Utah’s Devon Dampier Is Excited To Compete In The Big 12
Jul 9, 2025, 6:47 PM | Updated: 7:23 pm
Devon Dampier on with KSL Sports radio. Photo courtesy of Utah Athletics.
Frisco, Texas – Kyle Whittingham’s new signal-caller, Devon Dampier, is excited to get to work with the Utah football program. He’s eager to play in the Big 12 Conference and lead the Utes back to success this fall.
The dangerous dual-threat quarterback is relishing the opportunity, both on and off the gridiron. He embraced the chance to be at media days and had a lot to say about his teammates and the team’s outlook in 2025.
New @Utah_Football Quarterback @Devonddampier with the crew @AlexKirryKSL @975Hans @PKKinahan
🎧: https://t.co/xmPgIRao9Z pic.twitter.com/8DeO3MVSWm— 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone (@KSLSportsZone) July 9, 2025
Big 12, meet Utah QB Devon Dampier
“Devon Dampier is a dynamic player, true dual-threat—rushed for over 1,000 yards, threw for over 2,500 yards,” head coach Kyle Whittingham shared in his media day press conference.
He is a truly dynamic dual-threat quarterback. Last season, he totaled 2,768 passing yards, 1,166 rushing yards, and 31 total touchdowns.
“I’ve been told there are only four quarterbacks [since 2016] who have been able to achieve that. I’m excited to watch him play this fall, and if spring ball is any indication, you guys are in for a treat to watch him play this fall.”
With that production, he joined Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, and Jayden Daniels as quarterbacks to throw for at least 2,500 yards and eclipse 1,000 on the ground since 2016.
“People that don’t closely follow college football won’t know what they have at quarterback this year; those that do, know that this is going to be an exciting team, it’s going to be appointment television for me.” – On3’s Ari Wasserman shared with KSL Sports.
For Dampier, his entire focus is on leading the squad back to success. He knows that it’s going to take more than just himself, and he’s excited to work with the players around him in order to achieve that.
“I play football to win games,” Dampier said. “I have a lot of faith in the guys around me, and the offensive line in front of me. I think we’ve got everything we need to get Utah back to them winning ways.”
Dampier, meet the Big 12 Conference
While his ’24 production is impressive, Dampier joins a Big 12 Conference that returns nine quarterbacks who threw for at least 2,400 yards. The other three power conferences return a total of 11 combined. So, Dampier joins a rather strong collection of productive signal callers.
“There’s a lot of talent in this league, and a lot of guys with experience,” Dampier shared. “It’s cool to be in a conference with so many great quarterbacks, and I’m really excited to show what we can do and get it going with my boys this season.”
“You look at the quarterbacks that are coming back in this league, you can’t expect to just grind out every game. You’re going to have to at least anticipate some higher scoring games and if you’re quarterback can match what you’re getting on the other side, it certainly gives Utah a chance.” – Adam Rittenberg, ESPN
The big question mark revolves around his transition to a higher level of competition. When asked about his transition, Dampier knows exactly where he needs to raise his level of play.
“Decision making, that’s the biggest part of being a quarterback, just being able to keep moving the ball forward,” Devin Dampier shared. “I think I’m getting better at times when things are getting quick, just not making bad decisions.”
Dampier recognizes that there is a higher level of competition. There are plenty of solid defenses in the Big 12, and competing against Utah’s defense this offseason has helped him make the transition.
“There’s definitely a difference in this league, I’ve seen it especially in practice,” Dampier said. “At New Mexico, the offense, we just had our way. At Utah, I’m competing against one of the top defenses in the league. It’s definitely been tough, been an adjustment, but I’ve definitely improved over time.”
