Utah’s offense was far from explosive in 2024, but it wasn’t for a lack of talent at the skill positions. In fact, the Utes’ leading receiver, Dorian Singer, had a 1,000-yard season with Arizona just a couple of seasons ago and approached that number again this year, finishing with 702 yards on 53 receptions.
While it was originally expected that Singer’s time at Utah had run out because of eligibility constraints, the ruling in Vanderbilt quarterback Deigo Pavia’s case could open the door for Singer to return and play with one of the most explosive quarterbacks in the country.
On Tuesday, Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham provided an update on Singer’s potential return in 2025, saying that the senior would “like nothing more” than to be back in Salt Lake City next year.
“Yeah, that’s being worked on,” Whittingham said, according to KSL Sports. “Dorian Singer would like nothing more than a return with us.”
“You’ve got to have a case; you’ve got to have reasons why, much like the young man at Vanderbilt got his extra year,” he continued. “I can’t give you percentages or anything like that, but I can tell you that it’s in process right now, and we’re trying every which way to see if we can get him one more year.”
KSL Sports also reports that sources indicate there’s been “positive feedback” on Singer’s waiver, which would spell terrific news for the Utah offense.
Getting Singer back would be a huge boost to the Utes’ offense, especially if Devon Dampier does indeed win the starting job.
Under Jason Beck at New Mexico in 2024, Dampier threw for 2,768 yards and 12 touchdowns while completing 57.9% of his attempts and throwing 12 interceptions—however, his QBR (71.2) was good for 34th nationally, and he took just five sacks all season.
Dampier’s ability to create plays with his legs, however, is what makes him a game-changer. In 12 games this season, Dampier rushed for 1,166 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 7.5 yards per carry.
With that context, Dampier ranked sixth nationally in total offense this season, averaging 327.8 yards per game, second among all quarterbacks in rushing yards, and 13th in scoring (31 total touchdowns).
If the sophomore can clean up some of the turnover issues and get Singer back as a deep threat, there’s a chance the Utah offense could be the most underrated unit in the Big 12 ahead of the 2025 season.
