Utah football's 5 most important skill position players for 2026

From the quarterback room to the pass-catching corps, the Utes have several key players returning on offense

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Utah's offense was one of the most productive in the country last season, averaging over 41 points and 480 yards per game. Several key skill position players are back for the Utes in 2026, including quarterback Devon Dampier, tight end Hunter Andrews, and running back Wayshawn Parker. Quarterback Byrd Ficklin and wide receiver Braden Pegan are also expected to play big roles in Utah's offense next season.

Why it matters

Utah's offensive firepower was a big reason for their 11-2 record in 2025. Maintaining that level of production will be crucial as the Utes transition to a new offensive coordinator. The continued development of players like Dampier, Andrews, and Parker, as well as the impact of newcomers like Pegan, will be key to Utah's success in 2026.

The details

Dampier was an All-Big 12 third team selection and Manning Award finalist in 2025, totaling 3,325 yards and 34 touchdowns despite playing through a sports hernia. Andrews is a versatile tight end/H-back who can contribute as both a receiver and runner, but is coming off a season-ending injury. Parker led Utah with 981 rushing yards at 6.6 yards per carry. Ficklin proved to be an effective backup QB, while Pegan had a big season at Utah State and should provide a deep threat for the Utes.

  • Utah finished the 2025 season 11-2.
  • Dampier had surgery in the offseason to repair a sports hernia.
  • Andrews missed the final 9 games of 2025 due to a season-ending injury.

The players

Devon Dampier

Utah's starting quarterback, an All-Big 12 third team nominee and Manning Award finalist in 2025 who totaled 3,325 yards and 34 touchdowns despite playing through injury.

Hunter Andrews

A versatile tight end/H-back who can contribute as both a receiver and runner, but missed most of 2025 due to a season-ending injury.

Wayshawn Parker

Utah's leading rusher in 2025 with 981 yards at 6.6 yards per carry, providing balance to the Utes' potent offense.

Byrd Ficklin

Utah's backup quarterback who proved to be an effective option, rushing for 513 yards and 10 touchdowns while also throwing for 301 yards and 3 scores in 2025.

Braden Pegan

A transfer from Utah State who led the Aggies with 60 receptions for 926 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2025, providing a deep threat for the Utes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

It'll be interesting to monitor how new offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven utilizes Andrews' versatile skillset and how the quarterback dynamic between Dampier and Ficklin plays out.

The takeaway

Utah's offense was one of the most explosive in the country last season, and the Utes have the pieces in place to maintain that level of production in 2026 despite some key losses. The continued development of players like Dampier, Andrews, and Parker, combined with the impact of newcomers like Pegan, should keep Utah's offense humming as they transition to a new coordinator.