What anonymous Big 12 coaches said about Utah QB Devon Dampier
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier is entering the biggest chapter of his career.
After playing through the pain of injuries last year, the former New Mexico transfer is ready to prove he could be an NFL dark horse. He's one of the better returning quarterbacks in the country and the rankings are proof. ESPN’s Bill Connelly put Dampier as the No. 12 passer in college football. If you consider he's one of the top two in the conference, the Utes should be in good shape ahead of the 2026 season.
After Dampier accounted for 3,325 yards and 34 total touchdowns, the encore is expected to be better than his initial season in Power Four play. This came while he was playing through a sports hernia and ankle injury for much of the season. Two different injuries which altered his entire motion and speed. Nevertheless, the senior quarterback’s return to Salt Lake City is a hot topic.
How do some of the Big 12 coaches feel about Dampier and his impact on Utah?
ESPN's Adam Rittenberg spoke to coaches and team personnel, who chose to remain anonymous about the top Power Four quarterbacks. The consensus about Dampier is that he's a baller.
“He’s dynamic,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. “He’s a good-enough thrower. I wouldn’t say he’s a great thrower. But he’s good enough to kill you.”
Can Dampier take a step forward in what's projected to be his final collegiate season is the big question. He's proven his worth after leading the Utes to an 11-win season last year. If those results continue under new offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven, everyone outside the Big 12 is going to be talking about Dampier's talents.
“I’m a big fan of Dampier; he’s legit,” another Big 12 defensive coordinator said.
For some, the jury is still out. Dampier proved to be exactly what he needed to win over his coaches last year. The Utes' offense was in the top five of three major categories last year under Jason Beck. Utah scored 41.3 points per game (4th), ran for 266.3 yards per game (2nd) and averaged 482.9 yards per game (4th). Dampier was the conductor for those numbers.
“You can’t argue with his production,” one Big 12 coach said. “Whether it correlates with the NFL, I don’t know, but he would be right near the top (of the league)."
Utah needs the best from Dampier this season. McGiven will also be looking to get backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin involved in the offense. The dynamic playmaker is a true wild card after putting together 814 yards and 14 scores in 2025.
The Utes have one of the best QB rooms in the country. If Dampier stays healthy, the Big 12 race is going to get busy. Most analysts talk about what BYU or Texas Tech have accomplished. Utah was also right there at the end of last season.
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