In a move that’s sending shockwaves through college football, Utah’s star defensive end John Henry Daley announced on December 30, 2025, that he will enter the NCAA transfer portal. Daley, a redshirt sophomore who has been one of the most dominant defensive forces in the country this season, made his intentions clear in a heartfelt social media post, thanking his teammates, coaches, and the passionate Ute Nation for their support over the past two years. “The experiences I’ve had here will last a lifetime. Who I consider to be family has grown significantly and I will always cherish those relationships. This rehab has given me time to pray and reflect on my future,” Daley wrote, expressing gratitude and reflection as he prepares for the next chapter.
Daley’s decision comes on the heels of a breakout 2025 campaign that saw him rack up a remarkable 48 tackles, including a staggering 17.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. His disruptive presence along the edge made him a nightmare for opposing offenses, and his performance was recognized with numerous accolades. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound defender earned second-team AP All-American honors, was named to the Walter Camp First Team and the AFCA Second Team, and snagged a coveted spot on the All-Big 12 First Team as selected by league coaches. He was also a semifinalist for the prestigious Chuck Bednarik Award, cementing his status as one of the elite defenders in college football.
Unfortunately for Utah, Daley’s sensational season was cut short in late November during a thrilling 51-47 comeback win over Kansas State. In that game, Daley was on pace for a career performance, notching four tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks in the first quarter alone before suffering a season-ending lower leg injury. Prior to his injury, Daley was tied for the national lead in tackles for loss and ranked second in the country in sacks. His 11.5 sacks accounted for a whopping 91 yards lost for opponents, tying him for fifth on Utah’s all-time single-season leaderboard and placing him second in the Big 12 behind only Texas Tech’s David Bailey, who finished with 13.5 sacks.
Daley’s impact on the field has been nothing short of transformative for the Utes. After transferring from BYU ahead of the 2024 season, where he played three games and logged three tackles as a true freshman, Daley saw limited action in his first year at Utah, recording four tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack over seven games. But 2025 marked his emergence as a force to be reckoned with, as he started the first 11 games and anchored a Utah defense that helped the team to a 10-2 record and a No. 15 ranking in the final Top 25 poll.
Daley’s journey to stardom began at Lone Peak High in Alpine, Utah, where he was a three-star recruit in the 2021 class, ranked No. 32 overall at his position. His ascent through the collegiate ranks has been marked by steady improvement, resilience, and a knack for making big plays in crucial moments. As a redshirt sophomore, he still has two years of eligibility remaining, making him one of the most sought-after players in the upcoming transfer portal cycle.
The timing of Daley’s announcement coincides with a period of significant transition for the Utah football program. Legendary head coach Kyle Whittingham, who led the Utes for 21 seasons and became the winningest coach in school history, stepped down earlier this month and accepted the head coaching job at Michigan on December 26, 2025. Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley has been promoted to lead the program, but Daley’s departure leaves a massive hole on the defensive side of the ball. For a Utah team coming off a strong season and ranked among the nation’s best, losing a talent like Daley is a tough pill to swallow.
Speculation is already swirling about Daley’s next destination. Michigan, now helmed by Whittingham, is widely considered a potential landing spot. The Wolverines have a storied history of developing elite pass rushers for the NFL, boast a robust NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) program, and are eager to reload following the departure of Jim Harbaugh. For Daley, the opportunity to reunite with his former coach and compete on a national stage could be an enticing proposition. However, with the transfer portal officially opening on January 2, 2026, and running through January 16 (with a five-day extension for players in the national championship game), there’s no shortage of suitors expected to pursue one of the nation’s top edge defenders.
Despite the abrupt end to his 2025 season, Daley has been proactive in updating fans and prospective programs about his health. Addressing concerns on social media, he assured followers, “I will not be out for this next season. I’ll be back in 6 months,” and reiterated that he expects to be “fully healthy by the spring of 2026.” That’s welcome news for any program hoping to add his pass-rushing prowess to their roster in the fall.
Daley’s name will be one of the hottest commodities in the transfer portal, and his decision underscores the ever-evolving landscape of college football. The portal, which opens for a 15-day window starting January 2, has become a central fixture of the offseason, with fans, coaches, and analysts tracking every high-profile move on platforms like On3’s Transfer Portal wire and social media accounts. The added wrinkle of coaching changes, NIL opportunities, and the national championship schedule has only increased the intrigue and urgency for both players and programs.
For Utah, the challenge now falls to Morgan Scalley and his staff to fill the void left by Daley’s departure and maintain the program’s momentum following a Top 15 finish. For Daley, the next few weeks will be a whirlwind of recruitment, evaluation, and decision-making as he weighs his options and prepares for a return to the field. Wherever he lands, there’s little doubt that John Henry Daley will continue to be a game-changer and a name to watch as the 2026 college football season approaches.
As the transfer portal opens and the college football world holds its breath, all eyes are on Daley’s next move. One thing’s for sure: his impact on the Utes won’t soon be forgotten, and his future remains as bright as ever.
