Utah Utes Cameron Rising (7) runs with the ball while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.
Utah Utes Cameron Rising (7) runs with the ball while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
Jeff Call
By Jeff Call

PASADENA, Calif. — Now that No. 8 Utah has completed its 2022 season after a 35-21 loss to No. 11 Penn State in the Rose Bowl, there are plenty of questions to be answered. 

Who’s coming back for the Utes? Who’s leaving? What is the extent of quarterback Cam Rising’s injury, which he suffered in the third quarter against the Nittany Lions? 

“It doesn’t look good; I can tell you that,” coach Kyle Whittingham said after the game about Rising’s injury. “Looks like it could be something that takes a while to recover from.”

And can Utah compete for a third consecutive Pac-12 title next season? 

“Our guys played hard, though. Proud of them. We just have to keep coming back to this game until we get it right. It took us three times in the Pac-12 championship before we got the win, so we’ve got to make sure that we try to continue to get better.” — Utah coach Kyle Whittingham

While there are questions, and some uncertainty, surrounding the program, there’s a lot of disappointment about the outcome of Monday’s game. 

“Our guys played hard, though. Proud of them. We just have to keep coming back to this game until we get it right,” Whittingham said. “It took us three times in the Pac-12 championship before we got the win, so we’ve got to make sure that we try to continue to get better.

“I know the landscape is changing,” he added. “The Rose Bowl is not going to be in the traditional spot, but whatever New Year’s Six bowl we can get back to, we’ve got to figure that out, or the CFP, one of the two. Love the team that we’ve got coming back next year. Got a lot of talented players, and I’m looking forward to working with them.”

Related
Utah football’s season ends on a low as Penn State pulls away to win the Rose Bowl
Tradition denied, Utes fall hard in second half at final ‘traditional’ Rose Bowl
What Kyle Whittingham said about Cam Rising’s Rose Bowl injury

But who, exactly, will he be working with?

At the top of the list is Rising. His injury, which Whittingham said after the game seemed serious, indicates that he may return to the Utes in 2023.

Asked during the week if the Rose Bowl would be his final college game, Rising responded, “You’ll find out soon.”

Could the result of the game have a bearing on his decision? 

“It could. It could,” Rising said. “Yep.”

The deadline for declaring for the NFL draft is Jan. 16. 

Others have decisions to make about the future, including tight end Brant Kuithe, wide receiver Devaughn Vele and running back Micah Bernard. 

“We only have seven seniors, so what you see with us is going to be very similar next year. We will have some guys that move on to the next level, underclassmen, but we also have those conversations and give our guys advice when they seek it,” Whittingham said Sunday.

“You’ve got to be careful when you have those conversations because it’s got to be their decision. You can’t be too forceful one way or the other because ultimately it’s their careers, their lives. Our stance has always been during the season, it’s all about the team. After the season, it’s always about what’s best for the individual. That’s our approach. We’ll see what happens here with some of our underclassmen, but I think we’re going to get the vast majority of them returning, and that would be a good thing for us.”

