Utah State Aggies football

Utah State Aggies football
2026 Utah State Aggies football team
First season1892; 134 years ago
Athletic directorCameron Walker
Head coachBronco Mendenhall
2nd season, 6–7 (.462)
LocationLogan, Utah
StadiumMaverik Stadium
(capacity: 25,513)
FieldMerlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium
NCAA divisionDivision I FBS
ConferenceMountain West
(Pac-12 in 2026)
ColorsNavy blue, white, and pewter gray[1]
     
All-time record583–582–31 (.500)
Bowl record6–12 (.333)
Conference championships
RMAC: 1921, 1935, 1936
Skyline: 1946, 1960, 1961
Big West: 1978, 1979, 1993, 1996, 1997
WAC: 2012
MW: 2021
Conference division championships
MW Mountain: 2013, 2021
Consensus All-Americans3
RivalriesBYU (rivalry)
Utah (Battle of the Brothers)
Wyoming (rivalry)
Uniforms
Fight songHail the Utah Aggies
MascotBig Blue
Marching bandAggie Marching Band
OutfitterNike
WebsiteOfficial website

The Utah State Aggies football team represents Utah State University (USU) in college football at the NCAA Division I FBS level. The Aggies compete in the Mountain West Conference (MWC) and will join the Pac-12 Conference in 2026. Established in 1892, Utah State is one of the oldest football programs in the western United States and has played its home games at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium in Logan, Utah since 1968.

Utah State has won thirteen conference championships across four different leagues, most recently in 2021. It has produced multiple All-Americans, a Professional Football Hall of Fame inductee Merlin Olsen, and numerous NFL players. The program's modern era has been marked by periods of national recognition, including Top-25 finishes, division titles, and bowl victories in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2021.

On July 2, 2024, defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling was named interim head coach after head coach Blake Anderson was placed on administrative leave and subsequently terminated for alleged violations of reporting requirements.[2] In December 2024, Utah State hired former BYU and Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall to lead the program, signing him to a six-year, $12.9 million contract beginning with the 2025 season.

The Aggies have appeared in eighteen bowl games, winning six: the 2021 LA Bowl against the Oregon State Beavers, the 2018 and 2014 New Mexico Bowls, the 2013 Poinsettia Bowl, the 2012 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, and the 1993 Las Vegas Bowl against the Ball State Cardinals.[3]

History

See also: List of Utah State Aggies head football coaches

Early history

See also: List of Utah State Aggies football seasons

The first intercollegiate athletic event in Utah State University's history took place on November 25, 1892, when the Agriculturalists defeated the football team from the University of Utah, 12–0.[4] The game was played on what is now the quad, and it was the only game until 1896. The Aggies enjoyed early regional dominance, notching their first perfect season (7–0) in 1907.[5] In 1911, under head coach Clayton Teetzel, the team again finished undefeated, even shutting out each of its five opponents by a collective score of 164–0.[6] Hall of Fame. The makeshift field on the quad continued to serve the team until 1913, when football was moved to Adams Field, two blocks west of campus, where Adams Park now sits. The new field represented an improvement, but the facilities remained meager, a fact that became more apparent with the success of Coach E. L. "Dick" Romney, who came to Logan in 1918. Romney, for whom the current football stadium is named, led the team to its first-ever conference championship in 1921 and compiled a 128–91–16 record over 29 seasons.

Recent history

The program continued a rich legacy throughout the early and mid-20th century, when the program produced a large number of athletes who went on to play in the NFL, including the legendary brothers and consensus All-Americans Merlin Olsen and Phil Olsen, who played for the Aggies. It was during this time that Utah State finished two seasons with year-end Top 25 rankings: No. 10 in 1961 and No. 19 in 1972.[5]

Following the great heights of the 1960s and 70s, Aggie football fell upon hard times. Many longtime Aggie supporters attribute the decline to administrators at both Utah and BYU freezing then-superior USU out of the newly forming WAC. However, other factors cited as leading to the decline include a failure to upgrade facilities until recently, a lack of donors to athletics, complacency of past athletics directors, and instability in conferences.[7]

After continual failed attempts to join the WAC, the program played as an independent program from 1962 to 1977 (until joining the PCAA/Big West in 1978). The program again played as an independent from 2001 to 2002 before joining the geographically distant Sun Belt Conference after the Big West Conference, which had housed the Aggies since 1978, elected to stop sponsoring football in 2001. USU's other teams remained in that conference until the school was finally invited to join the WAC in 2005. Despite having lobbied for years to join its in-state rivals Utah and BYU in the WAC, the Aggies gained membership only after the two other schools had left to form the Mountain West Conference. Later on, Utah State joined the Mountain West Conference in July 2013, again following departures by Utah and BYU.

