Utah lists two on initial availability report for Colorado game
Oct 14, 2026, 10:02 PM | Updated: 10:04 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 10: Head Coach Morgan Scalley of the Utah Utes talks with Byrd Ficklin #15 and Tobias Merriweather #18 during warmups before their game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Rice-Eccles Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s initial availability report lists cornerback JC Hart as out and linebacker Preston Pitts as doubtful for Saturday’s game at Colorado.
The two defenders are the only Utes listed on Wednesday’s report, leaving Utah with relatively few availability concerns as it prepares for its second conference road game under Morgan Scalley.
The No. 11 Utes enter at 5-0 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play. Colorado is 2-3 and seeking its first conference victory after losing its first two league games. Kickoff at Folsom Field is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. MT on ESPN.
Utah’s availability report for Colorado.
OL Ike Garcia had been on it the past few games, Morgan Scalley shared Monday he’s back in action at practice. https://t.co/m8dX2iPfHt
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 15, 2026
Utah football’s initial availability report
Utah has one confirmed absence and one player whose status remains uncertain:
- Out: CB No. 4 JC Hart
- Doubtful: LB No. 35 Preston Pitts
No Utah players are listed as questionable or probable on the initial report. Though Hart is currently set to miss the game, it is not considered anything significant.
The short list is encouraging for a team looking to extend its unbeaten start. Utah heads to Boulder following a 41-24 victory over Kansas, its fifth consecutive game scoring at least 30 points.
Colorado availability report includes key defensive contributors
Colorado’s report is considerably longer, with five players ruled out, one doubtful, one questionable and three probable.
The most significant defensive uncertainty is lineman Lamont Lester Jr., who is listed as questionable. Lester leads Colorado with four sacks and has added six tackles for loss. His sack total accounts for 40% of the Buffaloes’ team production through five games.
Colorado’s complete initial report:
- Out: WR Danny Scudero, DB Braylon Edwards, CB Preston Ashley, LB Tyler Martinez, TE Zach Atkins
- Doubtful: WR Kam Perry
- Questionable: DL Lamont Lester Jr.
- Probable: DE Immanuel Ezeogu, TE Fisher Clements, DL Dylan Manuel
His availability could influence Colorado’s ability to pressure Devon Dampier without committing additional defenders to the rush.
The Buffaloes will be without linebacker Tyler Martinez, who has contributed 17 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and two pass breakups. His absence removes an experienced option against a Utah offense that can challenge linebackers with its running backs, quarterback runs and play-action game.
Defensive end Immanuel Ezeogu and defensive lineman Dylan Manuel are both probable. Their availability would help preserve Colorado’s rotation, particularly if Lester cannot play.
Colorado’s receiving options remain limited by absences
Receiver Danny Scudero is ruled out, while fellow receiver Kam Perry is doubtful.
Both arrived with substantial production at their previous schools. Scudero led the country in regular-season receiving yards at San Jose State in 2025. Perry earned first-team All-MAC honors after catching 43 passes for 976 yards and six touchdowns at Miami (Ohio).
That production has not carried over to Colorado this season. Scudero has five catches for 24 yards, while Perry has four receptions for 21 yards. Their availability issues have limited the Buffaloes’ ability to realize the potential of a receiving group that entered the season with considerable promise.
Colorado’s leading receivers, Joseph Williams and DeAndre Moore, are not listed on the initial report. Williams has 32 catches for 454 yards and five touchdowns, while Moore has added 18 receptions for 242 yards and a touchdown.
Tight end Zach Atkins is also out, with Fisher Clements listed as probable. Freshman defensive backs Braylon Edwards and Preston Ashley round out Colorado’s confirmed absences.
How to watch Utah football at Colorado
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
- Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. Mountain
- Location: Folsom Field, Boulder, Colorado
- TV: ESPN
- Radio: ESPN 700 AM and 92.1 FM KSL Sports
