The Utah Checkdown

Game day is less than a week away, and the new era of Utah football is officially here.
In this episode, host Josh Furlong breaks down key takeaways from assistant coach media availability, analyzing what new offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven’s balanced scheme means for Devon Dampier and the playbook.
Plus, we explore the depth across the tight end room, assess question marks along the defensive interior, look at recent stadium experience updates, and discuss the 2026 team captains and leadership council.
He closes out the show with his official 2026 season hot takes!
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

With kickoff just under two weeks away, host Josh Furlong breaks down everything you need to know about Utah football heading into the season opener against Idaho.
From full fall camp takeaways to off-field news and national rankings, get the complete breakdown right here on The Utah Checkdown Podcast.
In this episode:
AP Top 25 Reactions: Analyzing Utah’s spot at No. 21, the Big 12's four ranked programs (Texas Tech, BYU, Utah, Houston), and how preseason voter perspective shapes expectations.
Freddie Whittingham Lawsuit: Breaking down the report of the University of Utah filing a breach-of-contract lawsuit against the former tight ends coach following his move to Michigan.
Fall Camp Position-by-Position Takeaways: Devon Dampier’s health, poise, and chemistry with the offense. Wayshawn Parker leading a deep room alongside Daniel Bray, Steve Chavez-Soto, and freshman LaMarcus Bell. And sorting out the starting five, the stability at left tackle with Zereoue Williams, and true freshman Kelvin Obot making noise.
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Fall camp is underway, and those within the Utah football program are feeling optimistic about where they're at in the first part of camp.
Host Josh Furlong recaps the first week of fall camp and talks about the biggest storylines coming away from Morgan Scalley's first season as head coach. He also breaks down his rare opportunity to follow Scalley around for a day.
He jumps into the early rankings to see where Utah fits, while projecting forward for the season.
And then joining the podcast is Pick Six Preview magazine creator Brett Ciancia to talk about the upcoming season and where the Utes fit in this season in the national landscape.
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Ahead of the 2026 season, we conclude the scheduling series preview with a look at West Virginia.
The Utes closeout the season with a Black Friday night game, with hopes of a Big 12 title berth on the line. Host Josh Furlong breaks down a West Virginia team that looks to build on a losing season, but how much more can Rich Rod get out of his team?
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

The Big 12 concluded its media days last week, previewing the upcoming 2026 football season.
Host Josh Furlong recaps the two-day event, including Brett Yormark's introductory comments and conversations with Utah head coach Morgan Scalley and the four players who joined him in Frisco, Texas.
He also continues his scheduling series breakdown with a look at Utah's 11th game of the season, a road contest to TCU. Could it be another title game decider or a game between two teams on the outside looking in for another season.
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Next week is Big 12 media days, and there will be several big storylines for the University of Utah.
Host Josh Furlong previews Big 12 media days and what will be the top storylines for Utah and the conference. He also continues his scheduling series preview with a look at Utah's next opponent Arizona.
Will the Utah-Arizona game be a decider for the Big 12 title game, or just two teams that are on the outside looking in? At the very least, it will be a game against two top teams expected to compete for the Big 12 title and a spot in the playoffs.
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

It's been a busy couple weeks, with the NCAA making a change to its eligibility rules and allowing FCS teams to take part in join practices.
Also, Utah signed a new apparel outfitter with Adidas, which will start next year. Host Josh Furlong breaks down why that matters and how it could impact recruiting. He also jumps into recruiting to show how Morgan Scalley is shifting the focus toward more in-state talent.
He wraps up the episode with a scheduling preview of the BYU football team and what that game could mean for the conference title race this season.
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

The Brendan Sorsby saga continues as it becomes Texas Tech against the world.
Host Josh Furlong breaks down the latest with Sorsby and how it could impact the Big 12 moving forward. The Big 12 will be meeting this week and next to decide a path forward.
He also previews the official visitors for football this weekend, while continuing on the scheduling series with a look at Cincinnati.
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

It's already been a busy week for college athletics, with the news about Brendan Sorsby's injunction dominating the news cycle — for good reason.
Host Josh Furlong jumps into a busy week that featured returning players to Utah, a handful of commitments for football and the perilous saga that surrounds Texas Tech and Sorsby for the upcoming season. And it's a saga that is far from over ahead of the season.
Behind the Sorsby news, Furlong continues his schedule series breakdown with a look at Houston, who is a viable contender for a Big 12 title this season. How will Utah's meeting with Houston shape the landscape of the Big 12 this season?
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Utah defensive end Lance Holtzclaw testified at a Senate committee hearing this week as it discussed a bill to "save" college sports. His testimony was used to help support student-athletes.
Host Josh Furlong recaps the Senate hearing and what it all means, as well as provides some additional updates on news from the week — including a look at some commitments for the Utes this week.
He then continues his scheduling series breakdown with a look at Colorado, which is Utah's sixth game of the season. Is this the end for Deion Sanders or will this be the season he turns it around?
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.