Utah the Big 12 favorite? Brett Ciancia answers | Blockcast Mailbag: Wayshawn’s Heisman case?

Has Utah become the team to beat in the Big 12? Brett Ciancia of Pick Six Previews joins Steve Bartle to explain why he has the Utes favored in every remaining game—and why he sees Utah and BYU meeting in the Big 12 championship game. We break down Utah’s offensive line, Devon Dampier’s development, Wayshawn Parker’s emergence and the defensive improvement driving a 5–0 start. Plus, Brett identifies the key advantages against Colorado and weighs in on Notre Dame–BYU, Houston–Oklahoma State and the proposed 24-team College Football Playoff. Then it’s time for the Blockcast Mailbag: Steve updates his season prediction, discusses Parker’s Heisman potential and tackles questions about Utah’s pass rush, forcing turnovers, NIL and playoff expansion. And yes, there’s room for chicken sandwiches and one questionable business proposal. CHAPTERS0:00 Welcome to Utah Blockcast1:52 Brett Ciancia joins the show3:52 Why Utah has exceeded expectations8:03 Devon Dampier’s growth and Wayshawn Parker’s rise10:54 Utah’s defensive improvement12:53 Utah–Colorado: Key matchup advantages15:26 Is Utah the Big 12 favorite?18:39 Big 12 risers, fallers and contenders22:36 Notre Dame–BYU and Houston–Oklahoma State25:56 The 24-team playoff debate29:34 A Utah–BYU Big 12 championship game?33:27 Mailbag: Updating Utah’s season prediction35:50 Parker’s Heisman potential38:30 Pressure adjustments and pass-rush concerns44:36 Punching the ball out and avoiding an upset46:11 NIL payments, revenue sharing and taxes49:07 What playoff expansion could mean for Utah55:36 Chicken sandwiches and “Remains to Be Seen” Send your mailbag questions to UTAHBLOCKCAST@GMAIL.COM. Subscribe for Utah football analysis, interviews, game previews and postgame reactions with Steve Bartle and the Utah Blockcast. #UtahFootball #UtahUtes #UtahBlockcast