Head coach Kyle Whittingham broke the devastating news to the Utah Utes on Monday, announcing that star quarterback Cam Rising would miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to a lower leg injury. The Utes, who have relied on Rising’s leadership and playmaking abilities as the driving force behind their recent Pac-12 championship runs, are deeply affected by this news.
Rising, a seventh-year senior, has been the driving force behind the Utah program since assuming the starting role in 2021. His grit, determination, and undeniable talent have made him one of the most beloved figures in Utes’ history, and his absence will undoubtedly leave a significant impact.
Whittingham said in a statement, “Cam has been both a great player and a leader for our program during his time at Utah, and we will obviously miss him.” We will address any future developments concerning his collegiate eligibility at a later date.
The news comes as a crushing blow, particularly given the timing of Rising’s injury. After missing the first three games of the season due to a finger injury, the quarterback made his highly anticipated return against Arizona State last Friday, only to go down with a new ailment just three snaps into the game.
The Utes struggled mightily without their leader, ultimately falling 27-19 to the Sun Devils. Rising’s absence was painfully evident, as the offense failed to find its rhythm and capitalize on critical drives.
“The timing of Rising’s injury couldn’t be more unfortunate for the Utes,” observed one local reporter. “They were just beginning to regain control of their star quarterback, and now they must entrust the responsibility to a young, inexperienced backup.” It’s a huge setback for a team with championship aspirations.”
That backup is true freshman Isaac Wilson, the younger brother of Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson. While the coaching staff has expressed confidence in the young signal-caller, there’s no denying the enormous shoes he’ll have to fill in Rising’s absence.
Rising’s impact on the Utah program goes far beyond his on-field exploits, though those have been nothing short of remarkable. The quarterback has become a symbol of perseverance and belief, inspiring both his teammates and the Utes’ loyal fanbase with his “unwavering belief” mantra.
His leadership and playmaking abilities were instrumental in Utah’s recent success, which includes back-to-back Pac-12 titles and two consecutive Rose Bowl appearances. Rising’s presence has directly contributed to the Utes’ rise to prominence over the past few seasons, and the prospect of finishing the year without him is a bitter pill to swallow.
Off the field, Rising has made an indelible impact through his involvement in various causes, particularly through his NIL (name, image, likeness) ventures. He played a key role in establishing the “22 Forever Memorial Scholarship,” which honors his late teammates Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe, and he consistently used his platform to raise funds and awareness for the initiative.
Additionally, Rising was a staunch supporter of Utah’s women’s basketball program, often seen courtside at their most significant games. His commitment to the university community extended beyond the gridiron, cementing his status as a true pillar of the Utes’ athletic department.
As the team and its fans grapple with the harsh reality of Rising’s season-ending injury, the focus now shifts to how they will respond in his absence. Isaac Wilson at the helm will force the Utes to find new ways to win, relying on their depth and the collective effort of the entire roster.
It’s a sobering conclusion to what was shaping up to be another remarkable campaign for Cam Rising and the Utah Utes. But even as the curtain closes on his collegiate career, Rising’s legacy as one of the greatest players in program history will endure. Rising’s “unwavering belief” and relentless pursuit of excellence have left an indelible mark on the Utah football program, cementing his name in the annals of Utah lore for generations to come.