What Is 1936 Utah Utes football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1936 Utah Utes football team represented the University of Utah during the 1936 college football season, finishing with a 7–2–1 record under head coach Ike Armstrong. They played as a member of the Rocky Mountain Conference and secured a victory in the 1939 Sun Bowl, though that game occurred after the 1938 season.

Key Facts

The 1936 Utah Utes football team had a 7–2–1 overall record
Head coach Ike Armstrong was in his 12th season with the team
The team played as part of the Rocky Mountain Conference
They won 4 of 5 home games at Ute Stadium in Salt Lake City
Their season included a 13–0 win over Colorado State on October 31, 1936

Overview

The 1936 Utah Utes football team represented the University of Utah during the 1936 college football season. Under the leadership of head coach Ike Armstrong, who was in his 12th year at the helm, the team achieved a solid 7–2–1 overall record. Competing in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), the Utes demonstrated consistent performance on both offense and defense throughout the season.

The team played its home games at Ute Stadium in Salt Lake City, drawing regional attention for their competitive spirit. Though bowl eligibility and postseason play were less formalized in this era, the Utes' strong season laid the foundation for future success, including a Sun Bowl appearance in 1939. The 1936 season remains a notable chapter in the early development of Utah’s football program.

Record: The team finished with a 7–2–1 overall record, marking one of the stronger seasons in the program’s pre-war history.
Conference: They competed in the Rocky Mountain Conference, a precursor to modern collegiate athletic conferences in the western U.S.
Head Coach:Ike Armstrong was in his 12th season as head coach, having led the program since 1925 and shaping its early identity.
Home Field: Games were played at Ute Stadium, located on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City, with a capacity of approximately 10,000.
Key Win: A 13–0 victory over Colorado State on October 31, 1936, stood out as a dominant defensive performance during conference play.

Season Performance

The 1936 campaign showcased the Utes' ability to compete against regional rivals and maintain consistency over a nine-game schedule. With four wins at home and only two losses all season, the team demonstrated resilience and strategic depth under Armstrong’s guidance.

Season Opener: The Utes began the season with a 20–6 win over Denver on September 26, setting a positive tone for the year.
Defensive Strength: Utah recorded three shutouts during the season, including victories over Denver, Colorado State, and Regis.
Road Challenges: The team went 3–2 in away games, with losses to Montana and Colorado indicating room for improvement on the road.
Offensive Output: The Utes scored a total of 133 points across nine games, averaging nearly 15 points per game.
Conference Record: In RMC play, Utah posted a 4–1 conference record, finishing near the top of the standings.
Tie Game: A 7–7 tie with Wyoming on November 14 highlighted the competitive balance of Rocky Mountain Conference matchups.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1936 Utah Utes to other seasons in the late 1930s reveals trends in performance, coaching continuity, and conference strength.

Season	Record (Overall)	Conference	Head Coach	Notable Result
1936	7–2–1	RMC	Ike Armstrong	13–0 win vs. Colorado State
1935	7–2–0	RMC	Ike Armstrong	Defeated Utah State 26–0
1937	5–3–0	RMC	Ike Armstrong	Lost to Colorado 7–6
1938	5–2–2	RMC	Ike Armstrong	Won 1939 Sun Bowl vs. New Mexico
1939	5–2–2	RMC	Ike Armstrong	Undefeated in conference play

The table illustrates that while the 1936 season was not Utah’s highest-scoring or most decorated, it was part of a sustained period of competitiveness under Armstrong. The team maintained a winning tradition, with only minor fluctuations in performance across the decade. The 1936 record tied the success of 1935 and outperformed the following two seasons in total wins, highlighting its significance in program history.

Why It Matters

The 1936 Utah Utes football team represents an important era in the development of collegiate athletics at the University of Utah. During a time when college football was growing in popularity nationwide, consistent performance helped establish the Utes as a respected regional program.

Program Foundation: The success of the 1936 season contributed to long-term stability under coach Ike Armstrong, who led Utah for 18 seasons.
Conference Identity: Competing in the Rocky Mountain Conference helped shape Utah’s early rivalries and scheduling traditions.
Historical Context: This season occurred during the Great Depression, making athletic success a source of community pride in Utah.
Stadium Legacy: Games at Ute Stadium laid the groundwork for future expansions and the eventual construction of Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Recruiting Impact: Strong seasons like 1936 helped the Utes attract regional talent despite limited national exposure.
Pre-Bowl Era: Though no postseason game followed the 1936 season, it preceded Utah’s first bowl appearance in 1939, building momentum.

Ultimately, the 1936 season exemplifies how sustained excellence at the collegiate level begins with consistent performance year after year. While not defined by national titles or legendary players, the Utes' 1936 campaign played a vital role in the slow, steady ascent of Utah football into a respected program.