-Added benefits of walk-through with the rule changes has allowed the new offense to be further ahead than it typically would be.

-It’s huge with Dampier already knowing the ins and outs and the intricacies of the offense. Whittingham noted that Wilson did well today too.

-Dampier was part of a prolific offense. Parker is a dynamic running back. Offensive line should be great, but they’ll see. Tight end, Bentley will s the obvious lead guy there, with King being versatile for an H-Back role. Receiver is the main group on offense that Whittingham is concern about sorting out.

-They know how to shape the offense and what to expect based off of Dampier’s track record and skillset last season.

-Getting a new OC and the QB from the same system is ideal and something that Whittingham says Utah hoped for, but they couldn’t bank on that happening.

-No one really knows what the NIL settlement is going to look like until around April 6-7 and even that could get moved back.

-He was asked about the DT room and answered that pretty quick. (Alex take: meaning he doesn’t really know what to think of it yet.)

-The vibe of this year’s team is definitely a positive one and a great vibe. Nothing at all against the old players, but the infusion of new players and new coaches couldn’t have gone any better.

-asked about Alex Jensen returning and his role in it, Whittingham didn’t choose to talk about his role. However, he said that he is really excited to have Jensen back and his track record speaks for itself. He’s really looking forward to seeing what Jensen can do as the new head coach for basketball.

-I asked if it was an easy decision for him to come back, Whittingham said, brief, definitively, “Yeah. How about that. Yeah.”

Not too different from the defensive tackle group, this is a relatively inexperienced defensive end room:

HC - Alex Jensen
Assts - none are confirmed at this point for next season

C - Zach Keller - rising Sr.
C - Joul Karram - rising RFr.
PF - Ezra Ausar - rising Sr.
PF - Keanu Dawes - rising Jr.
PF - Ibi Traore - rising RFr.
SF - Jake Wahlin - rising Jr. (in portal)
SG - Alvin Jackson III (SLCC signee who averaged 6 pts/game and started about half the games for SLCC in 24-25)
PG - Mike S. - rising Sr.
PG - Miro Little - risingJr.
Combo - Hunter Erickson - rising Sr. ( in portal)

Missionaries signed but not expected back for next seasons
David Katoa
Jaxon Johnson

Currently there are 5 scholarship spots open given the new 15 scholarship limit. That roster desperately needs a dynamic scoring SG, at least one other reliable 3 point shooter, and a starting C.

There will likely be some on this list who leave via the portal. We can update next year's roster as announcements are made.

I’m happy that they’re allowing the guys to still play and not just taking a pass on the postseason with the coaching change.

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Erickson does have one more year left because of his time at SLCC, but I expect him to go down a level for a more featured role.

It’s crazy that this feels like the most exciting day for Utah basketball over the last decade, but it’s accurate. I’ll be live at the press conference and I will post some links for everybody to follow after I’ve arrived at the arena.

ESPN700 press conference feed

Well, let’s revisit this soon and everyone give me your thoughts. Add your own as well…

The one assistant that is most likely to stay:

David Evans: The players love him and his AAU and prep ties are valuable. I’ve been told that him and Jensen have a solid basketball relationship.


My best guess at the others:

Andre Miller: I’ll be floored if he’s not on staff. All indications are that he will be.

Eric Daniels: Donny Daniel’s’ son, who is a well respected coach in his own right. Experience at Southern Utah, UVU, Utah State, and a support role with the Orlando Magic.

Other: From there I’d either go outside the box on a hire or hire someone with extensive overseas connections.

Don’t panic. I know Jake wants to remain at Utah, but he’s doing his due diligence with the coaching change. Utah has him as a top priority to retain.
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I’m told today isn’t all about a celebration, Jensen is meeting with key players today to start building the individual relationships, before the press conference.

I love that they’re doing this:

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Barton and Damuni are back to lead what should be an exceptional linebacker room in 2025:

Anybody at the game tonight? I could not make it, but looks like #10 Utah (coming off a split last weekend against #2 UNLV) is sticking it to CSU.

New coaches, all new running backs:

And just like that, Spring Ball is back:

1. Keanu Dawes
2. Ezra Ausar
3. Jake Wahlin
4. Miro Little
5. Traore
6, Zach Keller

Mike S is not a priority imo.

We need a three level scorer at the wing, a point guard, a three point sniper and an athletic center.

Some interesting things I’ve heard today:

-Alex is assembling a staff with mostly NBA coaching experience.

-Lo Leath has put a good foot forward and could be included on the staff.

-All of this is fluid, but it would be nice for them to announce Andre sooner rather than later.

Not optimal. Transfer portal opens in a couple weeks and he needs to hit the ground running.

Building staff securing current players.

The mavs are fading. He should resign as soon as they are eliminated from the playoffs.

Ausar is out, but I like Wahlin at the 5 tonight.

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So many thoughts running through my head. It’s needed, but the Jon M. Huntsman Center is legendary.

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It’s been mentioned by several people that with Utah hiring Alex Jensen, the NIL is expected to increase, with the baseline being around $6 million. Is this increase inclusive of the new revenue sharing that the university plans to pay players, or is that separate? Because if it’s the latter, then everyone’s NIL deals will rise, and we’ll still be significantly behind.

More on his recruitment here:

Here’s the starting five:

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With Cincinnati and UCF losing today and each finishing 7-13 respectively. Utah with a loss finishes 8-12 and the 11th seed. After Utah beats byu tonight they finish 9-11 and tied with KSU and TCU not sure how the tiebreaker would work.

Not bad for a team picked 16th in the preseason.

As the 11th seed Utah would play the 14th seed in the 1st round which would be Okla St Cinn or UCF depending on
tie breaker.

Winner would play 6th seed which will probably be Kansas.