FRISCO, Texas — Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham didn’t hesitate to put the spotlight on two major reasons for optimism heading into the Utes’ first full Big 12 football campaign: quarterback Devon Dampier and new offensive coordinator Jason Beck.
On Wednesday at Big 12 Media Days at The Star in Frisco, Whittingham described Dampier as a true difference-maker and credited Beck’s experience and offensive approach for setting Utah’s offense up to take a big step forward.
“Jason Beck was a great fit for what we’re doing,” Whittingham said. “We got Jason on board last year. I was eager to stay with Jason and stay in the same offense. Devon transferred in knowing the offense — he didn’t have any learning curve at all. Jason has complete autonomy to do what he wants offensively, and he does a great job of utilizing personnel.”
Beck, who was hired in December 2024 after a season as offensive coordinator at New Mexico, has been tasked with balancing Utah’s traditionally strong run game with a more creative passing attack. His offense in Albuquerque averaged over 33 points and nearly 500 yards per game — a jump Utes fans hope to see replicated in Salt Lake City.
Whittingham said Dampier, who was named the preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year after transferring from New Mexico, brings a unique dual-threat dynamic that should thrive behind Utah’s experienced offensive line.
“Devon’s off to a great start,” Whittingham said. “He’s got that general mentality you look for — you can tell who’s in charge on offense. That’s pretty impressive for the short time he’s been on campus.”
Dampier finished last season with over 2,500 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards, becoming one of only a few quarterbacks in NCAA history to hit those marks in the same year. Whittingham said the next step is improving his completion percentage and touchdown-to-interception ratio.
“We’ve got to get the completion percentage up a little bit higher,” he said. “He definitely made improvements in those areas through spring.”
The Utes will spend fall camp sorting out the wide receiver rotation and hope to build on their history of tough, turnover-minded defense.
With Beck calling plays and Dampier leading the huddle, Whittingham said he’s confident Utah can make a strong impression in its second year navigating Big 12 competition.