Cam Rising on returning to Utah in 2024: 'Everything is on the table right now'
The question regarding the health of Utah QB Cam Rising had hung over the Utes’ entire season until this past week. Even so, it sounds like the uncertainty regarding what’s next for him is just now beginning.
Rising shared a fuzzy answer when it came to the next steps in his career during an appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on Friday. At one point of the interview, Rising answered a question regarding a potential redshirt and the opportunity to “lead the Utes to their first Big 12 Championship.” Instead of a resounding response, Rising’s words were a little more reserved with more of his focus on Utah’s Top-15 game against Oregon this weekend.
“Everything is on the table right now,” said Rising. “I’m more so focused on this season making sure we win the big game tomorrow.”
2023 would have been Rising’s sixth collegiate campaign, fifth with Utah. In that time, he has appeared in 27 games as a Ute with 25 starts under his belt. That includes 24 starts in 2021 and 2022 as the program’s starting quarterback.
Over those two seasons, Rising has completed 64.3% of his passes for over 5,500 passing yards, 46 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. That helped Utah win 20 of 28 games, including two straight Pac-12 Championships. It also led to them to a pair of appearances in the Rose Bowl.
Rising has been out for all of this season to this point after tearing his ACL in the Rose Bowl in 2022 against Penn State. That eventually led Kyle Whittingham to announce a few days ago that he would not be available and would be taking a redshirt.
Even so, Rising wasn’t as emphatic about that idea. At his age and what he has accomplished, he is likely considering several options. Whether it’s the next level, a return to Utah, a transfer, or otherwise, it sounds like everything is up in the air and available to him as he closes out this season still as a member of the Utes’ program.
Steve Smith Sr. announced as College GameDay’s celebrity guest picker
As ESPN’s College GameDay prepares to be on hand for a clash between the Oregon Ducks and Utah Utes, many wondered who the show’s next Celebrity Guest Picker would be.
A myriad of names came to mind but Pat McAfee spilled the beans during his show on Friday. Evidently, NFL legend and former Utes star Steve Smith Sr. will be doing the job for Saturday’s show.
“I think we could make the big announcement – Celebrity Guest Picker tomorrow on College GamDay,” McAfee revealed, pointing at Smith as the crowd erupted with cheers. “That’s going to be awesome. I got so excited when I heard about that. Obviously, we’ve had incredible guest pickers all season but with you coming on? I have a feeling you’re going to go clean slate. You’re picking perfect tomorrow across the whole board.
“With that big brain? In this great state? Hell yeah, Steve,” said McAfee. “I think you’re going perfect tomorrow. I think it’s a great day.”
During his time at Utah, Smith Sr. amassed 78 receptions for 1,608 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also had 1,365 return yards and 4 touchdowns on special teams. Afterward, he had an illustrious NFL career, making his mark mainly with the Carolina Panthers.