Devon Dampier, Quarterbacks Headline Spring Game Storylines For Utah Football

SALT LAKE CITY—​Kyle Whittingham’s Utah football program is set to host their annual 22 Forever Spring Game on Saturday.

This will be the first look at the 2025 team for fans, and the offense vs defense format should provide some good entertainment.

Kickoff from Rice-Eccles Stadium is set for 1:00 p.m. MT at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐲'𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰!🙌 @Rice_Eccles @utahathletics pic.twitter.com/tmalrkp7tp

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) April 18, 2025

Utah Spring Game Storylines

Devon Dampier, Isaac Wilson, Byrd Ficklin

Everyone will be eager to get their first look at quarterback Devon Dampier. He is set to be the starter and leader for Utah in 2025. With what he accomplished in 2024, there’s plenty of reason to be excited about his game.

RELATED: Devon Dampier: Utah Football’s New Leader Redefining The Offense

Dampier, who transferred from New Mexico along with offensive coordinator Jason Beck, has great command of the offensive scheme. Beck’s offense, known for its spread and run-pass-option elements, aims to revitalize a unit that struggled in previous seasons.

Fans should be prepared to see only a limited amount of Dampier before he gives way to Isaac Wilson and Byrd Ficklin. The two young quarterbacks have been getting a crash course on the new offense, and they’ll likely play the bulk of the spring game.

There is familiarity with Wilson, but also intrigue surrounding his acclimation to a new offense. There will be plenty of interest in watching Ficklin, the lefty true freshman who impressed throughout spring ball and should on Saturday.

𝟐𝟒 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐔𝐓 from the #22Forever Game‼️

Here is your official timeline of the day! We look forward to seeing the best fans in the country back in @Rice_Eccles Stadium‼️#GoUtes | @utahathletics pic.twitter.com/tBfYT0cC8J

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) April 18, 2025

The new-look offense

There won’t just be new faces to become familiar with; there will be a new-look offense to take in as well. Jason Beck brought an exciting offensive scheme to Utah, and one that has softened the learning curve for players.

“It’s working well, and it’s an offense that is user-friendly,” Kyle Whittingham said. “There’s a lot of pre-snap explanations for the players, there’s not a lot of rote memory, that helps out when you’re new to the program, new to the offense, it reduces that learning curve.” 

In Beck’s offense, the decision-making process is simplified, yet it still incorporates a great deal of creativity. The offense is built around the read-option, which can be tweaked in numerous ways. There will be a variety of different looks, particularly in the run game, which should be music to Utah fans’ ears.

RELATED: Utah Defense Seems Hell-Bent On Improving In 2025

Expect to see a lot of youth

There’s been a growing concern across the country over spring games, and player exposure leading to tampering issues. The Utah staff considered whether to hold the spring game at all this year, but ultimately agreed that it still serves an important purpose for the program’s growth.

“You can’t be scared to do everything, we’ve got to get guys better, that’s our No. 1 objective,” Whittingham said. “And there’s a lot of guys in this program right now that could use this spring game to get better.”

Whittingham noted that most starter-level players won’t be featured prominently in the spring game. Approximately 11-13 players will be held out of the game, as the coaching staff plans to use the scrimmage primarily to develop younger talent.

RELATED: Dallas Vakalahi Grateful For The Culture, Tradition In Utah Football’s Defensive Tackle Room

2026 high school recruits on campus

The spring game is always a good opportunity for recruiting. Utah has welcomed prospects to campus throughout spring ball, they’re currently hosting a group of official visitors, and will welcome many more tomorrow.

Of note, Utah has brought in the following high school prospects for official visits:

• Tommy Tofi, OL
• Preston Pitts, Edge
• Luc Weaver, WR
• Logan Hirou, S

Beyond all the local prospects attending, other noteworthy high school visitors who will be unofficially visiting:

• Colby Simpson, TE (commit)
• Kelvin Obot, OL
• Gavin Day, S

Utah football’s spring game format

Utah will continue with its plans to hold a spring game. Though many other programs have changed the format completely or limited access to the game, Whittingham and Utah will move forward with a format that should be fairly entertaining.

It will be offense vs defense, where the defense will earn points for certain havoc plays, defensive stops, and other elements.  Here’s a rundown of the scoring opportunities for both the offense and defense.

Offense:

• TD: 6 points
• FG: 3 points
• PAT: 1 point

Defense:

• TD: 6 points
• Turnover: 4 points
• Stop before 50: 3 points
• Stop after 50/Hold to FG: 2 points
• Sack: 2 points
• Failed 2-point conversion: 2 points
• Safety: 2 points

How To Watch Utah Football’s Spring Game

• Date & Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. MT

• Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City

• Broadcast: Live on ESPN+

• Tickets: Available at utahtickets.com​

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

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