The dual-threat quarterback lands a record-breaking $2 million valuation, signaling a new era of financial dominance for the Utes as they prepare to storm the Big 12.
The college football season is nearly upon us with a little over a month to go.
Before the craziness starts, On3 released updated NIL valuations for 2026. One of the names in the top 100 was Utah quarterback Devon Dampier. The former New Mexico transfer received a $2 million valuation, which is the highest on the team.
Dampier was No. 66 overall and second-highest amongst Big 12 QBs behind Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker. He was also No. 19 for his position nationally. This is the highest valuation for any Utes' player in the NIL era.
"Established in 2021, the On3 NIL Valuation is the first and industry-leading index for tracking annual NIL contract value for college and high school athletes.
"The On3 NIL Valuation was originally built as a proprietary algorithm to establish a baseline market value when there was little public information, structure, or consistency in the NIL marketplace. It gave athletes, families, schools, collectives and brands a clearer view of roster value, athlete opportunity and the emerging economics of college sports."
Dampier has built a strong reputation as a leader for the Utes. He's widely considered a top-three quarterback in the Big 12, and could push up even further considering how the upcoming season goes. As Dampier becomes the face of the offense, he'll be tasked with getting the receivers to all buy into Kevin McGiven's scheme.
Morgan Scalley has done a fantastic job helping to rework the offense with a few defensive touches from his scientist's mind. Expect this to be a season focused on Dampier's strengths as a true dual-threat passer.
The biggest takeaway from Big 12 Media Days last week was that Utah likes the combination of experience and expertise with Dampier. He's willing to go the extra mile to make connections with his receivers. There's only so much Scalley or McGiven can do before Dampier has to take over and meet them halfway.
Trust me when I say this. The Utes will be the team nobody wants to deal with down the stretch. The Nov. 7 Holy War game with BYU is setting up to be a trap game for the Cougars, especially in a time when injuries can start to play a factor.
Dampier and Utah open the season on Thursday, Sept. 3 against Idaho (9 p.m. ET, ESPNU).
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