Coming off a disappointing 1-11 finish in the 2024 season, expectations are understandably low for Utah Tech football entering the 2025 season.
But there is optimism that the Trailblazers, back for year two under Head Coach Lance Anderson, can build on what he established last season.
Gearing up for the Big Sky
Starting in 2026–27, 13 of the 16 Trailblazers’ sports, including football, will join the Big Sky conference. From its junior college roots to Division II, Utah Tech transitioned into Division I in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 2020 and became NCAA postseason-eligible by the 2024–25 season. This move represents the next step in their athletic evolution.
It also brings the Trailblazers closer to regional rivals such as Weber State, Northern Arizona, etc.
Quarterback Room Stability
One of the only silver linings for Utah Tech is the return of four of six quarterbacks from last year’s roster. In today’s transfer portal/NIL era, that’s a unicorn.
Deacon Hill, who transferred from Iowa, played four of the first five games for the Trailblazers last year before suffering a season-ending injury. Unfortunately for Hill, lingering health issues mean his availability for Week 1 is up in the air.
Since the status of Hill is uncertain, redshirt junior Reggie Graff or redshirt freshman Bronson Barben will start the opener.
Graff, a dual-threat quarterback, was the leading passer and rusher on the team last season. Barben was a freshman who played three games as a starter and showed promise, although the team itself did not perform well in his appearances.
Offensive Returnees
Utah Tech is fortunate to have nearly all of its 2024 offensive starters back, such as the entire offensive line and running back Chris Street for his final year.
Graff returns at quarterback, and wide receiver Shamar Garrett, last season’s team receptions leader, will be back on the field.
Daniel Thomason, who had a low-key campaign last season, could be due for a breakout season as the offense looks for stability.
The only big loss for the Trailblazer offense is Bryce Parker. Parker led the team in receiving yards a year ago, but transferred to Tarleton State for 2025.
Defensive Questions
Where the offensive side of the ball appears to have a solid foundation, the defense is a different story.
Utah Tech only returns two starters on defense: redshirt sophomore defensive back Quincy Lejay and redshirt senior defensive lineman Laytan Tanuvasa. The remaining defense was also heavily impacted by transfers, as six starters – four defensive backs, and two linebackers – left the program.
To fill these gaps, Utah Tech has turned to the transfer portal for the likes of experienced FBS defensive backs Justin Houston (Fresno State) and Denon Fagan (Nevada), as well as Utah State linebacker Logan Pili.
These reinforcements might be able to fill some of the gaps in a defense that desperately needs remodeling.
2025 Schedule Breakdown
Looking ahead to the 2025 schedule, Utah Tech has a slightly easier slate than they had in 2024, when they hosted six teams that made the FCS playoffs. The Trailblazers will still be busy, though.
The season starts tough with an opening home game against Big Sky member UC Davis, ranked No. 7/8 in the two major FCS polls.
Utah Tech then travels to Flagstaff to play Northern Arizona (Big Sky), before heading north to face another future conference foe, the Idaho Vandals.
Non-conference play then concludes with a home game versus Northern Iowa of the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
When UAC play comes around, Utah Tech has two tough road trips to the southern United States. The Trailblazers will travel to Tennessee to take on Austin Peay, before matching up with Central Arkansas – the sole win from Utah Tech’s 2024 season.
Following these long road trips, the Trailblazers are at home for three in a row against preseason UAC favorite Tarleton State, Southern Utah (Battle for the Axe), and North Alabama.
Then they’re off on the road again to play defending UAC champion Abilene Christian (TX), followed by a matchup with West Georgia.
The season concludes with a home game against Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Prediction: 3-9 (2-6 UAC)
While Utah Tech is likely to be improved from last season’s 1-11 record, the turnaround may not be as drastic as some wish due to how challenging their opposition remains.
Wins: Northern Iowa, North Alabama, West Georgia
Losses: UC Davis, Northern Arizona, Idaho, Tarleton State, Austin Peay, Abilene Christian, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, Southern Utah
I predict the Trailblazers to beat Northern Iowa, North Alabama, and West Georgia.
The talent and depth of the UC Davis, Northern Arizona, Idaho, and Tarleton State teams, however, will likely be too much for Utah Tech.
Road games versus Austin Peay, Abilene Christian, and Central Arkansas could provide competitive spots, but I’m foreseeing the Trailblazers coming up short in all three.
Competitive home games against Eastern Kentucky and Southern Utah may go either way, but I see Utah Tech coming up short against both teams.
In the long run, I’m foreseeing a 3-9 mark, with the Trailblazers in the bottom half of the UAC standings but moving in a positive direction.
Season Opener
Utah Tech begins the 2025 season by hosting No. 7/8 UC Davis at Greater Zion Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 30, with kickoff slated for 8 p.m. MT.
The game can be seen on ESPN+ or heard on 91.3 The Blaze radio.
Photo Credit: Utah Tech Athletics/Brooklyn Fehr and Ava Garritano.
