[Holladay Ute]

Not surprising, but disappointing given Rivals (and our own sources) said it was likely we’d get him. When he delayed his decision, I assumed our odds went down a lot.

It sounds like they were recruiting him as a WR (so I’m assuming that’s what he wanted to play). Would he have made a big instant impact in 2026? Unlikely. And would Utah be able to turn him into a great WR at the college level? Maybe, maybe not (which has to be why he ended up choosing TN…they have a ton of WRs they’ve sent to the NFL). I would’ve loved to have the talent on our roster and I’m sure he would’ve eventually been a good player for us. In the meantime, Utah just needs to be scrappy at the WR position and generate a good (doesn’t have to be great) passing game w/ high three-star recruits. If our new offense can produce a solid passing game in the next year or two, we may start to get players like this once in a while (a 5-star skill position player). I think it’s encouraging that we were in the final two (and the frontrunner for much of it).

I really wanted him, but mainly b/c it would’ve helped quiet BYU fans from beating their chests on the recruiting front. By the way, they were beating their chests about his brother (Aisea Moa) a couple years ago and then he just barely transferred to Michigan State (and never did anything for them). You never know how a high school player will pan out. Utah needs to be successful consistently recruiting a handful of 4-stars out of high school on the OL, at RB, and on defense. Everywhere else I hope we can fill in w/ solid transfer portal adds and mid/high 3-stars that we develop. I think this formula would produce similar results to what we’re used to.

[BeachUte]

If Whitt is to be believed, Utah will mirror New Mexico last year more than what many here are suggesting. He flat-out said it will be the same offense Beck ran with the Lobos. New Mexico wasn’t a pass-first team but they were far more aggressive through the air than we’ve seen for most of Whitt’s time at Utah. The Lobos last year finished just behind BYU (61st I think) in passing yards per game. Utah has only managed a better ranking twice under Whitt since leaving the MWC (2017 and 2022).

So, if Whitt is being honest, I would expect more passing than we’re generally used to.

[chinngiskhaan]

meh

[SLC-UteFan]

This really is the right attitude.

If he rips it up at Tenn I won’t notice.

Some are commenting that we have a chance to flip him around national signing day. Well, count me out of that hope. Even if Utah runs through the conference and wins in Arlimgton, I would still doubt he would consider flipping to Utah. I mean we all know the SEC >>> Big 12 and that itself makes it highly unlikely. Besides (correct me if wrong) but wouldn’t he have to back out of NIL deals, thus making it more unlikely he’d flip? Meaning, I’m sure Tenn is aware that Utah and others would try to flip him so I would guess Tenn would try to lock him up through NIL if possible (again, I don’t know how all this works so maybe I am wrong.)

Good luck to him. And that’s all that I will say about him.

[Ute Dub]

Up-tempo running the ball is what I envision. Whitt likes to run the ball and he has one of the most elite QB’s at doing it, along with a solid running back, and solid OL.

[BeachUte]

It was an amazing opening. Maybe the best quarter in Utah football history.

I still remember Kenny Albert saying, “wow, wow, wow…” after Utah went up 21-0 on the Tide.

[Central Coast Ute]

If it doesn’t work out, why does Utah want him?

[RustyShackleford]

All I know is if Utah is projecting you to be something on defense you listen. Harvey Langey comes to mind.

[utefansince79]

My goodness we took Bama to the woodshed in the first quarter of that game.

[BeachUte]

It was still hurry up, at least those first few drives. Utah was snapping the ball seconds after the last play ended.

But regardless, those drives were not run-first. Utah didn’t grind and wear Alabama out. They went for the jugular.

But I agree that I wish Utah would have employed that more over the years.

[Author]

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