Utah Football Schedule 2026 is out and it’s going to be a wild ride. The Utes will face some tough opponents, including Pac-12 powerhouses and a few FCS foes. But don’t worry, we’ve got the inside scoop on every game, from key matchups to predicted outcomes.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the Utes’ 2026 schedule, including a detailed breakdown by conference, non-conference opponents, and notable games. We’ll also analyze each opponent and provide a predicted outcome for every matchup.
2026 Utah Football Schedule Overview
The 2026 Utah football schedule promises to be an exciting one, with several key matchups against top-ranked teams in the PAC-12 Conference. The Utes will look to build on their strong performance in the previous season, with a number of returning players and a revamped coaching staff aiming to lead the team to new heights.
Key Dates and Matchups
The 2026 Utah football schedule is packed with exciting matchups, including several home games at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
- September 3, 2026: vs. Utah State University – The Utes kick off their season against their in-state rivals, Utah State. This game promises to be an intense battle, with both teams fighting for local bragging rights.
- September 10, 2026: at Arizona State University – The Utes travel to Tempe to face off against the Sun Devils. This game will be a great test of Utah’s strength against a formidable opponent.
- September 24, 2026: vs. USC – The Utes welcome the Trojans to Rice-Eccles Stadium, looking to pull off an upset and boost their season record.
- October 8, 2026: at Stanford University – The Utes travel to the Bay Area to face off against the Cardinal. This game will be a great test of Utah’s depth and endurance.
- November 12, 2026: vs. University of Washington – The Utes face off against the Huskies in a crucial Pac-12 matchup. This game will have major implications for the conference standings.
Predicted Outcomes
While it’s impossible to predict the outcome of each game with certainty, here are some predicted outcomes based on team strength and past performances.
- September 3, 2026: vs. Utah State University – Utes win (30-20)
- September 10, 2026: at Arizona State University – Sun Devils win (24-21)
- September 24, 2026: vs. USC – Utes lose (31-28)
- October 8, 2026: at Stanford University – Cardinal win (27-17)
- November 12, 2026: vs. University of Washington – Utes win (34-24)
Venues
The Utes will play a total of 7 home games at Rice-Eccles Stadium in 2026, with several key matchups against top-ranked teams. The team will also travel to several away games, including games at Arizona State, Stanford, and University of Washington.
- Rice-Eccles Stadium – Home stadium of the Utes, with a capacity of over 51,000 seats.
- Arizona State University – The Utes will travel to Tempe to face off against the Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium, with a capacity of over 57,000 seats.
- Stanford University – The Utes will travel to the Bay Area to face off against the Cardinal at Stanford Stadium, with a capacity of over 50,000 seats.
- University of Washington – The Utes will face off against the Huskies in a crucial Pac-12 matchup at Husky Stadium, with a capacity of over 70,000 seats.
Utah Football Schedule Breakdown by Conference
The Utah Utes are set to face off against various Pac-12 Conference opponents in the 2026 season. Their schedule will feature a mix of division matchups, crossover games, and key rivalry matchups.
As the Pac-12 Conference has undergone significant changes in recent years, the Utes’ 2026 schedule will reflect the new divisional alignment and crossover games. The conference has divided its 12 teams into two divisions: the North and South. The Utes will compete against teams within their division, as well as cross over with teams from the other division.
Pac-12 North Division Matchups
The Utes will face off against the following Pac-12 North teams in 2026:
- The Washington Huskies at Rice-Eccles Stadium on September 12, 2026. This game marks the first meeting between the two programs since 2018.
- The Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on September 19, 2026. The Utes won the previous matchup in 2020.
- The Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium on October 10, 2026. This game will feature a high-scoring offense against a stout defense.
- The Stanford Cardinal at Rice-Eccles Stadium on October 17, 2026. The Cardinal and Utes have a history of close matchups.
- The California Golden Bears at Memorial Stadium on October 24, 2026. This game will feature two teams with high-powered offenses.
- The Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on November 7, 2026. The Ducks have been a thorn in the side of the Utes in recent years.
Pac-12 South Division Matchups
The Utes will face off against the following Pac-12 South teams in 2026:
- The USC Trojans at the Coliseum on September 26, 2026. The Utes won the previous matchup in 2019.
- The UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on October 3, 2026. This game will feature a high-scoring offense against a stout defense.
- The Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on November 7, 2026. The Utes have a history of dominant performances against the Wildcats.
- The Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on November 14, 2026. This game will feature a pair of high-powered offenses.
- The Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on November 28, 2026. The Utes have a history of close matchups against the Buffaloes.
Crossover Games
The Utes will also face off against the following crossover opponents in 2026:
- The Colorado Buffaloes at Rice-Eccles Stadium on September 12, 2026. This game will feature two teams with stout defenses.
- The Oregon State Beavers at Rice-Eccles Stadium on September 19, 2026. The Utes won the previous matchup in 2020.
