Utes open 2025 with statement, dominating UCLA 43-10 in season opener
Sep 1, 2025, 9:12 AM | Updated: 9:14 am
Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham celebrates the victory against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)
(Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)
Pasadena, CA. — With a multitude of questions about Utah’s identity heading into 2025, the team got an emphatic response on the Rose Bowl turf Saturday night. Kyle Whittingham’s program didn’t just beat UCLA — they dictated every phase of the game, bludgeoning the Bruins with a physical run game, suffocating defense, and a quarterback who looked as poised as the stage demanded.
By the final whistle, Utah finished eight yards short of 500 yards of total offense and earned a 43–10 win, sending a clear message in their season debut.
Opening Statement: Utah Sets the Tone
The Utes wasted no time establishing their style. On the game’s opening drive, the offensive line mauled UCLA’s front, springing backs for chunk gains and giving quarterback Devon Dampier clean pockets. It was old-school Utah football, wrapped in new-school wrinkles: 11 plays, 75 yards, capped by Wayshawn Parker’s 13-yard touchdown run.
Fittingly, it was cornerback Smith Snowden, Utah’s two-way weapon, who made his presence felt early, hauling in two receptions on the march to help jumpstart the offense.
On the very next possession, Utah flexed its versatility. Snowden, this time aligned on offense, took a jet sweep around the edge and punched it into the end zone. Two possessions in, the Utes had 140 total yards, two touchdowns, and a stranglehold on momentum.
If fans needed any more proof that Utah’s two-way emphasis was a positive, linebacker Lander Barton delivered on the Utes’ third possession. From the high red zone, Barton got behind the defense on a corner route and hauled in the 14-yard touchdown to put Utah up 20–7 in the second quarter.
1-2-3 TDs for @Utah_Football! Lander Barton this time for the Utes! pic.twitter.com/itnOp6ZHag
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 31, 2025
All the while, Utah’s star quarterback thrived behind an offensive line that looked every bit as advertised. They created big lanes for the run game and kept the pocket pristine, allowing the sophomore signal-caller to calmly survey the field. Spencer Fano picked up where he left off and continued to dominate in this phase of the game.
With less than a minute before halftime, Utah’s defense delivered another stand, forcing a Bruins punt and handing the offense a chance at points. Dampier marched the Utes just far enough, and freshman kicker Dillon Curtis drilled a 54-yard field goal — the longest by a freshman in Utah history.
First career kick from 54 yards for Dillon Curtis is GOOD! 🙌@Utah_Football leads UCLA, 23-7 at half. pic.twitter.com/76iPzBCe9F
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 31, 2025
That boot stretched the lead to 23–7 at the half, with Utah having scored on 4 of its 5 first-half possessions while racking up 256 yards.
UCLA’s Brief Push, Utah’s Long Answer
The Bruins opened the second half with another promising drive, moving efficiently before settling for a 46-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 23–10. It seemed like UCLA could build some momentum at this point in the game.
However, Utah’s response wasn’t flashy — it was devastating.
Dampier orchestrated a marathon 20-play, 80-yard drive that consumed 9:44 of game clock. The Utes leaned on their offensive line, mixed in timely throws, and pounded the ball on the ground. The payoff? Another touchdown and a backbreaking 30–10 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
By the time the fourth quarter began, the stat sheet told the story. Utah wasn’t just winning; they were suffocating UCLA with sheer control. Time of possession tilted heavily to the Utes, the run game wore down the Bruins’ front, and Dampier stayed comfortable in the pocket thanks to relentless protection.
The Utes tacked on two more scores, Dallen Bentley and NaQuari Rogers, and cruised to the finish line.
.@Utah_Football continues to add to the tally! 🚀
It’s a good night for the Utes 💪 pic.twitter.com/Nnk9xLRI5i
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 31, 2025
The Utes exited the field to the sound of a fanbase that felt rejuvenated.
In the post-game press conference, Whittingham did his best to hide the smile on his face, but it was there. However, his words still ring true, this is only one game, and the work is far from done.
