The Utah Utes have moved their 2027 home matchup against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds to the season-opener, according to an official announcement Friday.
Utah had previously been scheduled to host Southern Utah on September 25, 2027, a matchup revealed earlier this year. According to the release, the contest has been shifted forward and will now be played on Thursday, August 26, 2027, at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The date adjustment aligns with the NCAA’s June decision to adopt a uniform 14‑week regular season beginning in 2027. Under the new model, FBS programs may begin most seasons during what is currently known as Week Zero—the weekend before Labor Day—which will become the standard Week 1.
Utah holds a perfect 3–0 mark against Southern Utah, most recently posting a 49–0 shutout in the 2024 season opener. The Thunderbirds compete in the Big Sky Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
With the shift, the Utes now have their non-conference schedule set for the 2027 season. After hosting Southern Utah, the Utes will travel to Las Vegas on Sept. 4 to take on the Miami Hurricanes in the Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium. Utah then returns to Salt Lake City to host Wyoming on Sept. 11.
The Big-12 opponents for 2027 were previously announced. Utah will host Arizona, Baylor, Oklahoma State, TCU, and UCF, while travel to Arizona State, BYU, Kansas State, and Texas Tech.
Utah is one of three non-league opponents for Southern Utah for the 2027 season. The Thunderbirds are also scheduled to visit Wyoming on Sept. 4 and host San Diego on a date to be determined.