Carsen Ryan, a top high school tight end recruit from Utah, has announced that he will be transferring from UCLA to the University of Utah. This news comes as assistant coach Freddie Whittingham suggests the return of Brant Kuithe for the next season.
The addition of Ryan to the Utah team will add depth to the tight end room, with his impressive performances at UCLA in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Meanwhile, Kuithe has been absent due to a torn ACL and has not played in a game since the 2022 season.
Whittingham, in an interview with local media, hinted at Kuithe’s return for the 2024 season, indicating his expectations for the redshirt senior’s participation.
The 6-foot-4, 255-pound Ryan played in 12 games for UCLA in 2023, totaling 13 receptions, 205 yards, and three touchdowns. His most notable performance came against the Utes, with three catches for 69 yards.
Kuithe, who has had a successful career with the Utes, sustained an injury that sidelined him for the 2023 season. However, with the potential return of the talented player, Utah looks forward to a stronger tight end lineup for the upcoming season.
The rivalry between UCLA and Utah dates back to their first meeting in 1944, with the Utes holding a slight 12-9 advantage in the series. This significant transfer announcement adds an intriguing layer to the historic rivalry, with Ryan bringing his talent back to his home state.
With Ryan’s transfer, and the potential return of Kuithe, Utah fans have reason to be optimistic about the team’s tight end options for the upcoming season.
