Cam Rising, the veteran quarterback of the Utah Utes, has announced his medical retirement from football, marking the end of a collegiate career that spanned seven seasons. The decision comes after Rising sustained a hand injury during the 2024 season, an ailment that doctors have advised him will prevent him from ever playing football again.
Rising shared the news on social media, expressing his disappointment and emphasizing his commitment to rehabilitation. “I will continue to rehab and do all I can to get healthy. In the meantime, I will unfortunately be forced to medical retire from the game I love,” he wrote. While he is seeking a third opinion and will undergo surgery, the consensus from medical professionals points to the end of his playing days.
Rising’s journey through college football was anything but straightforward. A highly touted recruit, ranked as the No. 22 quarterback in the 2018 class, he initially committed to Texas. This recruiting class was exceptionally strong, boasting names like Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Micah Parsons, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, all of whom have gone on to achieve significant success in the NFL.
After redshirting his freshman year at Texas, Rising transferred to Utah, where he sat out the 2019 season due to NCAA transfer rules. His first taste of action for the Utes came during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, but his campaign was cut short by a shoulder injury.
The 2021 season marked a turning point in Rising’s career. He began the year as the backup quarterback, but after Utah stumbled to a 1-2 start, head coach Kyle Whittingham made the decision to insert Rising into the starting lineup. The move proved to be a catalyst for the Utes, who rallied to win eight of their remaining nine regular-season games.
Under Rising’s leadership, Utah secured a spot in the Pac-12 championship game, where they faced off against Oregon. Rising guided the Utes to victory, claiming the program’s first-ever Pac-12 title and earning a coveted Rose Bowl berth. His individual performance was equally impressive, as he garnered first-team All-Pac-12 honors after throwing for 2,493 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also rushing for 499 yards and six touchdowns.
Rising returned for the 2022 season, aiming to build upon the success of the previous year. He once again led Utah to the Pac-12 championship game, where they faced a formidable opponent in Southern California, a team vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Rising orchestrated an upset victory over the Trojans, securing back-to-back conference titles and Rose Bowl appearances for the Utes.
However, tragedy struck in the Rose Bowl against Penn State. Rising suffered a devastating knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2023 season. He received a medical redshirt, allowing him to retain his eligibility, but Utah struggled without him, finishing the season with an 8-5 record.
Determined to end his college career on a high note, Rising returned for his seventh season in 2024. He started the first two games of the season, but disaster struck again in the third game against Baylor, when he suffered a lacerated finger on his throwing hand. Although he attempted to return to the field a month later against Arizona State, he was injured early in that contest, ultimately ending his season and, as it turns out, his college career. Without Rising, the Utes finished the season with a disappointing 5-7 record, their worst in 11 years.
The fact that Rising, who started college in 2018, was still playing at the collegiate level in 2024 is a testament to the impact of redshirting and medical redshirts. He technically could have petitioned for another year of eligibility, but it became clear that his time at Utah had come to an end.
Earlier in the year, Coach Whittingham hinted at the team moving on from Rising. “I’ve talked to Cam a few times, but that is really up to Cam to divulge, when he wants to divulge what his plan is,” Whittingham 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.”
Rising concludes his college career with a legacy of resilience and leadership. He amassed 6,127 passing yards, 53 passing touchdowns, 986 rushing yards, and 12 rushing scores. He also boasts a 20-8 record as a starting quarterback, ranking fifth all-time in career wins at Utah. His two Pac-12 championships and Rose Bowl appearances stand as hallmarks of his success, forever etching his name in Utah football history. His career may have been marred by injuries, but his impact on the Utes program is undeniable. He will be remembered for his toughness, his determination, and his ability to lead his team to victory.