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Utah Utes QB Cameron Rising (7) sits on the field after getting injured as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Mitchell Tinsley 5 runs with the ball while playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Cameron Rising 7 runs with the ball while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Ja'Quinden Jackson 3 celebrates scoreing a touchdown while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Sean Clifford 14 throws the ball while playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Ja'Quinden Jackson 3 scores a touchdown while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Cameron Rising 7 is runs and is tackled while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Cameron Rising 7 gestures a first down he scored while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Jan Mahlert 84 celebrates a first down while playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Jaylen Dixon 25 runs with the ball while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Jan Mahlert 84 is tackled with the ball while playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Kaytron Allen 13 falls and rolls from a tackle while playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Kaytron Allen 13 runs with the ball while playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Tyler Warren 44 is tackled with the ball while playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Nicholas Singleton 10 scores a touch down against the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes cheerleaders perform before the Penn State Nittany Lions play the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Money Parks 10 runs with the ball while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Money Parks 10 runs with the ball while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Nicholas Singleton 10 is tackled with the ball while playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Nicholas Singleton 10 runs with the ball while playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Jets fly over the stadium before the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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The Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin talks to officials after the Utah Utes score a touchdown in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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The Utah Utes' Thomas Yassmin (87) scores a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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The Penn State Nittany Lions' Nicholas Singleton (10) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes' Zemaiah Vaughn (16) interferes with the Penn State Nittany Lions' KeAndre Lambert-Smith (1) in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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The Utah Utes marching band sits before the Penn State Nittany Lions play the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes RB Micah Bernard (2) fights to regain his balance as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes QB Cameron Rising (7) runs out of the pocket as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes RB Ja'Quinden Jackson (3) dives forward during a run as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes QB Cameron Rising (7) begins a slide during a run as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes QB Cameron Rising (7) runs out of the pocket as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes CB Zemaiah Vaughn (16) defends Penn State Nittany Lions WR Harrison Wallace III (6) in the end zone as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes CB Zemaiah Vaughn (16) is called for pass interference on Penn State Nittany Lions WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the end zone as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Cheerleaders run out after an extra point as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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A Utah fan holds a a giant block U as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions CB Kalen King (4) intercepts a pass in front of Utah Utes WR Devaughn Vele (17) as they play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Fans cheer during the game as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans watch players enter before they play the Penn Sate Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Two B-1 Lancer bombers do a flyover of the stadium as Utah and Penn State prepare to play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes TE Thomas Yassmin (87) flexes after catching a touchdown pass as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah runs out of the tunnel as they and Penn State prepare to play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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The Barrow family from Layton, Utah, take photos in front of the Rose Bowl as they prepare to watch Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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The Streiff family from Farmington, Utah, pose for a photo before watching Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Fans line up to get merchandise prior to Utah and Penn State playing in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes players put on their helmets before they play the Penn Sate Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn Sate Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin and Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham shake hands before playing in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham and Utah Utes QB Cameron Rising (7) listen to a official as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes TE Thomas Yassmin (87) celebrates a touchdown with teammates as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes QB Cameron Rising (7) warms up as Utah and Penn State prepare to play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes cheerleaders pose for a photo during warmups as Utah and Penn State prepare to play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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The Goodyear blimp circles overhead as Utah and Penn State prepare to play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah players run out onto the field as they prepare to play Penn State in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah and Penn State prepare to play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah players run out onto the field as they prepare to play Penn State in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah fans watch as Utah and Penn State prepare to play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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A Utah fan holds up his U as Utah and Penn State prepare to play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes TE Taniela Pututau (84) receives a kiss after the game as Utah falls 35-21 to Penn State in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes WR Solomon Enis (21) sits on the field as Utah falls 35-21 to Penn State in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes WR Solomon Enis (21) tosses his helmet to a fan as he leaves the field as Utah falls 35-21 to Penn State in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham walks off the field with his team as Utah falls to Penn State in the Rose Bowl 35-21 in Pasadena California on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham walks off the field with his wife Jamie Whittingham after Utah fell to Penn State 35-21 in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Cameron Rising, left, walks onto the field before playing the Penn Sate Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn Sate Nittany Lions players walk off their bus before playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Brant Kuithe (80) Hans a fan a signed ball before playing the Penn Sate Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Cameron Rising warms up before playing the Penn Sate Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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A Penn Sate Nittany Lions fan waits as team buses arrive at the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Cameron Rising, left, walks onto the field before playing the Penn Sate Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn Sate Nittany Lions players walk off their bus before playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Cameron Rising warms up before playing the Penn Sate Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lion players celebrate beating the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lion players celebrate beating the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lion players celebrate beating the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Sean Clifford 14 puts on his championship hat after beating the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Sean Clifford 14 runs towards the center of field after beating the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Sean Clifford 14 waves to fans after beating the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Solomon Enis 21 sits in defeats after loosing to the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham walks off with his wife Jamie after loosing to the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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The Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin and Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham shake hands after Penn state won the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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The Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin is surrounded by players as they celebrate beating the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Jaylen Dixon 25 runs the ball for a first down and is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions players during the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Jaylen Dixon 25 runs the ball for a first down while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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The Penn State Nittany Lions marching band and fans sing Sweet Caroline while playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Jonathan Sutherland 0 recovers a fumble ball while playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Nicholas Singleton 10 is tackled with the ball by Utah Utes Cole Bishop 8 in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes back-up quarterback Bryson Barnes 16 throws the ball while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Ja'Quinden Jackson 3 runs the ball for a first down while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Jaylen Dixon 25 runs the ball for a touchdown while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Kaytron Allen 13 runs the ball for a touchdown while playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions KeAndre Lambert-Smith 1 runs the ball for a touchdown while Utah Utes Cole Bishop 8 trails in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes punter Jack Bouwmeester 34 lays on the field after being hit by a Penn State Nittany Lions player during the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions KeAndre Lambert-Smith 1 gestures towards the crowd while playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Jaylen Dixon 25 runs the ball and is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions Ji'Ayir Brown 16 in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Ja'Quinden Jackson 3 runs the ball for a first down and is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions Keaton Ellis 2 in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes players pay tribute to Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions Sean Clifford 14 holds his MVP trophy after beating the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes Jaylen Dixon 25 runs the ball for a touchdown while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions' Sean Clifford (14) runs the ball but is tackled short of the endzone while playing the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The Penn State Nittany Lions won 35-21. | Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah Utes QB Cameron Rising (7) passes over Penn State Nittany Lions LB Kobe King (41) as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes QB Cameron Rising (7) runs just before being hurt and leaving the game as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans watch in frustration as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Penn State Nittany Lions fans celebrate after a touchdown as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans watch in frustration as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes WR Devaughn Vele (17) tries to get away from Penn State Nittany Lions LB Curtis Jacobs (23) as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes QB Cameron Rising (7) is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions CB Kalen King (4) as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes QB Bryson Barnes (16) is hit hard by Penn State Nittany Lions LB Robbie Dwyer (39) as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes LB Mohamoud Diabate (3) tries to knock the ball down as Penn State Nittany Lions QB Sean Clifford (14) passes as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes QB Cameron Rising (7) is hit and injured during a run, causing him to leave the game as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes QB Cameron Rising (7) is helped off the field after getting injured on a run as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans watch in frustration as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes RB Micah Bernard (2) is hit and tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions LB Tyler Elsdon (43) and S Keaton Ellis (2) as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes DE Chase Kennedy (13) looks up at the scoreboard as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes WR Devaughn Vele (17) is hit early by Penn State Nittany Lions S Keaton Ellis (2) on a pass play and interference was called as Utah and Penn State play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Penn State won 35-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah hauled in an impressive recruiting class in December and it has plenty of young players that will return. The future appears bright for the Utes and they are proud of what they accomplished in 2022.  

