Best Utah Checkdown Podcasts (2025)

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Game week! A deeper look at UCLA w/ beat reporter Benjamin Royer 51:12

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2h ago51:12

51:12

The college football season begins for Utah in two days in an intriguing matchup against former Pac-12 foe UCLA in the Rose Bowl. Host Josh Furlong is joined by UCLA beat writer Benjamin Royer to take a deep dive on the Bruins. The two discuss the biggest questions about the Bruins and where the game can be won. Is it simply a battle between quarte…

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A final review of Utah as game week takes shape before UCLA 29:14

2d ago29:14

29:14

It's game week for Utah football, as the team prepares for a road contest at the Rose Bowl against former Pac-12 foe UCLA. Host Josh Furlong recaps a couple Week Zero games — the two games that had Big 12 teams — and recapped Kyle Whittingham's comments from his weekly presser. What will be Utah's offensive identity? How confident is the team going…

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Fall camp takeaways as Utah shifts to game mode for season 1:07:52

8d ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Utah football is wrapping up its fall camp this week before shifting to game week on Monday. Host Josh Furlong recaps the major talking points from camp — depth charts, QB2 identified, defensive tackles progress — and how it will relate to the 2025 season. He also recaps a town hall meeting that Utah athletic director Mark Harlan held on Saturday a…

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Bringing the Utah football season hot takes w/ Bryan Brown & Josh Newman 1:14:31

15d ago1:14:31

1:14:31

Host Josh Furlong is joined by Josh Newman and Bryan Brown in a "Hot Takes Draft" episode. The three give their best hot takes for Utah football and the Big 12, while providing context to help prepare you for the 2025 season. Some of the takes are scorching, while others are much more reasonable and well within reach. It's an episode you don't want…

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An intriguing RB situation takes shape, QB2 battle highlights Utah's post scrimmage takeaways 33:33

17d ago33:33

33:33

On Saturday, Utah conducted its first scrimmage of fall. And while the coaching staff doesn't have all the answers following the scrimmage, some things are becoming more clear. Host Josh Furlong gives an update on the latest from camp, including a conversation about where the team stands as a whole, the wide receiver depth and some surprising comme…

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Offense making some noise as Utah football camp begins 1:07:08

25d ago1:07:08

1:07:08

Utah opened up its fall camp last week, and the offense has hit the ground running following a strong offseason. Host Josh Furlong recaps the first week of camp and all the top stories from the first few days of practice. Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham and his offensive and defensive coordinators give their early insight into what they're focusin…

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Welcome back! Looking at the top Utah football storylines as fall camp begins 1:10:17

1M ago1:10:17

1:10:17

You've endured the long offseason, but now Utah football is back in action ... or at least it will be this week. Host Josh Furlong takes you through some of the top storylines for fall camp to get you ready for the action. It's a season of redemption for Utah, but can they live up to that pressure to be better? He also talks preseason watchlist sea…

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Utah’s first 5-star; takeaways from Big 12 media days 1:10:17

2M ago1:10:17

1:10:17

Utah football was at Big 12 media days in Frisco, Texas, this week to talk about the upcoming season. Host Josh Furlong was down in Texas to talk to Kyle Whittingham and the players. He breaks down those conversations and what he learned about the upcoming season. The biggest takeaway was the newfound vibes of the team. He also gives an update on U…

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Big 12 preseason poll; storylines for intriguing Big 12 media days in Dallas 1:03:20

2M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Talking season begins this week when the Big 12 hosts its annual media days in Frisco, Texas. Host Josh Furlong will be down in Texas and gives his preview of what to look for in the coming days as the college football offseason takes a turn toward the new season. He'll breakdown what to expect, who is coming, and what the storylines coming out of …

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Utah on commit watch, and a preview of the Utes’ season finale with the Kansas duo 1:02:47

