SURPRISE: Utah Utes Private Equity Move is the RIGHT CALL| Mark Harlan's Bold Plan is Good?

Utah Utes break new ground with a high-stakes private equity deal, fueling debate over the future of college athletics funding. Facing soaring player compensation and operational costs, Athletic Director Mark Harlan insists the move was essential to keep Utah competitive and safeguard non-revenue sports. The formation of Utah Crimson Brands with Otro Capital aims to infuse up to $500 million into the athletic department—will this unprecedented step give the Utes a critical edge or introduce new risks? The conversation focused on the financial realities driving the decision, including references to TV revenue, roster expenses, and tough personnel choices. Discussion explored the upcoming 2026 football matchups against Utah State—now led by Bronco Mendenhall—and Idaho, breaking down key players such as Devon Dampier, Braden Pagan, and McCae Hillstead. Utah’s dominant home record and depth were highlighted, raising the question: Can the Utes parlay their bold business strategy into gridiron success in the new Big 12 era? Follow the show: @LockedOnUtes Follow: JT @Jtwistrcill Photo Credit: USA TODAY Sports-Imagn Images Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOUtes?sid=You.... Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never-ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Listener Survey We've put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go to https://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG(CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat(CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)