Share
Utah Utes Football Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!
Utah's 'Surfin Bird' Ficklin: White Uniform, Big Game
•
Utahs Freshman Quarterback, Surfin Bird Ficklin, Steals the Show in Humorous Uniform Reveal Video
Utahs true freshman quarterback, Byrd Ficklin, has been making waves with his dynamic play, earning him the nickname Surfin Bird. His exciting runs have often provided the team with crucial sparks. This week, the teams social media leaned into his popularity, featuring him in a humorous uniform reveal video for their final regular season game. The twenty-nine-second video, set to the catchy Surfin Bird song, showcased an all-white uniform combination for the Utes upcoming Week fourteen matchup against Kansas. Ficklin, who recently scored three rushing touchdowns in a comeback win, modeled the white helmet, jersey, and pants. This marks the twelfth different uniform combination the team has worn this season. Ficklin has played a specialized role, providing a different offensive look with designed quarterback runs. Hes accounted for ten of the teams thirty-seven rushing touchdowns and is third in rushing yards with four hundred ninety-six, averaging an impressive nine point two yards per carry. His two one-hundred-yard performances against Colorado and Baylor significantly boosted that average. His increased playing time comes as Utahs starting quarterback, Devon Dampier, recovers from a nagging injury. While Dampier is expected to play in the crucial game against Kansas, Ficklin might still see some snaps. The Utes will be without their leading receiver, Ryan Davis, and top pass-rusher, John Henry Daley, both ruled out for the game. Daleys season-ending injury was confirmed earlier this week, a significant blow to the teams defense. As Utah heads into this important game, theyll be relying on their depth and the continued spark from players like Byrd Ficklin to push for a spot in the Big twelve conference title game.
The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered.
More episodes
View all episodes
Utah's Transfer Portal Haul: Pegan & Shoels
01:27|Utahs football team bolstered their offensive line and defensive secondary in the transfer portal, but missed out on top wide receiver Bisi Owens. However, they secured top-tier replacements in Braden Pegan and Kyri Shoels, who will fill the void left by graduating stars and bolster their passing game for the upcoming season.Utah Football Boosts Secondary with Transfer DB
01:30|Utah football strengthens secondary with transfer defensive back Nicholas Brown: The six-foot-tall player from Cypress, Texas, joins the Utes with three years of eligibility left, bringing experience from Lamar and redshirting in 2024. Brown, who grabbed his first career interception last season, teams up with Marcus Wimberly and Elijah Reed to bolster Utahs secondary, which held opponents to the Big Twelves lowest completion rate in 2025.Michigan Lands Transfer Tight End Buchanan
01:18|Michigan football secures a significant transfer in JJ Buchanan, a four-star tight end from Utah. Buchanan, a six-foot-three, 225-pound standout, brings immediate production, having caught 26 passes for 427 yards and 5 touchdowns in his freshman year. Michigan, needing depth at tight end, finds a reliable player with three years of eligibility left, despite needing improvement in blocking. This move strengthens Michigans offense for the upcoming season.Utah Signs Top Transfer CB Elijah Reed
02:00|Utahs secondary gets a boost with Elijah Reeds transfer from Akron, a six-foot-three cornerback with impressive stats in 2025. Reed, a former Kentucky prospect, earned a 77.6 grade from PFF at Akron, allowing just one TD and a 58.9 passer rating. Hes the first cornerback commit in the 2026 cycle, filling key losses and adding depth to Utahs pass defense, which held Big Twelve opponents to the lowest completion percentage and second-fewest passing yards in 2025.Utah Utes Gain Transfer Cornerback Elijah Reed
01:18|Utah Utes football gains a significant boost in their cornerback room with the transfer of Elijah Reed from Akron. The six-foot-three, two-hundred-pound redshirt junior had a strong season with the Zips, recording forty-seven tackles, two interceptions, one sack, and four pass breakups. Reed joins Utah after stints at Akron and Kentucky, filling the void left by Smith Snowden and Blake Cottons departures. His arrival strengthens Utahs defense and sets up a competitive race for cornerback spots in camp.Utah's Asiata Joins Weber State, Scalley Rebuilds
01:26|Utah football coach Isaac Asiata leaves for Weber State, setting a school record for rushing yards in 2025. Asiata, a former Utes player, joins Weber States new head coach Eric Kjar, who praises his experience and local ties. Utahs first-year head coach Morgan Scalley continues reshaping the team, bringing in former All-American tackle Jordan Gross.Utah Football Hires Vet QB Coach Gunderson
01:38|Utah football bolsters coaching staff with veteran QB coach Ryan Gunderson. Gunderson, known for developing talent, joins from Oregon State, where he served as offensive coordinator. Hell work with new OC Kevin McGiven, with whom he previously won the Mountain West title at San Jose State. Gundersons hire fills a key gap left by departing coaches and strengthens Utahs offensive lineup.Utah Defense Strengthens with Key Players Returning
01:28|Utahs defense and special teams bolstered with key players return: Jackson Bennee, Johnathan Hall, Mana Carvalho, Nate Ritchie, Kash Dillon, and Lance Holtzclaw all re-sign for the 2026 season, ensuring a solid foundation for the Utes heading into the offseason.