Utah QB Devon Dampier Looks Forward To Rice-Eccles Debut
Sep 3, 2025, 1:12 PM
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 30: Ryan Davis #9 congratulates Devon Dampier #4 of the Utah Utes after his rushing touchdown during the second half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium on August 30, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah QB and early-season Heisman Trophy contender Devon Dampier showed in week one why he may be one of the most exciting talents in the nation this season.
Dampier joined Chris Huston on The Heisman Trophy Podcast to discuss why he chose the Utah football program and his excitement for Saturday’s home opener against the Cal Poly Mustangs.
“I’m super excited,” Dampier said through a smile when asked about playing in front of the home crowd on Saturday. “The MUSS is a real thing. I’m excited to see our student section for sure, and just the fan base as well.”
RELATED: Dampier’s Breakout Debut Breathes New Life Into Utah Football
EPISODE 3 IS LIVE! 🔥 @Utah_Football QB @Devonddampier joins the Heisman Trophy Podcast after a sparkling debut against UCLA this past Saturday. The explosive dual threat quarterback brings a dynamism to the defensive-minded Utes that hasn't been seen since the days of Alex… pic.twitter.com/24EgZCSyDG
— The Heisman Trophy (@HeismanTrophy) September 3, 2025
Dampier is a massive fan of the Marvel superhero Spider-Man. If he can continue honing his ‘Spidey senses’ like he did in Utah’s season-opener in the Rose Bowl, it’s safe to assume Peter Parker sightings will become a common occurrence up on the hill.
“The Spidey senses was kind of the biggest part, just on the field, that tends to activate,” Dampier said of the persona he takes on when playing.
Devon Dampier gives QB-starved Utah fans hope in debut
Dampier was a breakout star with the University of New Mexico last season, earning All-Mountain West first-team recognition under offensive coordinator Jason Beck. With the duo now running the Utes’ offense, more fireworks can be expected.
“He totally believes in my talents on the field, and he totally believes in Coach Beck as well,” Dampier said of head coach Kyle Whittingham’s hands-off approach to that side of the ball. “He definitely let us know that if we came here, it was going to be up to us. He gave us that power.”
Big 12 Football Power Rankings: Utah, BYU Climb After Strong Debuts
The Heisman Trophy Podcast returns tomorrow with Episode 3 featuring @Utah_Football QB Devon Dampier and a special chat with @espn_billc! 🔥#Heisman | #MoreThanATrophy pic.twitter.com/o6IfaraeLH
— The Heisman Trophy (@HeismanTrophy) September 2, 2025
If week one is any indication, it was the correct decision.
Dampier set a career-high for completion percentage, connecting with his intended target on 21 of 25 (84 percent) pass attempts. He finished with 206 yards and two touchdowns through the air, and 87 yards rushing and a TD on 16 carries.
RELATED STORIES
Follow Utah football with KSL Sports
The Utes open their 2025 home schedule by hosting the Cal Poly Mustangs at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, September 6. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. MT.
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.
You can find KSL Sports coverage of the Utes here.
Are you on Threads yet? Let’s connect; follow us at @kslsports.
Take us with you wherever you go.
Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24.
