Bryson Barnes put on scholarship by Utah, Kyle Whittingham reveals
Bryson Barnes is on scholarship.
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham was asked at his Monday afternoon press conference if the program had any plans to place Barnes, Utah’s starting quarterback for a 24-11 win over Florida last Thursday, on scholarship.
“He is on scholarship,” Whittingham responded.
The 6-foot-1 junior from Medford walked onto the team in 2020 after a record-setting high school career.
He didn’t see action in 2020, then played in three games during the 2021 season. Most notably, Barnes was thrust into action at the end of the 2021 Rose Bowl game against Ohio State when Rising was knocked out.
Then, in 2022, he served as Rising’s primary backup and drew his first career start in the 21-17 win over Washington State on Oct. 27.
Barnes started last Thursday’s win over Florida and opened the game with a bang. On the first offensive play of the season, Barnes went deep for a 70-yard touchdown to Money Parks.
No Cam Rising, no problem?
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 1, 2023
Barnes added a 5-yard rushing touchdown — his first career rushing score — and finished with 159 yards on 12-of-18 passing.
It’s unclear if Rising will be able to go for the Utes in Week 2, so Barnes could be in line to make another start. Utah (1-0) faces Baylor (0-1) on the road on Saturday at 9 a.m. PT on ESPN.