As the Utah Utes hit the road for their Black Friday showdown against Kansas, the tone around the program is dramatically different from this time a year ago. Instead of frustration and offensive struggles, Utah enters Friday’s matchup riding momentum, confidence, and history-chasing stakes.
Game Information
- Matchup: No. 13 Utah (9–2, 6–2) at Kansas (5–6, 3–5)
- Date: Friday (Black Friday)
- Kickoff: 10:00 a.m. MST
- Venue: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium
- TV: ESPN
- Radio: 700 AM / 92.1 FM
One Win from History
A victory over Kansas would give Utah its 10th regular-season win, something only 10 Ute teams have achieved in school history. The program has not reached double-digit wins in the regular season since 2019.
At 9–2, Utah has already improved by four wins over last season — a stark turnaround from a year ago when the Utes entered Black Friday riding a seven-game losing streak and searching for answers on offense.
Chasing Program Records
Utah is on the verge of rewriting parts of its record book:
- Rushing Yards: Utah needs just 188 rushing yards to break a school record that has stood since 1984.
- Rushing TDs: Only two more touchdowns are needed to set a new program record (39 yards).
Given Utah’s season average of 279.6 rushing yards per game, both records are within realistic reach.
Kansas: Fighting for Bowl Life
Kansas enters the game at 5–6, needing an upset to secure bowl eligibility. The Jayhawks have dropped four of their last five games and suffered a heavy 38–14 loss at Iowa State.
Still, Kansas brings a dangerous ground attack:
- Daniel Hishaw Jr.: 480 yards, 4 TDs
- Leshon Williams: 456 yards, 7 TDs
- Jalon Daniels: 370 rushing yards, 3 TDs
Kansas averages 157.2 rushing yards per game, but Utah knows that rankings don’t tell the full story — especially after being gashed by Kansas State the week before.
Utah’s Plan: Run It Until It Breaks
Kansas ranks No. 104 nationally against the run, allowing 174.2 rushing yards per game and giving up 221 yards on the ground to Iowa State. Expect Utah to lean heavily on its dominant offensive line and rushing attack once again.
Jason Beck Effect: Historic Turnaround
First-year offensive coordinator Jason Beck has engineered the largest year-to-year offensive improvement Utah has seen since at least 1996. Utah’s efficiency, scoring consistency, and rushing dominance are all directly tied to his impact.
From a stagnant offense in 2024 to one of the most balanced attacks in the Big 12, Beck’s system has accelerated Utah’s resurgence.
Senior Sendoff & Whittingham’s Future
Friday could mark the final regular-season game in a Utah uniform for several seniors, including:
- Lander Barton
- Blake Cotton
- Levani Damuni
- Jaren Kump
- Michael Mokofisi
Star offensive lineman Spencer Fano, projected as an early NFL Draft selection in 2026, is also likely playing his final regular-season game as a Ute.
Additionally, head coach Kyle Whittingham must notify the university by December 5 whether he will return for his 22nd season. He has stated that decision will come after the year concludes.
Final Word
Utah may not control its Big 12 destiny, but it controls its legacy this week. A win confirms a season-long turnaround, places a new chapter in the record book, and rewards a senior class that rebuilt an identity.
Black Friday isn’t about leftovers for Utah — it’s about legacy.
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