Utah football projected to make first-ever CFB Playoff after bye week
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The Utah Utes football program enjoyed a week of rest, but they moved up in the latest postseason projections. All the action in Week 5 is starting to provide some structure to the College Football Playoff picture.
It's hard to believe we're nearly halfway through the season. Utah is projected to play the Oregon Ducks in the first round of the 2026 College Football Playoff, according to CBS Sports. This puts Morgan Scalley against Dan Lanning for the first time in their respective careers. What's also interesting is BYU is out for the first time since the offseason.
The Cougars suffered two key injuries in the 17-10 win over TCU on Saturday. Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin left the game with a right ankle injury. Linebacker Isaiah Glasker was also ruled out with an apparent hip injury. The status of both players is unknown at this time.
As for Utah, two games to watch for the rest of the season will have a significant impact on their Big 12 championship hopes. They face Houston and BYU, who are both currently ranked. Obviously, BYU and the Holy War rivalry will be the one to circle. The Cougars have a major matchup with No. 3 Notre Dame in two weeks. That game could also play a significant role in the Playoff picture.
For Oregon, still being considered for the College Football Playoff is an amazing comeback story. The Ducks were defeated by the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Week 2, but took down the USC Trojans at the LA Coliseum last week. What's interesting is this puts Oregon into the playoff, while still having to beat Ohio State on November 7th at the Horseshoe. Could a two-loss Ducks team really sneak into the postseason as an at-large?
Outside BYU's injury concerns, Texas Tech looked unstable against Colorado on Saturday. The Red Raiders won the game, but only put up three points in the first half before rallying for a 29-7 win over the Buffs. Former Utah QB Isaac Wilson got the start for Colorado and threw four interceptions, including pick six in the end zone.
Utah hosts Kansas in a Big 12 After Dark special on ESPN at 10:15 p.m. ET on Saturday. This is the first meeting between both teams in Salt Lake City in 30 years. They played in Lawrence last year with the Utes pulling out the 31-21 win in Kyle Whittingham's final game.
More Utah Utes football news
American Fork QB Jake Matsen Impressed by Utah offense after visit
Five takeaways from Utah football's shutout win over Iowa State
Joel Klatt names Utah football as Playoff sleeper outside the Top 10
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos