Kyle Whittingham On Freshman QB Byrd Ficklin: “Poised, Handled Offense Well”
Sep 8, 2025, 4:52 PM | Updated: Sep 9, 2025, 10:08 am
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - SEPTEMBER 6: Byrd Ficklin #15 of the Utah Utes breaks a tackle attempt by Mikey D'Amato #44 of the Cal Poly Mustangs during the second half of their game at Rice-Eccles Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah football freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin got his first extended looks under center in the Utes’ week two game against the Cal Poly Mustangs on Saturday.
Ficklin got on the field midway through the third quarter and connected on all four of his pass attempts for 53 yards. He also scrambled five times for 55 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham praised freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin following his week two performance, but emphasized the backup battle remains unchanged.
The freshman out of Oklahoma finished with a 91.9 PFF grade, which got a tip-of-the-hat from Whitt.
“Byrd (Ficklin) did do a great job,” Whittingham said. “I thought he really handled the offense well. Played a quarter and a half, went 4/4 throwing the ball, and had a really nice run. He really looked poised and did some good things. It’s still a work in progress.”
Still, Whittingham was quick to clarify that Ficklin’s showing doesn’t alter Utah’s long-term quarterback plans.
Utah is looking to keep Isaac Wilson on the sidelines to use a redshirt year. With injuries to Cam Rising in 2024, Wilson was the starter for most of the season. He played in nine games and finished with 1,510 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Basically, if it came down to Wilson or Ficklin in 2026, the person getting reps right now doesn’t necessarily give a sneak peek at what that battle would look like.
“I wouldn’t say the depth has necessarily changed right now,” Whittingham said. “Isaac Wilson does have a redshirt year. That, combined with wanting to find out more about Byrd in live situations, has led to what you’ve seen the last couple of weeks. But no, if (the backup QB) was a long-term situation, I’m not saying that has changed.”
Whittingham on QB2 change… “Not necessarily (any change), if it was a long-term thing, Isaac would still factor into that.” Noted that Ficklin looked poised and explosive.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) September 8, 2025
Regardless, the number of snaps without Devon Dampier under center left in the season remains to be seen. There aren’t any FCS schools left on the Utes’ schedule.
In game one against UCLA, Ficklin took the reins for the final drive of the game with Utah already leading by over 30 points. Outside of blowout situations like that or a potential injury, Dampier will continue to lead the Utes’ attack as conference play approaches.
With that said, Ficklin was impressive, and his showing ensured his name will stay in the conversation moving forward.
