Utah football availability report: Hunter Andrews questionable, Kelvin Obot remains injured

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah football listed two players out and another questionable on its initial availability report ahead of Saturday’s road game against Cincinnati.

Wide receiver Daidren Zipperer and linebacker Tayson Reid are out, while tight end Hunter Andrews is questionable. Those were the three Utah players included in Wednesday’s listing.

Utah remains pretty healthy, and a decent chance Hunter Andrews will be good to go.

For Cincinnati, Taran Tyo is a very good OL. Josh Hough is a rotational DL. https://t.co/0GI66XmRWo

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 29, 2026

What about Kelvin Obot?

There is also an important clarification regarding freshman offensive lineman Kelvin Obot, whose absence from the report does not indicate a return.

KSL Sports has confirmed that Obot’s status has not changed. He remains injured despite not appearing on the availability report.

Obot was injured against Colorado and missed Utah’s win over Houston. His absence has required the Utes to adjust along the offensive line, with Roger Alderman starting at left guard against the Cougars.

On Monday, head coach Morgan Scalley said Obot was seeking a second opinion to help determine his options moving forward. Scalley acknowledged the possibility that the injury could end his season, though that outcome had not been determined.

“He’s still unavailable, but progressing,” Scalley said.

For Utah, Andrews’ status remains another item to monitor as the week progresses. The tight end’s questionable designation leaves his availability unsettled, while Zipperer and Reid have already been ruled out.

Cincinnati has several players whose availability remains uncertain

Cincinnati’s biggest availability questions are up front, with starting center Taran Tyo and nose tackle Josh Hough both questionable.

Tyo, a fifth-year lineman on the Rimington Trophy midseason watch list, anchors the Bearcats’ offensive line. His absence would be a significant loss for Cincinnati’s running game and protection against Utah’s defensive front.

Hough, a 335-pound senior, started the first six games before missing the Texas Tech win. He has 15 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks, making him an important piece of Cincinnati’s interior defense. Freshman Jonathan Rulo started in his place last week.

Starting slot receiver Isaiah Johnson is probable. He ranks second on the team with 26 catches for 245 yards and a touchdown, giving quarterback JC French IV an established option underneath.

The remaining designations primarily affect depth. Receiver Giyahni Kontosis, who has five catches for 39 yards, is out. Reserve linebacker Montay Weedon, who has seven tackles, is doubtful. Tight end DaMari Witherspoon is out and has not played this season, while freshman receiver Jalen Williams is probable after three appearances without a catch.

The Big 12 requires daily availability updates beginning three days before conference games, with a final report released 90 minutes before kickoff. That leaves time for the questionable designations to change before Saturday’s matchup.

No. 6 Utah enters the game at 7-0 overall and 4-0 in Big 12 play. Cincinnati is 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the conference.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. Mountain on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Nippert Stadium. The game will air on ESPN.

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

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