SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Following a 9-5 season that included the program’s first appearance in the Pac-12 Championship Game, the Utah Utes are getting some national respect ahead of the 2019 season.

ESPN released its updated “way-too-early top 25 rankings” and placed the Utes at 18^th in the nation.

#MakingABetterU @brit_covey2 pic.twitter.com/LN2moGgV6X

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) February 12, 2019

The national outlet praised Utah for its group of returning starters and core players while stating that they could be considered favorites for the conference title.

Utah is returning 15 starters on both offense and defense.

2018 Utah Football Mixtape 🙌 pic.twitter.com/zheazMLRwo

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) February 8, 2019

The Utes were nestled right in between two of its opponents from last season. Washington, who beat Utah in the Pac-12 Championship Game, was ranked No. 17 in the poll. Northwestern, who defeated the Utes in the Holiday Bowl, was ranked No. 19.

The full poll is available here.