For college football fans, the anticipation of a new season begins long before kickoff. The Utah Utes football program, part of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, has become one of the most closely followed teams in Big 12 Conference play since joining the league. With the 2025 and 2026 seasons on the horizon, Utes supporters are eager to mark their calendars with dates, opponents, and significant rivalry games.
In this detailed guide, we break down the full schedules for the Utah Utes for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, including conference and non‑conference matchups, notable rivalries like the “Holy War” with BYU, and how scheduling reflects the team’s evolving position in college football. Whether you’re planning a road trip to Iowa State or a home‑game cookie‑bake party at Rice‑Eccles Stadium, this guide has you covered.
Introduction: Utah Utes Football in the Big 12 Era
The Utah Utes transitioned from the Pac‑12 to the Big 12 Conference beginning with the 2024 season, ushering in a new era of scheduling rivalries and conference competition. Coaches, players, and fans have adapted to the expanded league schedule, which includes both traditional rivals and Big 12 powerhouses. The 2025 season will be the Utes’ second full year in the Big 12 era, and 2026 will continue to build on that competitive legacy.
Game schedules include a mix of non‑conference games at the start of the season, followed by Big 12 matchups that decide conference standings and post‑season bowl eligibility.
2025 Utah Utes Football Schedule: Full Details
The 2025 season features a blend of non‑conference opponents and Big 12 competition. The Utes were among the top‑ranked teams in the conference and earned an 11‑2 overall record in the 2025 season. They capped the year with a Las Vegas Bowl victory over Nebraska on December 31, 2025, marking a strong postseason finish.
Here’s the official 2025 schedule as it was announced and played:
2025 Utah Utes Football Schedule:
- Aug. 30, 2025 – at UCLA (Pasadena, CA)
- Sept. 6, 2025 – vs. Cal Poly (Salt Lake City, UT)
- Sept. 13, 2025 – at Wyoming (Laramie, WY)
- Sept. 20, 2025 – vs. Texas Tech* (Rice‑Eccles Stadium)
- Sept. 27, 2025 – at West Virginia* (Morgantown, WV)
- Oct. 11, 2025 – vs. Arizona State*
- Oct. 18, 2025 – at BYU*
- Oct. 25, 2025 – vs. Colorado*
- Nov. 1, 2025 – vs. Cincinnati*
- Nov. 15, 2025 – at Baylor*
- Nov. 22, 2025 – vs. Kansas State*
- Nov. 28, 2025 – at Kansas*
(“” indicates Big 12 Conference games)
Highlights from the 2025 Season
The Utes began the season with high‑profile road games and a newly expanded Big 12 schedule, giving fans plenty of opportunities to see the team both at home and on the road.
- Non‑conference Play: Opening at UCLA and hosting Cal Poly provided early tests for the Utes before diving into league play.
- Rivalry Game vs. BYU: The annual contested game against BYU — often called the Holy War — was played on the road in Provo, keeping one of the state’s most anticipated matchups alive.
- Big 12 Toughness: Matches against teams like Cincinnati, Kansas State, and Baylor tested Utah’s depth and consistency across tough conference opponents.
- Bowl Game Success: Utah’s 2025 season concluded with a win over Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl, showcasing how the program is navigating elevated expectations in the Big 12 Football era.
Because of Utah’s advance in the bowl season, fans were treated to postseason gridiron action on December 31, 2025, a historic date for Utes football.
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2026 Utah Utes Football Schedule: Key Matchups and Dates
As fans look forward to the 2026 season, the Utes have an exciting lineup of games that span both non‑conference competition and pivotal Big 12 League play. The schedule reflects Utah’s continued presence in one of college football’s most competitive conferences.
Here is the announced 2026 schedule:
2026 Utah Utes Football Schedule:
- Sept. 3, 2026 – vs. Idaho (Salt Lake City, UT)
- Sept. 12, 2026 – vs. Arkansas (Salt Lake City, UT)
- Sept. 19, 2026 – vs. Utah State (Salt Lake City, UT)
- Sept. 26, 2026 – at Iowa State*
- Oct. 10, 2026 – vs. Kansas*
- Oct. 17, 2026 – at Colorado*
- Oct. 24, 2026 – vs. Houston*
- Oct. 31, 2026 – at Cincinnati*
- Nov. 7, 2026 – vs. BYU*
- Nov. 14, 2026 – at Arizona*
- Nov. 21, 2026 – at TCU*
- Nov. 28, 2026 – vs. West Virginia*
- Dec. 4, 2026 – Big 12 Championship Game (if qualified)
(“” indicates Big 12 Conference games)
Non‑Conference Stretch
The 2026 season kicks off with three straight home games against Idaho, Arkansas, and Utah State, giving fans an early chance to see the Utes in action without leaving home. Hosting Arkansas adds a promising non‑conference matchup that highlights the Utes’ national scheduling ambition.
Big 12 Competition
Once league play begins on Sept. 26 at Iowa State, Utah embarks on a full slate of Big 12 games, mixing road tests with key home rivals:
- BYU at Home: Fans will once again enjoy the rivalry game against BYU, this time on Utah’s home turf.
- Road Challenges: Games at Colorado, Arizona, and TCU will test the Utes’ ability to contend in hostile environments.
- Potential Championship Game: If Utah qualifies, the Utes would play for the Big 12 Championship in early December.
The 2026 schedule represents continuity in league play and evolving rivalries within the Big 12, placing Utah firmly in the mix for postseason aspirations.
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Understanding College Football Scheduling
College football schedules are a complex blend of non‑conference agreements and conference obligations. Utah’s inclusion in the Big 12 League means scheduling nine conference games each season, supplemented by non‑conference matchups that often serve as fan favorites or regional rivalries.
Teams can schedule future games years in advance, with many securing home‑and‑home series against institutions across the country. These agreements help schools balance competitive challenges with fan engagement and revenue opportunities.
Notable Rivalries and Annual Matchups
Holy War vs. BYU
The matchup against BYU is among Utah’s most anticipated annual games, affectionately called the Holy War. It serves as one of the longest‑running rivalries in college football, and under the Big 12 format, it has become a protected game — guaranteed to occur every season.
Battle of the Brothers: Utah vs. Utah State
Another local rivalry — the Battle of the Brothers against Utah State — returns in the 2026 season, adding regional pride and the Beehive Boot tradition to the schedule.
How to Follow the Utes in 2025 and 2026
Fans wishing to follow the Utah Utes throughout 2025 and 2026 can:
- Check official University of Utah Athletics (utahutes.com) for kickoff times, ticket info, and broadcast details.
- Follow Big 12 Conference announcements for any schedule changes or TV selections.
- Tune in to national broadcasts on ESPN, FOX, and other sports networks for televised matchups.
Schedules are subject to change due to weather, broadcast decisions, and other NCAA regulations, so it’s recommended to verify dates as the season approaches.
Conclusion
The Utah Utes football schedules for the 2025 and 2026 seasons reflect the team’s position as a competitive Big 12 program with a mix of traditional rivalries and fresh challenges. From opening games against Idaho and UCLA to key Big 12 showdowns against Iowa State, BYU, and TCU, Utes fans have plenty to look forward to.
With both seasons offering meaningful matchups throughout fall Saturdays, Utah’s college football journey continues to captivate supporters and connect communities across the Mountain West and beyond. Prepare for kickoff and make your plans — whether it’s cheering at Rice‑Eccles Stadium or following the team on the road — as the Utes build toward success in football’s most thrilling seasons.
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