Scalley Says Utah’s BYU Win Is Only One Step

Morgan Scalley celebrated Utah’s victory over rival BYU while emphasizing that his team still has work to do. The Utes remained undefeated after the Holy War win, but Scalley said the season was far from finished and described the game as a major victory, not the defining one.

Scalley said the rivalry win meant more than a personal achievement. He pointed to the wider Utah community and the university’s athletics program, and expressed gratitude for the support behind the team.

The 47-year-old coach played football for Utah and spent years on its staff, serving as an assistant from 2007 before becoming head coach this season. Utah had announced him as its head coach-in-waiting before the 2024 season. He took over from Kyle Whittingham, who now leads Michigan.

Utah was 9-0 and ranked third in the College Football Playoff rankings. Its position could change depending on the outcomes of games involving top-ranked Miami and second-ranked Georgia. The Utes were on course for their first undefeated regular season since 2008.

Athletic director Mark Harlan said in October that Scalley had exceeded his already high expectations for leading the program. After the BYU game, Utah fans surrounded Scalley and chanted his name.