Isaac Wilson paused for a moment as the sun’s rays beat down on his face after practice this week.
The sophomore Utes quarterback was pondering a reporter’s question: What did he learn from his tumultuous 2024 campaign?
There was a lot he could’ve said. Wilson was young and inexperienced. Cam Rising was supposed to be Utah’s starter before going down with multiple injuries. Andy Ludwig — the offensive coordinator who recruited Wilson — resigned from the program at midseason.
But after a moment, the young QB found the words he was looking for.
“It was rough,” Wilson told The Salt Lake Tribune. “I’m not gonna take it light, but I just gotta think with my mind, ‘You can’t get any worse than that, you know?’”
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah quarterback Isaac Wilson (11), in Big-12 football action between the Utes and the Arizona Wildcats at Rice-Eccles Stadium, on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Coming into 2024, Wilson was heralded as the future for the Utes at quarterback. He came into the program as a four-star recruit. He was also following in the lofty footsteps of his brother Zach Wilson, a former BYU quarterback and No. 2 pick in the NFL draft.
Everything seemed right. But then he was thrown into the fire.
He finished the year appearing in nine games, seven of which he started. Wilson completed 56.4% of his passes, while accruing 1,510 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
“I needed to be a little bit more prepared for what I was thrown into,” Wilson said. “I knew the offense. I just had to execute what’s going on around me. I feel like I’ve done a lot better decision making now.”
At the end of his tumultuous freshman campaign, Wilson entered the transfer portal after the Utes expressed interest in now-starting quarterback Devon Dampier. He later returned in January and is now fighting for the Utes’ backup position alongside freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin.
Wilson says things feel different this year, though. He has a clean slate under new Utes offensive coordinator Jason Beck — even after looking elsewhere in the portal.
There’s also hope he’ll be able to develop behind Dampier, whether he’s the second or third string quarterback.
“I feel like I saw it all last year,” Wilson said. “But I feel like I’m a little bit more mature ... at taking care of the ball and finding the right progressions. I know this offense inside and out already. I know where to go [with my reads].
“I had too many turnovers last season. I know that. It’s time to take care of the ball this season.”
It’s not a guarantee that Wilson will be Dampier’s insurance policy. Following Saturday’s scrimmage at Rice-Eccles Stadium, head coach Kyle Whittingham said that Utah’s backup quarterback race is still tight, and that a decision won’t be made until after the next scrimmage on Friday.
Wilson might have the upper hand, according to Utah’s head coach.
“Isaac is the one that has [Division I] experience, and that definitely has helped him and will help him if he’s called upon this year,” Whittingham said Monday. “We’re not sure how Byrd will react in a game situation. He’s just a true freshman, and so that works in Isaac’s favor.
“But whichever one emerges as the guy, we will have confidence in them.”
Wilson said, even amid a dead heat in the backup quarterback competition, he’s taking one day at a time in fall camp. He wants to wash away the mistakes and struggles from last season. Wilson notes that he’s been more engaged in film sessions and in practice.
He’s also grateful to have a second chance.
“I just felt the love from the coaches, from Coach Whitt especially, to come back here and refuel myself. I want to let that season go, but I’m still going to have at the back of my mind what not to do, and how to handle certain situations,” Wilson said.
For now, Dampier will remain as the Utes’ unquestioned starter heading into 2024. Wilson could be next up in the event that the New Mexico transfer suffers an injury.
And if that time comes, he’ll be prepared for the moment.
“I’m taking it step by step,” Wilson said. “I learned the offense pretty quick, and Coach Beck has [been able] to trust me with some newer plays and newer designs,” Wilson said.
“But, if it’s go time, it’s go time. I’ll be ready.”