The Utah Utes were hit with some tough quarterback news as backup Sam Huard was ruled out for the remainder of the season following surgery. Head coach Kyle Whittingham revealed the news on The KSL Sports Zoneemphasizing that Huard’s physical limitations after surgery ended his year prematurely.

Huard’s sidelining is particularly disappointing given his recent upward trajectory with the team. Right after the Arizona State game, he was promoted to third-string quarterback, indicating he was gaining ground in the quarterback room. Unfortunately, Huard’s surgery followed shortly after, halting his progress. Having joined the program this summer, Huard had little time to fully establish himself in Utah’s offensive system, but his potential was evident. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound quarterback arrived in Utah as a highly regarded recruit, ranked as the No. 3 quarterback prospect in the 2021 recruiting class after an impressive career at Kennedy Catholic High School in Washington.

Huard, who transferred from Cal Poly to Utah, saw the Utes as the perfect platform to showcase his skills at the Power Five level. His absence leaves the Utes with just two active quarterbacks, Isaac Wilson and Brandon Rose, both vying for the backup role.

The timing of Huard’s injury and surgery is another setback for the Utes, who already manage the absence of starting quarterback Cam Risingis also recovering from a season-ending injury. Whittingham mentioned that during the team’s bye week, Wilson and Rose shared reps, competing for the backup job.

With a pivot matchup against the ninth-ranked BYU Cougars At Holy War on November 9, Whittingham aims to finalize the quarterback hierarchy by Monday, giving the chosen player time to prepare thoroughly. As the Utes take a brief reprieve this weekend, the urgency of establishing a clear quarterback structure will be at the forefront as they return to practice, preparing for one of the most intense rivalries of the season.