After four long weeks away due to a freak injury to his throwing hand, Cam Rising finally returned to the field on Friday. His comeback, however, didn’t go as planned. The seventh-year quarterback found himself back in the spotlight — and in trouble — just minutes into the game against Arizona State, raising new questions about his future with the Utah Utes.
Injury Puts Rising’s Season in Doubt
One minute into the matchup, disaster struck. An Arizona State defender brought Rising down awkwardly, bending the quarterback’s right leg at an unnatural angle during the tackle. Rising fought to his feet, visibly limping, but insisted on staying in the game.
Despite the early injury, the veteran quarterback played through all four quarters — his first complete game since 2022. But it was clear something wasn’t right.
- He struggled to plant his right foot properly.
- His timing with receivers was off, leading to misfires on passes.
- Rising threw three interceptions, completing only 16 of 37 passes for 209 yards.
“He got rolled up on, and that lower leg injury limited his movement,” head coach Kyle Whittingham said postgame. “And he’s still wearing the glove for grip on the football — so yeah, he’s banged up.”
Utah’s coaches stuck with Rising despite his visible struggles. Freshman Isaac Wilson stayed sidelined, though some questioned if the more mobile, uninjured backup might have given the Utes a better shot.
“No, Cam wanted to play,” Whittingham confirmed. “He’s won a bunch of games for us, and that’s who we trusted out there.”
Tough Decisions Loom as Utah’s Playoff Hopes Dwindle
Whittingham acknowledged the team’s delicate balancing act. With Rising still nursing multiple injuries and Utah’s Big 12 chances slipping, there’s pressure to think beyond this season.
“The next two days will be critical,” Whittingham said. “Adrenaline gets you through game day, but it’s the following days when you really feel the damage.” Rising’s recovery — or lack of it — will determine how Utah approaches the remainder of the season.
Scenarios Utah Must Consider:
- Stick with Rising:
- Pros: Veteran leadership, experience in tight games
- Cons: Injuries may limit performance further
- Switch to Freshman Wilson:
- Pros: Healthy, full of potential
- Cons: Less experienced, higher risk of mistakes
Whittingham noted that the coaching staff must soon decide if Rising is worth the gamble or if it’s time to turn the offense over to Wilson, who’s already won two games. “If Cam can’t be 100%, we need to look at every option,” he added.
Utah’s Troubles Go Beyond the Quarterback Position
Even with Rising back under center, the Utes’ offense continues to sputter. The issues aren’t limited to who throws the ball — it’s how they execute across the board. Red-zone inefficiency and inconsistent play-calling have haunted them all season.
Whittingham didn’t sugarcoat the situation. “We got out-coached, no doubt about it. We know our deficiencies — and the truth is, we just haven’t fixed them.”
The red zone, in particular, has become Utah’s Achilles heel:
| Key Metrics | Result vs. Arizona State |
|---|---|
| Red Zone Conversions | Below 50% |
| Turnover Margin | -2 |
| Missed Tackles | Double-digits |
“We’ve had the same conversation after every loss,” Whittingham said. “If we don’t improve in the red zone, we might not win another game this season.”
Clock Is Ticking for the Utes
The Utes now face a tough reality. Their hopes for a Big 12 title are fading, and the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. Beyond Rising’s injuries, the team faces mounting pressure to find quick solutions for its broader issues.
“We have to figure it out,” Whittingham said. “There’s not much time left before the season gets away from us completely.”
Whether or not Rising takes the field again this year, it’s clear Utah needs more than just a healthy quarterback. With the clock ticking, the Utes need answers — and fast.
