No. 13 Utah at Kansas Game Preview, Score Prediction
Nov 27, 2025, 6:21 PM
Lawrence, Ks. —The 13th-ranked Utah Utes (9-2, 6-2 Big 12) travel to Lawrence for their regular-season finale against the Kansas Jayhawks (5-6, 3-5 Big 12) on Friday.
It’s a matchup of differing but significant motivations: Utah is fighting to keep its long-shot Big 12 title hopes and College Football Playoff dreams alive. Kansas is scrapping for bowl eligibility and a memorable Senior Day upset.
The Utes have won four straight and remain in the championship hunt, but they dropped one spot in this week’s CFP rankings despite a dramatic comeback win over Kansas State, reflecting skepticism from the committee about the Big 12’s depth.
Headed to Kansas 🛫
𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒔𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑼𝒕𝒂𝒉 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍 🦃❗️#GoUtes | @MinkyCouture pic.twitter.com/SICXgdjlj5
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 27, 2025
Utah’s Path to the Big 12 Title (and CFP Hopes)
Utah’s Big 12 championship ambitions are still alive entering Week 14 – but the path is narrow. First and foremost, the Utes must beat Kansas to finish 7-2 in league play. Even with a win, Utah needs help: specifically, they’re rooting for BYU and Arizona State to both win, and for Texas Tech to lose its finale.
That scenario would create a multi-team tie for second place at 7-2, one that Utah would win via tiebreakers, sending the Utes to Arlington for the Big 12 title game. Any other combination of results would eliminate Utah from championship contention.
𝐈𝐂𝐘 ⚪️🥶#GoUtes | @SeatGeek pic.twitter.com/JzarhmvJNo
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 27, 2025
What about an at-large CFP berth if Utah doesn’t reach the title game? The odds are long. The committee dropped Utah to No. 13 even after a win, signaling that a Big 12 runner-up is unlikely to crack the top 12 without chaos.
In a 12-team playoff era, Utah likely must win the conference to get in. Nonetheless, Ute fans will be scoreboard-watching and cheering for upsets across the country to boost a potential at-large resume.
A rooting guide for Utah’s at-large hopes would include seeking outright chaos.
When Utah Has the Ball
Utah’s offense has become the terror of the Big 12 down the stretch. Under QB Devon Dampier and a mauling offensive line, the Utes are averaging 484.5 yards and 42.0 points per game (both rank top-6 nationally). The attack is powered by a dominant ground game – Utah rushes for 279.6 yards per game, second only to run-heavy service academies in the FBS.
Dampier is a true dual threat who has accounted for 26 total touchdowns. He’s thrown for 1,927 yards and 19 TDs this season, with a 64% completion rate, and added 637 yards rushing with 7 scores on the ground.
In recent weeks, Dampier’s role has been complemented by freshman backup QB Byrd Ficklin. He provides a change of pace in wildcat packages and rushed for three touchdowns against Kansas State, to push his total to 10 this season.
Wayshawn Parker brings an explosive burst and tackle-breaking balance to the Utes attack. He has amassed 836 rushing yards on 121 carries – an excellent 6.9 yards per carry – along with 6 rushing TDs (9 total touchdowns) so far.
On the perimeter, Utah’s passing game features a variety of targets even after some injury setbacks. Receiver Ryan Davis was Dampier’s go-to weapon – the senior has 57 catches for 659 yards and 4 touchdowns, leading the team in all categories. However, he left last week’s game with an injury and will miss this game.
Dallen Bentley and JJ Buchanan have contributed all season long, while Creed Whittemore and Larry Simmons both stepped up in Davis’ absence. The two combined to haul 10 receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown. Both will be critical to Utah’s passing attack on Friday.
When Kansas Has the Ball
Kansas’ offense is piloted by Jalon Daniels, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback and face of the program. After missing time with injuries earlier in the year, Daniels is back under center as the Jayhawks’ starter.
On the season he has thrown for 2,344 yards, 21 TDs, and just 4 INTs with a 64% completion rate – quietly one of the better stat lines in the Big 12. Daniels isn’t afraid to tuck it and run either; he’s added around 345 rushing yards and 3 scores on the ground.
However, the Kansas offense as a whole has been inconsistent, especially in recent weeks. The Jayhawks average a respectable 28.7 points per game but much of that came earlier in the season. Over the last four games (1-3 in that span), they’ve often struggled to sustain drives and have been prone to slow starts, and have averaged 22.2 points per game.
