Yes, both BYU and Utah football programs are well-positioned for the future in the Big 12, though they’re doing it in very different ways. Let’s break it down:
🔴 Utah Utes: Built to Contend Right Away
Why They’re Well-Set:
Elite Coaching Stability: Kyle Whittingham is one of the longest-tenured and most respected coaches in college football. His physical, disciplined approach travels well.
Consistent Recruiting: Utah regularly pulls in Top 30 recruiting classes and develops NFL-ready players, particularly on defense.
Big-Game Experience: Coming off back-to-back Pac-12 Championships in 2021 and 2022, Utah enters the Big 12 as one of the most battle-tested programs.
Strong Culture & Identity: Utah has a defined brand — hard-nosed, defense-first football with smart QB play.
Future Outlook:
If Whittingham stays for a few more seasons and the Utes groom his successor well, Utah should remain a top-tier Big 12 team year-in and year-out.
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🔵 BYU Cougars: High Potential with a Few Caveats
Why They’re On the Rise:
National Brand & Resources: BYU has a massive, loyal fan base and the financial support of a global institution.
Recent Recruiting Improvements: BYU has started landing higher-rated recruits and key transfer portal talent, a sign they’re adapting well to the Power 5 world.
Stability in Leadership: Kalani Sitake is a players’ coach with deep program ties and has built a culture of development and unity.
Offensive Identity: BYU’s best years have featured creative, high-powered offenses. With the right QB play, they’re dangerous.
Challenges:
Depth and speed are still catching up to top Big 12 competition.
Roster development can be slowed by mission service delays and age variance.
Future Outlook:
If they continue building depth and adjusting to Power 5 demands, BYU could be a consistent upper-middle tier Big 12 team with occasional title runs.
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🔁 Comparison to Big 12 Peers:
Team Current Status Trajectory
Utah Contender Trending Up
BYU Competitive w/ upside Trending Up
Kansas State Contender Stable
Oklahoma State Near top tier Slightly Volatile
UCF Talent-rich, developing Rising
Arizona/ASU Rebuilding but rising fast Improving
TCU Strong but inconsistent Up & down
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✅ Conclusion:
Utah: Ready to compete for Big 12 titles immediately.
BYU: Building toward long-term stability and success, with a chance to be a dangerous program in 2–3 years.
Both schools are more stable and better-positioned than some legacy Big 12 programs still finding footing.
