NCAAF

Utah QB Cameron Rising out indefinitely

It’s easy to feel bad for Rising, who just hasn’t been able to shake the injury bug. The passer missed all of 2023 and there’s a real possibility he’ll be sidelined for the rest of this season, essentially closing the door on the 4-2 Utes’ playoff hopes.

Freshman Isaac Wilson will take over as Utah’s starter, but he hasn’t fared well in previous action this season. Wilson has 830 passing yards, six touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 43.7 QBR. That’s not good enough for Utah to win a wide-open Big 12.

Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison out for season with hip injury

Morrison becomes the second potential first-round cornerback, joining East Carolina’s Shavon Revel, to suffer a season-ending injury this year. The Notre Dame standout’s diagnosis, however, has a much larger impact on the college football landscape. Following a shocking loss to Northern Illinois, the Fighting Irish have rolled, and were a solid bet to finish 11-1 and earn a CFP berth. Without Morrison, those dreams look cloudier.

In wake of this injury, better play will be needed from Christian Gray. The sophomore cornerback has nine tackles and one interception this season.

Florida QB Graham Mertz out for season with torn ACL

That’s all, folks. Mertz has put together an enigmatic six-year college career that will come to an end with this injury. It’s fair to say the signal-caller improved over time, but he never lived up to the promise of being the No. 65 recruit in the class of 2019. Mertz has virtually no chance of getting drafted next April — I have him ranked as the No. 27 quarterback on my big board.

The timing of the injury — as unfortunate as it is — isn’t terrible for the Gators. It’s time for DJ Lagway to take over under center in Gainesville. The five-star freshman will likely struggle versus a daunting remaining schedule, but it’ll be a terrific opportunity for him to flash his ability. Lagway has posted 765 passing yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions this season — good for a 59.4 QBR.