Utah Esports Program Pranks Fans With Cam Rising News

In a post on X, the Utah Esports team announced that one of the school's biggest football stars was making the switch to gaming

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

As far as lighthearted April Fools' Day pranks are concerned, the University of Utah Esports Production team pulled off an all-time gaff. 

In a collaboration with the football program, Utah's esports teamtook to X and crafted an announcement that star quarterback Cam Rising intended to leave football and move his talents to the online realm. 

ANNOUNCEMENT! From us and @Utah_Football! We are excited to announce the signing of @UUtah legend QB @crising7 to all our esports teams! #GoUtes! See Cam's announcement below! pic.twitter.com/4Lc3frMAaL

— Utah Esports (@UUtah_Esports) April 1, 2024

The post included an “official announcement” from Rising, that described the Utah football standout’s abrupt change of heart: 

“Hello everyone. I’m sure this must come as a surprise to some, but after this last offseason, and after my injury at the Rose Bowl two years ago, I have come to the difficult decision to switch disciplines entirely. While I was recovering, I spent a lot of time playing competitive video games such as Overwatch 2 and Valorant… So good in fact, that the University of Utah Esports team reached out to me and offered me a spot on all teams…” 

The fake ‘taking my talents to South Beach’ moment was sure to have gotten some, but a quick glance at the end of the announcement dispels any truth regarding Rising's departure from football. 

Despite countless feats on the football field, earning a spot on Utah’s esports team would have been a significant accolade for Rising. The Utah Esports program has earned five National Championships in Varsity Esports and won the recent “Pac-U League of Legends Championship” in 2023. 

Luckily for Utah football fans, their starting quarterback has every intention of suiting up for one last season on the gridiron. Utah's six-year signal-caller has looked healthy through three weeks of spring practice and should lead a potent Utes offense against Big 12 competition in 2024. 

If nothing else, the nickname given to Rising from the prank might stick. "Cam 'BadMoon' Rising" certainly does have a nice ring to it.