11 Best Utah Football Players of All Time

#11: Jamal Anderson (1992 – 1993)

Position: Running Back
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 235 lbs

Jamal Anderson was a powerful and explosive running back during his time at Utah, known for his bruising running style and ability to break tackles.  Anderson transferred to Utah and made an immediate impact, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his two seasons with the Utes. 

His strong performances in college set the stage for a successful NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons, where he became one of the league’s premier backs, highlighted by his All-Pro season in 1998 when he led the Falcons to the Super Bowl. Anderson’s toughness and ability to perform in big moments made him a standout player at Utah, and his legacy continues as one of the program’s top running backs.

#10: Devin Lloyd (2018 – 2021)

Position: Linebacker
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 235 lbs

Devin Lloyd was a dominant force on the Utah defense, known for his versatility, leadership, and playmaking ability. During his time with the Utes, Lloyd developed into one of the best linebackers in college football, earning All-American honors and being named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. 

Lloyd was a tackling machine, finishing his senior season with 111 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks, while also displaying his ability to make big plays in coverage with 4 interceptions. His performances helped Utah reach the Pac-12 Championship and the Rose Bowl, solidifying his place as one of the greatest defensive players in Utah history.

#9: Star Lotulelei (2010 – 2012)

Position: Defensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 315 lbs

Star Lotulelei was an anchor in the middle of Utah’s defensive line, known for his strength, quickness, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. 

Lotulelei’s dominance in the trenches earned him numerous accolades, including First-Team All-American honors and the Morris Trophy as the Pac-12’s best defensive lineman. His ability to stuff the run and pressure the quarterback made him a nightmare for offensive linemen and a key piece of Utah’s defense. 

Lotulelei’s success at Utah led to him being selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, where he continued to be a formidable presence in the NFL.

#8: Tyler Huntley (2016 – 2019)

Position: Quarterback
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 205 lbs

Tyler Huntley was a dynamic and dual-threat quarterback who played a pivotal role in Utah’s recent success. Known for his strong arm, accuracy, and ability to make plays with his legs, Huntley led the Utes to back-to-back Pac-12 South titles in 2018 and 2019. 

In his senior season, Huntley posted one of the most efficient seasons in Utah history, completing 73.1% of his passes for 3,092 yards and 19 touchdowns, while adding 5 rushing touchdowns. Huntley’s leadership and clutch performances helped elevate Utah’s program, making him one of the best quarterbacks to ever wear a Utes uniform.

#7: Nate Orchard (2011 – 2014)

Position: Defensive End
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 251 lbs

Nate Orchard was a relentless pass rusher for the Utes, known for his speed, strength, and ability to get to the quarterback. Orchard’s breakout season came in 2014, when he recorded 18.5 sacks, leading the nation and setting a Utah single-season record. 

His dominant play earned him the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s top defensive end and First-Team All-American honors. 

Orchard’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses made him one of the most feared defensive players in college football during his time at Utah, and his record-breaking season remains one of the best in program history.

#6: Garry Zimmerman (1980 – 1983)

Position: Offensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 294 lbs

Garry Zimmerman was a stalwart on the offensive line for Utah, known for his exceptional blocking skills and consistency. Zimmerman’s play at left tackle helped pave the way for Utah’s offense and protected the quarterback’s blindside with great efficiency. 

After his standout career at Utah, Zimmerman went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NFL, where he became one of the most respected offensive linemen of his era. 

His success at both the collegiate and professional levels has made him one of the greatest players in Utah football history.

#5: Luther Elliss (1991 – 1994)

Position: Defensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 290 lbs

Luther Elliss was a dominant force on the defensive line for Utah, known for his strength, agility, and ability to disrupt the opposing offense. During his time with the Utes, Elliss earned First-Team All-WAC honors twice and was named a Third-Team All-American in 1994. 

His presence in the middle of the defense was key to Utah’s success, helping the team to an impressive 10-2 record in 1994, capped off with a victory in the Freedom Bowl. 

After his stellar college career, Elliss was selected in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He went on to have a successful 10-year NFL career, earning two Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as one of the top defensive tackles of his era.

#4: Eric Weddle (2003 – 2006)

Position: Safety
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 200 lbs

Eric Weddle was the ultimate Swiss Army knife for Utah, excelling in multiple roles including safety, cornerback, punt returner, and even running back. 

Weddle’s versatility and football intelligence made him one of the most impactful players in Utah history. He was a two-time Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a consensus All-American in 2006. 

Weddle finished his college career with 18 interceptions and 9.5 sacks, leaving an indelible mark on the Utah program. 

His success continued in the NFL, where he was selected in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. Weddle became one of the premier safeties in the NFL, earning six Pro Bowl selections and being named a First-Team All-Pro twice over his 13-year career.

#3: Jordan Gross (1999 – 2002)

Position: Offensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 305 lbs

Jordan Gross was a dominant offensive tackle at Utah, known for his exceptional blocking and leadership on the offensive line. Gross earned First-Team All-Mountain West honors twice and was named a First-Team All-American in 2002. 

His performance at Utah led to him being selected eighth overall in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. 

Gross quickly became a cornerstone of the Panthers’ offensive line, earning three Pro Bowl selections and being named a First-Team All-Pro in 2008. 

His consistency and durability were key to the Panthers’ success during his career, including their run to Super Bowl XXXVIII. Gross is widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in Utah’s history.

#2: Steve Smith Sr. (1999 – 2000)

Position: Wide Receiver / Punt Returner
Height/Weight: 5’9″, 195 lbs

Steve Smith Sr. was a game-changing player during his two seasons at Utah, known for his explosive speed, toughness, and playmaking ability. Smith made an immediate impact as both a receiver and punt returner, earning First-Team All-Mountain West honors and setting the stage for an illustrious NFL career. 

Selected in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, Smith went on to become one of the most productive and feared wide receivers in NFL history. Over his 16-year career, Smith earned five Pro Bowl selections, led the NFL in receiving yards in 2005, and became one of the few players to surpass 14,000 receiving yards. 

His tenacity and ability to make big plays in crucial moments made him one of the greatest wide receivers ever.

#1: Alex Smith (2002 – 2004)

Position: Quarterback
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 213 lbs

Alex Smith was the leader of one of the most successful eras in Utah football history. As the starting quarterback, Smith led the Utes to an undefeated season in 2004, culminating in a victory in the Fiesta Bowl and a final national ranking of No. 4. 

Smith’s outstanding play earned him the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year award, and he was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, finishing fourth in the voting. 

He completed his Utah career with 5,203 passing yards, 47 passing touchdowns, and 15 rushing touchdowns. Smith was selected first overall in the 2005 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. 

Over his 16-year NFL career, Smith became known for his leadership, intelligence, and resilience, particularly after making a remarkable comeback from a life-threatening leg injury. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and led multiple teams to playoff appearances, solidifying his place as one of the most respected quarterbacks in the game.