Quarterback Brandon Rose has transferred back to Utah
Jun 7, 2026, 2:22 PM | Updated: 2:40 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 9: Brandon Rose #8 of the Utah Utes warmups before their game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 9, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — Brandon Rose has returned to Utah, the former Utes quarterback has transferred back after spending last season at UMass.
Rose entered the transfer portal in January and now rejoins the program as a walk-on. Though a lot of the football program is new, like the head coach, there is familiarity with how things are done.
This is noteworthy for a few reasons, most importantly is that it provides an experienced player in the quarterback room. There is familiarity with the program and roster, as many of his former teammates are still here. He understands the culture and has already been through multiple seasons inside Utah’s system.
A picture of Rose was included in the latest Instagram photo carousel posted by the program.
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Brandon Rose returns to the Utah QB room
Rose originally signed with Utah as part of the 2022 recruiting class and spent multiple seasons in the program before entering the transfer portal. During his first stint in Salt Lake City, Rose was viewed as a developmental quarterback with arm talent, toughness and long-term upside. His path was slowed by injuries and a crowded quarterback room, but he remained a respected figure inside the program.
Now, he will rejoin a room that features Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin. The returning starter at Utah and one of the most important players in the Big 12 entering the 2026 season. Ficklin showcased tremendous potential in year one, and will serve as the primary option behind Dampier.
They’re return gives the Utes stability at the top after the two emerged as one of the better quarterback tandems in the Big 12. But the quarterback room behind those two matters, too. The only other quarterbacks were true freshmen Kane Archer and Mike Johnson Jr., which is why Rose’s return is so valuable.
Utah has learned better than most how quickly a season can change when injuries hit the position. Adding Rose means there is another quarterback with college experience, program familiarity and enough physical ability to provide depth at a critical position.
The Bottom Line
Brandon Rose returning to Utah is not about creating a quarterback controversy, it’s is about strengthening the room.
Dampier remains the centerpiece. Ficklin remains a major part of the future. Rose gives Utah another experienced, familiar option who understands the program and can help stabilize the depth chart.
For a team with Big 12 title expectations, that is a sensible roster move — and one that gives Utah a little more protection at the position that can define a season.
