Not Worried About The Matchup, Utah Football’s Caleb Lohner Is Focus On Getting Better

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Football has entered week two and has shifted its focus to the Baylor Bears. This non-conference game will be a competitive matchup between two Big 12 programs.

Both are tuned up after coming off week one wins over FCS programs. Utah secured a 49-0 win over Southern Utah, while Baylor notched a 45-3 win over Tarleton State. This will provide a good test for Utah and one that they need to be fully prepared for.

Run game? Procedural execution? All of it? Utah’s focused on improvement this week as they know they face a much tougher test with Baylor. #GoUtes https://t.co/2n1NhXsxA0

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) September 3, 2024

A unique storyline for this one is Utah tight end and former Baylor Bear basketball player, Caleb Lohner. The towering tight end transferred to Utah from Baylor this offseason. Through game one, it’s been a good transition for Lohner, who is excited for what’s to come the rest of the way.

First game, first reception, first touchdown were all special to Caleb Lohner

“It was everything I expected and more, it was an awesome win, and it was fun to see the team out there,” Caleb Lohner shared. “For me, it was fun to see the game, how it operates, how the pre-game works, how the process of the game works- because you know I’ve only practiced, but it was awesome and makes me excited for the next opponent.”

Isaac Wilson throws his first TD as a Ute! 🙌#GoUtes https://t.co/R18tuY36jy

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 30, 2024

Lohner caught his first pass in the game, which also happened to be a touchdown reception. That provided him a special moment with his teammates, who have played a big role in his transition to the game of football.

“It felt great, I think the best part of it all was celebrating with my teammates,” Lohner said. “I genuinely believe I’m part of the best tight end room, all the support I’ve gotten over the last few months, that was the best part. The journey is a little bit different than some of these guys. I felt so much support from this team and feel like family now.”

The former Baylor Bear isn’t concerned about any awkwardness with the matchup

The 6-foot-7, 250-pounder spent the last two seasons with the Baylor basketball program. That provides a unique dynamic to this weekend’s contest but one that Lohner isn’t all that worried about.

“I don’t think it’s as weird because I didn’t spend any time with the football program there,” Lohner said. “I’m going to treat every game the same, going to prepare the same, be locked into the playbook the same. At the end of the day, we want to win, so we’re going to bring it.”

He also knows that this will be a much tougher test but one that he’s eager to face.

“We know this Baylor team is a good team, a little bit different than what we faced last Thursday, we know this is a challenge, and we’re up for it,” he shared.

Grateful for Utah Football and focused on getting better every day

The move has required a steep learning curve but one that Lohner has matched so far. He’s brought a tireless work ethic and is truly trying to capitalize on the opportunity with Utah. Everything has been new to him and yet, he’s taken on the task at hand head-on.

“I think every day is better, every day since I got here- first it was no pads, then there were pads, then it was fall camp, and now it’s games,” he said. “Just every day is better and every day my football IQ goes up.”

That’s been his mentality throughout this whole process- learn, do whatever he’s asked, and work hard.

“My biggest thing here is I want to learn the game of football and do all that I can to help the team win,” Lohner said. “Wherever I can do that, I’m going to do that, it’s been so fun to be a part of this whole thing because it is all new.”

Utah Football Schedule

Utah will be back in action against the Baylor Bears for week two on Saturday.  You can find Utah football’s conference schedule here.

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

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