Utah gains recruiting ground after the rivalry win over BYU
Nov 9, 2026, 4:31 PM | Updated: 4:35 pm
Devon Dampier celebrates a touchdown in the BYU game. Photo courtesy by Utah Athletics.
SALT LAKE CITY — Morgan Scalley’s vision for Utah football is finding a receptive audience among the players he hopes will help carry it forward.
Recruits who attended Saturday’s 28-20 Holy War victory over BYU left talking about the atmosphere at Rice-Eccles Stadium, the defense’s four interceptions and a team that kept competing when the game turned against it.
Their reactions shared a broader theme: growing belief in what Utah is building under its first-year head coach.
The Utes improved to 9-0 with the victory, giving visiting prospects another opportunity to compare the staff’s recruiting message with the product on the field. Several said Utah strengthened its position in their recruitment. Players already committed described an experience that reinforced their decisions and made them eager to join the team.
From priority in-state targets to younger prospects experiencing their first Holy War, the weekend gave Utah’s visitors plenty to consider — and the coaching staff meaningful progress to build on.
Wesley, Devany and Vailahi see the program’s identity
Steeler Wesley has attended multiple Utah games. This one felt different.
“This was the most intense Holy War I have ever seen,” the Skyridge tight end said.
Wesley credited Utah with setting the tone early and described a fan base fully invested in the outcome. He also called the experience an eye opener on the team’s quality and culture.
The Holy War was electric! What an atmosphere and huge win for Utah. Grateful for the opportunity to be there and experience it with my parents. 🙌🏽🔴⚪️
@RSNBUtes @coachlukewells @MikeyJacobsen @CoachNokesDL @CoachAtuaia @LevaniDamuni @BlairAngulo @BrandonHuffman @BlairAngulo @AllenTrieu @adamgorney @SamLeSueur @BartleKSLsports @TheUCReport @skyridgefb @Andy_Pham1 @ballersinutah @ChrisGriggs9
— Steeler Wesley (@SteelerWesley34) November 8, 2026
Quarterback target Tommy Devany took particular notice of Utah’s resilience. The stadium energy stood out, but the way the Utes responded gave him greater respect for the team and the culture inside the building.
For defensive line target Fine Vailahi, the way Utah competed made the staff’s message easier to envision.
He praised the defense’s activity, the players’ response to pressure and their willingness to play hard for Scalley and his assistants. He left more excited about the possibility of joining the program.
“I believe Utah is building something special, and I’d be excited about the opportunity to be part of it,” Vailahi said.
Running back target Noah Fiefia had a recent experience to compare it with after attending the Houston game. The Holy War raised the standard again.
He described an engaged crowd that stayed involved through its chanting and energy. Utah’s victories over Houston and BYU also strengthened his opinion of the team.
“I see Utah as the top team in the country,” Fiefia said.
His enthusiasm extended to Scalley and the program’s future.
“But what Morgan Scalley is building is really something special,” he said.
Eli Mortensen’s impression extends beyond one Saturday.
The Skyridge prospect praised the atmosphere from start to finish and emphasized how much Scalley’s first season has impressed him. That continues an encouraging stretch of feedback from Mortensen, who previously placed Utah as high as any of his options.
“The energy the whole time at Rice-Eccles was very impressive from start to finish it was a great atmosphere,” Mortensen said. “I have been very impressed with Morgan Scalley this whole season being a first year head coach and all of his success love all of what he is doing.”
Bibbs, Jacobs and Jackson eager to join what Utah is building
For Jaden Bibbs, being inside Rice-Eccles made his future with Utah feel more real.
He noticed how much the fans, players and community cared about the program. The experience strengthened his excitement about contributing to it.
“I believe in the vision, the culture, and the direction of this program,” Bibbs said. “I’m ready to come in, work, compete, and do my part to help take Utah football to another level.”
Wide receiver commit DJ Jackson said the experience exceeded his expectations. The crowd’s energy and support stood out, along with how hard Utah competed from start to finish.
“I am definitely excited and I believe in what Coach Scalley is building and the direction the program is going,” Jackson said. “I am ready to come in, work hard, compete and do my part.”
Darrod “Bug” Jacobs described a packed stadium that kept getting louder as the game progressed. The defense’s four interceptions particularly impressed him, but the performance also reinforced the reasons he chose Utah.
Had a great time back at 🏠 this weekend ‼️ @Utah_Football https://t.co/HxkjdELovZ
— Jaden Bibbs (@JadenB_08) November 9, 2026
“The culture, the physical style of play, the way the guys compete and stick together it matches everything that sold me on Utah in the first place,” Jacobs said.
His attention is already turning toward joining the team.
“Can’t wait to get up there, put the work in, and help keep this thing rolling,” he said.
Utah commits Ian Aloisio and Jaxton Itaaehau shared that enthusiasm.
Aloisio praised the crowd’s support and called it a game to remember. Itaaehau believed the atmosphere played a meaningful role in the victory, while highlighting the defense and the offense’s fast start.
For those prospects, Saturday offered a view of the environment they expect to become part of — and the standard they will be asked to help maintain.
Seufale, Horton leave with stronger Utah interest
Among the most significant reactions came from Seufale, the 2028 offensive lineman from Orem.
His first Holy War strengthened an already favorable impression of Utah, and he made clear the experience carried recruiting weight.
“This game was a big factor for me for sure and Utah is the heaviest contender right now for sure,” Seufale said.
He also described the environment as the loudest he has experienced and said the visit strengthened his belief in the program.
“The culture that Scalley is building is real and strong,” he said.
What an experience at the Holy War! Thank you for the amazing opportunity and hospitality @J2theGross, @Utah_Football, and @RSNBUtes. They are building something special in Salt Lake City! Can’t wait to be back!
