Utah quarterback Devon Dampier is officially in the Heisman conversation after a dominant Week One performance. The Utes’ signal caller checked in at No. 4 in this week’s On3 Heisman Trophy poll, which compiles votes from several national writers, including Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman, Chris Low, Brett McMurphy, and others.
Dampier was one of just five players to receive double-digit points from the panel, placing him behind LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, and Florida State’s Thomas Castellanos. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer tied Dampier at No. 4.
The rise comes after Dampier completed 21 of 25 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns in Utah’s opener, adding 87 yards and a score on the ground. He led a Utah offense that looked sharp from the opening drive and finished the game without a turnover. The Utes rolled to a convincing win and set the tone for what could be a major Big 12 run in their first year in the league.
Dampier’s ranking in a national poll like this puts him on the radar early. Heisman talk in Week One is usually speculative, but the numbers back it up. His efficiency, decision-making, and explosiveness are drawing attention fast, and if Utah keeps winning, his stock will only rise.
For the Big 12, seeing Dampier crack the top five is an early win for a conference that boasts some of the best quarterback play in the nation. Others who narrowly missed the poll but still received votes included Rocco Becht and Sam Leavitt.
The full poll was released by On3 on Monday and will be updated weekly throughout the season. If Dampier continues at this pace, don’t be surprised if his name starts creeping even higher.
