The Utah Utes aim for a better outcome in 2025 and to contend for a conference championship and a College Football Playoff appearance in their second year in the Big 12. For that to happen, whoever starts at QB, either Devon Dampier or Isaac Wilson, must be at their A-game and, of course, stay healthy. Over the past two years, injuries to their star quarterback have prevented the Utes from competing for a conference championship.
The Utah Utes icon missed 22 games in the last two seasons
Cameron Rising suffered a torn ACL, MCL, meniscus, and MPFL during the third quarter of the 2023 Rose Bowl against Penn State. As a result, Rising missed the entire 2023 season to recover from his knee injury. He returned for 2024’s season opener against Southern Utah, but his comeback didn’t last long, as he sustained multiple injuries throughout the year.
Rising suffered a lacerated and dislocated finger on his throwing hand in Week 2 against Baylor and missed the next three games. He returned in Week 6 against Arizona State but suffered a lower leg injury, ending his 2024 season.
Utah Utes icon announces devastating career news
Cameron Rising was granted an eighth year of college eligibility, but he will not take up the opportunity. In a statement on X, Rising announced he was forced to medically retire from football activities because of his hand injury after seeking medical opinions from two and now three medical doctors. He will undergo hand surgery and will continue to rehab and do everything he can to get healthy.
Bad Moon Out. pic.twitter.com/hfn5n5WtKB
— Cameron Rising (@crising7) May 7, 2025
He had a great career at Utah
Cameron Rising had a great college career with the Utah Utes, taking over as the starting quarterback in 2021, being named First-Team All-PAC-12 in 2021, winning back-to-back PAC-12 Championships in 2021 and 2022, and two consecutive Rose Bowl appearances in that span. He completed 490 out of 778 pass attempts for 6,127 yards, 53 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions with a 20-8 record.
Rising finished sixth all-time in completions and passing yards and fourth in passing touchdowns in Utes history.
One day, he could be inducted into the Utah Utes Ring of Honor.
