By Mark Pszonak
With action in the transfer portal slowing down, it is time to take a closer look at how each P4 school did during this cycle. Up now are the Utah Utes
The skinny: In recent years, Utah has not been a program that aggressively attacks the transfer portal, and again that was the case during this cycle. Part of that is because the Utes generally don’t lose as many scholarship players as most other schools. This does not mean that head coach Kyle Whittingham does not take advantage of the portal when it becomes necessary. During this off-season that became necessary at a few positions, but most notably in the secondary, where several players were added who should make an impact in 2024.
Total # entries into portal: 39
Total # of scholarship players who entered portal: 19
Number of scholarship players who withdrew: 0
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Key losses: WR Mikey Matthews (Cal), DB JaTravis Broughton (TCU), RB Ja’Quinden Jackson (Arkansas), OL Koli Faaiu (Texas A&M)
Key additions: WR Dorian Singer (USC), DB Kenan Johnson (Georgia Tech), DE Paul Fitzgerald (Utah State), DB Cam Calhoun (Michigan), WR Damien Alford (Syracuse), DB Alaka’i Gilman (Stanford)
Final thoughts: Despite an 8-5 finish, 2023 was a disappointing season due to several big injuries that derailed hopes of bigger things. Now the Utes return several of those important players, such as QB Cameron Rising and TE Brant Kuithe, and used the portal to try to plug a few holes as they prepare for their first season in the Big 12. Kenan Johnson, Alaka’i Gilman and Cam Calhoun will all be depended on in the secondary, while Paul Fitzgerald joins a deep rotation at defensive end. On offense, Dorian Singer immediately formed a connection with Rising and looks to be poised for a big season, while Damien Alford was a post-spring practice addition that should solidify a position that was identified as needing depth. Expectations are once again high for the Utes, as they look poised to make a run to the first expanded playoffs.
