Utah OC Kevin McGiven sees ‘buy-in’ and progress — but knows more is needed
Apr 17, 2026, 2:59 PM
Tight end Noah Bennee getting YAC at practice. Photo courtesy by Utah Athletics.
SALT LAKE CITY — Through the first phase of spring, Utah offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven isn’t searching for perfection.
He’s looking for progress — and, just as importantly, buy-in. So far, he’s seen both.
“I think it’s been really good,” McGiven said. “There’s been a lot of buy-in… a lot of moving parts that come with this offense, and it doesn’t always look exactly how you want it right off the bat. But the guys are putting in a lot of preparation, and we’ve seen a bunch of progress.”
That’s the reality of installing a new system. Early practices come with uneven execution. Timing is off. Details slip.
But what McGiven has emphasized — and what Utah appears to be responding to — is staying the course.
Rebuilding the foundation up front
If Utah’s offense is going to take a step forward in 2026, it starts with the offensive line. And in McGiven’s eyes, that group is trending the right direction — even if it’s still a work in progress.
“Incrementally better,” he said. “From a technical aspect — pad level, first two steps, hand placement — all those things have gotten way better.”
Under offensive line coach Jordan Gross, the focus has been on fundamentals and recognition. Utah’s defense has thrown a variety of looks at the group this spring — pressure packages, base fronts, different run fits — forcing the line to adapt in real time.
“The defense has thrown a lot at them, too, they were seeing a variety of looks, having to handle pressures and execute run schemes against both base and complex fronts,” he explained. “But they’ve done a really good job managing that. Their recognition and ability to apply the scheme has improved quite a bit.”
Between now and the time the season begins, this process will continue for the offensive line. It’s vital that individuals continue to work on their craft over the next few months. Because come fall camp, Utah needs to have answers.
“Now it’s about solidifying the group — figuring out the starting five, defining roles, and building that collective chemistry,”
Quarterback command driving the offense
At the center of everything is the quarterback room — and McGiven has been clear about what he’s seen from both Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin.
With Dampier, it starts with command.
“I’ve been really impressed with Devon’s command of the offense,” McGiven said. “His experience was evident early… and the command he’s developed, especially over the last couple practices, has been really impressive.”
The emphasis this spring hasn’t been on raw production, it’s been on operation:
- Pre-snap recognition
- Post-snap decision-making
- Handling the full structure of the offense
Dampier’s growth has shown up in how he processes — not just what he produces. Ficklin, meanwhile, is making his own strides.
While the two are at different stages in their development, McGiven made it clear that both quarterbacks bring versatility — and that creativity in how they’re used could be part of the equation moving forward. From a pure ability standpoint, McGiven doesn’t see limitations in the quarterback room.
“I think both of them really have a complete inventory,” he said. “There’s really nothing we’d shy away from.”
Ficklin, specifically, stood out for his ability to throw on the move — something McGiven called elite even on designed rollouts.
The takeaway is simple: the playbook isn’t restricted by arm talent. Now it’s about executing consistently within the structure of the offense.
Whether it was yards, touchdowns, or wins Devon Dampier proved he can produce in the Big 12 last season.
But now, it's about taking full offensive control and mastering his responsibilities. And if he makes that leap, Utah isn’t just good…https://t.co/cUkPveirlm
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) April 16, 2026
Leadership and growth at receiver
The wide receiver room is another group trending upward — and it starts with leadership.
Braden Pegan (BP), with prior experience in similar concepts, has naturally stepped into a tone-setting role. His familiarity with the system has helped accelerate the development of those around him — essentially acting as an extension of the coaching staff on the field.
“Right from the start, his experience in the system — with the routes, the concepts, all of it — pushed him into a leadership role,” McGiven said of Pegan. “He took that on willingly, wanting to help the guys around him. That prior exposure has really paid dividends, not just in his own play, but in elevating everyone else around him as well.”
Beyond Pegan, several names stood out:
- Larry Simmons — productive from day one, consistently making plays
- Creed Whittemore — steady in the slot, handling decision-heavy responsibilities
- Ricky Johnson — explosive, especially now playing with confidence
- Kyri Shoels — high-end playmaking ability, still working toward consistency
There’s no shortage of talent in the room. The question, as McGiven framed it, is consistency within the system.
Run game identity still central
Despite all the attention around Utah’s evolving passing game, the foundation of the offense hasn’t shifted. It still runs through the ground game — and that identity is showing up early.
“I think the running backs are seeing things really well right now, and Coach Atuaia has done a great job with that group,” McGiven said.
That development has been evident across the room, led by proven production from Wayshawn Parker and the continued emergence of Daniel Bray. Parker brings explosiveness and consistency after a strong 2025 season, while Bray has flashed as a downhill runner capable of maximizing limited touches.
It starts with the mindset in that room — the culture they’ve built as ball carriers. When they get opportunities, they’re running hard and physical. You see a guy like Daniel Bray, even as a smaller back, attacking downhill and finishing runs.
The group has leaned into that identity — physicality, urgency, and finishing — regardless of role or workload.
“I love the mentality they’re playing with. We’re continuing to evaluate their versatility — how we can use them in different roles and how many we can have on the field at once.
“But like last year and years before, we’re going to lean on the run game,” he shared. “We need to control the line of scrimmage and control games with how we run the football and the different elements that come with that.”
That versatility piece remains a key part of the evaluation. With Parker’s ability to handle volume and Bray’s emerging role as a change-of-pace option, Utah is exploring how multiple backs can be utilized together — a wrinkle that could add another layer to the offense.
The Bottom Line
Kevin McGiven’s early assessment of Utah’s offense is what you’d expect from a system in transition – progress, not polish.
Spring gave Utah a framework. What happens next will determine whether it becomes an identity. Over the next three months, the responsibility moves off the coaches and onto the players. Installation is largely in. The language is there. The expectations are defined. Now it’s about ownership.
For Devon Dampier and the quarterbacks, it’s mastering the details — not just knowing the play, but understanding why it works, where the answers are, and how to get there faster. For the offensive line, it’s building chemistry that can’t be coached in a meeting room — reps, communication, trust. For the receivers, it’s consistency within the structure — eliminating mental errors and becoming reliable options snap after snap. And for the running backs, it’s continuing to lean into the physical identity that this offense still depends on.
McGiven’s offense has shown enough this spring to suggest it can work. The buy-in is real, the tools are there, and the talent is capable. But whether it all comes together in the fall will depend on how much ownership this group takes between now and then.
