Who is Utah QB? What to know of Devon Dampier, potential Heisman Trophy dark horse

Utah football looks much improved after finishing 2024 with a 5-7 record, and quarterback transfer Devon Dampier has been a huge reason for the Utes' success so far this season.

Dampier, a first-year transfer from New Mexico, has seen early success at Utah alongside offensive coordinator Jason Beck, his former play-caller with the Lobos who was hired by Utah in the offseason.

Dampier has been nothing short of electric for the Utes, and might just become a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate this season. He leads Utah in rushing and has committed no turnovers while completing 73% of his passes through three games.

Utah looks like one of the top contenders for the Big 12 championship this season, and could find itself in the College Football Playoff. Here's what to know of Dampier, including why he transferred to Utah.

Who is Devon Dampier?

Dampier is a first-year transfer at Utah, where he has passed for 628 yards with seven touchdowns in his first three games as the Utes' starter. He has also rushed for 198 yards and a score without a turnover.

Dampier started games across two seasons at New Mexico, where he blossomed into an electric player after being an under-the-radar recruit out of high school. He was the No. 1,693-ranked player nationally according to 247Sports' Composite rankings, tabbed as the No. 88 quarterback and No. 26 player from the state of Arizona.

Dampier led the Mountain West in total offense in 2024 after passing for 2,768 yards and rushing for 1,166 more. He scored 31 total touchdowns, although he tossed 12 interceptions.

The 5-foot-11 quarterback has taken strides in the passing game so far this season, with his completion percentage up to 73% through three games after hitting on 57.9% of his passes last season. He also has yet to throw an interception at Utah.

Dampier is tied-for 10th in the latest Heisman Trophy odds, according to BetMGM: tied with Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos and USC quarterback Jayden Maiava.

Why did Devon Dampier transfer to Utah?

The simple answer is Dampier had a chance to jump to a Power Four program with recent success while also reuniting with Beck, his offensive coordinator at New Mexico.

It was a clear next step for Dampier, as the electric quarterback looks to prove his abilities are up to par with the jump in competition. Beck said during the offseason that he knew Dampier was hitting the transfer portal even before he left for the Utah opening. He added that they weren't necessarily a package deal, even though they both ended up at Utah.

“I knew he was going to go into the portal before he knew I had other job opportunities,” Beck told reporters before the season. “I never thought about it in terms of [being a package]. I’m very appreciative that Devon did come to Utah because he’s such a good player, such a good person, and it’s awesome to work with him and be able to continue together.

“If I look at it from Devon’s perspective, I can see why it’s a good decision because you’re going with somebody you trust, and they have a year of experience working with you to help you to continue to develop versus starting that process over. I think it’s just kind of a win-win all around.”

Devon Dampier stats

Here are Dampier's year-by-year stats in college:

• 2023 (New Mexico): 40 of 64 passing (62.5%) for 525 yards with six touchdowns to no interceptions; 59 rushes for 328 yards with four touchdowns
• 2024 (New Mexico): 226 of 390 passing (57.9%) for 2,768 yards with 12 touchdowns to 12 interceptions; 155 rushes for 1,166 yards with 19 touchdowns
• 2025 (Utah): 65 of 89 passing (73%) for 628 yards with seven touchdowns; 33 rushes for 198 yards with a touchdown