The Utah Utes kicked off their 2026 season with a resounding 66-14 victory over the Idaho Vandals on Thursday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. This commanding win showcased the Utes' formidable rushing attack, continuing the momentum from their record-setting 2025 season, where they amassed 3,462 rushing yards and scored 41 rushing touchdowns.
Leading the charge for Utah was junior running back Wayshawn Parker, who had an impressive outing with 71 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. Parker also excelled in the passing game, catching three passes for 23 yards and scoring two additional touchdowns. His three-touchdown performance marked a career high and highlighted his potential as the team's primary running back this season.
"I’ll toot Wayshawn Parker’s (horn) all day long. That guy can catch the ball, run the ball, he’s tough as nails," said Utah head coach Morgan Scalley. "You watch him block, he is a complete running back, which is why we have a ton of NFL scouts coming and watching practice." Parker's ability to run aggressively and effectively block demonstrates his well-rounded skill set, making him a key player for the Utes moving forward.
Parker expressed his confidence heading into the game, stating, "I was just going out there being confident in my own mind and the whole team. We’ve been doing it since January. It was time to prove what we can do, so that first game I had to go out there and show what it’s going to be like this whole year." His performance not only set the tone for the game but also underscored the depth of Utah's running back group.
In a game that allowed for extensive playing time, a total of 10 players carried the ball for the Utes, including three quarterbacks. Freshman LaMarcus Bell emerged as a standout, leading the team with 87 rushing yards on 11 attempts, capped off by a 34-yard touchdown run that effectively sealed the victory. Bell's performance included two additional runs of over 20 yards, showcasing his explosive speed and ability to make big plays.
Steve Chavez-Soto also made significant contributions, rushing for 35 yards and a touchdown, although one of his potential touchdowns was nullified by a holding penalty. Sophomore Mateaki Helu added 25 yards to the ground game, while Daniel Bray, despite a quieter night with 13 yards on two carries, is expected to play a crucial role in the Utes' offense as the season progresses.
Overall, the Utes demonstrated their offensive prowess with 12 rushes of 10 or more yards, with Parker, Chavez-Soto, Helu, and Bell all contributing to this impressive statistic. While Parker is expected to be the workhorse back, the depth in the running back room is evident, providing Utah with multiple options as they navigate the season.
Coach Scalley praised the development of his running backs, noting, "To see the other guys step up, Chavez-Soto, Mateaki Helu, you saw (LaMarcus Bell) there with the touchdown at the end. (Tight end) Hunter Andrews is a guy that continues to show up at different positions, whether you’re handing him the ball, whether he’s catching out of the backfield or the tight end spot." The Utes' running back coach, Mark Atuaia, has been instrumental in preparing this group, ensuring they are ready to perform week in and week out.
Leave a Comment