Recent Instagram posts from the official Utah Football account show Brandon Rose throwing passes during a team workout, a visual cue that the quarterback is back in the program’s daily routine.
A Rocky Start Turns Into a Second Chance
In the 2024 season, Rose earned his first start at quarterback for the Utah Utes against the BYU Cougars. He guided the team to a 21‑10 lead by halftime, completing eight of ten passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
The game swung dramatically in the final minutes. A Will Ferrin field goal with four seconds left gave BYU a 22‑21 victory, a finish that sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
After the loss, Rose’s collegiate career was interrupted by an injury that forced him to sit out the following year. He transferred to UMass for the 2025 season, where he opened the campaign as the starter before being replaced by AJ Hairston mid‑game.
In January, Rose announced his intention to transfer again, citing one season of eligibility remaining and a desire to find the right fit for his final year of college football.
Across his college career he has completed 71 of 124 pass attempts for 581 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions, while also adding 38 rushing yards on 38 carries.
Back at Utah, he rejoins a quarterback room that includes starter Devon Dampier, top backup Byrd Ficklin, and emerging freshmen Kane Archer and Michael Johnson, a group that the coaching staff believes can contend for playing time.
Steve Bartle of KSL Sports reported that a formal announcement of Rose’s return was expected, yet it never materialized, leaving observers to wonder whether the quarterback will see meaningful snaps this season.