Before Holy War week begins, appreciate what Morgan Scalley is building at Utah
Oct 31, 2026, 10:17 PM | Updated: 10:24 pm
CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 31: Head Coach Morgan Scalley of the Utah Utes watches a replay during the first quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on October 31, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI — Before the Holy War takes over the week, Utah fans should take a moment to appreciate what Morgan Scalley has already given them.
A program carrying its familiar toughness forward with fresh energy and bigger ambitions.
Players who believe in their coach and understand their responsibility to one another.
An unbeaten team entering November.
📈‼️
#GoUtes | #RSNB
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 31, 2026
Utah is 8–0 overall and 5–0 in Big 12 play following Saturday’s 49–25 win at Cincinnati. Eight games into his first full season, Scalley has given fans considerable reason to believe the program’s best opportunities are still ahead.
The next opponent will always demand attention, especially true for Utah’s actual next opponent. There will always be another concern to address and another standard to meet. But fans should enjoy a season like this while it is happening, and appreciate the leadership helping make it possible. Scalley has made belief in Utah a daily responsibility. The people around him are responding.
Belief that players have bought into
At his introductory press conference in January, Scalley made his ambitions clear. “The goal now is playing in January, get a national championship,” he said.
Utah’s history gave him reason to aim high. Kyle Whittingham left a program with conference championships, major bowl victories and an established identity. Scalley’s challenge was to build on that foundation while getting the entire team invested in his vision.
A significant part of that effort has been extending RSNB — relentless, smart, nasty, ballhawks — throughout the program.The defense have operated with it for years, the offensive players had to embrace those expectations.
That commitment faced a meaningful test against Houston. With Utah trailing and its offense struggling, Wayshawn Parker credited the culture Scalley brought to the entire team for keeping players engaged. As Parker explained afterward, “what really showed up was our culture, and nobody’s heads went down.”
The same commitment applies when a player’s contribution involves helping someone else succeed. Braden Pegan pointed to Utah’s culture when discussing receivers’ willingness to block, explaining that their responsibilities remain important whether they produce big receiving numbers or spend the afternoon creating opportunities for teammates.
That is the buy-in Scalley deserves credit for building. Players understand what is expected, see value in their roles and take responsibility for the teammates around them. His belief in what Utah can become has given them a shared purpose, and their response is helping move the program forward.
A standard that shows up on Saturdays
Cincinnati provided the latest example. Utah arrived after an emotional victory over Houston, with growing national attention and BYU waiting next. The Utes answered concerns about a letdown with an opening defensive three-and-out, touchdowns on their first four offensive possessions and a 42–6 halftime lead.
“Really proud of our guys to come on the road after a big win against Houston to stay focused,” Scalley said afterward. The uneven second half left plenty to correct. The preparation that produced the first half still deserves its credit.
So does the willingness of players to keep contributing until their opportunities arrive. Hunter Andrews and Daniel Bray combined for four offensive touchdowns against Cincinnati, giving Utah production beyond its most established playmakers. “We’ve got a very unselfish group that understands it’s all about the team,” Scalley said. He pointed to the weeks Andrews had spent blocking for others. When his chance came, Andrews delivered five catches, 112 yards and two touchdowns.
Nate Ritchie supplied another example by chasing down a receiver to prevent a touchdown on a possession that eventually ended with a missed field goal. “That’s that relentless effort that we preach all the time,” Scalley said. “Do not give up on a play.”
These are specific behaviors a coach can teach, demand and celebrate. Utah is getting them from players throughout its roster. Scalley deserves credit for setting those expectations. His staff and players deserve credit for making them visible.
Scalley has embraced the responsibility to examine how Utah operates, trust the expertise around him and pursue better answers. His enthusiasm is backed by decisions about coaching, development and preparation.
That is why the direction of the program should excite fans. There is a plan behind the confidence, and the people carrying it out have reason to feel invested in its success.
Putting ‘WE ARE UTAH’ into action
His commitment extends across the university he represents. Scalley pledged $2 million to the football program in March. He has used his press conferences to recognize other Utah teams and encourage fans to support them. He has made recruiting the state’s best high school players a priority.
“Why would you need to leave this place?” Scalley said in explaining his recruiting message before the season. His vision asks athletes to see their biggest opportunities at Utah.
It asks supporters to invest in those opportunities and takes pride in the people representing the university across sports. That gives “WE ARE UTAH” substance.
Saturday offered a particularly fitting connection between Utah’s past and its future. Elijah Davis’ interception return extended the program’s streak to 23 consecutive seasons with a pick-six. “Well, yeah, because it started my senior year. We’ve got to keep it going,” Scalley said when asked why the streak mattered.
He helped create that tradition as a player. He is now responsible for sustaining it while helping Utah pursue achievements still beyond its reach.
UTAH WINS 🔴🔴🔴🔴
Utah: 49
Cincinnati: 25#GoUtes | #RSNB | @UofUHealth https://t.co/KcQ8QZ67oN
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 31, 2026
The Bottom Line
The Holy War will demand a great deal from Utah. So will the rest of November. The biggest tests and, more importantly, goals remain ahead. But appreciation can rise alongside expectations.
Scalley has earned praise for keeping players committed through a coaching transition, giving his staff room to improve the operation and preparing a team that has won its first eight games. His belief in Utah is reaching the people whose work determines what the program can become.
Fans have every reason to want more. Scalley has given them more reason to believe they can get it.
Before the conversation turns entirely to what Utah must do next, appreciate what he has created: a team playing for one another, an unbeaten season entering November and a program approaching its future with conviction. Then, it’s time to ready yourself for the Holy War.