Gary Andersen era (2009–2012)

In December 2008, Gary Andersen became the head coach of the Aggies, replacing Brent Guy following the unsuccessful 2008 season. Andersen would lead the team to new heights. In 2011, he led the team to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and the team's first winning season since 1997. The 2012 team found far greater success, notching the school's first double-digit win season, the first outright conference championship since 1936, a return to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl for the first bowl win in 19 years, and a national Top 25 ranking in three major ranking systems: the AP poll, the ESPN/USA Today poll, and the BCS.

Andersen left the program following the 2012 season to become the new head coach for the University of Wisconsin.

Matt Wells era (2013–2018)

In December 2012, Matt Wells, Andersen's former offensive coordinator, was hired as the new head coach of the Utah State Aggies. Wells coached the Aggies in their inaugural year as members of the Mountain West Conference. Despite multiple injuries to offensive starters, the Aggies earned a berth in the first Mountain West Conference Football Championship Game, which they lost to Fresno State by a score of 17–24.[8] Coach Wells was awarded the Mountain West Coach of the Year award[9] and the Aggies defeated Northern Illinois in the Poinsettia Bowl by a score of 21–14. At the conclusion of the 2018 regular season, Matt Wells left to accept the head coaching job at Texas Tech University.[10]

Return of Gary Andersen (2019–2020)

After Matt Wells left for Texas Tech following the 2018 season, Gary Andersen returned as head coach of the Utah State Aggies, beginning his second stint as Utah State's head coach in 2019. On November 7, 2020, Andersen and Utah State agreed to part ways after starting 0–3 during the 2020 season. Defensive coordinator Frank Maile was named the interim head coach of the Utah State Aggies for the remainder of the season.

Blake Anderson era (2021–2024)

On December 12, 2020, Blake Anderson was hired as the head coach of the Utah State Aggies football team, replacing Gary Andersen following an unsuccessful 2020 season. In his first season at the helm, Anderson guided the team to a 9–3 regular season record, good for the Mountain Division championship, as well as the conference championship with a victory over San Diego State. On July 2, 2024, it was announced that Anderson was placed on administrative leave with intent to fire and was unlikely to return due to alleged noncompliance with Title IX policies.[11] Nate Dreiling was named interim head coach.[12]

Conference affiliations

Utah State has been affiliated with multiple conferences and played as an independent.[13]

Season-by-season results

Since first fielding a team in 1892, Utah State has completed more than 130 seasons of intercollegiate football across multiple conferences, including the Rocky Mountain Conference, Mountain States Conference, Big West, Sun Belt, Western Athletic Conference, Mountain West Conference, and beginning in 2026, the Pac-12 Conference. The Aggies’ season-by-season results, including head coaches, overall and conference records, and postseason appearances, are listed below. Data are drawn from the Utah State University Football Media Guide and NCAA records.

