Utah Football’s 2026 Schedule Released
Jan 21, 2026, 9:58 AM | Updated: Jan 22, 2026, 11:03 am
Dec 31, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes interim coach Morgan Scalley watches from the sidelines against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
SALT LAKE CITY— A season built on opportunity — and very little margin for error. Utah’s 2026 schedule doesn’t scream gauntlet, but it also doesn’t hand you anything for free.
Utah was able to right the ship this past season, and for Morgan Scalley and the Utes in 2026, it’s about staying on course and taking care of business.
The path is set. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒏‼️
The 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ schedule is officially here‼️
Interested in tickets? Follow the link below ⤵️https://t.co/s48apKPAA3
* Games may be adjusted to Fridays, other special dates, or Black Friday. These determinations will be announced in… pic.twitter.com/na92SQvybc
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) January 21, 2026
Non-conference: A runway for momentum
Utah opens the season with three straight home games, each play in important role in setting up the Utes for success.
Week 1: vs. Idaho
This is the definition of a tone-setter. Utah should win comfortably, but the real value is in showing who they are early: physical up front, clean in assignments, ruthless in finishing drives. Anything less than control from the opening quarter is a red flag.
Week 2: vs. Arkansas
This is one of the most important non-conference games for the Big 12. Arkansas brings SEC size, SEC depth, but it is going through a bit of a transition. This is where Utah gets tested — and can provide a lot of answers for what to expect the rest of the season. This will be tough but with the home crowd and a game to iron out execution, the Utes should be in good shape.
Week 3: vs. Utah State
Rivalry games are never “easy,” but this one is about discipline. Utah State will throw wrinkles, tempo, and emotion at it. Utah’s job is to absorb it and suffocate the game by halftime.
A 3–0 start isn’t just a goal, it should be the expectation.
The Big 12 Path
The structure of conference play is sneaky difficult. Utah will be tested but this is a pretty manageable path.
Week 4: at Iowa State
Ames in late September is football honesty hour. Iowa State doesn’t beat itself, doesn’t panic, and doesn’t care about hype. Utah will need patience offensively and discipline defensively.
The Cyclones are going through a major transition after Matt Campbell left for Penn State. Jimmy Rogers has been named the new head coach and comes with a very solid resume.
This will be a tough one out the gate for Utah.
Week 5: Bye Week
Factoring in three weeks of physical fall camp practice, the bye week is well-timed. Utah not only gets a chance to rest up, but more imoprtantly, self-scout before the Big 12 grind ramps up.
Week 6: vs. Kansas
Following the bye week, Utah welcomes the Kansas Jayhawks to Rice-Eccles Stadium. The Jayhawks will play a game in London against Arizona State in week three, then return to a bye in week four, before a matchup against Middle Tennessee State the week before this one.
Week 7 at Colorado
Utah embarrassed Colorado this season, and Coach Prime likely won’t forget that any time soon. The Buffs are going through another major roster turnover but will be talented.
Week 8: vs. Houston
This is a big game. Houston has the athletes to stress you, while the consistency to beat disciplined teams has improved. Utah must protect home field here — especially with a tough November stretch looming.
Week 9: at Cincinnati
With this one sandwiched between Houston and BYU at home, this has trap game written all over it. Cincinnati lost a lot of valuable pieces to the puzzle from this year’s roster, namely quarterback Brendan Sorsby, but this could be tough if the Utes overlook here.
November is where the season is defined
This is where good teams separate themselves from paper contenders.
Week 10: vs. BYU
The Holy War needs no marketing. Having it at home matters — a lot. Emotion will be maxed out, mistakes magnified, and narratives written either way.
Week 11: at Arizona
Following the rivalry game, Utah travels south for a tough test in the desert. Arizona can score, run the ball, and turn games chaotic, thanks to a much tougher defense. Games in Tucson in November tend to be wild, and with this coming after the BYU game, it raises the difficulty a tad.
Week 12: at TCU
Arguably the toughest road spot on the schedule. TCU late in the year is physical, aggressive, and rarely forgiving. This feels like a de facto Big 12 eliminator type game. Championship teams steal wins like this.
Week 13: vs. West Virginia
Senior Day. Home finale. This is where Utah needs to look like a team that’s been sharpened, not worn down. West Virginia is rugged but beatable — and Utah should want this one to be academic by the fourth quarter.
The Bottom Line
This schedule sets Utah up well next season. The toughest games will be at home and as long as Utah takes care of business there, the Utes should be in contention.
Why it works in Utah’s favor:
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Strong home start and finish, seven games at Rice-Eccles
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Manageable non-conference slate with one real measuring stick
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Bye week placed just before the competition gets tough
Where it can go sideways:
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A poor showing early against Arkansas or Iowa State
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Utah has eight straight games after the bye, with a doozy five-game stretch after the bye
- After the Holy War, Utah has back-to-back roadies in late November
If Utah takes care of business at home and even just splits the toughest road games, Arlington is very much in play. This isn’t a flashy schedule — it’s one that will require discipline and Utah taking care of business.
Utah opens with three straight home games and closes with two of its final four at Rice-Eccles, including the Holy War and Senior Day. That’s a real advantage if Utah takes advantage of it. Drop a home game, though, and suddenly the margin for error disappears fast.
