Kyle Whittingham updates status of QBs amid injury concerns

Reigning Pac-12 champion Utah will have stiff competition in its quest to repeat with formidable foes in Washington and Oregon.

And it appears depth at quarterback will also be another challenge to overcome to begin the season.

With Cam Rising still nursing a torn ACL, Brandon Rose was pegged as Utah’s starting quarterback, but he went down with a serious injury during a recent practice.

While Utah coach Kyle Whittingham isn’t commenting on Rose, he revealed that third-string quarterback Bryson Barnes would be his selection at the moment.

Kyle Whittingham declined to comment on Brandon Rose’s status, but then said if a game were being played today, it’s Bryson Barnes.

Indications are QBs were live on Thursday.

Cam Rising, per Whittingham, remains limited 16 days before the opener.

More coming.

— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) August 15, 2023

In 10 games last season and one start, Barnes passed for 430 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions while also rushing for 116 yards on 20 carries. The redshirt freshman Rose did not play last season after arriving at Utah as a 3-star prospect.

Under Rising, Utah reached the Rose Bowl with a 10-4 mark. Rising finished with 310 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions in Utah’s 47-24 victory against USC in the Pac-12 title game.

Utah begins the season with a home contest against Florida on Aug. 31.