Utah football's biggest X factor ahead of 2026 season

The Utah Utes opened fall camp ahead of the 2026 season this week. Morgan Scalley's first time as head coach in Salt Lake City starts in less than a month. In the lead up to the season, ESPN released “X factors” for each team in the top 25.

Utah landed at No. 18, which is three spots higher than the preseason coaches poll released this week. The preseason AP poll will be released Aug. 17. Who is that player for the Utes that will have an unexpected impact?

Utah's backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin was named the X factor for the team. However, he played a significant role last season and showed what he can do. As the second-tier signal-caller for the Utes, Ficklin will wait for his opportunity behind Devon Dampier. But Utah offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven could use the dynamic playmaker to take pressure off Dampier.

Either way, Ficklin is more than just an insurance policy in case Dampier gets injured. He threw for 301 yards and three touchdowns in relief last season. He also had 61 carries for 513 yards and 10 touchdowns. Expect Ficklin to get more touches with McGiven overseeing the play calling.

Dampier is one of the most experienced returning quarterbacks in the Big 12. He's preparing for a career year in what's expected to be his final college season. While he's a steady playmaker, Ficklin is electric and is dangerous in open space. It will be interesting to see how McGiven uses both quarterbacks this season. Jason Beck, who left with Kyle Whittingham for Michigan, brought a balanced, up-tempo attack to the table. He was creative but still missed on allowing his calls to feature some of Dampier's strengths.

Add Ficklin into the equation and Utah's offensive attack could be one of the most underrated going into the season. Not to mention, Wayshawn Parker was just shy of a 1,000-yard season and is expected to make the most of every carry this year. There's also a possibility NaQuari Rogers could be added back to the roster for a fifth year. Needless to say, the Utes have weapons on offense. Three, if not four, solid returning players to keep the ball moving down the field. McGiven has weapons to work with. He'll just need to put it all together.

Utah opens the season on Thursday, Sept. 3 against Idaho. The first of three non-conference games in Salt Lake City. After the Vandals, Arkansas heads West for a Big 12-SEC affair. This will be the first-ever meeting between both schools. The Utes will then face Utah State on Sept. 19.

More Utah Utes News:

Utah football position preview: Quarterbacks and running backs entering 2026 fall camp

Utah QB Byrd Ficklin offered considerable package by Big Ten powerhouse

Utah football is all over social media after film session catches attention of NFL veteran

Joe D'Orazio sends strong message to recruits: 'Utah puts people in the NFL

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