Season Head coach Overall
1892 None 1–0
1893 — —[a]
1894 — —[a]
1895 — —[a]
1896 Mayo 0–1
1897 — —[a]
1898 Dunning 0–1
1899 Langton 1–0
1900 Langton 0–1
1901 Richards 3–2–1
1902 Campbell 0–4
1903 Campbell 3–0
1904 Campbell 4–8
1905 Campbell 2–2–1
1906 Campbell 3–1
1907 Walker 7–0
1908 Walker 4–2
1909 Teezel 2–2–1
1910 Teetzel 5–2
1911 Teetzel 5–0
1912 Teetzel 4–2–1
1913 Teetzel 3–3
1914 Teetzel 2–5
1915 Teetzel 3–4
1916 Watson 1–5–1
1917 Watson 7–0–1
1918 Pickering —[b]
1919 Romney 5–2
1920 Romney 4–2–1
1921 Romney 7–1
1922 Romney 5–4
1923 Romney 5–2
1924 Romney 4–2–1
1925 Romney 6–1
1926 Romney 5–1–2
1927 Romney 3–4–1
1928 Romney 5–3–1
1929 Romney 3–4
1930 Romney 3–5–1
1931 Romney 6–2
1932 Romney 4–4
1933 Romney 4–4
1934 Romney 5–1–1
1935 Romney 5–2–1
1936 Romney 7–0–1
1937 Romney 2–4–2
1938 Romney 4–4
1939 Romney 3–4–1
1940 Romney 2–5–1
1941 Romney 0–8
1942 Romney 6–3–1
1943 — —[b]
1944 Romney 3–3
1945 Romney 4–3
1946 Romney 7–2–1
1947 Romney 6–5
1948 Romney 5–6
1949 Melinkovich 3–7
1950 Melinkovich 2–9
1951 Roning 3–5–1
1952 Roning 3–7–1
1953 Roning 8–3
1954 Roning 4–6
1955 Faunce 4–6
1956 Faunce 6–4
1957 Faunce 2–7–1
1958 Faunce 3–7
1959 Ralston 5–6
1960 Ralston 9–2
1961 Ralston 9–1–1
1962 Ralston 8–2
1963 Knap 8–2
1964 Knap 5–4–1
1965 Knap 8–2
1966 Knap 4–6
1967 Mills 7–2–1
1968 Mills 7–3
1969 Mills 3–7
1970 Mills 5–5
1971 Mills 8–3
1972 Mills 9–2
1973 Krueger 7–4
1974 Krueger 8–3
1975 Krueger 6–5
1976 Snyder 3–8
1977 Snyder 4–7
1978 Snyder 7–4
1979 Snyder 7–3–1
1980 Snyder 6–5
1981 Snyder 5–5–1
1982 Snyder 5–6
1983 Pella 5–6
1984 Pella 1–10
1985 Pella 3–8
1986 Shelton 3–8
1987 Shelton 5–6
1988 Shelton 4–7
1989 Shelton 4–7
1990 Shelton 5–5–1
1991 Shelton 5–6
1992 Weatherbie 5–6
1993 Weatherbie 7–5
1994 Weatherbie 3–8
1995 Smith 4–7
1996 Smith 6–5
1997 Smith 6–6
1998 Arslanian 3–8
1999 Arslanian 4–7
2000 Dennehy 5–6
2001 Dennehy 4–7
2002 Dennehy 4–7
2003 Dennehy 3–9
2004 Dennehy 3–8
2005 Guy 3–8
2006 Guy 1–11
2007 Guy 2–10
2008 Guy 3–9
2009 G. Andersen 4–8
2010 G. Andersen 4–8
2011 G. Andersen 7–6
2012 G. Andersen 11–2
2013 Wells 9–5
2014 Wells 10–4
2015 Wells 6–7
2016 Wells 3–9
2017 Wells 6–7
2018 Wells 10–2
2019 G. Andersen 7–6
2020 G. Andersen[c] 1–5[d]
2021 B. Anderson 11–3
2022 B. Anderson 6–7
2023 B. Anderson 6–7
2024 Dreiling (Interim) 4–8
2025 Mendenhall 6–7
  1. ^ a b c d The school did not field a team this season.
  2. ^ a b No games played due to ongoing war.
  3. ^ Coach Andersen was fired after starting the 2020 season 0–3. Frank Maile served as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
  4. ^ The 2020 season was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Championships

Conference championships

The Aggies have won 13 conference championships in their history, most recently winning the Mountain West championship (2021).

Season Coach Conference Overall record Conference record
1921 Dick Romney Rocky Mountain Conference 7–1 4–0
1935† 5–2–1 5–1–1
1936 7–0–1 6–0–1
1946† Big Seven Conference 7–2–1 4–1–1
1960† John Ralston Skyline Conference 9–2 6–1
1961† 9–1–1 5–0–1
1978† Bruce Snyder Pacific Coast Athletic Association 7–4 3–1
1979 8–2–1 4–0–1
1993† Charlie Weatherbie Big West Conference 7–5 5–1
1996† John L. Smith 6–5 4–1
1997† 6–6 4–1
2012 Gary Andersen Western Athletic Conference 11–2 6–0
2021 Blake Anderson Mountain West Conference 10–3 6–2

† Co-champions

Division championships

The Aggies are in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference and have been since the 2013 season, their inaugural season in the conference.

