The SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl promised fireworks, and Utah delivered a show for the ages. In a dazzling display at Allegiant Stadium on December 31, 2025, the No. 15 Utah Utes overwhelmed the Nebraska Cornhuskers 44-22, capping a season of highs and lows for both programs. For Utah, it was a night to remember—one that saw school records fall and a new quarterback star emerge under the bright lights of Las Vegas.
Nebraska, coming off a 7-5 regular season, entered the bowl with high hopes of ending their year on a high note. The Huskers had clawed their way to a second straight postseason appearance, but faced a formidable Utah squad boasting an 11-2 record and a potent offensive attack. The matchup, broadcast on ESPN with Dave Flemming and Brock Osweiler on the call, drew fans from across the nation eager to see how the Cornhuskers would stack up against the Pac-12 power.
The Huskers came out swinging. On their opening drive, running back Mekhi Nelson electrified the crowd with a 38-yard touchdown sprint, putting Nebraska on the board first. Quarterback TJ Lateef kept the momentum rolling, orchestrating a second scoring drive that saw him connect with receiver Barney on an eight-yard touchdown pass. Nebraska’s offense was humming, and with a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter, it looked like an upset might be in the cards.
But Utah, under the guidance of newly minted head coach Morgan Scalley, adjusted quickly. The Utes’ defense clamped down, forcing Nebraska into five three-and-outs over their next six possessions. The Huskers’ early rhythm vanished, and the Utah offense began to assert its will, led by the electric play of quarterback Devon Dampier.
Dampier, a dual-threat dynamo, put on a clinic. He finished the night with 310 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air, while torching the Nebraska defense for 148 rushing yards and three more scores on the ground. His poise and athleticism kept the Cornhuskers guessing all night. As Steve Bartle of KSL Sports put it during the game, “Devon Dampier keeper and he goes in untouched! Utah takes a 24-14 lead and will have the ball to start the second half. Big score there for the Utes.”
Utah’s offensive onslaught was relentless. After falling behind 14-7, the Utes outscored Nebraska 37-8 over the final three quarters. Dampier’s connection with receiver JJ Buchanan was particularly lethal, highlighted by a second-quarter touchdown pass that gave Utah its first lead of the night. Buchanan, playing in front of his home crowd, made several big plays, much to the delight of the Utah faithful.
By halftime, Utah had seized control, heading into the locker room with a 24-14 advantage. The second half saw more of the same, as Utah’s defense continued to stifle Nebraska’s attack. The Utes forced punt after punt, with linebacker Dallas Vakalahi and defensive back Trey Reynolds making key stops. Utah’s defensive front harassed Lateef throughout, and a third-quarter interception by Jeremiah Caldwell all but sealed Nebraska’s fate.
Lateef struggled to regain his early form, finishing 15-of-28 for 182 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The Huskers managed just 182 passing yards and 161 on the ground, with Nelson accounting for 88 of those rushing yards on 12 carries. Despite their fast start, Nebraska’s offense sputtered, unable to solve Utah’s adjustments.
Utah, meanwhile, piled up 535 total yards and six touchdowns, setting a new school record for most rushing yards in a single season. Running back NaQuari Rogers and receiver Dallan Bentley added touchdowns of their own, while the Utes’ offensive line dominated the trenches. The victory marked a crowning achievement for Morgan Scalley in his debut as head coach, and for Dampier, it was a breakout performance that will be remembered for years to come.
“The Utes have now rushed for the most yards in a single-season in school history,” the Utah Football account celebrated on social media, encapsulating the sense of accomplishment that permeated the locker room after the game. The Las Vegas Bowl trophy, hoisted high under the neon lights, was a fitting reward for a team that had weathered adversity and finished strong.
For Nebraska, the loss marked a disappointing end to a turbulent season. The Huskers finished 7-6 for the second consecutive year, having dropped their last three games by a combined score of 121-48. The defeat also ushered in significant changes, with the school parting ways with defensive coordinator John Butler and offensive line coach Donovan Raiola. Additionally, quarterback Dylan Raiola and running back Emmett Johnson announced their departures, leaving the program with critical questions to answer as it heads into the offseason.
Despite the tough finish, there were bright spots for Nebraska. Mekhi Nelson’s early touchdown run showcased his explosiveness, and the Huskers’ opening drives demonstrated their potential when firing on all cylinders. But against a Utah team hitting its stride, it simply wasn’t enough.
Utah’s win capped a remarkable season and solidified their reputation as one of the nation’s premier programs. With the Las Vegas Bowl crown secured and a record-setting ground attack, the Utes look poised for even greater heights in the seasons to come. As the confetti fell and players celebrated with their fans, one thing was clear: Utah football had arrived on the biggest stage, and they weren’t about to leave quietly.
The night belonged to the Utes, who not only claimed the Las Vegas Bowl title but also sent a message to the college football world. For Nebraska, the offseason begins with soul-searching and a renewed commitment to getting back on track. But for Utah, the future burns bright—Sin City style.
