TRUTH: Kyle Whittingham LEAVING Utah HURT But Utes are still Big 12 Contenders | CFP on Horizon?

In this episode of Locked On Utes, J.T. Wister is joined by James Westling, co-host of Big 12 Today, for an in-depth look at the future of Utah Athletics as the Utes transition further into the Big 12 Conference. The conversation kicks off with the state of Utah football following Kyle Whittingham’s departure, examining why the program isn’t facing the dramatic fall some predict. They highlight the return of offensive centerpiece Devon Dampier, continuity with Morgan Scalley at the helm, and how smart moves in the transfer portal keep the Utes competitive, despite losing all five starters on the offensive line. The duo also breaks down Utah’s 2026 football schedule, pointing out key matchups and how the path to a 10-win season is very much alive, even as the roster takes on new faces. Switching gears, they dive into the challenges facing Utah men’s basketball in its first Big 12 season under Alex Jensen. They discuss the impact of injuries, roster construction, and the uphill climb in college basketball’s toughest conference. James shares insights from covering Utah games this season, praising Jensen’s coaching acumen and explaining why the program has key building blocks with players like Terence Brown and Keanu Dawes. You’ll also hear discussion on how NIL and improved resources could accelerate Utah’s basketball rebuild, why roster continuity matters, and realistic expectations for the future—including what it would take for the Utes to become perennial NCAA tournament contenders in the loaded Big 12. Plus, learn about notable newcomers, portal strategies, and inside stories from both the football and basketball programs. Follow the show: @LockedOnUtes Follow: JT: @Jtwistrcill Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOUtes?sid=YouTube. Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never-ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Listener Survey We've put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go to https://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it's time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team's community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. Mazda Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count. There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you. TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Robinhood You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an ...