LIVE UPDATE: UTAH UTES LAND QB BRENDAN ZURBRUGG FROM TRANSFER PORTAL
The Utah Utes are bolstering their quarterback room with the addition of former SEC talent Brendan Zurbrugg, as reported by Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository. The former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback has officially committed to join the Utes.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, Zurbrugg was a freshman at Oklahoma in 2024 but did not see any game action. A native of Alliance, Ohio, Zurbrugg’s collegiate journey reflects a winding recruitment process with ties to Utah’s coaching staff.
A Complex Recruitment Path
Zurbrugg’s recruitment was influenced by two key Utah coaches. According to 247 Sports, he initially committed to Syracuse in June 2023 when current Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck held the same role at Syracuse. However, shortly after, Zurbrugg flipped his commitment to Northwestern, where former interim Utah offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian was on staff. A month later, Zurbrugg committed to Oklahoma.
Now, he finds himself heading to Salt Lake City to join a revamped Utes quarterback room.
A New-Look QB Room for Utah
The addition of Zurbrugg comes during an offseason of significant changes at the quarterback position for Utah.
- Devon Dampier, a former New Mexico quarterback, transferred to Utah and is widely expected to be the starter for the 2025 season.
- Isaac Wilson, who started most of the 2024 season as a freshman following Cam Rising’s injury, initially entered the transfer portal but has since withdrawn and will return to the team.
- The Utes also signed two talented high school quarterbacks earlier this month: Jamarian “Byrd” Ficklin from Texas and Wyatt Becker from California.
Zurbrugg’s Perspective
For Zurbrugg, the decision to transfer was driven by a desire for more immediate playing opportunities.
“Basically, he wants to play,” his father, Chris Zurbrugg, a former Michigan quarterback, told Doerschuk. “It came down to acting instead of waiting around and maybe being in a position where he wasn’t getting an opportunity.”
Zurbrugg echoed those sentiments, stating: “The biggest thing was getting an opportunity to play, and play soon.”
What’s Next for the Utes?
Zurbrugg’s arrival adds depth and competition to a Utes quarterback unit undergoing transformation. As head coach Kyle Whittingham looks to build a strong foundation for the 2025 season, Zurbrugg’s SEC pedigree and determination to see the field may position him as a key piece in Utah’s offensive future.