2M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

With 13 committed recruits for the 2026 class, Utah football remains in the hunt for several top-tier talent ahead of the upcoming season. Host Josh Furlong gives an update on who has recently committed, as well as the players to watch in the coming weeks. He also gives an update on the Jake Retzlaff situation. He closes out the show with the final…

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Utah going big game hunting in recruiting; previewing Cincy, Baylor games 1:06:29

2M ago1:06:29

1:06:29

Utah football concluded official visits over the weekend for the 2026 recruiting class. The staff loaded up the final weekend with several talented players, including five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo and Lone Peak High twin receivers Jaron and Keenan Pula. Host Josh Furlong recaps what is known about Utah's final week of official visits, as wel…

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Looking for redemption amid a rivalry stretch of BYU and Colorado on Utah football’s schedule 59:36

3M ago59:36

59:36

We're back again to preview the two games that will start the back half stretch of Utah football's schedule. It's a rivalry stretch that has a lot of unknowns for the two opponents BYU and Colorado Host Josh Furlong breaks down these two tough games, which includes a road game against in-state rival BYU and a home bout against a different Colorado …

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Phil Steele ranks Utah football high; a preview of West Virginia and Arizona State 1:11:26

3M ago1:11:26

1:11:26

We're back again to preview the next two games on Utah football's schedule, with a road game against West Virginia and a home game against reigning Big 12 champion Arizona State. Host Josh Furlong breaks down these two challenging games as Utah enters the halfway point of its season. Is a 4-2 record good enough for optimism for the remaining six ga…

1
From Wyoming to Texas Tech, Utah football will have its hands full in early, pivotal stretch 1:05:02

3M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

The final game of the nonconference schedule and the first game of Big 12 play will prove to be a pivotal early stretch for Utah football. Host Josh Furlong returns with the next two games on Utah's schedule, with a road contest at Wyoming and home game against Texas Tech to start the conference slate. The Cowboys are looking to bounce back from a …

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Devon Dampier vs. Nico Iamaleava on a national stage? Breaking down Utah football’s season openers 47:30

3M ago47:30

47:30

Utah opens up the season with a game against former Pac-12 foe UCLA on the road to start the 2025 season. The game has the potential to get a little bit of national attention with Nico Iamaleava as UCLA's starting QB, but do the Bruins have enough to compete this season? Host Josh Furlong begins his weekly schedule breakdown by looking at the first…

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Changes to the College Football Playoff and the future of the sport 57:41

3M ago57:41

57:41

College football is evolving at a rapid pace, and already there's been too much to follow. Host Josh Furlong jumps into the weeds to explain the recent news about the College Football Playoff structure and what the next steps are. He also explains the recent talk to bind the schools together in an agreement that could force schools out of their cur…

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Will Utah football exceed 7.5 wins? And latest recruiting news 1:03:31

3M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

The over/under lines for the Big 12 are out, and it's another season of perceived parity in the conference. Host Josh Furlong takes a look at the top eight teams, including Utah, who have the best odds to see where they stand going into the 2025 season. As it stands, Utah is projected to win 7.5 games, but can the Utes bounce back and get at least …

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Previewing (and grading) Utah football's offensive potential in 2025 1:03:03

4M ago1:03:03

1:03:03

Back for another week to talk about Utah football and other happenings at the University of Utah Host Josh Furlong gives an updated look at Kyle Whittingham's contract (as it relates to his future retirement) and also gives a look back at Utah's offensive performance last season to see where they need to improve (Surprise: all of it!). Furlong brea…

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Is Utah the best football program in the Big 12? Guest John Kurtz makes his case 59:43

4M ago59:43

59:43

Utah had a down 2024 season, going 5-7 in a year where the program was picked to win the Big 12 with Cam Rising under center, but are the Utes still the best program in the Big 12? Special guest John Kurtz makes his case for Utah as the Big 12's best program. He and host Josh Furlong look at Utah and what makes them a strong candidate for that labe…

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Previewing (and grading) Utah football’s defensive potential in 2025 1:05:43

