Utah will start Bryson Barnes over Cameron Rising at quarterback on Thursday as it opens its season against Florida at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Rising’s status was up in the air leading up to kickoff. He had suffered an ACL tear in the Rose Bowl in January and had been focused on his recovery during the offseason.

Despite Rising saying that he felt “good” on Monday, it will be Barnes who gets the call against the Gators. The junior walked onto the team in 2020 and had 3 appearances in 2021. In 2022, he played 10 times and started once, completing 37 of his 57 passes for four touchdowns and two interceptions. He also ran for 116 yards on 20 carries.

Now, Barnes will be in line for his second career start as the Utes welcome the Gators to town while Rising gets at least another week to rest. Kickoff from Salt Lake City is set for 5 p.m. PT on ESPN.

Utah also looks like it’ll be without tight end Brant Kuithe. Reports from the field (hat tip to KSL’s Josh Furlong) are that Kuithe is not dressed for the game either.

Running back Chris Curry and defensive lineman Junior Tafuna are dressed to play.