(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah didn’t just avoid losing a quarterback — it held onto its future. Per his agent, Amber Mathurin, true freshman Byrd Ficklin will return to Utah for the 2026 season, turning down interest from multiple Power Conference programs who saw his combination of arm strength, mobility, and poise as a prime portal target.

In an era where young quarterbacks typically bolt at the first sign of a depth chart squeeze, this is a rarity. And a win — a big one.

🤞🏽❤️ pic.twitter.com/3JNjkghbtB

— Jamarian “Byrd” Ficklin (@FicklinJamarian) December 7, 2025

The decision comes as all signs continue to point toward another major domino still falling in Utah’s favor: Devon Dampier is expected to return as well.

If that holds, Utah will enter 20

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