4M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

The transfer portal has closed, but Utah men's basketball and football continues to add players for the upcoming season. Host Josh Furlong gives an update on the portal activity and who Utah has brought in for the 2025 season. He also gives a look back at Utah's defensive performance last season to see where they need to improve. As part of that, F…

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Is Caleb Lohner the NFL’s next Jimmy Graham? 59:13

4M ago59:13

59:13

The NFL draft weekend was relatively quiet for players from the University of Utah ... except for tight end Caleb Lohner, who was selected in the seventh round. Host Josh Furlong recaps the weekend and Lohner's selection to the Denver Broncos, while also talking about a potential comparison to five-time Pro Bowler Jimmy Graham with head coach Sean …

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Tampering and the transfer portal; and how does Utah compare to the SEC? (w/ Josh Newman) 56:27

4M ago56:27

56:27

The spring transfer portal is in full swing, and Utah is attempting to stave off several suitors for some of its top players. Host Josh Furlong is joined by Josh Newman to talk about tampering and the transfer portal, as well as Utah's opportunity to maybe someday be a part of a Power Two conference. The two answer questions about whether tampering…

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Talking positive Utah football vibes after spring game with Bryan Brown 1:23:29

4M ago1:23:29

1:23:29

Utah football wrapped up it spring camp on Saturday with its annual 22 Forever Game. And while the game itself is very vanilla as to not spoil schemes for fall, there's a lot of optimism coming out of the program about what the 2025 season could be for Utah. Host Josh Furlong is joined today by Bryan Brown to recap the spring game and the overall v…

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Is it time to buy the Devon Dampier hype? 52:11

5M ago52:11

52:11

Utah football is in the home stretch of spring camp. The team will be concluding its last week of spring football this week, with the annual spring game taking place Saturday. Host Josh Furlong previews the last week of camp, while looking ahead to the offseason and the transfer portal needs. Can Devon Dampier be enough for Utah's offense to make a…

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Assessing Utah’s depth at QB during spring 41:10

5M ago41:10

41:10

Utah held its first scrimmage of spring on Saturday, and we learned a lot about the team's depth at quarterback. Host Josh Furlong recaps the latest from spring at the QB position and what it could mean for Utah this fall. Devon Dampier is the clear leader of the group, but what does it look like behind him? Isaac Wilson is back and hoping for some…

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Why fans should be optimistic about Utah's new offense 1:01:36

5M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Spring football is in full swing, and Utah's offense has made continual progress. Host Josh Furlong recaps the latest media availability with head coach Kyle Whittingham and the players, and gives fans reasons why they should be optimistic about what is coming together on offense. Utah still has many questions before games are played in fall, but t…

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Detailing Alex Jensen's contract; a first look at spring football 48:16

5M ago48:16

48:16

It's another newsy week for Utah athletics fans. Host Josh Furlong starts by breaking down Alex Jensen's contract with Utah and what it could mean for the men's basketball program, as well as what to look for in the coming days as he fills out his staff and builds out his roster. He also gives his takeaways from the first day of spring football cam…

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Alex Jensen embraces past but is focused on future; spring football begins 59:10

6M ago59:10

59:10

The University of Utah formally introduced Alex Jensen as the next head coach of the Runnin' Utes Monday. And while the university hopes to bring back the Rick Majerus era to the program, Jensen is focused on his own future. Host Josh Furlong recaps the highlights from the press conference and what it will mean for Utah basketball. Is the universit…

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Utah’s new ‘College Town Magic’ and the Huntsman Center move 40:38

6M ago40:38

40:38

Alex Jensen will be formally introduced to the public on Monday in an open press conference for fans to attend. Can he win the press conference and give Utah fans hope for a new era of men's basketball? Host Josh Furlong gives an update on the Runnin' Utes and where things are headed, as well as providing a look at the newly announced "College Town…

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The Kansas City debate intensifies 41:38

