Utah Utes Football Sees Offensive Progress in Spring Practice

Head coach Morgan Scalley provides updates on offensive line, running backs, and more as team enters third week of spring ball.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:19am

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Utah Utes head football coach Morgan Scalley is pleased with the progress the team has made in the first three weeks of spring practice. The offense performed well in a recent scrimmage, with the offensive line continuing to improve and standout performances from tight end Hunter Andrews, receiver Nate Johnson, and running backs Wayshawn Parker and Daniel Bray. Scalley also highlighted the need for consistency from the centers and for defensive tackles Karson Kaufusi and Pupu Sepulona to make the jump from freshman to sophomore year.

Why it matters

As the Utes look to build on last season's success, the progress made during spring practice will be crucial in developing the team's offensive and defensive lines, which were areas of concern in 2025. Scalley's updates provide insight into which players are stepping up and where the team still needs to improve ahead of the 2026 season.

The details

In the team's recent scrimmage, Scalley said the offense got the better of the defense, with the offensive line continuing to make strides. He highlighted tight end Hunter Andrews, receiver Nate Johnson, and running backs Wayshawn Parker and Daniel Bray as standouts in practice. However, Scalley noted the centers, Alex Harrison and Isaiah Kema, need to improve the consistency of their snaps. On defense, Scalley is looking for defensive tackles Karson Kaufusi and Pupu Sepulona to make the jump from freshman to sophomore year, while also praising the addition of San Jose State transfer Jireh Moe.

  • The Utes held a scrimmage on Saturday, March 30, 2026 at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
  • Spring practice is entering its third week.

The players

Morgan Scalley

First-year head coach of the Utah Utes football team.

Hunter Andrews

Utah tight end returning from an early-season injury last year.

Wayshawn Parker

Utah's RB1, described by Scalley as a steady and reliable presence for the offense.

Daniel Bray

Utah sophomore running back who has been turning heads in spring practice.

Karson Kaufusi

Utah defensive tackle who Scalley says needs to make the jump from freshman to sophomore year.

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What they’re saying

“Love what I saw out of Way today. Physicality, leadership. When things aren't going right, he's the guy that you can hand the ball to and he's going to give you everything he's got.”

— Morgan Scalley, Head Coach

“Bray, the biggest positive so far is him. What he's doing, he's built his body up, buying into the culture. He had a play in the scrimmage on Saturday where (receiver Kyri Shoels), you see Shoels going for a touchdown on that deep ball and he sprints and gets out in front and blocks.”

— Morgan Scalley, Head Coach

What’s next

The Utes will continue spring practice over the next eight sessions, with a focus on situational work, two-minute drills, and four-minute drills.

The takeaway

Utah's offense appears to be making solid progress in spring practice, led by standout performances from the offensive line, running backs, and skill position players. However, the team still needs to shore up consistency issues at center and see continued development from key defensive tackles. Scalley seems pleased with the overall trajectory of the team as they prepare for the 2026 season.