CBS Sports’ Bud Elliott released his updated College Football Playoff bracket following Week 2 of the 2025 college football season, and he slotted Utah as the No. 3 seed in the 12-team field.
The Utes have done more than handle business; they’ve looked like one of the most complete teams in the country through two weeks. After dismantling UCLA in the opener and backing it up with a suffocating performance last weekend, Utah has planted itself firmly in the early Playoff conversation.
New Mexico transfer quarterback Devon Dampier has been a breakout star to open the season. The 6-foot, 200-pound junior has completed 84% of his passes with four touchdowns and no turnovers, adding another 100 yards and a score on the ground. His emergence has given Kyle Whittingham’s offense an edge it lacked a year ago, and the defense has been as advertised. Utah has allowed just 19 points across two games, and it’s winning at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
Elliott’s placement of Utah at No. 3 means he views the Utes as one of the top four projected conference champions, and they have looked every bit of a title contender. That’s not just a tip of the cap—it’s a recognition of how dominant this team has looked and how well-positioned it is moving forward. The Utes face Wyoming next, followed by a huge matchup against No. 21 Texas Tech, and if they continue to handle their business, they’ll be sitting in a prime spot once October rolls around.
Utah entered Year Two in the Big 12 with expectations, and so far, they’re not just meeting them, they’re pushing the ceiling higher. The roster is veteran-heavy in the trenches, has elite experience at linebacker, and finally has a quarterback capable of elevating the scheme. The early returns speak for themselves. While preseason media buzz focused on Kansas State and Arizona State, it’s Utah that has been the most consistent through two weeks. Elliott’s projection may be early, but it’s far from unreasonable. The Utes look like a team that’s built to win now.
