10 Utah football players named to East-West Shrine Bowl top 1000

by July 21, 2026

written by July 21, 2026

The Utah Utes football program enters the 2026 season with a roster stocked full of talent. With one of the best QB rooms in the nation, Morgan Scalley’s first year as head coach in Salt Lake City could be underrated. The East-West Shrine Bowl released its top 1,000-player watch list, which included ten Utah players. Here’s a look at who made the cut.

Devon Dampier leads the Utes into what’s likely his final collegiate season. The former New Mexico transfer completed 63.5% of his passes for 2,490 yards and 24 touchdowns with just five interceptions last year. He also rushed for 835 yards and 10 scores. This high-quality production came in the midst of battling a sports hernia injury.

Dampier has legitimate hype going into the 2026 season with new offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven. The duo will work together to showcase the strengths of the Utes offense. This will include running back Wayshawn Parker, who’s also on the list. After nearly racking up 1,000 yards last season, the Washington State transfer is determined to make it happen.

Parker started the 2025 season splitting carries before taking over near the end. He finished with 981 yards and six touchdowns. Expect those numbers to go up as Dampier feeds him the ball this season. After four straight 100-yard games, Parker gave the nation a preview of what he’s capable of when given the opportunity.

Lance Holtzclaw will be one of the players to watch for the Utes this season. He brings next-level abilities as a pass rusher. This summer has been important for Holtzclaw, as he testified before the US Senate Commerce Committee in support of the Protect College Sports Act. It will be interesting to see how he fits into Colton Swan’s defensive scheme. He brings leadership qualities to the overall unit.

Holtzclaw’s defensive teammate Johnathan Hall is also on the list. He started all 13 games last season and led the team with 67 tackles (six for loss), 2.5 sacks, an interception and four pass breakups. Hall could be key to the Utes’ success this season.

The other six players on the list are defensive backs Jackson Bennee, Elijah “Scooby” Davis, and Elijah Reed, along with offensive lineman Keith Olson and wide receivers Braden Pegan and Kyri Shoels.