Utah Ties Shine on ESPN's Top 40 | Salt Lake City News

Salt Lake City News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 7, 2026 · 1m

Three Utah-connected players cracked ESPN’s top 40 college football prospects for 2026: BYU QB Bear Bachmeier (No. 31), Utah RB Wayshawn Parker (No. 34), and Boise State QB Maddux Madsen (No. 36)—each with big upside but also key challenges ahead. Bachmeier’s potential hinges on receiver development, Parker could lead Utah back to Big 12 contention if he handles heavy workloads, and Madsen needs consistency after injury-plagued flashes last season. Meanwhile, Alabama’s Keelon Russell tops the list, and Texas Tech’s Will Hammond—LDS-affiliated and ranked No. 4—is a dynamic passer whose health…