The Utah State Aggies are preparing for the 2026 campaign with a focus on depth and experience, hoping that a fully stocked roster will translate into a more competitive on‑field product.
A Roster Built for Competition
Head coach Bronco Mendenhall, now in his second year, has repeatedly emphasized that the team’s depth across every position is a cornerstone of their strategy. The coaching staff believes that healthy competition for starting spots will drive improvement in practice and games alike.
At quarterback, McCae Hillstead, a BYU transfer who earned the QB1 designation in April after a standout spring, will lead the offense. His backup, Grady Brostuhous, a Virginia transfer, provides a reliable option should the starter need rest or encounter injury.
Wide receiver Anthony Garcia, once a high school quarterback, brings versatility to the skill positions, while Demick Starling, another Virginia transfer who redshirted in 2025 due to injury, is expected to make an impact upon his return.
Running back Javen Jacobs returns as the team’s top all‑purpose back, having posted 1,058 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2024 season. The offensive line benefits from three returning starters — Jimmy Liston, George Maile and Tavo Motu’Apuaka — plus four new transfers, bolstering both continuity and depth.
Inside linebacker Bronson Olevao Jr., now in his fifth year, brings a proven record of 90 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions from the previous season. Adding to the special‑teams equation, kicker Kian Afrookhteh, a junior‑college transfer, aims to improve on a 15‑of‑19 field‑goal performance from last year.
The blend of experienced transfers and returning talent has created a competitive environment that coaches say will drive practice efficiency and elevate the team’s overall performance. If the depth translates into on‑field execution, the Aggies could see a marked improvement over recent seasons.