Caleb Lohner's Dual-Sport Odyssey: Balancing Basketball and Football at Utah

Caleb Lohner, a former BYU and Baylor basketball player, has taken an unexpected turn in his collegiate athletic career. Instead of suiting up for the Utah men's basketball team, Lohner has joined the Utes' football squad, making an immediate impact as a tight end and special teams contributor. This unique dual-sport journey has captivated the attention of fans and coaches alike, as Lohner navigates the challenges of competing at the highest level in both basketball and football.

Lohner's Versatile Talents Shine on the Gridiron

A Surprising Transition to Football

When Utah basketball opened its preseason training camp, one notable player was absent from the Runnin' Utes roster: Caleb Lohner. The 6-foot-7, 250-pound forward had made the decision to pursue a football scholarship at the University of Utah, joining Kyle Whittingham's squad. This unexpected move has showcased Lohner's exceptional athletic abilities and versatility, as he has already made an impact on the football field.

Touchdown Catches and Special Teams Contributions

Lohner's transition to football has been nothing short of impressive. In Utah's first four games of the season, the former basketball player has caught two touchdown passes, one each against Southern Utah and Utah State. His ability to high-point the ball and use his size to his advantage has proven to be a valuable asset for the Utes' offense. Additionally, Lohner has made his presence felt on special teams, blocking a field goal attempt against the Aggies.

Whittingham's Praise and Lohner's Potential

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham has been impressed with Lohner's contributions, acknowledging that the versatile athlete is a "weapon" and that the coaching staff will look to find more ways to utilize him. Whittingham's comments suggest that Lohner's role within the football team is likely to expand as the season progresses, further showcasing his exceptional athletic abilities.

Balancing Two Sports: A Rare Feat

Lohner's decision to compete in both basketball and football at the college level is a rare feat, as the demands of each sport can be overwhelming. Utah men's basketball coach Craig Smith acknowledged the challenges Lohner faces, noting that it is "very rare" for a student-athlete to be in such a position. However, Smith also expressed his openness to potentially having Lohner join the basketball team, depending on how the football season unfolds.

Timing and Availability: A Delicate Balance

The timing of Lohner's potential basketball return is a crucial factor. With the football team's postseason aspirations, which could extend into the new year, Lohner may not be available to join the basketball team until the start of Big 12 conference play on December 31st. This would mean that the Runnin' Utes may have to wait until the latter stages of the season to potentially benefit from Lohner's dual-sport talents.

Seamless Transition and High Expectations

Despite the challenges, Smith believes that Lohner's transition to basketball would be "pretty seamless," given his extensive background in the sport. The Utah coach praised Lohner's exceptional talent and noted that the player's dedication to the football team must remain the priority at this stage. Nonetheless, the potential for Lohner to contribute to the basketball team's success has generated excitement among fans and coaches alike.

Teammate's Perspective: Admiration and Encouragement

Utah senior guard Hunter Erickson, who played and roomed with Lohner during their time at BYU, has expressed his admiration for his former teammate's accomplishments on the football field. Erickson acknowledged that Lohner's physical attributes and athletic abilities have always been impressive, and he is thrilled to see Lohner's "dream" of playing football come to fruition.