**Utah QB Cameron Rising Could Possibly Return for Rare Eighth Year of Eligibility**

Utah's star quarterback, Cameron Rising, has the intriguing possibility of returning for an eighth year of college football. After sustaining injuries this season, rising questions have emerged about his future on the field.

Rising has encountered significant setbacks this season, playing in only three games. His situation took another hit when he re-injured his lower leg during Week 7 against Arizona State. Despite this, Utah's head coach Kyle Whittingham has announced that Rising will be out "indefinitely" but didn't entirely rule out the possibility of the QB returning to action.

A key factor that could open the door for Rising's return is his limited participation this season. Being part of just three games puts Rising in a favorable position to apply for a second medical redshirt, which would enable him to maintain eligibility for an additional year. School regulations stipulate that players partaking in fewer than four contests while injured can seek this exemption.

The NCAA's evolving rules may also play a significant role. A proposed consent decree from the United States Department of Justice in June could provide athletes who were ineligible for any part of a season, dating back to the 2019-20 academic year, an extra year of eligibility. Rising fits this criterion; he missed time in 2019 after transferring from Texas and again in 2020 due to a season-ending injury. Additionally, he has been sidelined for the entire 2023 season due to a knee injury.

In his tenure with the Utes, Rising has started 27 games across six years, leading the team to two Pac-12 titles during the relatively healthy 2021-22 seasons. Despite his setbacks, his experience and skill set make him an invaluable asset, and Utah's coaching staff is set to discuss his future possibilities.

Whether Cameron Rising opts to seize this opportunity remains uncertain, but the potential for an eighth year adds an intriguing chapter to his college football career.