The Utah Checkdown

Host Josh Furlong breaks down everything Utes fans need to know heading into Saturday’s road tilt against Colorado — from Isaac Wilson leading the Buffaloes' offense to the defensive keys in the trenches. Plus, a dive into the growing buzz around a 24-team College Football Playoff, Morgan Scalley’s mission to lock down in-state recruiting, and a visit from Jon Wilner to unpack how big the weekend's games are for the Big 12's postseason fate. In this episode: Houston kickoff window: Why the network broadcast schedules put Utah-Houston on a six-day hold and what time slots are on the table. The 24-team playoff scenario: What a potential bracket expansion means for college football, conference championship games, and why historical metrics suggest Utah would be among the biggest winners. In-state recruiting priority: Morgan Scalley's vision for keeping top local talent home and building a pipeline in Utah. Colorado preview: Dissecting the Buffaloes' struggles, former Ute Isaac Wilson under center, and the defensive keys to securing bowl eligibility in Boulder. Hotline Update with John Wilner: Breaking down the College Football Playoff at-large implications of BYU vs. Notre Dame, CFP selection committee dynamics, and the current state of Deion Sanders' program. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Football is back at Rice-Eccles Stadium after a two-week break, and the Utes are preparing for a "whiteout" matchup against the Kansas Jayhawks. Host Josh Furlong breaks down whether Kansas’ top-10 offensive and defensive metrics are legitimate threats or just paper stats padded by weak nonconference opponents. From bottling up dual-threat quarterback Isaiah Marshall to Utah’s defensive dominance in the red zone, get the complete breakdown of what Morgan Scalley’s squad must do to avoid an upset. Plus, John Wilner of the Wilner Hotline joins the show for an inside look at the biggest headlines across college football: The AP poll factory: How voters evaluate wildly unbalanced early-season schedules. Playoff expansion fallout: The looming expiration of ESPN’s exclusive CFP negotiating window and what a potential jump to 24 teams means for the Big 12’s access and revenue. Week 6 Big 12 matchups: Why Texas Tech might be vulnerable, the fallout of ASU’s London trip, and a hypothetical "midpoint" showdown between Utah and BYU. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

The Utes went on the road into Jack Trice Stadium, weathered a third-quarter storm, and walked away with a 31-17 victory over Iowa State to start Big 12 play 1-0. In this episode, host Josh Furlong breaks down Utah’s hard-fought road win, analyzes the national perception surrounding the program, and welcomes college football insider Jon Wilner for his weekly Big 12 Hotline update: Devon Dampier’s evolution: Why Dampier’s passing — including a dime to Braden Pegan up the seam — shows the game is officially slowing down for Utah’s quarterback. Wayshawn Parker’s complete game: Parker had 174 yards on the ground and hauled in a receiving touchdown to prove he’s much more than just a one-trick threat. Weathering adversity in Ames: How the team responded to Iowa State's third-quarter surge and answered with physical, tone-setting football. Big 12 Hotline with Jon Wilner: Wilner returns to discuss why Utah and BYU look like the two best-coached, most balanced teams in the conference and the monumental stakes brewing for the Nov. 7 game in Salt Lake City. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Nonconference play is officially in the books, and the Utah Utes are sitting at an unblemished 3-0. But as Big 12 play looms, one big question remains: Is Utah finally getting the national respect they deserve, or are critics still holding back? In this episode, host Josh Furlong breaks down: The AP Top 25 voting process: A transparent look inside Josh’s official AP ballot, how the consensus poll really works, the debate over who belongs, and addressing voter bias perceptions. Big 12 action & playoff perception: Can the Big 12 realistically get two teams into the College Football Playoff? Plus, takeaways from West Virginia’s win, Texas Tech's performance against Houston, and why the November showdown with BYU is looking more and more like a high-stakes title eliminator. Advanced analytics love the Utes: Why advanced metrics like Bill Connelly’s Resume SP+ and Brian Fremeau’s FEI game ratings have Utah ranked in the top two nationally. Recapping the 33-0 shutout win over Utah State: Utah’s first FBS shutout in years, preserving the zero in the red zone, and holding the Aggies under 200 total yards. Devon Dampier’s pocket poise: Why the box score doesn’t tell the whole story of Dampier’s continued maturation as a passer from the pocket. Morgan Scalley’s aggressive identity: Scalley’s candid thoughts on going for two, testing unconventional looks, and playing to dictate the game. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Utah made a big statement in Week 2, and the fallout has completely broken Arkansas fans. Host Josh Furlong breaks down a wild weekend across college football, recaps Utah’s dominant 43-10 win over Arkansas at Rice-Eccles Stadium, and analyzes what the result means for the Utes on the national stage: Big 12 weekend fallout: Oklahoma State stuns No. 6 Oregon in Stillwater, Texas Tech survives a battle at Oregon State, and BYU outlasts Arizona in Provo. AP Top 25 ballot breakdown: Josh defends his official AP ballot, explains the Texas vs. LSU No. 1 dilemma, and details why Utah’s rise to No. 17 is turning heads across the country. The Arkansas disassembly: How Utah’s trench play overwhelmed an SEC front, why Razorbacks fans reached total meltdown mode on postgame call-in shows. Jireh Moe & defensive success: Breaking down sophomore defensive tackle Jireh Moe’s game-wrecking performance, Johnathan Hall’s impact, and how the Utes held Arkansas to just 10 points. Offensive chaos & Kevin McGiven’s playbook: A deeper look at Utah’s creative sets — including the viral four-across backfield with Devon Dampier, Byrd Ficklin, Wayshawn Parker, and Daniel Bray — and Morgan Scalley’s take on how tempo and personnel rotations create defensive booth headaches. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Football season has officially arrived! In this episode of The Utah Checkdown, host Josh Furlong breaks down everything you need to know heading into Game 1. In this episode: Week 0 takeaways: Why TCU’s messy season-opener in Ireland could change the landscape of the Big 12. Morgan Scalley’s first game-week presser: What the new head coach had to say about his mindset, keeping perspective, managing line rotations, and turning the defense over to Colton Swan. Offensive evolution & versatility: Why Utah is unlocking more dynamic looks across the receiver and tight end rooms without getting "too cute." Devon Dampier’s next step: Breaking down Dampier’s growth as a vocal leader, how he plans to balance pocket poise with his dynamic playmaking, and what Big 12 air yard analytics say about his passing potential. Season predictions: A deep dive into Team Rankings projections, win-probability metrics, and a trap spot on Utah’s 2026 schedule. Idaho season opener preview: Breaking down the Vandals’ Week 0 heartbreak against Cal Poly, key players to watch (including dual-threat QB Joshua Wood and WR Tony Harste), and what Utah’s looks to do Thursday night. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform and get set for kickoff at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

