanted to build “a place where we could work.” The AP defined The Carter Center’s work as that of ” international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights.”

It was that work of Carter’s that Rep. John Curtis noted in his tribute to the former president on X.

President Jimmy Carter was a man of faith and had an unwavering dedication to peace. A copy of the Jerusalem Post from the day the Camp David Accords was signed hangs in my office. It serves as a reminder of the possibility of peace, the importance of building alliances, and the… https://t.co/cKXUMgqdjN

— Rep. John Curtis (@RepJohnCurtis) December 29, 2024

“Making the American Dream available to all”

Utah Democratic Party Chair Diane Lewis used the former president’s own words to honor former President Jimmy Carter.

“President Jimmy Carter said, ‘The test of a government is not how popular it is with the powerful and privileged few, but how honestly and fairly it deals with the many who must depend upon it.’ As Democrats, we share President Carter’s commitment to making the American Dream available to all, regardless of the circumstances of birth. May we learn from President Carter’s example as we work towards a government that works for all Americans.”