Utah’s Fourth-Quarter Comeback Keeps Big 12 Championship Hopes Alive

The No. 14 Utah Utes scored a crucial 31-21 victory over Kansas in their regular-season finale. The win on Friday night kept Utah’s path to the Big 12 championship game open. The Utes finish the season with a 10-2 overall record and a 7-2 mark in conference play.

This win was essential for Utah’s title ambitions. According to ESPN’s game recap, the team needed this result to remain in contention for the December 6 championship. The victory sets up a dramatic final weekend of conference play.

Clutch Plays Fuel Dramatic Rally

Utah trailed heading into the final quarter. Quarterback Devon Dampier led the comeback with precision passing. He finished the game completing 15 of 25 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns.

His favorite target was Larry Simmons. Simmons caught three passes for 97 yards, including a pivotal 48-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter. That play helped seal the hard-fought road victory for the Utes.

Running back Wayshon Parker provided balance on the ground. He rushed for 95 yards, keeping the Kansas defense honest. The offensive execution in crunch time was the difference.

Defense Delivers Game-Sealing Turnovers

While the offense rallied, the defense provided the knockout punch. Utah’s secondary intercepted Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels three times. The most critical turnover became the game’s defining moment.

Defensive back Elijah Davis made a spectacular play in the fourth quarter. He intercepted a pass and returned it 97 yards for a touchdown. That pick-six effectively ended Kansas’s hopes of an upset.

The defensive unit consistently stifled Kansas’s momentum. They held the Jayhawks to just 21 points despite a respectable rushing attack. This performance followed a strong defensive trend for Utah all season.

Championship Scenarios Hang in the Balance

Utah’s fate is now tied to other games this weekend. The Utes need specific outcomes to advance to the Big 12 title game. They require Arizona State to beat Arizona and Texas Tech to lose to West Virginia.

If these results happen, Utah will play for the conference championship. The game is scheduled for December 6 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Winning that game would secure an automatic bid to the expanded College Football Playoff.

The uncertainty adds to the drama of rivalry weekend. Coach Kyle Whittingham’s team must now wait and watch. Their season-long goal remains within reach thanks to Friday’s resilient performance.

Utah’s dramatic finish ensures an anxious weekend for fans as the Big 12 championship picture clears. The team’s resilience has them one step away from their ultimate goal.

Thought you’d like to know

What does Utah need to reach the Big 12 title game?

Utah needs two specific results. Arizona State must defeat Arizona, and Texas Tech must lose to West Virginia. If both happen, the Utes will play on December 6.

Who was the standout player for Utah against Kansas?

Quarterback Devon Dampier was crucial, throwing for 253 yards and three scores. Defensively, Elijah Davis sealed the win with a 97-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Where would the Big 12 championship game be played?

The conference title game is held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It is the home of the NFL‘s Dallas Cowboys and a neutral site for the championship.

What is Utah’s final regular-season record?

Utah finished the 2025 regular season with 10 wins and 2 losses. Their record in Big 12 conference play was 7 wins and 2 losses.

Why is reaching the championship game so important?

Winning the Big 12 championship grants an automatic berth into the College Football Playoff. It is the most direct path for Utah to compete for a national title.