‘You wish you had 20 of them’: Former USU WR Braden Pegan is already taking on a leadership role with the Utes

Utah wide receiver Braden Pegan during spring practice in Salt Lake City on Thursday, March 19, 2026. | Anna Fuder Utah football coach Morgan Scalley gave a ringing endorsement of new Ute receiver Braden Pegan after just two weeks of spring camp. “That’s one of those dudes that you wish you had 20 of them,” Scalley said.

“I mean, he’s such a good kid, smart football player, athletic, can jump out of the gym, so we’re excited to have him. ” After a stellar junior campaign at Utah State in 2025, which included first team All-Mountain West honors after he racked up 926 yards and five touchdowns, Pegan chose to follow his offensive coordinator to Utah. Pegan thrived under Kevin McGiven with former Ute Bryson Barnes at quarterback, and that experience in the system is vital.

Last year, former New Mexico receiver Ryan Davis came to Utah with experience in Jason Beck’s system and was the Utes’ most productive receiver. The knowledge of McGiven’s system gives Pegan an edge on Utah’s other wideouts during spring camp, which is something that has stood out to Scalley thus far. “He understands what coach McGiven is asking of him,” Scalley said.

In the film room and on the field, Pegan has been sharing what he knows about McGiven’s offense and expectations for the receivers, quickly becoming a leader. He was voted to the 15-person leadership council — just the second newcomer named. Utah football just posted 2026 leadership council on Instagram.