A big part of Kansas’ identity is supposed to be the run game – and that will be the focal point here – but it’s been middle-of-the-pack, averaging about 150–155 rushing yards per game in conference play. However, Kansas would love to establish the run early, control the clock, and replicate the ground success Kansas State had against Utah.
Their backfield duo Daniel Hishaw Jr. and Leshon Williams are both healthy. Hishaw is a tough, downhill runner- 480 yards on 102 carries, 4 touchdowns, who gains 57% of his yards after contact. Williams offers a bit more burst- 456 yards on 82 carries, team-high 7 touchdowns. The duo combined for 92 yards on just 12 carries last week, and Leipold would probably love to feed them more if game situations allow.
Kansas’ passing attack will likely play second fiddle to the run, but it can’t be ignored. Daniels’ favorite target is Emmanuel Henderson Jr., a 6-foot-1 senior wideout who has 42 catches for 653 yards and 5 touchdowns this year. Henderson is a big-play threat (15.6 yards per catch) and will test Utah’s secondary on play-action shots. Complementing him is tight end Boden Groen (31 receptions, 374 yards, 4 TDs), who led Kansas in receiving last week with 76 yards and a score. Kansas also spreads the ball to receivers Cam Pickett and Bryson Canty, and will use Hishaw/Williams as check-down options out of the backfield.
The Winning Recipe for Utah
1. Start Fast and Protect the Ball: As heavy favorites, the Utes want to seize control early and not give the Jayhawks any upset fuel. That means executing on those first few drives and avoiding turnovers. Kansas feeds off takeaways and momentum – in their wins, they’ve often capitalized on short fields. While the Jayhawks’ defense isn’t as prolific in forcing turnovers as Kansas State’s was, Utah should treat the ball like gold.
Dampier has been rock solid (only 5 interceptions on the year), but he did fumble late last week. Cleaning up any loose ball security is non-negotiable. If Utah plays a clean game (zero turnovers), it’s hard to imagine Kansas has enough firepower to win straight up. Plus, a fast start by Utah – jumping out to a lead – could take the raucous senior-day crowd out of it and force Kansas to abandon their run-heavy game plan. In short: don’t let an underdog hang around. Efficient, mistake-free drives will put Utah firmly in control.
⏳˙ʇno sɹnoɥ ɹnoɟ ʎʇuǝʍʇ ;ǝʌlǝʍʇ ǝɯɐפ
🆚 Kansas
🏟️ David Booth Kansas Memorial
⏰ FRI 11.28 | 10:00AM MT
📺 @ESPNCFB
📻 @ESPN700 / 92.1 FM#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/tzPFYRwEjv— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 27, 2025
2. Reassert Defensive Physicality: Utah’s defense must regain its identity after last week’s lapse. The key will be controlled aggression – winning the line of scrimmage and containing Jalon Daniels without over-pursuing. At the same time, Morgan Scalley can mix in timely run blitzes or stunts to prevent Kansas from finding a rhythm with Hishaw and Williams. The Utes know Kansas will try to copy Kansas State’s run scheme, so Utah’s front seven need to get knock-back, control gaps, and tackle surely.
If Logan Fano or Jonah Leaea can win their matchups and generate penetration early, it will set the tone. Utah also can’t let Daniels escape containment on scrambles; assignment-sound pass rush lanes are crucial. After giving up huge chunk runs last game, expect a focused and fired-up Utah defense. And the defense needs to embody that for all four quarters this time – swarm to the ball, communicate on the back end, and slam the door if they get a lead.
3. Lock In, Play Your Game: Kansas, facing long odds, might pull out all the stops. The Utes should be prepared for surprises – whether it’s a gadget play, onside kick, fake punt, or new wrinkle on offense. Lance Leipold is a savvy coach who knows his team must steal a few possessions or big plays to topple Utah. Ultimately, if Utah plays its game and doesn’t fall victim to self-inflicted wounds or trickery, their superior depth and talent should carry the day.
Score Prediction: Utah 41, Kansas 17
Utah has one big question to address in this game: can Utah stop the run? After the defense was embarrassed last weekend, the pride within that unit has to shine through their play.
Score Prediction: Utah 41, Kansas 17.
Ultimately, Utah takes care of business, finishing the regular season at 10-2 and doing their part in their Big 12 title run. This is an important game for Utah to play to their standard and remained locked in to finish the season strong.
