The Massive 12 has formally been placed on discover. The Dangerous Moon is rising as soon as once more. After months of hypothesis, Utah quarterback Cam Rising has introduced he’ll return to this system following his 2023 medical redshirt.
The Utes got here into the ultimate season of the Pac-12 with excessive hopes to shut out the celebrated convention with a three-peat championship. Sadly, that each one hinged on the provision of Rising who was recovering from a blown knee suffered within the 2023 Rose Bowl. Whereas there have been early indicators of hope for a return this season, Rising’s surgeon finally performed it conservative and by no means cleared him.
Regardless of the success Utah has had in 2023, it’ll go down as “what might have been.” Accidents have ravaged key gamers up and down the roster — none extra vital than Rising. Now the linchpin to their CFP hopes will return because the Utes look to make an announcement throughout their first season within the Massive 12.
Over his two-year profession as a starter for Utah, Rising has amassed 5,572 passing yards and 46 landing passes. He additionally ran for 953 yards and 12 dashing touchdowns. Rising’s greatest season by PFF metrics is 2021 with grades of 84.7 general, 82.0 passing, and 71.5 dashing. Throughout that season he was named as a Pac-12 All-Convention first-team choice. He adopted that efficiency up by being named the MVP of the 2022 Pac-12 Championship Sport.
Whereas the deal was a very long time within the making, Rising is about to make sizable NIL cash. The optimistic motion in getting Rising to return, gained steam in the course of the week of the Arizona State sport, because it was vital to get the choice out of the best way earlier than the top of the common season.
Rising’s return is important for the Utes. Had he hit the switch portal, there was going to be excessive demand from SEC and west coast faculties. He’s a confirmed winner whose mere presence elevates his group. Now that this domino has fallen, different key Utes are anticipated to comply with his lead. Utah ought to enter their first season within the Massive 12 as a Prime 10 group nationally and heavy favorites for a convention title.
So breathe straightforward Ute followers. It’s a yr later than hoped for, however your Captain — arguably probably the most impactful Ute in program historical past — is coming again. There’s a brand new convention to beat and far more at stake.
The storied legacy of the Dangerous Moon continues.
