Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham played college football at BYU. However, he was hired at his alma mater’s biggest rival in 1994 and has been disassociated from the university since 1986.
As a result, the 65-year-old is choosing not to comment on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Educational System Honor Code or how it impacts recruiting.
Whittingham is one of the longest-tenured head coaches in college football. He took over the program in 2005 after a decade-long stint as the defensive coordinator for the Utes. He will be there until he retires. The people of Salt Lake City love him. His 167-86 overall record is more than good enough at Utah.
A large part of Whittingham’s success comes from his ability to recruit. The Utes consistently finish inside the top-40 (at least) in terms of class ranking. They are able to cast a much wider net than their rivals. The talent pool from which to pull from is much larger.
But with that being said, if Utah misses out on an in-state prospect, it means BYU likely won.
There are very few rivalries as intense as the Holy War. Although Utah and BYU share a lot of similarities, they are two very different schools. Utah is a public state school. BYU is a private school owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You don’t have to be of the Mormon religion to go to school at Brigham Young but 98% of the student body fall in that category.
Whittingham does not have to recruit on an Honor Code like Kelani Sitake and the Cougars. That can be an advantage.
What is the BYU Honor Code?
At its core, the BYU Honor Code is a set of behavioral standards required of the student body. It asks them to live a morally clean and honest life in lockstep with the values of the Church.
The five main components are as follow:
- Academic Honesty
- Students must not cheat, plagiarize, or engage in any form of academic dishonesty.
- Chastity and Moral Conduct
- Students are expected to live a chaste and virtuous life, including abstaining from sexual relations outside of a legal marriage between a man and a woman.
- Word of Wisdom Compliance
- The use of alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and illegal substances is prohibited in accordance with LDS health guidelines.
- Dress and Grooming Standards
- Modest, clean, and neat dress and grooming are required; men must be clean-shaven, and clothing must reflect LDS principles.
- Church and Residential Standards
- Students are expected to attend church regularly, be honest, respect others, and follow university housing rules, including curfews and standards for visitors.
The Honor Code is strictly enforced for students and student-athletes.
Our university is sponsored and affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. So, there’s a level of expectation, a standard that we ask our student-athletes and our students altogether to live by. Every school has their standards. We have ours too, and our expectations. We have an academic expectation as well. So, if young people don’t fit the academic criteria, then they don’t get into school.
— Kelani Sitake
There are no exceptions.
How does it impact recruiting?
BYU’s Honor Code limits its athletic programs’ ability to recruit players who are not willing to follow the strict lifestyle requirements. Utah does not have that same requirement.
Fewer off-field rules might make the Utes more attractive to non-LDS prospects. They can offer more personal freedom and a more typical college experience. Their players face fewer suspensions or dismissals due to behavioral violations.
That last point is especially important right now. BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff admitted to premarital intercourse amid an ongoing lawsuit. He violated the Honor Code and will be suspended.
As a result of the suspension, he is likely going to transfer out of the program. We’ll see.
Either way, Retzlaff’s suspension serves as something of an advantage for Utah. The Utes can point at their rival school and say, “well, that won’t happen here.” The Cougars cannot make that same promise.
Kyle Whittingham respectfully declined.
Kyle Whittingham was asked what the Honor Code represents from a recruiting standpoint at Big 12 Media Days. He rightfully chose not to answer.
Kyle Whittingham when asked what BYU’s Honor Code represents from a recruiting standpoint: pic.twitter.com/YuQeLixdxf
— Jason Christensen (@JasonSChris) July 9, 2025
While the question might seem outlandish, the reporter later clarified his intent and informally apologized for how it was interpreted.
This was a bad taste question on my part. I wanted an answer that was respectful and constructive, and I’m grateful he provided one that was more considerate than my question was. Nothing but respect for Coach Whittingham and I hope they have a great season.
— Jason Christensen
I don’t see a huge issue with the inquiry if I am being honest. This is an extremely relevant topic given the Retzlaff ordeal. Perhaps the question should’ve been focused more on Utah and less on BYU. I doubt Whittingham would’ve answered anyway but I would really like to know the answer. Do the Utes use the Honor Code as a point of reference in recruiting? If so, how?