Kyle Whittingham adapts to the realities of college sports in the name, image and likeness era, where financial resources and the transfer portal play an increasingly crucial role in building a team competitive. After a humiliating defeat against No. 18 Coloradoduring which the Utes gave up the most points in a decade, Whittingham recognized the success of programs taking advantage of the transfer portal and NIL opportunities to quickly reshape their rosters.

Speaking at his press conference on Monday, Whittingham said: “It’s going to be a busy portal shopping season for us.” This remark reflects Utah’s commitment to remaining competitive by adopting the new workforce management model. Whittingham also revealed that the program has already established a budget specifically for NIL allocations to players, signaling a significant shift in how Utah approaches player recruitment and retention. “This will be a big increase in the amount Utah will pay players,” Whittingham noted, emphasizing the importance of meeting the demands of modern college football.

These changes come at a pivotal time for the Utes, who find themselves at 4-6 and on the brink of their first losing season since 2013. With two games remaining, Utah faces an uphill battle to save the season, starting with a game against No. 22 Iowa State on Senior Day this Saturday. The game, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT on FOX, is also an opportunity to honor the team’s seniors, who have contributed significantly to the program’s success over the past several years.

Kyle Whittingham says Utah extends search for next offensive coordinator

As Whittingham prepares for the offseason, his focus on NIL and the transfer portal underscores his determination to position Utah for future success. By increasing investment in players and leveraging the portal strategically, Whittingham aims to rebuild a team capable of competing at the highest level, ensuring the Utes remain a force in an increasingly competitive college football landscape.