Eric Kjar built Corner Canyon into the most dominant football program in Utah. Now he's trying to do the same thing 60 miles north in Ogden.

Kjar, who went 112-10 in nine seasons leading the Chargers to six state championships according to Canyons School District records, made his debut on the college coaching stage Monday, July 27, at Big Sky Conference Media Day in Airway Heights, Washington. He takes over a Weber State program that went 4-8 in each of the past two seasons and hasn't reached the FCS playoffs in three years.

"It's been really fun," Kjar told reporters at Media Day. "I think for just the sheer fact I've never done this before, to be around the other coaches for a conference event like this, it's been awesome getting to meet the other guys."

The Wildcats open the 2026 season Friday, August 28, at Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado.

A familiar face at quarterback

Kjar won't be starting from scratch at every position. Quarterback Devin Brown, who threw for 4,875 yards and 57 touchdowns at Corner Canyon in 2021 (a Utah single-season record that still stands), transferred to Weber State for his final year of eligibility after three seasons at Ohio State and one at Cal.

Brown turned down NIL offers worth approximately $800,000 from programs including Indiana, Boston College, and Washington, according to the Deseret News. He signed at Weber State for roughly $2,000.

In four college seasons, Brown completed just 31 of 55 passes for 379 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions, including a start for Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. He arrives in Ogden with something to prove.

"There's a lot of doubters this year, especially after last year and coach Kjar never coaching college football before," Brown said at Media Day. "I'm excited to prove a lot of people wrong."

Kjar's sons Noah and Tate, both record-setting all-state receivers at Corner Canyon, are also on the Weber State roster as wide receivers. Corner Canyon's Bronson Evans, who went 8-0 as the starting quarterback during the Chargers' 2024 state title run, signed with Weber State's 2026 class and will join the team after missionary service.

A massive rebuild

Kjar inherits a roster with more than 70 new players. At Media Day, he said the challenge is also the opportunity.

"It's tough from an experience standpoint," Kjar said. "But also the good part is getting to start new and establish a new culture."

Canyons School District Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins noted at the district's Tuesday, December 16, 2025, board meeting that it's rare for a high school coach to jump directly to a Division I program.

Kjar's career record across Jordan High and Corner Canyon stands at 181-39 with seven state titles, according to ABC4. His Corner Canyon tenure produced three NFL players whose jerseys were retired in March 2026: quarterback Zach Wilson (No. 2 overall pick, 2021 NFL Draft), offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (Las Vegas Raiders), and quarterback Jaxon Dart (New York Giants).

What it means for Corner Canyon

Back in Draper, the Chargers haven't skipped a beat in the preseason polls. Corner Canyon is ranked No. 1 in the 2026 Class 6A preseason coaches poll with five first-place votes, according to the Deseret News' July 20 rankings. The Chargers return three offensive starters and five defensive starters as they chase a fourth consecutive state title.

New head coach Casey Sutera, who went 35-14 in four seasons at Brighton before taking over the Chargers, told the Deseret News on July 20: "We know we have a high expectation because of the standard coach Kjar has created at Corner Canyon. We expect to keep the same tradition and we know that starts with the process."

Weber State's season opener is Friday, August 28, at Northern Colorado.