Utah quarterback Cam Rising is out indefinitely due to a lower leg injury, prompting head coach Kyle Whittingham to announce on Monday that true freshman Isaac Wilson will take the reins as the Utes’ starting quarterback until further notice.
Rising sustained the injury during Utah’s 27-19 defeat against Arizona State last Friday. An awkward hit caused his leg to bend backward during the Utes’ opening drive. Despite the injury, the seventh-year senior completed the game but faced challenges with both mobility and precision, managing to complete just 43% of his passes and throwing three interceptions against the Sun Devils.
This season has already seen Rising miss three games due to a previous injury to his throwing hand. Additionally, he sat out the entire 2023 season following a significant knee injury sustained during the Rose Bowl.
Wilson, who is the younger sibling of Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson, stepped in admirably during Rising’s earlier absence. He achieved a 2-1 record as a starter, throwing for 726 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions.
“We feel confident in the quarterback position,” Whittingham remarked. “However, we certainly miss Cam.” This statement reflects the team’s acknowledgment of Rising’s skills and leadership on the field.
There is currently no timeline for Rising’s return from this latest setback. Whittingham indicated that if Rising opts to pursue a medical waiver after this season, he may consider an eighth season of eligibility.