“A lot of positives this season. Back-to-back Pac-12 championships, 10-win seasons. Only been done, I believe, six or seven times in the program’s history, and second appearance in the Rose Bowl,” Whittingham said. “As disappointed as we are and as bitter as this is, still a lot to build on, and definitely the season overall was a step in the right direction for our program. We’ve got to continue that.”

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Linebacker Karene Reid expressed his disappointment in the way the season concluded. 

“We’re obviously grateful to have made it to the Rose Bowl for the second year in a row,” he said. “Like coach Whitt said, there’s a lot of positives from the season and the season before. But it’s definitely disappointing the way it ended this year.”

As for players that are trying to decide their future prospects, Utah’s coaches try to help where they can. 

“Oh, as much as possible. Coach Whittingham is obviously the one that’s going to spearhead that. He talks to all the scouts. We’ve got our scouting department. I’ll talk to the scouts when they want to ask me questions about kids,” said defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley. “We just want to make sure we’re doing what’s best for the kid, and if you don’t do that, man, it’s tough for those guys to ever come back to your program.

“Again, what’s best for the kid is telling them what we feel, what the scouts are telling us,” Scalley continued. “Sometimes that’s, hey, you should move on, or hey, we think you should come back; here are the reasons why; here’s what the scouts think. As much of an informed decision as they can — we provide as much feedback as we can.”

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Vele said this week that he is planning to consult with former teammate Britain Covey, who now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.

“I’m going to talk to him after this week and get his opinion on where I’m at and what he thinks I should do,” he said. “It’s not going to be like, whatever he says is what I’m going to do. It’s good advice to hear from somebody that’s been through this and done it. It’s something that could sway my decision at the end.”

A lot of decisions to be made. A lot of time until next season. 

Utah kicks off the 2023 campaign on Sept. 2 at home against Florida. 

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