He’s back — but now with a headset, not a helmet. The two-time Pac-12 Champion isn’t suiting up this time. Just hours after announcing his medical retirement on May 7, the former Utah star is already onto the next chapter. Yes, he’s coming home to California — not to rest, but to coach. Well, at Panther Stadium, he’s teaming up once again with rising star Brady Smigiel. From calling plays to shaping the next generation, the undrafted Big 12 QB is trading touchdowns for teaching. So, the field may be the same, but his mission is brand new.

However, honestly, it’s official — Cameron Rising is stepping away from the game he loves. The Utah QB, known for his grit and leadership, is hanging up his cleats. For now, at least. A lingering hand injury from early last season has forced his hand — literally. Two orthopedic surgeons told him the hard truth: football might be over. “Medically retired,” wrote Rising in an emotional post, breaking the news to fans. Still, he’s not giving up hope. He plans to get a third opinion, undergo surgery, and rehab with a heart. Comeback? Maybe. But for now, it’s a painful pause for one of CFB’s fiercest competitors.

After this shocking retirement decision, now, Cam Rising is swapping his helmet for a headset. Yes, after seven seasons split between Texas and Utah — and two Rose Bowl runs — he’s officially stepping into coaching. On May 8, On3’s Hayes Fawcett reported that Rising will become the offensive coordinator at his alma mater, Newbury Park (Calif.). There, he’ll call plays for 18-year-old phenom Brady Smigiel — Michigan commit, Mr. Football, and Ventura County’s all-time passing king. From ballboy to star QB, Smigiel now has his mentor in his ear, ready to unlock even more magic.

For Brady Smigiel, it’s a dream come true. Well, the Michigan-bound star now has his childhood hero drawing up plays just for him. “I literally couldn’t have a better scenario, having my role model my entire life growing up to be my offensive coordinator and quarterback coach,” stated Smigiel, who rocks No. 7 as a tribute to Rising.

Now, from offseason sessions to full-time mentorship, it’s come full circle. “I used to be stoked when Cam would come out to a practice where I trained with him in the offseason,” said the rising QB. Adding, “Right now, I get to work with him and pick his brain every single day.”

However, Rising’s arrival isn’t just a win for Newbury Park — it’s a game-changer. His spot on HC Joe Smigiel’s staff brings star power, football IQ, and serious buzz. Pairing him with 5-star Michigan commit Brady Smigiel creates what could be the most electric OC-QB duo in HS football. “The knowledge and experience he brings is unmatched,” said Coach Smigiel. Adding, “Not all great players are great coaches, but Cam knows his stuff and has the ability to communicate it to the players. He has already taught Brady so much in a short amount of time. We are very lucky to have him join our already great staff.”

Simply put, Cam Rising is coming full circle. A star at Newbury Park back in 2017, he graduated in 2018 as one of the nation’s top QB prospects. Although Texas came calling first, after one season, he found his true home at Utah. Now, years later, the hometown hero is back where it all began. And as the news spreads, the college football world is buzzing.

Fans are lighting up for QB Cam Rising

At Utah, QB Cam Rising battled through injuries but still left his mark. He racked up over 6,000 passing yards, nearly 1,000 rushing yards, and totaled 65 TDs. However, his record? A stellar 30-7 as the Utes’ starting QB. Back at Newbury Park, his breakout year came as a sophomore — 3,213 yards and 40 TDs. He added 14 scores as a junior and 15 more in his senior year. So when news of his medical retirement dropped, fans were stunned. But his quick pivot to coaching has sparked a wave of love and respect. One fan summed it up perfectly, writing, “Good for him for giving back, yes the jokes were fun but genuinely good on him for giving back to his roots 💯.”

However, Cam Rising’s time at Utah was filled with highs and some tough breaks. He played parts of four seasons from 2020 to 2024, but a knee injury in a bowl game kept him out for all of 2023. Then, in 2024, his return was short-lived. Just two games in, disaster struck. While throwing against Baylor, Rising was shoved out of bounds and collided with a hydration table, jamming his finger on a cooler. Another setback. Another what-if. Now, with his coaching move, fans are proud — but still wonder. As one put it, saying, “If only he coulda stayed healthy.”

We know Cam Rising’s road came to a tough stop. “I have been advised by two orthopedic surgeons that I will never be able to return to playing football,” he wrote, revealing he’d be “forced to medically retire from the game I love.” Now, as he transitions from the field to the sideline, fans are reflecting on the bigger picture. And one fan nailed it, saying, “This is a perfect example on why players need NIL. Not everyone is going to make into the NFL or CFL.” So, Rising’s story is a reminder — the dream can change in an instant, and NIL can help players build security beyond the game.

Look, QB Cam Rising wasn’t just a football phenom — he also starred on the track and took home 2017 All-Camino League Offensive Back of the Year honors. Fast forward, and now he’s bringing seven years of college football experience back to where it all began: Newbury Park. The opportunity came from a heart-to-heart with head coach Joe Smigiel, the same man who once coached Rising in high school.

“I told him my situation, how I’m still injured and it’s kind of not looking too bright,” shared Rising. Adding, “He came up with the idea… It’s a great opportunity to help Brady and help the Newbury Park Panthers.” Here, fans didn’t miss a beat. One said, “damn 🙎🏻‍♂️he really was nice.” Another chimed in, stating, “Yes sir on the coaching job. I expect him to be the Utes QB coach in the future.”

However, Brady Smigiel led Newbury Park to a CIF Southern Section Division 2 title last season, showing poise beyond his years. Now, with Cam Rising calling the shots as offensive coordinator, the Panthers’ offense is set to soar even higher. The buzz is real — and so are the expectations. As one fan put it best, stating, “Newbury park had a squad last year, should’ve beat Lincoln too.” So, with Rising on the headset and Smigiel under center, this team isn’t just good — they’re dangerous.

Now, let’s see how this program delivers this season — the stage is set, and the spotlight’s on.