Season Conference Division Coach Opponent CG Result
2013 Mountain West Conference Mountain Division Matt Wells Fresno State L 17–24
2021 Blake Anderson San Diego State W 46–13

Bowl games

The Utah State Aggies have played in 18 bowl games (17 NCAA-sanctioned) with a record of 6–12.[14]

No. Year Bowl Opponent Result Coach Final AP
1 1946 Raisin Bowl San Jose State L 0–20 Dick Romney
2 1947 Grape Bowl† Pacific L 21–35 Dick Romney
3 1960 Sun Bowl New Mexico State L 13–20 John Ralston
4 1961 Gotham Bowl Baylor L 9–24 John Ralston No. 10
5 1993 Las Vegas Bowl Ball State W 42–33 Charlie Weatherbie
6 1997 Humanitarian Bowl Cincinnati L 19–35 John L. Smith
7 2011 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Ohio L 23–24 Gary Andersen
8 2012 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Toledo W 41–15 Gary Andersen No. 16
9 2013 Poinsettia Bowl Northern Illinois W 21–14 Matt Wells
10 2014 New Mexico Bowl UTEP W 21–6 Matt Wells
11 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Akron L 21–23 Matt Wells
12 2017 Arizona Bowl New Mexico State L 20–26 Matt Wells
13 2018 New Mexico Bowl North Texas W 52–13 Frank Maile (interim) No. 22
14 2019 Frisco Bowl Kent State L 41–51 Gary Andersen
15 2021 LA Bowl Oregon State W 24–13 Blake Anderson No. 24
16 2022 First Responder Bowl Memphis L 10–38 Blake Anderson
17 2023 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Georgia State L 22–45 Blake Anderson
18 2025 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Washington State L 21–34 Bronco Mendenhall

† The Grape Bowl is listed in NCAA records, but was not an NCAA-sanctioned bowl game.[14]

Rivalries

Utah State has a number of both old and new rivals. Older rivals include the Brigham Young University, Cougars (Battle for the Old Wagon Wheel/Beehive Boot Trophy); the University of Utah, Utes (Battle of the Brothers/Beehive Boot Trophy); and the University of Wyoming, Cowboys and Cowgirls (Bridger's Battle/Bridger's Rifle Trophy).

The Battle of the Brothers (Utah vs. Utah State) is the oldest FBS Division I college football rivalry in the United States between two public universities in the same state with the first formal game played between the two "brothers" at Utah State in Logan, Utah on November 25, 1892.

BYU

Main article: BYU–Utah State football rivalry

The Cougars and Aggies started playing in 1922. BYU and Utah State have met for the Old Wagon Wheel 65 times, dating back to 1948. BYU had beaten Utah State ten straight times before Utah State defeated BYU 31–16 on October 1, 2010. With the victory, Utah State reclaimed the Old Wagon Wheel for the first time since 1993. The Old Wagon Wheel returned to Logan on October 3, 2014, when the Aggies defeated BYU 35–20. BYU is often referred to in the local media as being the chief rival of Utah State University. It is the second oldest rivalry for both schools.

Current Record: 51–37–3; BYU Leads

Most Recent Game:

Date Location Score Winner
September 29, 2022 Lavell Edwards Stadium, Provo Utah 26 - 38 BYU

Utah

Main article: Battle of the Brothers

The Battle of the Brothers refers to the rivalry between Utah State and Utah. The two teams have a long-running football series, which, at 113 games, is tied for the seventh-most-played rivalry in Division I FBS football. The Battle of the Brothers is the oldest FBS Division I college football rivalry in the United States between two public universities in the same state. Both programs played the first game in their respective histories against each other in Logan on November 25, 1892, which the Aggies won 12–0. The two teams played every year from 1944 to 2009, but the series took a two-year hiatus in 2010 and 2011. On September 7, 2012, the Aggies snapped the 12-game losing streak, beating Utah 27–20 (OT) in Logan.[15][16] The game was not played in 2014. The series continued in 2015 at Rice-Eccles Stadium, with Utah winning 24–14. Utah and Utah State agreed to renew the series with the next game to be played in Logan, Utah in 2024.

