Meet Utah's newest player Bryce Duke as Big 12 run begins

Story by

John Boitnott

Sat, Sep 13, 2025 ·

2 min read

Meet Utah's newest player Bryce Duke as Big 12 run begins originally appeared on The Sporting News

Tough transfer running back Bryce Duke is stepping into a Utah backfield that has a similar tough reputation. The 21-year-old played for Virginia Tech and Old Dominion for short periods but has now headed west. He earned a reputation for his physical style of play and his ability to adapt to tough college football challenges.

Duke says Virginia Tech helped him raise up to the level of a Power Five player, and that his time at Old Dominion showed him what it was like to carry a bigger load on a team and lead other players. He thinks those experiences will give him the foundation he needs in order to help the Utes in their second season in the Big 12.

Utah Athletics

Utah has built its success on hard running and physical play, and Duke sees himself as a natural fit. He describes his style as downhill and determined, with a focus on breaking tackles and finishing runs. That approach mirrors what the Utes have long expected from their backs.

He also is excited about playing at Rice-Eccles Stadium, where the crowd has the reputation for being as intense as the team. Duke says he knows that the energy from the student section and the larger fan base in general is going to motivate him and help him on his new team.

Then there’s the transfer portal, which has totally changed the way players find new opportunities. Duke took advantage of it and he said it helped him reset his career and join a program that may be a better fit for his rugged playing style. The portal is an NCAA database that lets athletes indicate they want to play somewhere else, so that programs can reach out and express their interest. Duke says he knows he’ll have to build chemistry with new teammates and learn new systems, but he thinks he can handle it because he’s adaptable.

As far as goals for this season are concerned, Duke says he wants to surpass 500 all-purpose yards and score at least five touchdowns. He’d also like to get some sweet postseason recognition like the Senior Bowl. As for his team, Utah’s primary objection is to win a Big 12 championship and compete for a spot in the playoffs.

Off the field, Duke said he hopes to use his time in Salt Lake City to grow on a personal level and explore the community. He’d like to leave a positive impact beyond football and hopes to eventually leave Utah not only as a stronger athlete but a more well-rounded person.

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