Kyle Whittingham has found Utah’s backup quarterback.
And it’s a familiar face.
“I can tell you that Isaac Wilson is number two right now,” Whittingham said this week.
“I think we’re pretty well set with each position, who the travelers are, who the scout team guys are. Twelve days out, it’s time to really focus and hone in on UCLA.”
Last season, Wilson struggled as Utah’s starter after star quarterback Cam Rising went down with multiple injuries, causing him to miss most of the season.
Wilson, then a true freshman, finished the 2024 season with 1,510 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The Utes had the second-worst offense in the Big 12.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah quarterback Isaac Wilson (11) throws a pass for the Utes, in Big-12 football action between the Utes and the Arizona Wildcats at Rice-Eccles Stadium, on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
But Utah’s head coach has seen Wilson improve since then.
“Decision making, his clock in his head — he’s getting the ball out quicker, not holding those as long and his accuracy. Virtually across the board [he’s better],” Whittingham said. “All those game reps he had last year are paying off. There’s really no substitute for game reps. That’s the big thing going for him in that battle against” freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin.
Utes starting quarterback Devon Dampier is also confident in the sophomore Wilson.
“I think they had a great competition,” Dampier said. “It took all this time for them to pick one. The room is deep, and I’m happy Isaac won that spot. And I’m confident if he goes in there, he’s gonna do his thing.”