Utah QB Devon Dampier Rewrites Record Book in Cincinnati Win

Devon Dampier led the 6th-ranked Utah Utes to a 49-25 victory over Cincinnati on Saturday. The outstanding dual-threat quarterback also etched his name in the Utah record books.

Dampier finished the game with 45 rushing yards, giving him 1,228 for his career at Utah, which is the most for a quarterback in program history. Travis Wilson had 1,225 rushing yards over a decade ago. The hard work is starting to pay off for Dampier.

With the Utes at 8-0 on the season, the nation’s longest active FBS winning streak is now at 14 games. One of the biggest factors in Utah's success was Dampier. He had a key decision to make right after the 2025 season ended. The Utes were coming off of a Las Vegas Bowl win over Nebraska with several things up in the air. One of the biggest questions was Dampier's status in Salt Lake City.

The Scottsdale, Arizona native could have entered the transfer portal and found another destination. There's no program in the country that would not have taken him. Especially after his outstanding production last season. However, Dampier had other plans. He stayed in Utah and never looked back.

Morgan Scalley can look back on this all now and reflect on retaining the Utes playmaker. One of the best decisions of his young head coaching career. Scalley had a heartfelt conversation with Dampier and the result was a difference maker for the Utes. Now eight games into the 2026 season, Utah is on the right path, knocking on the door of a possible first-ever College Football Playoff bid.

Last year was the toughest chapter of Dampier's journey. He wasn't fully healthy and dealt with injuries throughout the season. One thing he has proven in 2026 is his ability to fully play at full strength. The sports hernia injury is no joke. It altered several attributes of Dampier's game. Not to mention he also dealt with an ankle injury.

As a runner, he was pulled down to stick in the pocket more. Now that he's healthy and back to a level of feeling comfortable, Dampier has shown what he’s truly capable of doing on the field.

The Utes gained new offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven this year. But the scheme will be similar and cater to Dampier's strengths. The other thing he'll have to do this season is prove he's able to step out of Beck's shadow. Dampier has been with his coach every step of the way. The time is now for Dampier to put together the best NFL highlight reel.

Dampier has thrown for 1,876 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. Add that to his 393 rushing yards and five scores. Everybody will be watching to see how he finishes what's likely his final season at Utah.