Former Utes Safety Eric Weddle Predicts Utah To Beat Texas Tech By Two Scores

SALT LAKE CITY – Former University of Utah and NFL safety Eric Weddle had a lot to say about the current Utes team and what he thinks will happen against Texas Tech on Saturday.

He gave the Red Raiders their flowers, saying they will be the first real test of the season for Utah. But he still leans heavily in favor of the home team.

“This will be a real test to see what (Utah is) about,” Weddle said. “I think they’ll pass with flying colors. There’ll be some jabs thrown in the first quarter. I honestly think when the second half comes around, they’re going to impose their will being at home with the fans and how electric it’ll be. I just think (Utah is) too good at the line of scrimmage and with Devon (Dampier) back there, I think (Utah wins) by two scores. 31 to 17 type game. I don’t see (Texas Tech) scoring more than 20 points.”

When asked about his overall thoughts on the 2025 Utes team, he first mentioned last season and how he feels that shaped this season.

With Utah’s first year in the Big 12 Conference being a struggle, Weddle believes the Utes are out for blood in year two.

“I love the energy. It almost feels like a revenge tour,” Weddle started. “Whenever the team takes the field, they’re out for vengeance from last season. They’re out to destroy people. That’s exciting. I love the additions. It’s been fun.”

Eric Weddle On Being a Utah Football Alum

It’s clear that not just Utah football, but all of college football is vastly different than what it was back in the early 2000s when Weddle wore the Utah red.

Weddle mentioned this and said that he is extremely proud of his college roots.

“I think all alumni who have played in the program are proud of what we are now,” Weddle said. “The elevation of the program, both on the field and off, the people within it, and the community. I just love Salt Lake, and I love the University. I’m really passionate about my alma mater, and I want them to be successful.”

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— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 19, 2025

Weddle is just one of dozens of former Utes to go on to be successful at the next level. It’s impressive considering that historically the program hasn’t had the recruiting prowess of some of college football’s top dogs.

He said that the Utes are built on culture and family, and that mindset alone allows them to flourish in the NFL.

“It’s a team-first mentality. It’s being physically and mentally tough. It means playing for the guy next to you, it means really buying in to your teammates and building a relationship. I think we’re one of the few programs across the country that still value continuity, culture, commitment, and loyalty. And we really preach it. It’s a special place.”

About Eric Weddle

Weddle closed out his standout career at Utah with an impressive stat line: 277 total tackles (165 solo), 10 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries (two returned for touchdowns), 18 interceptions (three pick-sixes), and 23 pass breakups.

His 18 career interceptions once set the Mountain West record and still rank second all-time in Utah history.

Weddle was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in both 2005 and 2006. He earned first-team All-MWC honors those same seasons, making him a four-time all-conference pick. He was a consensus All-American in 2006 and received Freshman All-America recognition from the FWAA in 2003.

Weddle played for the Utes two more seasons after going undefeated in 2004 before eventually being picked up by the San Diego Chargers in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

He went on to play 14 seasons in the NFL, racking up two first-team All-Pro selections, three second-team All-Pro honors, six Pro Bowl appearances, and a Super Bowl LVI title with the L.A. Rams in 2021—after coming out of retirement to help seal the deal.

Since retiring from professional football, Weddle has coached high school.

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.

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