Emergence of Utah backup QB Ficklin is a good thing, but comes with a price

November 19, 2025

By Doug Robinson, Deseret News: By now, the Utes have seen the future and his name is Byrd. Moments after the Baylor Blowout ended last week, Kyle Whittingham and the rest of his coaching staff should’ve promised Jamarian “Byrd” Ficklin a raise, a starting job next season (quarterback, running back, slot?), a slice of the parking revenues, a car, a boat and anything else they can squeeze out of NIL.

The jury is in: Ficklin, a true freshman, is a true talent. He’s the Utes’ secret weapon this season. The Cougars give you the Bear, the Utes give you, um, the Byrd. Both are quarterbacks, both are true freshmen, both are more run than pass.

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Emergence of backup QB Byrd Ficklin is good thing for the Utes, but will come with a price

The true freshman Utah quarterback has wowed when given the chance. Will the Utes be able to keep him and QB1 Devon Dampier?

Deseret News

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