Having UofU in the PAC12 has increased recruiting in UT by OR, USC, UCLA, etc.
It is another reason that Utah going to the PAC has hurt BYU. It is harder for the Utes to recruit instate also, but a lot easier to recruit in other areas. I have noticed that a 3* player from Texas will usually be as good as a 4* from Utah, especially at the skill positions. Utah skill players with enough speed to be stars locally, are not necessarily fast enough to be stars at the D1 level. Linemen OTOH punch above their weight compared to other locations.