Morgan Scalley, Utah football leaders set to represent Utes at Big 12 Media Days

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah football’s new era will step into the Big 12 spotlight next month. Head coach Morgan Scalley, along with Devon Dampier, Wayshawn Parker, Lance Holtzclaw and Johnathan Hall will represent the Utes at 2026 Big 12 Football Media Days on Wednesday, July 8, at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

The group is a fitting snapshot of where Utah stands entering the season: a first-year head coach, a proven quarterback, an explosive offensive weapon and two defensive leaders who reflect the program’s long-standing identity.

The lineup for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 @Big12Conference 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 is 🔒

Catch us July 8 on day two at The Star in Frisco, TX ‼️

Both days will be broadcasted live on @ESPNU from 9AM-2PM and simulcasted on @big12studios. #GoUtes | #RSNB pic.twitter.com/GEDyC5u8Rf

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) June 26, 2026

Morgan Scalley’s first media day as head coach of Utah football

For Scalley, Big 12 Media Days will be one of his first major conference-stage appearances as Utah’s head coach. After years as one of the key architects of Utah’s defensive success, he now becomes the public face of the program.

That makes this more than a routine summer media event.

Utah is in a transition year, but not a rebuild. Scalley is tasked with carrying forward the toughness, player development and defensive edge that helped define the program under Kyle Whittingham while also modernizing Utah for the current era of college football. That means answering questions about roster management, NIL, recruiting, offensive evolution and how quickly the Utes can become his team.

Devon Dampier back again in 2026

Dampier is back at Big 12 Media Days after stepping into the spotlight last year.

The senior quarterback gives Utah one of the Big 12’s most dynamic offensive pieces after throwing for 2,490 yards and 24 touchdowns last season while adding 835 rushing yards and 10 scores. His dual-threat ability changes the math for Utah’s offense and gives the Utes a proven playmaker at the sport’s most important position.

Dampier’s next step will be about command more than talent. His presence in Frisco reinforces what is already clear: the Utes’ offensive ceiling is tied directly to how far Dampier can take them.

Wayshawn Parker will be at Media Days

Parker gives Utah another major piece of that offensive identity.

The junior running back rushed for 981 yards and six touchdowns last season while averaging 7.0 yards per carry. He also led the team in all-purpose production, giving Utah a home-run threat who can punish defenses when they overcommit to Dampier.

That pairing should be one of Utah’s biggest strengths. Dampier stresses defenses as a runner and passer, while Parker gives the Utes a back who can turn routine run-game looks into explosive plays. For a program that still wants to win with physicality, Parker adds speed and versatility without pulling Utah away from its identity.

Lance Holtzclaw, Johnathan Hall representing the defense

Holtzclaw played in all 13 games last season and finished with 26 tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and three pass breakups. He also started in the Las Vegas Bowl, giving Utah another experienced piece up front.

His selection speaks to what Utah will need from its defensive front. The Utes have traditionally been at their best when they control the line of scrimmage, stop the run and create pressure without constantly relying on extra bodies. Holtzclaw will be counted on to help maintain that standard.

Hall may be Utah’s clearest defensive leader heading into the season. The senior linebacker started all 13 games in 2025 and led the team with 67 tackles. He also added six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, five passes defended and an interception while earning All-Big 12 honorable mention recognition.

Hall’s path also reflects Utah’s development model. After beginning his career at safety, he transitioned to linebacker and became one of the team’s most productive defenders. His athletic background gives Utah a modern linebacker who can fit the run, cover space and handle the speed of Big 12 offenses.

The Bottom Line

Together, Utah’s Media Days group tells the story of the 2026 team. That balance is exactly what Utah will need as it enters Scalley’s first season in charge.

Media Days will not decide anything, but it will offer the Big 12 its first extended look at the next version of Utah football. For a program trying to honor what it has been while proving what it can become, the faces heading to Frisco make plenty of sense.

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.

Take us with you, wherever you go. Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

Follow @BartleKSLsports