Sources are saying that Brian Johnson will redshirt this season, which most likely means Brett Ratliff will be Utah's starting quarterback on the 2nd of September.
Ratliff started 2 games for the Utes last season, leading them to a 2-0 record and playing a near flawless performance in both games. He was elevated to starter when Brian Johnson suffered a severe knee injury toward the end of the 2006 season. Ratliff made his first start against BYU in Provo, leading the Utes to a 41-34 overtime win. He followed that up by leading Utah to an impressive 38-10 win over Georgia Tech in the 2005 Emerald Bowl.
Ratliff's backup this season most likely will be OU tranfser Tommy Grady, unless something shocking happens and Grady either quickly tranfsers or Whittingham names him starter heading into the 2006 season.
Update [2006-8-17 14:4:7 by JazzyUte]: The Salt Lake Tribune is now reporting Johnson will redshirt.