The Utah Blockcast

Utah’s first meaningful test of the season has arrived.

Longtime Arkansas Razorbacks voice Chuck Barrett joins Steve Bartle to provide an inside look at Ryan Silverfield’s rebuilt team. They discuss Arkansas’ offensive struggles against North Alabama, KJ Jackson’s development, concerns along the offensive line, the Razorbacks’ defensive strengths and what Arkansas must do to survive an 8:15 p.m. kickoff inside Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Then, Steve explains why Utah appears to have more paths to victory. Can Wayshawn Parker and Devon Dampier establish the run? Will Dampier continue creating explosive plays against pressure? Can Utah attack vertically and force Arkansas’ young quarterback into mistakes?

Saturday night should reveal plenty about both programs.

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Utah football opened the season with a dominant 66-14 victory over Idaho. Now, the Utes turn their attention toward an SEC test against Arkansas at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett react to a wild opening weekend of college football, beginning with Michigan’s controversial 13-12 escape against Western Michigan—and the mysterious extra second that kept the Wolverines alive.

They also unveil their updated Big 12 power rankings, examine Oklahoma State’s disastrous loss to Tulsa and identify the teams that impressed—or disappointed—in Week 1.

Then, it’s an early scouting report on Arkansas: KJ Jackson’s short passing game, the Razorbacks’ struggles creating movement on the ground, Charlie Collins and a talented defense, and the areas that will genuinely test Utah.

Finally, Steve and Josh revisit Utah’s opener, including Devon Dampier’s efficiency, Byrd Ficklin’s performance, the Utes’ offensive depth and an encouraging multi-player pass rush.

Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for Utah football analysis, news and coverage throughout the 2026 season.

Utah opened Morgan Scalley’s first full season with a dominant 66-14 win over Idaho at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett react to Devon Dampier’s efficient performance, the emergence of Wayshawn Parker and Braden Pegan, Byrd Ficklin’s versatility and an offense that produced 633 total yards and nine touchdowns.

They also examine Utah’s extensive personnel rotations, Colton Swan’s aggressive defensive approach and the lingering concerns created by Idaho’s success running the football during two 75-yard touchdown drives.

How much did Utah prove in the opener—and what still needs to improve before Arkansas arrives in Salt Lake City?

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Utah football is finally back. Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett preview the Utes’ 2026 season opener against Idaho and identify what Utah needs to show in Morgan Scalley’s first regular-season game as head coach.

They break down how Utah’s defense should contain dual-threat quarterback Joshua Wood, which defenders could create the most havoc, what to expect from Devon Dampier and Kevin McGiven’s passing attack, and which running back could emerge behind Wayshawn Parker. The episode closes with rapid-fire predictions, players to watch and final score picks.

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What did Utah football actually reveal during fall camp?

Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett compare their independent lists of five things they think they learned about the Utes. The conversation covers Utah’s playable depth, a potentially top-tier running back room, Braden Pegan emerging as WR1, increased confidence in individual offensive linemen and Devon Dampier’s complete command of the offense.

They also examine how Morgan Scalley and Jason Swan could use defensive depth as a tactical advantage, the noticeable impact of Utah’s revamped strength and conditioning program, Scalley’s trust in his assistant coaches and the energy he has injected throughout the operation.

Plus, Utah announced several Rice-Eccles Stadium experience updates, including new LED lighting, a refreshed Moment of Loudness and changes designed to get fans into the stadium earlier.

Which fall-camp development gives you the most confidence entering the season—and which conclusion still needs to be proven?

Utah basketball was dealt a major blow with Noam Yaacov ruled ineligible for the 2026-27 season.

Steve Bartle briefly breaks down what the Utes lose without their projected offensive centerpiece, why Trey Campbell became Utah’s contingency plan, and which guards now need to take on bigger roles as Alex Jensen reshapes the backcourt.

Which Utah football position groups improved the most during fall camp—and which still have something to prove before the season opener against Idaho?

Steve Bartle delivers a complete Utah Football Stock Report after hearing from the Utes’ coordinators and assistant coaches. The running backs and cornerbacks made the biggest jumps, the edge rotation strengthened its case and the offensive line appears closer to identifying its top seven or eight players.

The episode also examines:

Fall camp is over. Idaho preparation has begun. Here is where every Utah position group stands entering the final stretch before Week 1.

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Utah football director of alumni relations Bo Nagahi joins the Utah Blockcast to explain why Morgan Scalley made reconnecting former Utes an early priority—and how the program plans to make “family” last beyond a player’s final snap.

Nagahi discusses his history with Scalley, the response from former players and his three primary goals for the alumni program: connection, engagement and access. He also outlines a larger vision involving career opportunities, mentorship, degree completion, mental-health support and stronger relationships between current and former players.

Before the interview, Steve Bartle identifies 10 Utes who could surprise this season, including Elijah Reed, Paul Fitzgerald, Ricky Johnson, and Steve Chavez-Soto.

Utah is developing its next generation while reconnecting with the players who helped build the program.

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Fall camp week three availability with Utah defensive end Lance Holtzclaw, safety Nate Ritchie, and cornerback Elijah Reed. 

Week three of fall camp availability with Utah head coach Morgan Scalley, quarterback Devon Dampier, offensive lineman Solatoa Moea'i, and tight end Hunter Andrews.