Utah Edge John Henry Daley Announces Transfer Portal Entry
Dec 30, 2025, 10:04 AM | Updated: Dec 31, 2025, 5:32 pm
Nov 1, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby (2) looks to pass against Utah Utes defensive end John Henry Daley (90) during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(90)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s defensive front will look noticeably different next season. Star edge rusher John Henry Daley has formally announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal, closing one chapter of a breakout 2025 season that ended prematurely due to a devastating injury.
He announced his intentions via Instagram:
“I’d like to thank my teammates, coaches, and Ute Nation for the incredible support these past two seasons. The experiences I’ve had here will last a lifetime. Who I consider to be family has grown significantly and I will always cherish those relationships. This rehab has given me time to pray and reflect on my future. I will be entering the transfer portal fully healthy by the spring of 2026 with two years of eligibility remaining. I’ll always love Utah. Go Utes! – John Henry Daley”
Daley — the redshirt sophomore from Alpine, Utah — was a wrecking ball for opposing offenses this fall, amassing a gaudy 11.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, 48 total tackles, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup in just 11 games before his campaign was cut short.
He was tied for the national lead in tackles for loss and ranked among the top sack artists in the country.
The season took a harsh turn during Utah’s 51–47 comeback win over Kansas State, when Daley suffered a non-contact lower-leg injury in the first quarter. He had already logged 3½ tackles for loss and two sacks before being helped off the field and ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the season.
That injury — an achilles rupture, could be devastating to Daley’s disruptive speed and leverage — sidelined him for the final two games of the season and raised questions about his future with the program.
John Henry Daley entering the transfer portal
Now, rather than returning to Salt Lake City for another run with the Utes, Daley has decided to explore opportunities elsewhere once the portal opens.
His résumé — Second-Team All-American honors, All-Big 12 First Team accolades, and national statistical prominence — should make him one of the most coveted defenders on the transfer market this winter.
From Utah’s standpoint, this move underscores the roster realities of modern college football: elite production demands opportunity, and Daley’s injury likely reshaped both his role and his valuation in a new environment. Given his injury status, the program has been through a very similar situation in recent history as well.
For the player, the portal offers a chance to reset, showcase full health, and position himself for NFL consideration without losing a beat.
The Bottom Line
Daley’s departure is a loss for Utah’s defense, given his resume and upside, it’s a move that makes sense for a player whose 2025 production — even in truncated fashion — ranked among the nation’s best. However, Daley’s injury, provides understandable pause as well.