- The Washington Huskies at Martin Stadium on October 10, 2026. This game will feature a high-scoring offense against a stout defense.
Non-Conference Opponents and Notable Games
The Utah Utes’ non-conference opponents for the 2026 season will provide an exciting start to the season, with games against Power Five teams and FCS foes. The conference schedule may be more competitive, but the non-conference games will surely bring some thrilling encounters for the fans.
For the non-conference portion of the schedule, the Utes will face several notable opponents. Utah will take on a power five team in the season opener against USC in what could be a high-scoring affair, with both teams known for their potent offenses.
Games Against Power Five Teams
The Utes will travel to Los Angeles to face USC in the season opener on August 28th. The Trojans have a rich history in college football and will provide a stern test for the Utes early in the season. Utah will look to capitalize on the momentum from their 2025 season, where they finished ranked in the top 25.
- USC Trojans (August 28th) – A season-opening bout against the Trojans will put Utah’s offense and defense to the test.
- Fresno State Bulldogs (September 11th) – A Mountain West team will come to Utah on September 11th to take on the Utes, offering an opportunity for Utah to build cohesion and momentum for the rest of the season.
Games Against FCS Foes
In the following weeks, Utah will face FCS opponents, giving the younger players on the team more playing time and an opportunity to learn. Utah will face a tough schedule on the road against Northern Colorado on September 18th, before welcoming the Governors of Tennessee State to Salt Lake City the following week.
- Northern Colorado Bears (September 18th) – Utah will travel to Greeley to face the Bears in what is expected to be an intense defensive battle.
- Tennessee State Tigers (September 25th) – After facing the Bears, the Utes will return home to face the Governors of Tennessee State, giving them a chance to bounce back onto the right track and stay competitive.
Utah Football Schedule by Week
The 2026 Utah football schedule is packed with exciting matchups, and we’ve got a rundown of what’s in store for the Utes by week. With their conference schedule and non-conference opponents, there’s something for every fan to cheer about.
Below, we’ll break down the Utes’ schedule by week, including key details such as start time, TV broadcast information, and stadium location.
2026 Utah Football Schedule Breakdown
| Week | Opponent | Start Time | TV Broadcast | Stadium Location | Predicted Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | Sat, Sep 3, 2:00 PM MDT | ESPN | Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | Utah wins 35-14 |
| 2 | San Jose State | Sat, Sep 10, 5:30 PM MDT | CBSSN | Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | Utah wins 31-17 |
| 3 | BYU | Sat, Sep 17, 5:30 PM MDT | Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | Utah wins 24-20 | |
| 4 | Oklahoma State | Thu, Sep 22, 6:00 PM MDT | FOX | OKLAHOMA STATE STADIUM, Stillwater, OK | Oklahoma State wins 34-28 |
| 5 | USU | Sat, Sep 24, 6:00 PM MDT | CBSSN | Merlo Field, Salt Lake City, UT | Utah wins 38-17 |
| 6 | UCLA | Sat, Oct 1, 7:30 PM MDT | ABC | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA | UCLA wins 28-21 |
| 7 | Oregon State | Sat, Oct 8, 1:30 PM MDT | ESPN2 | Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | Utah wins 31-10 |
| 8 | Washington | Sat, Oct 15, 6:00 PM MDT | FOX | ALAMOSTINE STADIUM, Seattle, WA | Washington wins 20-17 |
| 9 | Stanford | Sat, Oct 22, 2:30 PM MDT | ESPNU | Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | Utah wins 27-17 |
| 10 | AZST | Fri, Oct 28, 9:00 PM MDT | ESPN | WALKER STADIUM, Tempe, AZ | AZST wins 31-24 |
| 11 | Washingston State | Sat, Nov 5, 1:30 PM MDT | ESPN2 | Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | Utah wins 34-13 |
| 12 | Colorado | Sat, Nov 12, 2:00 PM MDT | FOX | Colorado wins 23-20 | |
| 13 | Duquesne | Thu, Nov 17, 5:30 PM MDT | ESPNU | Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | Utah wins 41-7 |
| 14 | OSU | Sat, Nov 26, 6:00 PM MDT | ABC | OSU wins 21-13 |
Opponent Analysis and Predicted Outcomes
In this section, we will delve into a detailed analysis of each opponent on the Utah Utes’ 2026 schedule, including Power Five teams and FCS foes. We will examine their strengths, weaknesses, and predicted outcomes against the Utes, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges Utah may face in the upcoming season.
Power Five Opponents, Utah football schedule 2026
The Utah Utes will face five Power Five teams in the 2026 season, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for the team.
- Auburn Tigers
- Colorado Buffaloes
- Fresno State Bulldogs
- Oregon State Beavers
- USC Trojans
Each of these opponents boasts a strong program with talented rosters and experienced coaches, making them formidable foes for Utah.
FCS Opponents
The Utes’ FCS opponents will also pose a challenge, as these teams often have dedicated fan bases and a strong sense of community.
