Should Utah Utes Have Brought In A Transfer QB This Offseason?

Utah starting quarterback Cameron Rising has yet to suit up for his Utes this season, leaving them in the hands of Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson. But would Utah have been better off with another starter, perhaps from the transfer portal?

If "good spirits" held any weight in the college football world, the Utah Utes might be an even stronger football team than they already are. 

Coach Kyle Whittingham and company may no longer be undefeated, but taking into account all of the injuries they've faced so far this season, 4-1 is nothing to take lightly.

Behind Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson, the Utes have thrown for 769 yards and four touchdowns, but while that was enough to start 4-0, it wasn't quite enough to overpower Oregon State — especially with a lackluster offensive showing. 

Cameron Rising's absence has certainly played a role in the Utes' struggles on offense, but little is known about his true return date. He was even seen in pads warming up prior to the Utes' matchup against UCLA, but remained sidelined in a move that many speculated to be just for show and "good spirits."

So, were the Utes right in trusting Barnes and Johnson? Or should they have made a move for a high-talent transfer this offseason? And who might that have been? 

Oregon State transfer quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei throws the ball during Beavers practice.  / USA TODAY Sports

Let's experiment: 

1) Sam Hartman, Notre Dame

First off the bat is the Fighting Irish's finest, Sam Hartman. 

After a five-season stint with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Hartman entered the transfer portal for his sixth go-round, and has found ample success. Through six games, the graduate transfer has thrown for 1,458 yards and 14 touchdowns to lead the Irish to a No. 10 ranking in Week 6. 

He would make a strong candidate to replace Utah's backup situation — and would have at the beginning of the season as well — but with Rising's imminent return (in an ideal world), that might not be necessary. Either way, it is — or was – an interesting prospect.

2) Devin Leary, Kentucky 

Candidate No. 2 for the Utes is Kentucky star Devin Leary. 

Through five games for the Wildcats, Leary's 1,129 yards and 10 touchdowns have left Kentucky as one of the three remaining unbeaten teams in the SEC — marking up with Georgia and Missouri in the East. The transfer does have strong potential, though doubts do stand regarding the toughness of Kentucky's opponents thus far. 

If Leary subbed in at quarterback for the Utes, there is a strong chance that Utah reaches its bye week unscathed, but at the same time, discounting Rising's impact when he returns isn't something Whittingham would be keen on.

3) D.J. Uiagalelei, Oregon State

As much as it stings given last Saturday's heartbreak for the Utes, D.J. Uiagalelei also stands as a potential missed opportunity in the transfer portal for Utah ... or was he? 

Uiagalelei has thrown 1,032 yards and eight touchdowns so far for the Beavers, helping them to a No. 15 ranking despite having one loss to Washington State. 

The transfer has certainly worked out for Oregon State, as it took down the Utes — who could have made a move in the offseason knowing their Rising situation — but in the long run, effectively replacing Rising in what could be his final season likely wasn't at the top of Utah's agenda.