Former Utah QB Cam Rising Announces Medical Retirement From Football After Hand Injury

Former Utah quarterback Cam Rising announced he's retiring from football on the advice of his doctors.

The 25-year-old said he suffered a hand injury in the Utes' 23-12 win over Baylor last September that's serious enough to warrant surgery and end his playing career:

Rising threw for 5,527 yards and 46 touchdowns between 2021 and 2022 as Utah won back-to-back Pac-12 titles.

Thanks to a knee injury from the 2023 Rose Bowl, he was out for the entirety of the following season, and he was limited to three appearances in 2024.

All total, Rising was in college for seven years. He started out at Texas in 2018 and redshirted before transferring to Utah and sitting out 2019. Like all other college athletes, he received an additional year of eligibility as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and then he got a medical redshirt for 2023.

ESPN's Adam Rittenberg reported in January that Rising, who could've played one more year, wasn't listed on Utah's roster anymore.

Head coach Kyle Whittingham didn't elaborate on why at the time.

"I've talked to Cam a few times, but that is really up to Cam … when he wants to divulge what his plan is," he said. "We've certainly had communication, and you don't see him on the roster right now, so that should tell you some things there."

With Rising's status no longer in doubt, the signs point even more to New Mexico transfer Devon Dampier starting at quarterback for Utah in the season ahead. As a sophomore for the Lobos, Dampier threw for 2,768 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while running for 1,166 yards and 19 scores.