Pac-12 Football Media Day Live Blog
Jul 21, 2023, 9:29 AM | Updated: 3:04 pm
(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS – The Pac-12 Football Media Day is taking place at Resorts World Las Vegas all day!
Return here as we cover all things Pac-12 and Utah Utes football.
Commissioner Kliavkoff’s Opening Remarks
Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff began the day by recapping the 2022 season.
#Pac12FB commissioner George Kliavkoff recaps last football season 👀 pic.twitter.com/UFWq6R39di
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 21, 2023
Kliavkoff went on to give an update on the Media Rights deal and potential expansion that has been a hot topic surrounding the Pac-12 for a while now.
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RELATED: Here’s Everything Pac-12 Commissioner Said About Media Deal
Utah AD Mark Harlan and Associate Commissioner Merton Hanks Join Kliavkoff
Harlan addressed Utah’s future in the Pac-12 when he took the stage.
Harlan was asked about Utah’s commitment to the Pac-12 with constant rumors of moving to the Big 12- says he thinks the #Utes‘ words and actions speak to their commitment to the Pac-12.#GoUtes #Pac12MediaDay
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 21, 2023
Kliavkoff said that Utah’s success may prove that potential expansion candidates could find similar success.
Kliavkoff says that @UtahAthletics‘ success moving to P5 status gives the conference confidence of the ability of other expansion candidates to have success too.#GoUtes #Pac12MediaDay
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 21, 2023
Utah Coach Kyle Whittingham Takes Main Stage
The lights went red at Resorts World Las Vegas as Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham entered the room. He began by giving his thoughts on Utah Football going into the 2023 season.
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Whittingham addressed how the conference may be shaken up amid rumors of USC and UCLA looking at leaving the Pac-12.
Whitt thinks it is TBD on how the LA schools leaving might affect recruiting. Says Utah will still recruit SoCal regardless.#GoUtes #Pac12MediaDay
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 21, 2023
Before Utah’s student-athletes took the stage, Whittingham addressed the world of NIL. He said that he likes players getting paid, but the way it is happening now may not be sustainable.
“It’s a little bit out of control. There’s no guardrails, there’s no parameters.”
Coach Whittingham on NIL 👀#GoUtes #Pac12FB #Pac12MediaDay pic.twitter.com/4j4PJsWfQs
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 21, 2023
Utah Players Follow Up Coach Whitt
QB Cam Rising and safety Cole Bishop took the main stage after Whittingham.
Rising and Bishop spoke on the quarterback competition in the Pac-12 and how it affects game-planning and practice.
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Rising and Bishop both spoke on where Rising fits in amongst the Pac-12 quarterbacks.
Cole Bishop and Cam Rising speak on where Rising ranks amongst Pac-12 QBs 🫡#GoUtes #Pac12FB #Pac12MediaDay pic.twitter.com/c4XwbIPyrj
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 21, 2023
The Utah student-athletes also spoke on the BYU rivalry and wanting to play against the Cougars.
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Kyle Whittingham, Cam Rising, Cole Bishop All Join KSL Sports Zone
Following their Media Day introductions, the Utes all took turns speaking with the KSL crew.
Coach Whittingham went first.
RELATED: Kyle Whittingham Says Utes “Couldn’t Care Less” About Pac-12 Poll
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QB Cam Rising was next to speak on the Zone.
Right after his appearance, Rising played a quarterback simulation game and recorded the high score.
RELATED: Utah QB Cam Rising Gives Injury Update At Pac-12 Media Day
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Cole Bishop was the last to talk with the Zone.
Prior to his interview, he repped the KSL Sports red hat.
RELATED: Cole Bishop, Utes Defense Ready For Florida Gators Matchup
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Caleb Williams Speaks On Loss To Utah
Heisman winner and USC quarterback Caleb Williams joined the KSL Sports Zone at the Pac-12 Media Day to talk about the upcoming season and losing to Utah in the Pac-12 championship.
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Chandler Holt is a Digital Sports Producer for KSLSports.com, specializing in all things basketball and football. Follow Chandler on Twitter @ChandlerHoltKSL or on Threads @chandlerho1t.