In the run-up to the start of the college football season, ESPN released a list of “X factors” for each team it projects to start the campaign ranked in the top 25.
BYU and Utah both landed on the list, with ESPN ranking the Cougars No. 12 and the Utes No. 18 (in the coaches poll released Tuesday, both teams were three spots lower, with BYU at No. 15 and Utah at No. 21. The preseason AP poll, the most official one, will be released Aug. 17).
For the Cougars, Cal transfer linebacker and Utah native Cade Uluave was named the X factor, while backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin was named the X factor for the Utes.
“The Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023, Uluave had three productive years at Cal before returning home to Utah to finish his college career at BYU,” Kyle Bonagura wrote.
“Last season, he was a first-team All-ACC selection after finishing the year with 100 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. Few teams have been able to match the Cougars’ linebacker play over the past two seasons and Uluave’s arrival should keep that trend alive.”
On Ficklin, Bonagura wrote, “Starting QB Devon Dampier is one of the most experienced returners in college football and primed for a big season. But there is still a case that he’s not the most exciting quarterback on his own roster, a distinction could belong to Ficklin.
“As a true freshman last year, Ficklin had 61 carries for 513 yards and 10 touchdowns. His 8.4 yards per carry ranked No. 3 nationally. It will be interesting to see how Ficklin’s role evolves this year, especially considering the change at offensive coordinator with Kevin McGiven coming in to replace the departed Jason Beck (Michigan).”