@CoachBMurdock @Coachbrycemac @leopardfootball @ToddDodgeFBcamp https://t.co/vSXmYPueid
— Mac Horton (@machorton77) November 8, 2026
Horton, another 2028 offensive line target, highlighted the MUSS and a stadium that stayed loud throughout the game. His interest also extended to the coaching and facilities.
“The game day experience made Utah be solidified in one of my top schools,” Horton said.
His weekend continued with a Sunday meeting with Scalley.
“Having a meeting with Coach Scalley today showed me how he is as a coach and a person,” Horton said.
For Toa Feinga, the Herriman offensive lineman with family ties to both Utah and BYU, the rivalry delivered one of the best game-day atmospheres he has experienced.
“It was a great win for the Utes, and Morgan Scalley is doing an amazing job,” Feinga said.
Johnson twins see a potential future at Utah
Orange Lutheran twins Anhor The Great Johnson and King Rich Johnson both left with reasons to picture themselves in Utah’s secondary.
Anhor pointed to the program’s defensive-back development and history of sending players to the NFL. He still intends to take additional visits before deciding, but Utah has established a strong position.
“Utah is definitely at the top right now,” he said.
King Rich emphasized Utah’s safety tradition, coaching staff and fan support. A campus tour helped make the possibility of playing for the Utes more tangible.
“We had a chance to tour the campus, and I can definitely see myself playing at Utah,” he said.
Priority safety target Gaige Weddle also came away impressed. The energy reached him before kickoff.
“The energy pregame was unreal, and you could feel it was going to be a Utah win before the game even started,” Weddle said.
For Malosi Ilaoa, Saturday reinforced a belief he already held. Utah’s four interceptions stood out, but the larger impression was that Scalley’s program was delivering on its message.
“I always knew what Scalley was building was special,” Ilaoa said.
He pointed to how the Utes carry themselves on and off the field and the staff’s consistent emphasis on RSNB. From his perspective, the unbeaten start matched the expectations Utah had shared with him.
Receivers respond to the culture and coaching
Clay was direct about the visit’s effect on his recruitment: Utah moved up his list.
The 2028 receiver described Rice-Eccles as the loudest stadium he has visited and said the weekend showed him several positives about playing for the Utes.
“I would say Utah is towards the top for sure,” Clay said.
The relationships are helping support that interest. Clay appreciated the personal attention throughout the program, including receivers coach Chad Bumphis’ detailed explanations of his game.
Anene also left with increased interest, pointing to both the crowd and Utah’s competitive response.
“It made me like Utah even more,” Anene said. “I love the culture and what Coach Scalley is building. It’s something special.”
@Utah_Football Utes brought it today! Great to be there with future Utes @AloisioIan @Fvakapuna and my @T_BirdFootball teammates future @SUUFB_ @SteelRichards13 and cousin @TongaTauteoli3 appreciate coaches for the hospitality! Crazy fun environment #HolyWar @LapisiLegacy https://t.co/tNS2oJE21D
— Dennis Tua’one 4⭐️ (@Dennis_2a1) November 8, 2026
Dennis Tua’one highlighted the connection between the program and the community. The energy around campus and inside the stadium helped distinguish the visit, particularly after a rivalry victory.
“You could feel how much Utah football means to the fans and the community, and it made the whole experience stand out even more,” Tua’one said.
Scalley’s approach has resonated with Tua’one, who appreciates his straightforward manner and concern for players beyond football.
Fano builds his own connection with Utah’s staff
Mataio “Taio” Fano knows what Rice-Eccles can sound like. The Orem offensive tackle grew up attending Utah games while his older brothers, Spencer and Logan, built their careers with the Utes.
Saturday still stood out as probably the loudest Utah game he has attended. His comments about the coaching staff, however, offered the more meaningful recruiting development.
“Utah has always been an option for me,” Fano said.
Following the coaching change, Fano made building a relationship with offensive line coach Jordan Gross a priority. He now feels that connection is established and spoke highly of Gross and the people around him.
That complements a relationship with Scalley that dates to seventh grade.
“Utah is definitely up there for me but they have always been high on my list,” Fano said.
Michigan remains a significant competitor. Fano also has visits planned to Oklahoma on Nov. 21 and UCLA on Nov. 28, while a Miami trip has been postponed until spring. Alabama remains involved.
Utah’s opportunity rests on more than family history. Fano is developing his own relationships with the current staff, and the program’s success gives him another reason to remain engaged.
Younger prospects feel the impact
The weekend also made an impression on recruits whose decisions remain further away.
For 2029 quarterback Coy Doman, the Holy War topped the other major games he has attended. He described the atmosphere as electric and believed the crowd affected the game.
Fellow quarterback Jake Matsen praised Scalley’s work and said he is excited to follow the rest of Utah’s season.
Skyridge receiver Malosi Shepard, also in the 2029 class, described his first Holy War as unbelievable.
“Watching Utah win the Holy War in that environment was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen,” Shepard said.
Linebacker Kingston Stroshine compared Rice-Eccles favorably with the 100,000-seat stadiums he visited earlier in the season. His relationship with defensive coordinator Colton Swan remains meaningful.
“Coach Swan was the first coach to offer me, so I’m really happy for him and the Utes program,” Stroshine said.
The defensive performance also resonated with 2030 athlete Kyran Majors.
“The defense was making plays and I really like the energy and culture they have on that side of the ball,” Majors said.
The recruiting reach extended to basketball, too. Class of 2028 forward Owen Eteuati-Edwards visited Alex Jensen’s program during the weekend and attended the Holy War.
Utah still has work ahead to turn interest into commitments. Several targets have other visits planned and strong relationships elsewhere. But the weekend gave the Utes tangible progress: prospects naming Utah among their leading options, stronger connections with the staff and future players eager to join what they watched unfold.
