Newcomer Notebook: Ethan Day
8/6/2026 8:30 AM | Football
Junior defensive end is ready to contribute to Utah’s defense
SALT LAKE CITY — The Newcomer Notebook returns for 2026 as UtahUtes.com will visit with various additions to the Utah Football roster leading up to the Utes' season opener on September 3 vs. Idaho.
Utah began its first Fall camp of the Morgan Scalley era this week as the Utes held their first full team practice on Monday. This list of new additions to the squad's defense includes junior defensive end Ethan Day.
In 2025, Day started all 14 games for the University of North Texas and his efforts helped the Mean Green achieve their first-ever 12-win season. The California native racked 48 tackles, including 7.0 TFLs and 4.5 sacks. He also caught a touchdown pass in UNT's Sept. 13 win over Washington State.
Day's collegiate career also includes stops at Wyoming and Modesto Community College, where he earned an Honorable Mention All-Valley Conference selection.
How've the first two days of practice been?
"The first two days have been great. It's good to be back on the field with the guys. I feel like all summer, we bonded and connected real well. I feel like on the field, our connection is a lot better after being through spring ball and I'm just excited to keep growing with them."
Where's the excitement level for this defense to be back on the field?
"Everyone's juiced. I feel like we have a lot to prove in the d-line room. We have high expectations from last year to fulfill. I think it's a great group of guys that we can really succeed with this year."
What's been the most consistent message coach Swan has had for the defense?
"Coach Swan's biggest message has been physicality. I feel like that's what the roots of football are about, being physical, and a lot of days, that shies away, so we're trying to bring that back and be the most physical team out there."
What was the one aspect of your game you spent the most time working on to try and improve in the offseason?
"Pass rush definitely. I feel like its something I need to really improve on. I've been trying to craft it each day over the summer, working with some of the defensive ends, just trying to pull some things they do to my game and I feel like its made me a better player."
What are the expectations you have for yourself from a pass-rushing perspective?
"I have really high expectations for myself. I set the standard really high for myself. It's just what I have to do. I want to be successful. I want to show the Big 12 what I got."
What's the biggest key to being a well-rounded player on the defensive line?
"Honestly, understanding what an offense is doing. Once you figure out the mental side of it, it makes the physicality way easier. You learn what an offense is doing, it slows the game down and makes it easier to make plays."
When you came to Utah, you talked about the family environment. How much easier did that make the transition to a new place for you?
"I feel like the players here are way welcoming. I've been to four different schools, and I've definitely been on a team where I walk in and feel like the odd man out. Here, they're really welcoming. When I came on my visit, I met with all the coaches and it felt like real family."
What are your expectations for the Utah volleyball team this year?
"Really high. My fiancée and her team, I think they'll be really good. I'm excited for them. I'm excited for her, being on a good team here. She's going to be really good this year. She'll be All-Big 12. I'll put my name on that."
FOLLOW THE UTES
Follow the Utes on social media through Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok along with visiting www.UtahUtes.com. Download the Utah 360 app here.
Utah began its first Fall camp of the Morgan Scalley era this week as the Utes held their first full team practice on Monday. This list of new additions to the squad's defense includes junior defensive end Ethan Day.
In 2025, Day started all 14 games for the University of North Texas and his efforts helped the Mean Green achieve their first-ever 12-win season. The California native racked 48 tackles, including 7.0 TFLs and 4.5 sacks. He also caught a touchdown pass in UNT's Sept. 13 win over Washington State.
Day's collegiate career also includes stops at Wyoming and Modesto Community College, where he earned an Honorable Mention All-Valley Conference selection.
How've the first two days of practice been?
"The first two days have been great. It's good to be back on the field with the guys. I feel like all summer, we bonded and connected real well. I feel like on the field, our connection is a lot better after being through spring ball and I'm just excited to keep growing with them."
Where's the excitement level for this defense to be back on the field?
"Everyone's juiced. I feel like we have a lot to prove in the d-line room. We have high expectations from last year to fulfill. I think it's a great group of guys that we can really succeed with this year."
What's been the most consistent message coach Swan has had for the defense?
"Coach Swan's biggest message has been physicality. I feel like that's what the roots of football are about, being physical, and a lot of days, that shies away, so we're trying to bring that back and be the most physical team out there."
What was the one aspect of your game you spent the most time working on to try and improve in the offseason?
"Pass rush definitely. I feel like its something I need to really improve on. I've been trying to craft it each day over the summer, working with some of the defensive ends, just trying to pull some things they do to my game and I feel like its made me a better player."
What are the expectations you have for yourself from a pass-rushing perspective?
"I have really high expectations for myself. I set the standard really high for myself. It's just what I have to do. I want to be successful. I want to show the Big 12 what I got."
What's the biggest key to being a well-rounded player on the defensive line?
"Honestly, understanding what an offense is doing. Once you figure out the mental side of it, it makes the physicality way easier. You learn what an offense is doing, it slows the game down and makes it easier to make plays."
When you came to Utah, you talked about the family environment. How much easier did that make the transition to a new place for you?
"I feel like the players here are way welcoming. I've been to four different schools, and I've definitely been on a team where I walk in and feel like the odd man out. Here, they're really welcoming. When I came on my visit, I met with all the coaches and it felt like real family."
What are your expectations for the Utah volleyball team this year?
"Really high. My fiancée and her team, I think they'll be really good. I'm excited for them. I'm excited for her, being on a good team here. She's going to be really good this year. She'll be All-Big 12. I'll put my name on that."
FOLLOW THE UTES
Follow the Utes on social media through Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok along with visiting www.UtahUtes.com. Download the Utah 360 app here.
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