Wayshawn Parker says Utah football has 'weapons nobody knows about'
· Yahoo Sports
Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker enters the 2026 college football season with a chip on his shoulder. In his mind, he let down fans after falling short of his 1,000-yard goal. Not only is he looking to set up a career year, he'll do so as the main rushing threat in the backfield.
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The Utes are multidimensional on offense, making them one of the most underrated Big 12 teams. While BYU and Texas Tech get a majority of the attention, the returning core in Salt Lake City is ready to make a statement. Parker's role will be similar to the end of last year. His breakthrough performance against Colorado with 145 yards and a touchdown was the first of four consecutive games hitting the century mark.
Parker is going to put up numbers during the upcoming season. But according to the Washington State transfer, Utah has a group of talented offensive linemen ready to make a name for themselves.
"I feel (the new guys) are going to be better than the O-line was last year," Parker said at Big 12 Media Days. "We've got a couple weapons that nobody really knows about."
When it comes to the type of offensive linemen stepping into the fold this season, they'll have big shoes to fill. Both Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu were first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Fano was selected No. 9 overall by the Cleveland Browns, while Lomu went No. 28 to the New England Patriots.
Parker believes the current lineup is better, which should have opponents nervous. Utah has always been known as a solid producer in the trenches. Now they have the opportunity to show there's no gap between where Kyle Whittingham left off and Morgan Scalley picked up in his first year as head coach. That's truly the mark of a good program, and an outstanding culture. The "Utes' way" has gotten a reboot while keeping the same structure.
Scalley will be tasked with constructing the right balance within the offense. After spending several years becoming a defensive mastermind, the new Utes coach has seemed genuinely excited to put his fingerprints on the offense. And for the best reasons. He has made his career around breaking down opposing offensive schemes and can use a little reverse psychology.
If Parker turns up the heat, he'll be in the conversation as one of the best rushers in the country. This could be the year NFL scouts move him up the draft board. For now, it's all about consistency and focusing on the next week ahead.
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