League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Morgan Scalley takes charge of Utah football for 2026 season

Salt Lake Tribune • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 4:53 PM

Last updated Sep 3, 2026

Morgan Scalley takes charge of Utah football for 2026 season

Summary

Morgan Scalley begins his tenure as head coach of the Utah Utes on Thursday with a season opener against Idaho. Scalley stepped into the role following the departure of longtime head coach Kyle Whittingham, who moved to the Michigan coaching staff after negotiations with Utah for the 2026 season failed. The transition includes new coordinators Kevin McGiven and Colton Swan, alongside a roster that retains quarterback Devon Dampier and several other key contributors. While the program focused on recruiting through the transfer portal to bolster the receiver group and defensive line, analysts remain divided on the team's outlook. Predictions for the Utes' final record in the Big 12 range from 10-2 to 7-5, with experts highlighting the performance of the reconstructed lines as the defining factor for the season.

Source Links

Salt Lake Tribune Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Utah plays Idaho at home on Thursday at 7 p.m. MDT.
•Morgan Scalley succeeds Kyle Whittingham as head coach.
•Devon Dampier returns as the starting quarterback for the Utes.
•Kevin McGiven and Colton Swan serve as the new offensive and defensive coordinators.
•Pundit win projections for Utah range from 7 to 10 victories this season.

Latest Updates

12:03 PMSalt Lake Tribune — Morgan Scalley has a new job — and a new way of doing things: 3 takeaways from Utah football’s win over Idaho - The Salt Lake Tribune
4:53 PMYahoo Sports — What college football pundits predict for Utah’s season

What they're saying

"
Morgan Scalley looked different in his first home game as Utah’s head coach. Here are three takeaways from the Utes’ 66-14 win over Idaho.
— Salt Lake Tribune