Utah Utes wide receiver Taeshaun Lyons has officially entered the Transfer Portal, a move that comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts alike. This news was reported by On3’s Pete Nakos, and it raises questions about the future of both Lyons and the Utes’ offense.
Lyons’ Journey Through College Football
Coming out of high school at Tennyson in California, Lyons was a highly regarded four-star recruit in the Class of 2023. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, he was the 32nd-ranked wide receiver and the 223rd-ranked player nationally in that recruiting cycle. With such impressive credentials, expectations were high for his collegiate career.
Initially, Lyons made his way to Washington, where he played under then-head coach Kalen DeBoer. During the 2023 season, he appeared in two games as the Huskies aimed for a national championship. However, with DeBoer taking the head coaching position at Alabama after the season, Lyons decided it was time for a change, leading him to transfer to Utah.
Challenges Faced by the Utes
This season was unexpectedly challenging for the Utes. After making the transition into the Big 12, they aimed to compete at the top of the conference. However, the reality was far from their expectations. Finishing with a disappointing 5-7 overall record and a mere 2-7 in Big 12 play, Utah is set to miss out on a bowl game this year.
The struggles on offense played a significant role in this disappointing outcome. Injuries to key quarterbacks were detrimental, and the team finished 99th in the nation in passing offense, averaging just 199.4 yards per game. This lack of production contributed to their ranking of 102nd in scoring offense, with an average of only 23.6 points per game. So, what does this mean for the future of the Utes?
Lyons’ Performance at Utah
In his brief time with Utah, Lyons had limited opportunities to showcase his talent. In just four games, he recorded only one reception for four yards. This leaves him with three seasons of eligibility at whatever school he decides to play for next. With his background as a four-star recruit, there is no doubt that he will attract attention from various programs looking to bolster their rosters.
The Transfer Portal Landscape
The transfer portal opened its doors on December 9th, marking the beginning of a new chapter for many college athletes. This offseason, it will open twice, with another opportunity following spring practice or if a head coach departs. For Utah, the transfer portal is becoming a crucial tool for rebuilding and reshaping the team.
Currently, Utah ranks 56th in the 2025 cycle for transfer classes, according to the On3 2025 College Football Team Transfer Portal Rankings. The Utes have already seen 24 players exit the program through the portal, while 11 transfers have committed to join Utah. Among those leaving are four wide receivers, two tight ends, and two quarterbacks. On the flip side, the Utes have welcomed two quarterbacks and a wide receiver into their ranks.
This influx and outflux of talent signal a significant transformation in Utah’s passing game. Will these changes be enough to turn things around for the Utes? Only time will tell.
Looking Ahead
As the Utes navigate this tumultuous offseason, the focus will undoubtedly be on how they can improve their performance on the field. With Lyons’ departure and the many changes in personnel, fans are left wondering what the future holds for the program. Will they be able to bounce back and compete at a higher level in the Big 12?
The upcoming months will be crucial for Utah as they look to solidify their roster and address the weaknesses that plagued them this past season. The transfer portal offers a unique opportunity for teams to refresh their lineups, and Utah is poised to take advantage of it.
To keep up with the latest player movements and developments, college football enthusiasts should stay tuned to the ongoing updates in the Transfer Portal. With so much at stake, every decision made in the coming weeks could have lasting implications for the Utes and their quest for success in the Big 12.
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the excitement and unpredictability of the game remain as strong as ever. Who will be the next star to emerge from the Transfer Portal? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—college football never fails to deliver drama and intrigue!
