Former Utah TE Brant Kuithe to workout at Utah’s 2026 Pro Day
Mar 16, 2026, 10:03 AM | Updated: 10:55 am
SALT LAKE CITY — More than a year after an injury that ended his college career, Brant Kuithe will finally get the opportunity to put his football future back on the field.
The former Utah tight end is expected to participate in the Utes’ 2026 Pro Day on Thursday, he will be one of several former Utes working out for evaluators. He returns to the practice field in front of NFL scouts for the first time since suffering a season-ending injury during Utah’s rivalry game against BYU in 2024.
For Kuithe — who missed the traditional pre-draft process last year while recovering — the day represents a rare second chance to show NFL teams that after a year of rehab, he’s healthy and still capable of playing at the next level.
Brant Kuithe’s pro day opportunity
Few players in recent Utah history embodied the program’s identity the way Kuithe did.
Arriving in Salt Lake City as a versatile offensive weapon, Kuithe quickly became one of the most reliable and dynamic pieces of Utah’s offense. He lined up everywhere — in-line tight end, slot receiver, H-back — and built a reputation as a matchup nightmare thanks to his blend of toughness, route running, and yards-after-catch ability.
Before injuries disrupted the latter stages of his career, Kuithe had already cemented himself among the most productive tight ends in school history. His ability to operate in Utah’s multiple tight-end sets made him a central figure in the offense during the program’s Pac-12 championship years.
He was a significant part of one of the most successful eras the program has ever seen, helping the Utes win multiple conference championships and become a fixture in nationally relevant games. His combination of physicality and versatility made him a reliable option in big moments and ultimately a fan favorite.
But injuries became the defining challenge of his final seasons. After missing most of the 2022 season with a knee injury, Kuithe worked his way back to the field — only to see his career come to a heartbreaking end in the rivalry game against BYU in 2024.
Thursday’s Pro Day won’t erase the injuries that shaped the end of Kuithe’s college career. NFL teams already know the medical history. But Pro Day offers something Kuithe never got the first time around: the opportunity to show teams how he moves now.
Scouts will be watching his speed, change-of-direction ability, and explosiveness — the traits that once made him one of the most difficult tight ends in the Pac-12 to defend. If he shows that the burst and fluidity have returned, Kuithe could give himself a realistic chance at earning a rookie minicamp invitation or training camp opportunity.
Another familiar face returning to throw
Utah’s Pro Day will also feature a familiar quarterback delivering passes during the workout.
Former Utah State and Utah quarterback Bryson Barnes is expected to participate in the workout as the throwing quarterback for skill players. Barnes, who spent the 2024 season with the Utes after beginning his career in Salt Lake City before transferring to Utah State, has maintained close ties to the program.
Pro Days often rely on quarterbacks who can deliver consistent, accurate throws during route-running drills, allowing receivers and tight ends to showcase their timing, hands, and route precision for NFL scouts.
For players like Kuithe — whose evaluation will depend heavily on how he moves and catches the ball — having a familiar quarterback helping run the workout provides a smoother environment for scouts evaluating the drills.
Barnes’ participation adds another recognizable Utah name to a day that will already feature several players hoping to extend their football careers.
2025 Utes looking to impress
Kuithe will be part of a sizable Utah contingent expected to participate in Thursday’s workout.
Among the most prominent names drawing attention from NFL evaluators are offensive tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu, both of whom impressed scouts during the pre-draft process and at the NFL Combine earlier this month.
The Pro Day will give both linemen another opportunity to perform positional drills and meet with teams.
Several other Utah players are also expected to take part in the workout, including:
- Tanoa Togiai (offensive lineman)
- Jaren Kump (offensive lineman)
- Michael Mokofisi (offensive lineman)
- Dallen Bentley (tight end)
- Ryan Davis (receiver)
- Logan Fano (defensive end)
- Aliki Vimahi (defensive lineman)
- Lander Barton (linebacker)
- Blake Cotton (cornerback)
- NaQuari Rogers (running back
For some players, Pro Day serves as a follow-up opportunity after the NFL Combine. For others who were not invited to Indianapolis, it represents their best chance to perform in front of a full group of NFL scouts.
Utah’s reputation for producing NFL-ready linemen and defensive front players means evaluators will likely be paying close attention to the group workouts along the line of scrimmage.
The Bottom Line
Pro Day will be a workout, but it will also be something more personal for Brant Kuithe — a final chance to show that the story of his football career might not be finished after all.
A year after the injury that seemed to close the door, he’ll step back onto the field in Salt Lake City with NFL scouts watching — alongside a large group of former teammates chasing the same goal. For Kuithe, it’s about proving the body is ready again.
And for the rest of Utah’s Pro Day participants, Thursday represents the next step toward turning their college careers into professional opportunities.
For players like Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu, and Lander Barton, it’s a final opportunity to reinforce what scouts already believe after strong college careers and solid pre-draft evaluations. For others who didn’t receive Combine invites, it’s the most important job interview they’ll get.
All in all, Utah’s Pro Day will once again serve as the program’s latest reminder of its steady pipeline to the NFL.