The meaning of "Battle of the Brothers" refers to the close connectivity, friendship, and mutual respect between the two official flagship universities of the state of Utah: Bigger Brother (Utah) and Little Brother (Utah State) -- having deep respect for each other, but "fighting like brothers".

Current Record: 80–29–4; Utah Leads

Most Recent Game:

Date Location Score Winner
September 14, 2024 Logan 21–38 Utah

Wyoming

Main article: Utah State–Wyoming football rivalry

Utah State and Wyoming first played in 1903, making the rivalry one of the oldest for both schools. Early on, the teams met annually as members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference from 1916 to 1937 and later the Mountain States Conference from 1938 to 1961. The teams continued to play each other frequently from 1962 to 1978, before taking an extended hiatus until 2001. The rivalry was renewed on an annual basis when Utah State joined the Mountain West Conference for the 2013 season (in the same division as Wyoming), in a game now billed as "Bridger's Battle" after American frontiersman Jim Bridger. The trophy for the winning team is a .50-caliber Rocky Mountain Hawken rifle.[17]

Current Record: 41–28–4; Utah State leads

Most Recent Game:

Date Location Score Winner
October 26, 2024 War Memorial Stadium - Laramie, Wyoming 25-27 Utah State

All-time record vs. Mountain West teams

Official record (including any NCAA imposed vacates and forfeits) against all current Mountain West opponents as of the completion of the 2023 season.[18]

Opponent Won Lost Ties Percentage Streak First Last
Air Force 5 7 0 .417 Lost 1 1969 2023
Boise State 5 23 0 .179 Lost 8 1975 2023
Colorado State 38 39 2 .494 Won 5 1902 2023
Fresno State 13 19 1 .409 Lost 2 1952 2023
Hawaii 12 6 0 .667 Won 7 1927 2020
Nevada 8 19 0 .296 Won 1 1904 2023
New Mexico 17 13 0 .567 Won 7 1951 2023
San Diego State 4 13 0 .235 Won 2 1947 2023
San Jose State 20 21 1 .488 Lost 1 1940 2023
UNLV 18 8 0 .692 Won 7 1971 2023
Wyoming 41 28 4 .583 Won 1 1903 2024
Totals 180 196 8 .479

Individual accomplishments

Honors and awards

Outland Trophy

Outland Trophy
Year Name Position
1961 Merlin Olsen Defensive lineman/ defensive tackle

The Outland Trophy is awarded to the best college football interior lineman in the United States as adjudged by the Football Writers Association of America.

Walter Camp Man of the Year Award

Walter Camp Man of the Year
Year Name Position at USU Career at USU
1982 Merlin Olsen Defensive lineman/ defensive tackle 1982

The Walter Camp Man of the Year is given to the "Man of the Year" in the world of college football. The criteria for the award are "success, leadership, public service, integrity, and commitment to American heritage and Walter Camp's philosophy."

Jet Award

Jet Award
Year Name Position
2018 Savon Scarver Return specialist

The Jet Award, named in honor of 1972 Heisman Trophy Winner Johnny "the Jet" Rodgers, is awarded to the top return specialist in college football beginning with the 2011 season.

College Football Hall of Fame inductees

College Football Hall of Fame

Aggies in the College Football Hall of Fame
Name Position Career at USU Year Inducted
Merlin Olsen DL/ DT 1959-1961 1980
John Ralston Coach 1959-1962 1992
LaVell Edwards OL(Inducted as Coach) 1949-1951 2004

Ralston was named head coach at Utah State University in 1959. In four years there, he compiled a 31–11–1 record and won two Skyline Conference championships. Ralston moved to Stanford University in 1963 and compiled a 55–36–3 record over nine seasons. In his last two seasons, 1970–1971, Ralston's teams won two Pacific-8 titles and notched back-to-back Rose Bowl victories over Ohio State and Michigan, both of whom were undefeated coming into the Rose Bowl game. Under Ralston's tutelage, Stanford quarterback Jim Plunkett won the Heisman Trophy in 1970. John Ralston was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

Merlin Olsen was first honored by the National Football Foundation in 1961, when he was chosen as one of the top scholar-athletes. He was a 1st Team Consensus All-America tackle at Utah State and winner of the Outland Trophy as the nation's best interior lineman. In 1980, Olsen was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. He was the first to be a scholar-athlete winner and later a Hall of Famer. Olsen went on the play with the Los Angeles Rams. In both collegiate and pro play, he was known as a bruising, hard-hitting defensive lineman. Off the field, Olsen was known to be an intelligent and compassionate scholar. Following his pro football days, Olsen went into television, starring in "The Little House on the Prairie", and then into sports broadcasting as a member of the NBC Sports. He was known as a 'Tough Guy' on the field, 'Mr. Nice Guy' off the field.

