Experience and veteran leadership, but the big reason is to make sure we don’t lose Troy Williams and Jack Tuttle.
If Williams is told he is the backup before the season starts, I agree with whoever said below that he would likely transfer. If Williams transfers, we are suddenly very thin at QB and might find ourselves relying on the 3rd string guy if Huntley gets banged up.
If Huntley starts, Tuttle may decide to look elsewhere. Why come to Utah where he will have to battle the incumbent starter for two more years when he could go to USC and compete to replace Darnold(if he enters the draft)?