At 3-4 overall, Colorado’s 2025 season has been a mix of sparks and setbacks. But heading into Week 9, the Buffs have a chance to climb the Big 12 standings and keep bowl dreams alive. This time, coming off the bye and ready to roll, the Buffs will face the Utah Utes (5-2) on October 26 in hostile territory in Salt Lake City. Now, while it’s not just another game for Deion Sanders, the availability reports tell a serious story for the Buffs. However, Utah’s injury report is light. Still, there is concern about QB Devon Dampier’s status for the game.

In Utah’s report shared by CU reporter Scott Procter, three players are listed as questionable: WR Tobias Merriweather, DT Dallas Vakalahi and QB Dampier. Earlier this week, HC Kyle Whittingham said there’s a “distinct possibility” that Dampier could be sidelined with an injury after the game against BYU. The week’s first Colorado vs. Utah player availability report confirms it. Losing the New Mexico transfer would be a massive blow for Utah, as he has already shown his potential.

He has thrown for 1,375 yards and accounted for 13 TDs this season. With Dampier listed as questionable, the Buffs’ defensive staff likely breathed a sigh of relief, as his ability to beat defenses with his legs has been a nightmare for them. Whittingham summed it perfectly: “When Devon’s hobbled, that obviously causes you to rethink some of the QB run game. You don’t completely go away from it, but when it’s a could go either way situation, you might opt to not do it because of his mobility.” 

But leaving the Dampier situation aside, there is still more concern for the Buffs. Colorado listed a whopping 17 players as “OUT.” Moreover, the list reads like a who’s who of impact players, including CB Kyle Carpenter, WR Hykeem Williams, RB DeKalon Taylor, OL Cooper Lovelace, WR Carson Westbrook, S Terrance Love, and more. Then, doubtful is CB RJ Johnson, and questionable includes three players: DE Nikhil Webb Walker and DTs Anquin Barnes Jr. and Tawfiq Thomas. Still, there is a little hope with six probable players.

CB Teon Parks and Braden Keith, DT Amari McNeill, S Carter Stoutmire, LB Reginald Hughes, and DE Brandon Davis-Swainek are listed as probable. Now with the Buffs forced to navigate a depleted roster against Utah, this game is shaping up to be an actual test of resilience. But who will start for Utah if Dampier can’t play or is limited in his mobility on Saturday?

If not Devon Dampier, Utah has other options

Kyle Whittingham dropped a key update on Monday, noting there’s a possibility that true freshman Byrd Ficklin could start in place of Devon Dampier against CU. But don’t worry because the Oklahoma native has already seen action in select packages as a dual-threat option behind Dampier. Plus, the numbers are impressive.

Ficklin has completed all nine passes for 138 yards in limited snaps. And he also racked up a TD. To cap it off, he rushed for 111 yards on 17 carries, scoring 3 times on the ground. Honestly, given the numbers, his potential is undeniable as a freshman. That’s why the Utah HC shows his confidence in him.

“Byrd Ficklin, we’ve got a ton of confidence in him,” said Whittingham. “Every time he’s entered the game this year, he’s done positive things… If we end up going that route based on health, then we’ve got confidence that he can go out and get it done.” While Colorado’s health status stings, Utah isn’t free from concern either.

A win keeps the Utes locked in the Big 12 chase. But a loss? That’s two stumbles in a row, and momentum can slip fast. Now, with every eye in Salt Lake City glued to Devon Dampier’s status, how this game plays out will be truly interesting.