Story byJoe ColesThu, January 8, 2026 at 5:16 AM UTC·1 min readUtah secured a major piece of its defense on Wednesday evening. Linebacker Johnathan Hall re-signed with the Utes, his agent, Vic Enwere of Exclusive Sports Group, told the Deseret News. Hall started all 12 games for Utah in 2025, totaling 67 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception and four pass breakups. Pro Football Focus gave him a grade of 74.1 for the season, the sixth-highest on Utah’s defense, including a grade of 77.8 in run defense. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith senior linebacker Lander Barton likely to head to the NFL draft and senior Levani Damuni out of eligibility, Hall will provide some continuity for Utah’s linebacker room in the 2026 season. Hall joins cornerback Scooby Davis, safety Rabbit Evans, and safety Jackson Bennee as notable names on the defensive side of the ball that have announced their return to Utah.