With kickoff just under two weeks away, host Josh Furlong breaks down everything you need to know about Utah football heading into the season opener against Idaho. From full fall camp takeaways to off-field news and national rankings, get the complete breakdown right here on The Utah Checkdown Podcast. In this episode: AP Top 25 Reactions: Analyzing Utah’s spot at No. 21, the Big 12's four ranked programs (Texas Tech, BYU, Utah, Houston), and how preseason voter perspective shapes expectations. Freddie Whittingham Lawsuit: Breaking down the report of the University of Utah filing a breach-of-contract lawsuit against the former tight ends coach following his move to Michigan. Fall Camp Position-by-Position Takeaways: Devon Dampier’s health, poise, and chemistry with the offense. Wayshawn Parker leading a deep room alongside Daniel Bray, Steve Chavez-Soto, and freshman LaMarcus Bell. And sorting out the starting five, the stability at left tackle with Zereoue Williams, and true freshman Kelvin Obot making noise. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Ahead of the 2026 season, we conclude the scheduling series preview with a look at West Virginia. The Utes closeout the season with a Black Friday night game, with hopes of a Big 12 title berth on the line. Host Josh Furlong breaks down a West Virginia team that looks to build on a losing season, but how much more can Rich Rod get out of his team? Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Next week is Big 12 media days, and there will be several big storylines for the University of Utah. Host Josh Furlong previews Big 12 media days and what will be the top storylines for Utah and the conference. He also continues his scheduling series preview with a look at Utah's next opponent Arizona. Will the Utah-Arizona game be a decider for the Big 12 title game, or just two teams that are on the outside looking in? At the very least, it will be a game against two top teams expected to compete for the Big 12 title and a spot in the playoffs. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

The Brendan Sorsby saga continues as it becomes Texas Tech against the world. Host Josh Furlong breaks down the latest with Sorsby and how it could impact the Big 12 moving forward. The Big 12 will be meeting this week and next to decide a path forward. He also previews the official visitors for football this weekend, while continuing on the scheduling series with a look at Cincinnati. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Utah defensive end Lance Holtzclaw testified at a Senate committee hearing this week as it discussed a bill to "save" college sports. His testimony was used to help support student-athletes. Host Josh Furlong recaps the Senate hearing and what it all means, as well as provides some additional updates on news from the week — including a look at some commitments for the Utes this week. He then continues his scheduling series breakdown with a look at Colorado, which is Utah's sixth game of the season. Is this the end for Deion Sanders or will this be the season he turns it around? Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

The Big 12 will host its annual spring meetings this week, with College Football Playoff expansion the biggest talking point for the week's meetings. Host Josh Furlong gives a quick primer on what will be discussed this week, as well as some updates on other college football matters. He then continues his deep dive into the next two opponents on Utah's schedule for football. The next two games will prove to be the final touches to what the team hopes could be a special season in Morgan Scalley's first as head coach. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

The offensive side of the ball will be one of the most intriguing elements of Morgan Scalley's first season as head coach for Utah. And while spring was a success, how will it translate to the fall? Host Josh Furlong jumps into the offensive side of the ball with a post-spring position breakdown to see who will be the contributors for the 2026 season, and where the success will be seen the most. He also does a quick look at the women's basketball roster, a look at the TV windows for football games, and gives a little primer on the upcoming official visit season for recruiting. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.