Former California and Notre Dame wide receiver Tobias Merriweather has signed with Utah after entering the transfer portal on Monday.
The world of college football transfer portals has become a dynamic feature, reshaping how student-athletes navigate their careers. One of the most intriguing stories in recent college football revolves around Tobias Merriweather, a talented wide receiver who has found his way to Utah after stints at both the University of California and the University of Notre Dame. His journey, marked by the pursuit of opportunity, growth, and success, showcases the evolving landscape of college athletics.
As Merriweather continues his college football career, his decision to transfer from Notre Dame to California and eventually to Utah highlights the importance of both on-field potential and the desire to thrive in a system where he can contribute and develop. The move has created buzz across college football circles, and Merriweather’s story is now one that is closely watched by fans and analysts alike. But who is Tobias Merriweather, and how did he go from being a standout recruit to a key player for Utah?
Early Life and High School Career
Tobias Merriweather’s journey into the world of football began in the quiet city of Camas, Washington. Known for its strong football culture, Merriweather quickly made a name for himself as one of the top high school wide receivers in the state. As a student-athlete at Union High School, he showcased a combination of size, speed, and athleticism that made him a sought-after recruit. Standing 6’4” and weighing over 200 pounds, he possessed the physical traits that NFL scouts covet.
In high school, Merriweather’s skill set was hard to ignore. He demonstrated excellent hands, route-running ability, and the kind of playmaking talent that could turn a simple pass into a highlight-reel play. His performances during his senior season helped secure his reputation as one of the top recruits in the nation. By the time his high school career ended, Merriweather had racked up an impressive resume of catches, yards, and touchdowns, solidifying himself as a four-star recruit.
As he entered the recruiting process, Merriweather received offers from a long list of prestigious programs across the country. Ultimately, his decision to commit to the University of Notre Dame would shape the next phase of his football journey.
Commitment to Notre Dame
In 2022, Merriweather committed to Notre Dame, one of college football’s most storied programs. The Fighting Irish were in the midst of building a roster that could compete for championships, and they saw Merriweather as a key piece to their future success. His decision to join Notre Dame was about more than just football—Merriweather was drawn to the academic prestige and the tradition of the university.
The Notre Dame coaching staff was excited to land a player with Merriweather’s size, athleticism, and potential. Early on, it was clear that he was a player who could immediately contribute. In his first year, Merriweather was part of a crowded wide receiver room, which made it difficult for him to get consistent playing time. Despite not being able to secure a starting role early on, his work ethic, physical tools, and talent were undeniable.
While Merriweather’s time at Notre Dame was marked by promise, the team’s depth at the wide receiver position and an evolving offensive system meant that opportunities for growth and playing time were limited. This eventually led Merriweather to a difficult decision: he needed to find a new program where he could make a more significant impact.
The Move to California
In December 2023, Merriweather made the decision to enter the transfer portal, seeking a new opportunity to showcase his skills. He chose the University of California, Berkeley, as his next destination. For Merriweather, the move to California was about more than just escaping a crowded depth chart at Notre Dame—it was an opportunity to thrive in a system that could better highlight his abilities.
At Cal, Merriweather found the playing time and offensive system he was looking for. During the 2023 season, he made his presence known with 14 receptions for 284 yards and two touchdowns. While these numbers were solid, they didn’t fully capture his potential. Merriweather’s ability to stretch the field, create separation, and make big plays was evident on film. The California offense, though not as nationally prominent as Notre Dame’s, allowed him to be more involved in the game plan, and Merriweather began to show signs of becoming a key player.
His brief stint at California helped him refine his game, and he gained valuable experience that he would carry forward. While he had a solid year statistically, it became clear that Merriweather’s ceiling was higher than what Cal could offer at that moment.
A New Chapter: Transfer to Utah
By the spring of 2025, Merriweather was once again on the move, this time transferring to the University of Utah. The Utes, who had established themselves as a competitive force in the Pac-12 Conference, were in search of a wide receiver who could elevate their offense, and Merriweather fit that bill perfectly. With Utah’s growing success and ambitions, the program saw Merriweather as an immediate contributor to their aerial attack.
For Merriweather, the transfer to Utah represents a fresh start and a chance to play for a program with championship aspirations. Utah’s potent offense, combined with its reputation for developing top talent, made the Utes an ideal destination for Merriweather. The decision to sign with Utah also gives him the opportunity to play in a high-profile conference, where he can prove his abilities on a national stage.
At Utah, Merriweather’s physical tools and playmaking ability will be put to the test in the competitive Pac-12. With a more established offensive scheme and an opportunity for consistent playing time, Merriweather has the potential to emerge as one of the top receivers in the conference. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills will make him a threat to defenses, and he will be counted on to make a significant impact in Utah’s offensive plans.
The Future of Tobias Merriweather
As Merriweather embarks on this new chapter with Utah, the future looks promising. His path to this point has been full of challenges, but it has also been a testament to his resilience and his willingness to chase after opportunities for growth. From his high school days in Washington to his time at Notre Dame and California, and now Utah, Merriweather’s journey reflects the modern landscape of college football.
For Utah, landing a player like Merriweather is a big win. His experience, combined with his raw talent, positions him to be a key player for the Utes in their pursuit of Pac-12 championships. The competition in the Pac-12 will be fierce, but Merriweather’s skill set gives him the chance to thrive and show the world what he’s capable of.
Merriweather’s career is still very much in its early stages, but the move to Utah could be the perfect environment for him to unlock his full potential. With a strong coaching staff, a competitive conference, and a program on the rise, Merriweather has the opportunity to solidify himself as one of the premier wide receivers in college football. If he continues to improve and stay focused, it’s easy to see him making a seamless transition to the professional ranks after his time at Utah.
Tobias Merriweather’s journey from Notre Dame to California and now to Utah is a story of resilience, growth, and opportunity. His experience at each of these programs has shaped him into a player with a diverse skill set and the ability to adapt to different systems. As he looks ahead to his time at Utah, the future is bright for this talented wide receiver.
Utah’s gain is Merriweather’s chance to prove that his potential can be realized on a national level. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he performs in the competitive Pac-12, and whether he can make a significant impact as a key player for the Utes. This transfer journey may well be the one that defines Merriweather’s career and propels him to new heights in the world of college football.
