Utah QB Bryson Barnes On Utes' Bowl Game: Not Going To Leave Them Hanging

Bryson Barnes is one of the handful of players that has entered his name into the transfer portal

Utah quarterback Bryson Barnes has decided he will finish his career elsewhere after opting to transfer from the program where he went from walk-on to hero. 

The decision came not too long after the star quarterback, Cam Rising, who missed the entire year with a knee injury revealed he'd be returning in 2024 for his seventh season. However, unlike many players who entered the portal and are already looking for their next home, Barnes will remain a Ute through their bowl game against Northwestern.

According to KSL, Barnes revealed that it was important to him that he finished out the season with his teammates.

“I definitely want to finish it out with my guys,” Barnes said. “These are the dudes I’ve been with since day one and just because of my decision to leave- I’m not going to leave them hanging for a bowl game. I’m going to finish it out with them.”

While a lot of programs and players that part ways in the portal don't leave on the best of terms, Barnes revealed that there was a conversation had between him and the staff.

“The conversation was there,” Barnes said. “It was kind of mutual ground. They kind of expected me to play in the game and I wanted to play as well so we’re on level ground.”

Bryson Barnes  / Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Something that head coach Kyle Whittingham understood and doesn't hold against Barnes at all due to the circumstances.

“He wants to finish what he started and also wants a chance to be a starting quarterback,” Whittingham said. “With Cam coming back- barring injury, that’s will not happen here and so we wish him all the best. He gave a ton to this program, earned his degree. He’s a guy we wish nothing but the best for and have a lot of gratitude for what he gave to the program and we’re grateful he’s playing one last game with us.”

Barnes will lead the Utes against Northwestern in the Las Vegas Bowl on December 23. 

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