6M ago41:38

41:38

It's March, which means conference basketball tournaments and the ensuing NCAA Tournament experience. But as Utah experiences the Big 12 Tournament for the first time in Kansas City, host Josh Furlong found himself immersed in a hotly-debated conversation about the location of the conference tournament. Are you Team Las Vegas or Team Kansas City? A…

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Is Alex Jensen Utah's target for the Runnin' Utes job? 57:36

6M ago57:36

57:36

A week after the University of Utah fired men's basketball head coach Craig Smith, the coaching search has circled around one person. Host Josh Furlong gives an updated on the Utah coaching search and why former Runnin' Utes star Alex Jensen remains the only name for the job. He also breaks down what it could mean for Utah with Jensen at the helm. …

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Runnin’ Utes their own worst enemy while Utes women excel 59:36

6M ago59:36

59:36

It was an opportunity wasted. The Runnin' Utes had two wins over the Kansas schools and had some momentum going into the final stretch of the regular season. The problem? The Runnin' Utes became their own worst enemies. Host Josh Furlong breaks down Utah's weekend loss to a bad UCF team and what it means moving forward. He also breaks down the succ…

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Playoff expansion is coming ... soon 57:20

6M ago57:20

57:20

This week, leaders from the Big Ten and SEC are laying the groundwork to expanding the College Football Playoffs to 14 or 16 teams. Host Josh Furlong breaks down the plans and what an expansion of the playoff would look like, while also looking as some of the ramifications for teams like Utah. He also gives an update on a Utah bill that is being re…

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Football offseason takes shape, Runnin’ Utes upset KU 1:03:06

7M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

It was a great weekend to be a Utah fan — from Utah women's basketball overwhelming Arizona State on the road to the Runnin' Utes getting an upset win over then-No. 17 Kansas. Host Josh Furlong recaps the weekend's games and what they could mean for the respective teams going forward. Could there be an improved postseason for both teams? Josh also …

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Gianna Kneepkens, Avery Neff highlight Utes sports 45:48

7M ago45:48

45:48

It's been a busy week for Utah athletics, and it's the women that are consistently in the spotlight. The women's basketball team continue to pile up wins, with Gianna Kneepkens scoring at a career-best in nearly every game. The Red Rocks also celebrated 50 years of dominance, with Avery Neff coming back from injury to highlight an electric night. H…

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Breaking down Utah’s 2025 football schedule 38:30

7M ago38:30

38:30

The 2025 season is still months away, but now you can start planning out your weekends in fall. Host Josh Furlong takes the full episode to breakdown Utah football's 2025 schedule. He takes a look at each game and how it sets up for the Utes, as well as key takeaways. He also lightly reviews other schools in the Big 12 to see what teams have intere…

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Utah football the favorite out of the Big 12 again? 1:06:03

7M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

It's January and there's already one prominent figure that has labeled Utah football his favorite to win the Big 12 and be included in the 12-team playoff. Host Josh Furlong takes a look at the playoff report to see if there's any merit to the claim, while also giving an update on some of the things happening around the football world. He also brea…

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Runnin’ Utes have few answers ... again 1:07:47

7M ago1:07:47

1:07:47

Two former Utah football players were right in the mix of the AFC Championship game, but neither will appear in the Super Bowl after more Mahomes magic. Host Josh Furlong talks about Dalton Kincaid and Cole Bishop's impact in the NFL, as well as taking a look at the problems facing the Runnin' Utes. Has Utah embraced mediocrity for men's basketball…

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Devon Dampier a Heisman contender? 52:07

7M ago52:07

52:07

The 2024-25 college football season officially wrapped up this week when Ohio State defeated Notre Dame to claim the national championship. And immediately, the 2025 season Heisman odds were released. Host Josh Furlong weighs in on the early Heisman odds, which includes new Utah QB Devon Dampier. Is he a legit contender for the award? Should Utah f…

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Utah football's plan comes into view 1:04:31

