Freshman QB Byrd Ficklin Stiff Arms Defender On First Collegiate Touchdown

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin was quick to make an impact after subbing in for Devon Dampier in the third quarter.

On just his second drive, he took off for a 38-yard touchdown run.

Making a few defenders miss on his way👀#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/3fkNnmKrWY

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 7, 2025

Ficklin took off to his right, made a defender miss, and stiff-armed the second before cruising into the end zone.

The three-star recruit out of Muskogee, Oklahoma native made his debut for Utah in week one, leading the Utes on their final drive of the game in Pasadena. He had two rushes for 20 yards.

On his second drive in game two, Ficklin connected on all three of his pass attempts for 47 yards before his scramble for six.

Utes Open 2025 Home Schedule Against Cal Poly

No. 25 Utah football hosts the Cal Poly Mustangs for their 2025 home-opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday.

After a statement week one victory over the UCLA Bruins, the Utes look to keep the ball rolling at home against an FCS opponent. Cal Poly also won its first game, defeating San Diego 41-17 on the road.

Since joining the Pac-12 back in 2011, Utah has played teams from the Big Sky a total of seven times. They are 7-0 in those games with an average margin of victory of over 33 points.

Utah Football Gameday Reading

• Cal Poly Vs No. 25 Utah Game Preview, Score Prediction
• Utah Football Vs. Cal Poly Fan Guide: TV Info, What To Wear, Top Storylines
• Utah QB Devon Dampier Looks Forward To Rice-Eccles Debut
• What Stood Out From Kyle Whittingham’s Week Two Press Conference
• Former Utah Coach Ron McBride To Be Inducted Into Utes Ring Of Honor
• Utah’s Two-Way Stars Shined In 43-10 Win, What Does It Mean Moving Forward?
• Big 12 Football Power Rankings: Utah, BYU Climb After Strong Debuts
• Pat McAfee On Utah QB Devon Dampier: “He’s Unstoppable, Absolutely Electrifying”
• Devon Dampier’s Breakout Debut Breathes New Life Into Utah Football

Utah Football Season Results

• Utes beat UCLA Bruins, 43-10

Utah Football 2025 Schedule

• Utah Football vs. Cal Poly Mustangs on Saturday, September 6
• Utah Football @ Wyoming Cowboys on Saturday, September 13
• Utah Football vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday, September 20
• Utah Football @ West Virginia Mountaineers on Saturday, September 27
• Utah Football vs. Arizona State Sun Devils on Saturday, October 11
• Utah Football @ BYU Cougars on Saturday, October 18
• Utah Football vs. Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday, October 25
• Utah Football vs. Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday, November 1
• Utah Football @ Baylor Bears on Saturday, November 15
• Utah Football vs. Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday, November 22
• Utah Football @ Kansas Jayhawks on Friday, November 28

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

Follow @CHoltSports