The linebacker will be able to play this season, with two years of eligibility remaining in a five-year period that ends in 2019.
Bernard sat out the 2017 season at BYU after playing fullback and linebacker for the Cougars and completed academic work this summer at Rio Salado College in Tempe, Ariz., according to a Utah news release.
Utah's standard defensive scheme uses only two linebackers, so Bernard will face considerable competition for playing time. The Utes' starters are seniors Cody Barton and Chase Hansen, backed up by Donavan Thompson and Devin Lloyd. Junior college transfer Bryant Pirtle also is in the mix.