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BYU and Utah named X factors for upcoming college football season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 4:45 PM

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

BYU and Utah named X factors for upcoming college football season

Summary

ESPN identified key players for BYU and Utah ahead of the new college football season. BYU is ranked No. 12 and Utah No. 18 in projections, with Cade Uluave, a transfer linebacker from Cal, highlighted as the Cougars' X factor. For Utah, backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin, who had a notable performance last season, is named an essential player as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign. Both teams are expected to compete for top spots, with the AP poll set to release on August 17.

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By the Numbers

•BYU ranked No. 12 and Utah No. 18 in ESPN projections.
•Cade Uluave recognized as BYU's key player for the season.
•Byrd Ficklin named a crucial player for Utah's offense.
•AP poll scheduled for release on August 17.

Latest Updates

4:45 PMYahoo Sports — Here are the X factors for BYU and Utah this season, according to ESPN

What they're saying

"
In the run-up to the start of the college football season, ESPN released a list of “X factors” for each team it projects to start the campaign ranked in the top 25. BYU and Utah both landed on the list, with ESPN ranking the Cougars No. 12 and the Utes No. 18 (in the coaches poll released Tuesday, both teams were three spots lower, with BYU at No. 15 and Utah at No. 21. For the Cougars, Cal transfer linebacker and Utah native Cade Uluave was named the X factor, while backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin was named the X factor for the Utes.
— Yahoo Sports

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