So, it’s Christmas Eve, and it looks like BYU is stealing the spotlight in college football this season. When you think about festive vibes and football, the Cougars are definitely making some noise, and it’s not just because of their on-field performance. They’re really shifting the narrative, especially in their rivalry with Utah, which is turning into quite the spectacle.
You know how it goes—this season, it’s like the recruiting trail has become a battle zone! Kalani Sitake and his team are coming out ahead while the Utes are left scrambling a bit after a rough patch. It’s like BYU is wrapping up this season with a big shiny bow, and maybe even snagging a few of Utah’s recruits to stuff under the tree.
Both schools have been super busy this off-season, reworking their rosters through high school recruits and the transfer portal. Utah had a tough season that fell way below expectations, and they’re trying to rebuild. But here’s the kicker: BYU is making it really hard for them. For instance, 4-star defensive end Hunter Clegg switched his commitment from Utah to BYU, citing a return to his faith after a mission. He’s not alone, either; there’s a trend of recruits flipping to BYU lately.
A sports media personality, Drake C. Toll, pointed out just how much of a headache BYU has become for Utah in recruitment. On his podcast, he mentioned, “Utah has been a bit of a revolving door… I think the second Utah fans get momentum, they’re brought right back down to Earth.” Ouch, right? It sounds like the Utes are struggling to keep their recruits from jumping ship.
Now, Utah isn’t completely out of the game when it comes to transfer activity. They’re ranked 4th in the conference for portal pickups, snagging around 12 new players. Their top recruit is former 4-star RB Wayshawn Parker. But even with that success, they’ve lost key players like Carsen Ryan to BYU. Talk about a tough break!
The performance of both teams this season really reflects their current statuses. BYU finished strong at 10-2, almost in the running for a championship game! Meanwhile, the Utes were expected to be contenders but ended up with a disappointing 5-7 record. It’s like BYU has this momentum while Utah’s feeling the weight of their struggles.
Now, here’s the cherry on top: BYU is gearing up for a Bowl game against the Colorado Buffaloes in the Alamodome. The spotlight will be on them, especially with Heisman winners Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders playing their last collegiate game. It’s a chance for BYU to shine in front of a national audience and maybe even spoil Colorado’s farewell party.
On the flipside, Utah fans have nothing to look forward to this holiday season—no Bowl game in sight. It’s definitely a changing dynamic in this rivalry, with BYU seemingly in a better place right now. While Utah hopes to rebound for the future, BYU is riding high into 2025.