SALT LAKE CITY — No. 17 Utah controlled the Battle of the Brothers from beginning to end, defeating Utah State 33–0 at Rice-Eccles Stadium to remain undefeated through the opening three games of the 2026 college football season.
The Utes outgained the Aggies 480–188, produced 194 rushing yards and held Utah State to just 58 yards on the ground. Utah quarterback Devon Dampier delivered another composed performance, while Braden Pegan emerged as the game’s leading playmaker with two touchdown receptions.
Utah improved to 3–0 with the victory, while Utah State dropped to 0–3 after being shut out for the first time this season.
Devon Dampier and Braden Pegan Strike Early
Utah immediately established control with a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on its opening possession.
Facing third-and-14 from the Utah State 28-yard line, Dampier connected with Pegan for a 28-yard touchdown. The conversion gave Utah a 7–0 lead and provided an early indication of the matchup problems Pegan would create throughout the afternoon.
The Utes followed with another 75-yard scoring drive. Dampier extended the possession with his legs and completed passes to Ricky Johnson and Larry Simmons before backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin finished the drive with a nine-yard touchdown run.
Utah’s two-point attempt failed, leaving the Utes ahead 13–0.
Dampier finished the game completing 22 of 32 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He added 34 rushing yards on 10 attempts and consistently kept Utah’s offense ahead of schedule.
Pegan caught eight passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 15.3 yards per reception. His ability to create separation and produce on critical downs made him the game’s offensive standout.
Dillon Curtis Extends Utah’s Advantage
Utah continued building its lead through the kicking game.
Dillon Curtis converted both of his field-goal attempts, including a 54-yarder during the second quarter. Curtis also made all three of his extra-point attempts and finished with nine points.
His consistency allowed Utah to capitalize when drives stalled and helped the Utes turn their first-half control into a commanding lead.
Special-Teams Turnover Changes the Game
One of the game’s defining moments came during the final minute of the first half.
Utah State linebacker James Jennette sacked Dampier for a five-yard loss, forcing Utah to punt with just over one minute remaining. The Aggies appeared to have created an opportunity to enter halftime without allowing any more points.
Instead, Utah State returner John Shepard fumbled the punt, and Nate Tilmon recovered it for the Utes.
Utah immediately punished the mistake.
Facing third-and-eight from the Aggies’ 37-yard line, Dampier found Pegan for their second touchdown connection of the game. Curtis added the extra point, sending Utah into halftime with a dominant 26–0 advantage.
The sequence summarized Utah State’s afternoon. Even when the Aggies generated a positive defensive play, another mistake prevented them from gaining momentum.
Utah Defense Refuses to Break
Utah State produced its best opportunity during the third quarter after Dampier fumbled at the Utah 25-yard line. Bronson Olevao Jr. recovered for the Aggies, giving them excellent field position and a chance to cut into the deficit.
Utah’s defense responded.
The Aggies advanced to the Utah eight-yard line, but safety Rabbit Evans intercepted Grady Brosterhous on third down. The takeaway preserved the shutout and stopped Utah State’s most promising possession.
That defensive stand was followed by Utah’s most explosive offensive play of the game.
Daniel Bray Delivers the Knockout Blow
After Evans’ interception, Utah traveled 80 yards in just four plays.
Dampier completed passes to Daniel Bray and Hunter Andrews before Bray broke through the defense for a 63-yard touchdown run. The explosive score extended Utah’s lead to 33–0 with 5:16 remaining in the third quarter.
Bray finished with 82 rushing yards and one touchdown on only three carries, an average of 27.3 yards per attempt. He also caught four passes for 19 yards.
The Utes used their depth to control the remainder of the game, putting together an 11-play possession that consumed the final 7:48 and ended the contest.
Utah’s Defense Dominates the Aggies
Utah State quarterback Grady Brosterhous completed 15 of 29 passes for 130 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked four times and finished with only 17 rushing yards across 17 attempts.
Javen Jacobs led the Aggies on the ground with 31 yards, while Ethan Wood recorded four receptions for 47 yards. Utah State finished with only 188 total yards and converted just 26.7% of its third-down opportunities.
Utah linebacker T. Reynolds led the Utes with nine tackles. Rabbit Evans contributed four tackles, a sack and the crucial third-quarter interception. Nate Ritchie also recorded a sack, while Cyrus Polu finished with 1.5 sacks and three tackles.
Utah State safety Chapman Lewis recorded a game-high 11 tackles as the Aggies’ defense spent much of the afternoon trying to contain Utah’s balanced offense.
Utah Wins in Every Phase
The final statistics reflected Utah’s complete control:
- Final score: Utah 33, Utah State 0
- Total offense: Utah 480, Utah State 188
- Passing yards: Utah 286, Utah State 130
- Rushing yards: Utah 194, Utah State 58
- Third-down conversion rate: Utah 58.8%, Utah State 26.7%
- Utah turnovers: One
- Utah State turnovers: Two
Utah produced long scoring drives, explosive plays, timely takeaways and dependable special-teams execution. The Utes also demonstrated their depth by controlling the fourth quarter with several reserve players on the field.
For Utah State, the result exposed significant concerns. The Aggies struggled to protect Brosterhous, establish the running game or finish their limited opportunities. Their strongest possession ended with an interception, and the late first-half special-teams turnover resulted in another Utah touchdown.
Final Analysis
Utah’s 33–0 victory was more than another rivalry win. It was a complete performance from a team that continues to establish itself as a serious contender.
Dampier played efficient, turnover-free football. Pegan delivered the best receiving performance of the game. Bray supplied the knockout blow, Curtis remained perfect in the kicking game and the Utah defense refused to surrender a single point.
Three games into the season, No. 17 Utah is 3–0 and has outscored its opponents 142–24. The Utes leave the Battle of the Brothers with another decisive victory—and growing momentum heading into the next stage of their schedule.
