(Photo courtesy of Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — There isn’t a much better way to open your first career start than with a 63-yard rushing touchdown on the second play of the game.

In week nine against the Colorado Buffaloes, freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin did just that.

63 YDS TO THE 🏠 #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/Ma8xL5BzMG

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 26, 2025

The play was a masterclass of speed and field vision. Ficklin followed his blockers and maneuvered through the secondary en route to his longest collegiate rush.

His longest heading into the Buffaloes game was 38 back in week two against Cal Poly.

Although it was his first start, Ficklin had seen action in six games so far this season for Utah. Some games just a couple of snaps, and others an

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