8M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

Utah football held a press conference with Kyle Whittingham, Morgan Scalley and Jason Beck earlier this week, and the trio documented all the happenings that have taken place in the short offseason. Host Josh Furlong goes through each of the talking points to see the plan Utah football has created for itself. Though early in the process, there's op…

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Could Dorian Singer return as NCAA looks for 5th year? 49:20

8M ago49:20

49:20

The NCAA is looking at a potential change to its eligibility rule that would allow athletes to have five full seasons, while eliminating the redshirt season. Host Josh Furlong takes a look at the change and what it could mean for Utah, particularly in the case of wide receiver Dorian Singer, who has expressed interest in coming back for another sea…

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Tampering in the transfer portal? Reactions to a wild shopping season 1:00:31

8M ago1:00:31

1:00:31

The transfer portal window officially closed Saturday at 11:59 p.m., but Utah lost 21 players to the portal. While some players were expected, others were poached by other teams, leading to many question about tampering in college athletics. Host Josh Furlong breaks down the transfer portal window and all that took place for the Utes, while looking…

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Utah completes offensive staff, welcomes transfer portal additions 53:22

9M ago53:22

53:22

The 2024 season has been over for a few weeks now, but the program has been hard at work already in the offseason to prepare for the next year. Host Josh Furlong provides an update on the two new position coaches Utah hired and what it will mean, as well as giving a look at who Utah lost and gained in the transfer portal over the last week. He also…

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Utah hits the reset button as transfer portal opens 50:54

9M ago50:54

50:54

The transfer portal has officially opened, and Utah will take full advantage of it after hitting a reset on offense. Host Josh Furlong takes a look at why Utah is hitting the reset button, who has left Utah, and where Utah can look moving forward to build up the roster ahead of the 2025 season. He also talks about Kyle Whittingham's return to Utah …

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Amid ongoing change, Utes hire Jason Beck as new OC 1:07:03

9M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

The offseason is here for Utah football, which means a whirlwind of change in the coming months. Host Josh Furlong recaps the end of Utah football's season and where the program goes from here. Will Kyle Whittingham return? What will the roster look like? He also breaks down the new hire for offensive coordinator and what it could mean for the Utah…

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An emotional senior night as Utah readies for Iowa State 57:26

9M ago57:26

57:26

The Utah football team will honor its seniors on Saturday, with Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe being included in that group. Host Josh Furlong gives you an inside look at the emotions of what that will mean for the players and coaches, who will honor their fallen teammates. He also takes a look at when Kyle Whittingham will call it a career. He also reca…

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As season's end draws near, Utah preparing for offseason of change 1:00:42

10M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Amid a six-game losing streak, Utah football is starting to look to the future. There's still hope for a bowl game, but there's pressing matters on hand. Host Josh Furlong recaps the Colorado game, as well as the pressing matters that Utah needs to address as it prepares for the offseason — including the future of Kyle Whittingham as head coach, th…

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The hits keep coming for Utah football ... 51:18

10M ago51:18

51:18

As if losing wasn't enough for Utah, the week after has been filled with more news to make life as a Utes fan tough. Host Josh Furlong provides an update on all things that have transpired since last week, including Brandon Rose suffering a season-ending injury, and how all this will impact the offseason. He also gives a preview of a Colorado team …

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Utah loss didn’t come down to final drive, but … 1:02:49

10M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

For Utah, a defensive holding call changed the tone of the rivalry game — from a game-winning sack to suddenly a winning field goal by BYU in the waning seconds. Host Josh Furlong recaps the end of the game and what took place in the final minute of game time, as well as all the fallout that took place after the game. Though Utah is frustrated by t…

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Utah can win the rivalry game, but ... 1:17:58

10M ago1:17:58

1:17:58

The week is finally here, where BYU and Utah will battle it out on the field in the annual rivalry game — back together in the same conference. Host Josh Furlong is joined by Bryan Brown to breakdown the rivalry game, while previewing how this game should go. The two look at Utah's keys to success, while highlighting why BYU has been so good this s…