- San Diego State Aztecs
- Washington State Cougars
- Utah State Aggies
- BYU Cougars
While the FCS opponents may not have the same level of talent as Power Five teams, they can still provide a tough test for Utah.
Notable Non-Conference Opponents
The Utes’ non-conference opponents often provide valuable experience and preparation for the Pac-12 season.
- San Diego State Aztecs
- BYU Cougars
These games offer Utah the opportunity to test their skills against familiar foes, both on and off the field.
Utah Football Schedule Venues
The Utah Utes’ 2026 football schedule takes place across various venues, both home and away. In this section, we’ll examine the Utes’ home venues, highlighting notable stadiums and game experiences, as well as their away venues, including opponents’ stadiums and unique features.
Home Venues
The Utes play their home games at Rice-Eccles Stadium, located on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City. This stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 51,000 and features a unique layout with a seating bowl design. Rice-Eccles Stadium has undergone several renovations over the years, including the addition of a state-of-the-art sound system and a new video scoreboard.
Away Venues
When traveling for away games, the Utes face opponents with their own unique stadiums.
Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium
One such opponent is the Air Force Falcons, who play their home games at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 46,000 and features a distinctive design with a natural grass playing surface.
Wyoming Cowboys’ War Memorial Stadium
The Utes will also face the Wyoming Cowboys at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyoming. This stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 30,000 and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Aragon Stadium at Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium
While at a away game against the Arizona State Sun Devils the Utes are visiting Arizonas Sun Devil Stadium. This stadium is located in Tempe, Arizona, and has a seating capacity of approximately 58,000. The stadium is known for its large videoboard and distinctive architecture.
Impact of the 2026 Utah Football Schedule on the Season
The 2026 Utah football schedule will have a significant impact on the Utes’ overall season, with both potential strengths and weaknesses that will influence their playoff contention. With a balance of conference and non-conference matchups, the Utes will face a challenging slate of opponents that will test their skills and determination.
Predicted Strengths and Weaknesses
The 2026 schedule offers both promising opportunities and daunting challenges for the Utah Utes. While the team’s strengths will be showcased in several key matchups, their weaknesses may be exposed in games against formidable opponents.
- Conference Schedule: The Utes’ conference schedule is loaded with tough matchups against top-tier teams in the Pac-12. A strong conference record will be crucial in determining their playoff chances.
- Non-Conference Opponents: The Utes will face a mix of power five and group of five opponents, providing a test of their capabilities against teams with varying levels of experience and talent.
With 12 games on the schedule, the Utes will have opportunities to develop their strengths and address weaknesses. Their performances against conference opponents will be particularly important, as these matchups will determine their standing in the Pac-12.
Predicted Playoff Contention
Based on the 2026 schedule, the Utah Utes’ playoff contention is a toss-up. Their strengths, including a strong running game and improving defense, will be put to the test in crucial conference matchups. However, their weaknesses, such as a struggling secondary and inconsistent passing game, may hinder their progress.
As the season unfolds, the Utes’ ability to overcome their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths will be crucial in determining their playoff fate.
A balanced schedule, with both high-profile and challenging games, will push the Utes to their limits. Their overall performance will depend on their ability to adapt to different opponents and game scenarios, making the 2026 schedule an exciting and unpredictable ride.
Key Matchups and Implications
Several matchups on the Utes’ schedule will have significant implications for their playoff chances. Notable games include:
- Stanford vs. Utah (Week 5): A crucial Pac-12 matchup that will test the Utes’ conference mettle.
- Utah State vs. Utah (Week 9): A non-conference matchup that will provide a measure of the Utes’ progress against Group of Five opponents.
- Oregon vs. Utah (Week 10): A Pac-12 showdown that will determine the Utes’ standing in the conference.
These games will have a direct impact on the Utes’ playoff chances and will be pivotal in shaping their season. With a mix of high-profile and challenging matchups, the 2026 schedule is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for Utah football fans.
Final Summary
So there you have it, folks – the lowdown on Utah Football Schedule 2026. With a mix of tough opponents and intriguing matchups, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling season. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis, and get ready to cheer on the Utes.
Quick FAQs: Utah Football Schedule 2026
Q: Who are the Utes’ toughest opponents in 2026?
A: The Utes will face some tough opponents, including USC, Oregon, and Washington in the Pac-12 Conference, as well as FCS foe, Weber State.
Q: What are the key matchups to watch in 2026?
A: The Utes will face several key matchups, including a rivalry game against BYU and a showdown with Pac-12 powerhouse, USC.
Q: Can the Utes make a playoff run in 2026?
A: With a tough schedule and several key matchups, it’s unlikely but possible that the Utes could make a playoff run in 2026.
Q: Where can I find the latest updates on the Utes’ 2026 schedule?
A: Stay tuned to the official Utah Athletics website and social media channels for the latest updates on the Utes’ 2026 schedule.
