Utah Football Midseason QB Grades for Devon Dampier

Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier is in the midst of biggest chapter of his career. Going into the sixth game of the 2026 season, he's a major reason why the team is undefeated.

After playing through the pain of injuries last year, the former New Mexico transfer is ready to prove he could be an NFL dark horse. He's one of the better returning quarterbacks in the country and the rankings are proof.

ESPN’s Bill Connelly put Dampier as the No. 12 passer in college football before the season. If you consider he's one of the top two in the conference, the Utes are in a good place now.

Dampier came into the season as one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football. He enters the matchup with Colorado looking to be on the bench early. As of now, Dampier has over 4,600 yards and 49 total touchdowns for his career.

This came while he was playing through a sports hernia and ankle injury for much of the last season. Two different injuries which altered his entire motion and speed. Nevertheless, the senior quarterback has fought back and is fully healthy.

Some Big 12 coaches felt Dampier was an impact player for Utah before the season. ESPN's Adam Rittenberg spoke to coaches and team personnel, who chose to remain anonymous about the top Power Four quarterbacks. The consensus about Dampier is that he's a baller.

“He’s dynamic,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said prior to the season. “He’s a good-enough thrower. I wouldn’t say he’s a great thrower. But he’s good enough to kill you.”

Dampier has taken a step forward in what's projected to be his final collegiate season. Utah offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven has been able to draft up a scheme that fits Dampier's talents.

The Utes' offense is in the top 10 of three major categories this year under McGiven. Utah has scored 42.8 points per game (6th), run for 238.0 yards per game (8th) and average 502.0 yards per game (9th). Dampier is the conductor for those numbers in the multidimensional offense.

Utah continues to get the best from Dampier this season. McGiven has also worked to get backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin involved in the offense. The dynamic playmaker is a true wild card after putting together 345 total yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns.

The Utes have one of the best QB rooms in the country. If Dampier stays healthy, the Big 12 race is going to get busy with the Utes as the emerging dark horse with BYU and Texas Tech.

Utah travels to Boulder to face Colorado on Saturday at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.