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Utah's Recruiting Surge Closes Pac-12 Gap

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, January 23rd 2026 at 11:01 GMT by KUTV
      Locales: Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, UNITED STATES

Salt Lake City, UT - January 23rd, 2026 - The landscape of college football continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, reshaped by the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the increasingly active transfer portal. This week's edition of Talkin' College Football, hosted by Bill Riley and Sean Spence on KUTV, focused on the contrasting fortunes of two Utah-based programs: the University of Utah, currently experiencing a recruiting surge, and Brigham Young University, facing a period of significant rebuilding.

Utah's Recruiting Momentum: Closing the Pac-12 Gap

The University of Utah football program is demonstrably on the upswing, exhibiting recruiting momentum that has observers taking notice. The recent commitment of Ethan Burke, a highly-rated four-star linebacker, stands as a key indicator of this progress. Burke's decision to commit to Utah wasn't just about his individual talents; it signifies a broader shift in the perception of the Utes' program. For years, Utah has operated as a strong program, but often struggled to compete with the recruiting powerhouses of the Pac-12. However, the current wave of commitments suggests they are successfully closing that gap.

What's driving this surge? While specific details weren't explicitly outlined in the initial report, it's likely a combination of factors. Strong coaching, a dedicated recruiting staff, and a demonstrable commitment to player development are always crucial. Increasingly, though, the ability to offer competitive NIL packages is playing a decisive role. NIL, allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness, has fundamentally altered the recruiting equation, leveling the playing field somewhat. Programs that can effectively leverage NIL to incentivize high-potential recruits are seeing significant gains. The success in landing Burke, and other recent commitments, suggests Utah's athletic department is finding ways to participate in this new financial landscape.

Beyond Burke, the hosts emphasized the wider implications of this recruitment success. It's not just about individual players; it's about signaling to other prospects that Utah is a destination where they can develop their skills, compete at a high level, and receive adequate compensation. This creates a positive feedback loop, attracting even more talent and further elevating the program's profile.

BYU's Transfer Portal Challenges: A Rebuilding Phase

In stark contrast to Utah's recruiting success, BYU is facing a challenging period of roster reconstruction. A significant number of players have recently entered the transfer portal, leaving gaping holes in the program's depth and talent pool. This exodus is a direct consequence of the program's transition to a new conference and the subsequent instability it created. Many players, seeking greater playing time or more lucrative NIL opportunities, have sought opportunities elsewhere. The transfer portal, once a relatively quiet corner of college athletics, has become a central battleground for talent acquisition and retention.

Riley and Spence highlighted the difficult position this puts BYU in. While the program is actively engaged in the transfer portal, attempting to identify and recruit replacements, the competition is fierce. Programs with more established reputations, deeper pockets, and more attractive conference affiliations are drawing the lion's share of available talent. Simply finding replacements isn't enough; BYU needs to identify players who fit their system and can contribute immediately to mitigate the loss of experienced players.

The situation underscores the fundamental shift in player loyalty in modern college football. Players are more empowered than ever before, possessing the agency to control their careers and pursue opportunities that best suit their individual needs. This isn't necessarily a negative development; it can lead to greater player agency and opportunities. However, it presents significant challenges for programs reliant on traditional recruiting pipelines and player retention strategies.

The NIL and Portal Ecosystem: A New Normal

Ultimately, the diverging paths of Utah and BYU illustrate the broader transformation of college football. NIL and the transfer portal are not fleeting trends; they represent a permanent shift in the dynamics of the sport. These factors have democratized access to opportunity for athletes, forcing all programs to adapt. While Utah is capitalizing on this new environment, BYU is grappling with the consequences. The hosts emphasized that effective navigation of this new ecosystem requires a multi-faceted approach: innovative recruiting strategies, robust player development programs, and a proactive engagement with NIL opportunities. The future of college football success will belong to those who can best understand and leverage these transformative forces. Further analysis and discussion can be found at [ https://kutv.com/sports/talkin-college-football ].