
Pac-12 Opens 2026 Season with Mixed Results
The conference’s inaugural week produced a 2‑6 record, highlighting early strengths and weaknesses across its member schools.
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The conference’s inaugural week produced a 2‑6 record, highlighting early strengths and weaknesses across its member schools.

The Utah State Aggies opened their season with a 29‑17 defeat at Maverik Stadium against the Idaho State Bengals, marked by early scoring, key defensive stops, and costly turnovers that will shape their upcoming matchup in Seattle.

The Aggies' 2026 season preview centers on a deeper, more experienced lineup, featuring a strong quarterback competition, versatile playmakers, and fortified special teams.

Offseason moves across Utah’s college football programs bring new coaches, player transfers and conference shifts, setting the stage for a competitive season.

The latest 2026 preseason rankings of all 138 FBS teams highlight the growing influence of NIL deals and the transfer portal, with early‑season matchups, coaching moves and offensive revamps set to dictate which programs can turn potential into contention.

The Utah State football program celebrated the announcement of its athletes on the Pac‑12 Preseason Impact List, highlighting five key contributors as the Aggies prepare for their first year in the conference.

With starter Bear Bachmeier entering his second year as BYU’s lead signal‑caller, the Cougars are evaluating Treyson Bourguet, a transfer from Western Michigan, for the primary backup spot. The competition will be on display during August 2026 fall camp.

Washington will open the 2026 season against Utah State, a newly joined Pac‑12 program led by coach Bronco Mendenhall and a transfer quarterback, in a game that could prove to be a surprising early‑season test.

The Athletic’s 2026 quarterback tiers list highlights Pac‑12 standouts, with Texas State’s Brad Jackson leading the conference and a host of emerging arms poised to shape the upcoming season.

Two former BYU football players, Choe Bryant-Strother and Pokaiaua Haunga, remain in the transfer portal amid injury setbacks and roster reshuffles, while eleven other alumni have found new teams across various conferences.