The Utah Checkdown

Playoff expansion is coming ... soon

This week, leaders from the Big Ten and SEC are laying the groundwork to expanding the College Football Playoffs to 14 or 16 teams.
Host Josh Furlong breaks down the plans and what an expansion of the playoff would look like, while also looking as some of the ramifications for teams like Utah.
He also gives an update on a Utah bill that is being reviewed at the state legislature that would allow athletic departments to pay athletes, as well as how this is related to the House settlement.
How will this affect Utah and teams like it, listen in to see how.
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Football offseason takes shape, Runnin’ Utes upset KU

It was a great weekend to be a Utah fan — from Utah women's basketball overwhelming Arizona State on the road to the Runnin' Utes getting an upset win over then-No. 17 Kansas.
Host Josh Furlong recaps the weekend's games and what they could mean for the respective teams going forward. Could there be an improved postseason for both teams?
Josh also talks spring football and a little of what to expect, while also looking at some of Utah's focus for its upcoming recruiting class.
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Gianna Kneepkens, Avery Neff highlight Utes sports

It's been a busy week for Utah athletics, and it's the women that are consistently in the spotlight.
The women's basketball team continue to pile up wins, with Gianna Kneepkens scoring at a career-best in nearly every game. The Red Rocks also celebrated 50 years of dominance, with Avery Neff coming back from injury to highlight an electric night.
Host Josh Furlong highlights these women and their latest accomplishments, especially a rare feat for the women's basketball team.
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Breaking down Utah’s 2025 football schedule

The 2025 season is still months away, but now you can start planning out your weekends in fall.
Host Josh Furlong takes the full episode to breakdown Utah football's 2025 schedule. He takes a look at each game and how it sets up for the Utes, as well as key takeaways.
He also lightly reviews other schools in the Big 12 to see what teams have interesting components to their schedule that may impact Utah or the league as a whole.
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Utah football the favorite out of the Big 12 again?

It's January and there's already one prominent figure that has labeled Utah football his favorite to win the Big 12 and be included in the 12-team playoff.
Host Josh Furlong takes a look at the playoff report to see if there's any merit to the claim, while also giving an update on some of the things happening around the football world.
He also breaks down the most recent NCAA revenue and expenses report that Utah released that shows the athletic department in a $17 million deficit for the last fiscal year.
Is this cause for concern?
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Runnin’ Utes have few answers ... again

Two former Utah football players were right in the mix of the AFC Championship game, but neither will appear in the Super Bowl after more Mahomes magic.
Host Josh Furlong talks about Dalton Kincaid and Cole Bishop's impact in the NFL, as well as taking a look at the problems facing the Runnin' Utes.
Has Utah embraced mediocrity for men's basketball? Is there hope for change? Does Utah even have the right players to turn things around?
He also takes a look at the women's basketball team and their success, while looking at the wild swings in judging in gymnastics.
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Devon Dampier a Heisman contender?

The 2024-25 college football season officially wrapped up this week when Ohio State defeated Notre Dame to claim the national championship. And immediately, the 2025 season Heisman odds were released.
Host Josh Furlong weighs in on the early Heisman odds, which includes new Utah QB Devon Dampier. Is he a legit contender for the award? Should Utah fans embrace this?
He also talks about some preseason expectations for the football team for the upcoming season, as well as a recap and look ahead for the men's and women's basketball teams.
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Utah football's plan comes into view

Utah football held a press conference with Kyle Whittingham, Morgan Scalley and Jason Beck earlier this week, and the trio documented all the happenings that have taken place in the short offseason.
Host Josh Furlong goes through each of the talking points to see the plan Utah football has created for itself. Though early in the process, there's optimism about Utah's future.
Will it all be good enough for a return to success for the football program, or is Utah still a ways off? How will all this translate to the team's culture and progress as a program?
He talks this and more, including a look at why the Runnin' Utes have had recent success, and what a win on Saturday could mean for the program.
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Could Dorian Singer return as NCAA looks for 5th year?

The NCAA is looking at a potential change to its eligibility rule that would allow athletes to have five full seasons, while eliminating the redshirt season.
Host Josh Furlong takes a look at the change and what it could mean for Utah, particularly in the case of wide receiver Dorian Singer, who has expressed interest in coming back for another season.
He also talks about the contrasting Huntsman Center vibes and how it's been lost on basketball but remains as strong as ever for gymnastics. He also recaps the men's and women's basketball seasons, while giving a look at the Red Rocks ahead of a big quad meet.
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Tampering in the transfer portal? Reactions to a wild shopping season

The transfer portal window officially closed Saturday at 11:59 p.m., but Utah lost 21 players to the portal.
While some players were expected, others were poached by other teams, leading to many question about tampering in college athletics.
Host Josh Furlong breaks down the transfer portal window and all that took place for the Utes, while looking at the tampering rumors and what it all actually means. Should changes be made?
He also breaks down Utah's roster, while looking at where the Utes could continue to add from the portal.
Stay up to date with University of Utah athletics news and coverage from KSL.com Sports on social media platform X @KSLcomSports and on KSL.com.
Follow Josh Furlong @JFurKSL