College football insider Brett McMurphy has unveiled his initial projections for bowl season and the College Football Playoff field, and he believes the Utah Utes will emerge as the Big 12 champion and secure a spot in the expanded playoff.
McMurphy’s model positions Utah along with 11 other teams from the Big 12 to advance to a bowl game, however the Utes claim the league’s top honor.
This prediction is intriguing considering Utah’s rough debut campaign, which ended with a 5–7 record overall and 2-7 in Big 12 play. Still, McMurphy forecasts a rebound rooted in preseason potential. He projects the Utes as Big 12 champions in their second year as members.
The forecast reflects confidence in head coach Kyle Whittingham’s steadiness and Utah’s ability to navigate its second full year in conference play. McMurphy’s bowl model anticipates a deep postseason for the Utes, not merely participating in the bowl season but securing the Big 12 crown and a playoff position.
Such high expectations make Utah one of the more compelling storylines heading into fall camp. A CFP bid would mark a dramatic turnaround for a program fresh off a lackluster season and highlight the new power dynamics in a reconfigured Big 12.
Whether the Utes can fulfill McMurphy’s projection remains among the season’s top early plotlines.
