The Utah Utes enter their November 15, 2025, trip to Waco as one of the Big 12’s most seasoned and disciplined teams, bringing a battle-tested identity forged under head coach Kyle Whittingham’s long-standing formula of physical defense, clock management, and balanced offensive execution. Utah’s transition into Big 12 play has been smooth largely because of its continuity in coaching, veteran leadership, and a system that travels well — one predicated on trench dominance and mistake-free football. Quarterback Cam Rising, fully healthy after overcoming prior injuries, has reclaimed his role as the team’s emotional and tactical leader. His efficiency has been the engine of Utah’s offense, with over 2,400 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and a completion rate hovering near 65 percent. Rising’s poise under pressure and ability to extend plays with his legs keep drives alive and prevent opposing defenses from selling out against the run. Complementing him is running back Ja’Quinden Jackson, a converted quarterback whose vision, patience, and power have made him one of the Big 12’s toughest runners. Jackson’s 5-yard per carry average has helped Utah control tempo, while backups Jaylon Glover and Micah Bernard add versatility and depth. The offensive line, a hallmark of the Utes’ success, remains one of the nation’s most cohesive units, anchored by veterans Keaton Bills, Sataoa Laumea, and Jaren Kump, who specialize in inside-zone and counter concepts designed to wear down opposing fronts. Utah’s passing attack leans on physicality and reliability rather than flash. Tight ends Brant Kuithe and Landen King form a dangerous tandem, capable of exploiting mismatches against linebackers and safeties, while receiver Mikey Matthews provides a reliable short-area option.

The Utes’ offensive strategy on the road will center around controlling time of possession and limiting negative plays to neutralize Baylor’s crowd and defensive momentum. Defensively, Utah continues to play at an elite level. The front seven, led by defensive linemen Junior Tafuna and Van Fillinger, excels at gap control and disrupting running lanes, while edge rusher Jonah Elliss has emerged as one of the Big 12’s premier pass rushers. Linebackers Lander Barton and Levani Damuni are the emotional core of the defense — smart, instinctive players who diagnose plays quickly and set the tone with their tackling. The secondary, featuring standout safety Cole Bishop, plays with physicality and discipline, often baiting quarterbacks into risky throws across the middle. Against Baylor, Utah’s defense will focus on forcing long third downs and limiting explosive plays from Monaray Baldwin and the Bears’ passing game. The Utes’ ability to generate pressure without blitzing allows their back end to stay sound, which will be crucial against Baylor’s RPO-heavy offense. Utah’s special teams, long a strength under Whittingham, should again be a difference-maker. Kicker Cole Becker has been automatic from inside 45 yards, and punter Jack Bouwmeester has excelled at pinning opponents deep, giving the Utes a consistent field-position advantage. Historically, Utah thrives in physical matchups, and that profile fits perfectly for this road test. They’ve covered in five of their last nine games and are 4–2 ATS as an away favorite when their defense forces multiple turnovers. To secure victory in Waco, Utah must stick to its identity: establish the run early, limit giveaways, and let its defense dictate the flow. If they win at the line of scrimmage and keep Baylor’s offense off schedule, the Utes are built to grind out another methodical, disciplined win. Prediction: Utah 24, Baylor 17 — the Utes’ veteran presence, superior physicality, and edge in both trenches give them the upper hand in a hard-fought Big 12 road battle.