LaVell Edwards was an American football head coach for Brigham Young University (BYU). With 257 career victories, he ranks as one of the most successful college football coaches of all time. Among his many notable accomplishments, Edwards guided BYU to a national championship in 1984 and coached Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer in 1990. Edwards played football for Utah State University and earned a master's degree before coaching at BYU, where he also earned his doctorate.

Retired numbers

See also: List of NCAA football retired numbers
Utah State Aggies retired numbers
No. Player Pos. Tenure No. ret. Ref.
35 Elmer Ward C 1932–1935 1994 [19]
71 Merlin Olsen DT 1959–1961 N/a [20]

All-Americans

  • Elmer Ward, C – 1934 (NEA-1st)
  • Kent Ryan, HB – 1936 (AAB-1st; WC-1st)
  • Gary Kapp, DE – 1960 (INS-2nd)
  • Merlin Olsen, DT – 1960 (AFCA-3rd; NEA-1st; FWAA-1st; UPI-3rd)
  • Merlin Olsen, DT – 1961 Consensus 1st Team (AFCA-1st; NEA-1st; FWAA-1st; UPI-1st)
  • Lionel Aldridge, DL – 1962 (Honorable Mention)
  • Henry King, DB – 1966 (NEA-2nd; Time-1st; TSN-1st)
  • Bill Staley, DT – 1967 (CP-1st; NEA-2nd; UPI-2nd; FN-1st; Time-1st; TSN-1st)
  • Phil Olsen, DE – 1969 Consensus 1st Team (AP-1st; NEA-1st; UPI-1st; Time-1st; TSN-1st; WC-1st)
  • Alan McMurray, DE – 1971 (Sophomore All-American 1st Team)
  • Tony Adams, QB – 1972 (AP-2nd)
  • Dave Manning, G – 1973 (AP-2nd)
  • Louie Giammona, RB – 1974 (AP-3rd; UPI-2nd)
  • Louie Giammona, RB – 1975 (AP-3rd)
  • Jim Hough, OG – 1977 (AP-2nd)
  • Rulon Jones, DT – 1979 (AP-2nd; NEA-2nd; TSN)
  • Tyler Larsen, C – 2012 (CFN-2nd)
  • Dallin Leavitt, S – 2017 (SI.com All-America honorable mention)
  • David Woodward, LB – 2018 (Pro Football Focus All-America 1st Team)

Utah State and the NFL

Main article: List of Utah State Aggies in the NFL draft

Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees

Name Position Years Inducted
Merlin Olsen DL 1959–1961 1982

Merin Olsen was a 14× Pro Bowler (1962–1975), NFL Rookie of the Year (1962), named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team, NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team and is enshrined in the St. Louis Football Ring of Fame. His No. 74 was retired by the Los Angeles Rams. He won the Bert Bell Award in 1974 as the leagues "Player of the Year.".

Future non-conference opponents

Announced schedules as of March 23, 2026.[21]

2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2033
Idaho State at Oklahoma at UTEP at Nevada at Utah Utah at Utah
at Washington Toledo Temple at Oregon
at Utah Nevada
Troy

Notable players

  • LB – Lionel Aldridge (1960–1962) – 11-year NFL career; two-time Super Bowl champion with Green Bay.[23]
  • S – Maurice Alexander (2011–2013) – Fourth-round NFL Draft pick (2014); played multiple seasons with the Rams, Seahawks, and Bills.[24]
  • CB – Jarrett Bush (2004–2005) – NFL cornerback and special teams standout; he is best known for his pivotal interception in Super Bowl XLV, contributing to the Packers’ championship victory.[25][26][27]
  • QB – Anthony Calvillo (1992–1993) – CFL football’s all-time leading passer; three-time Grey Cup champion; CFL MOP (2003, 2008, 2009).[29]
  • C – Mike Connelly (1957–1959) – Starting center/guard for the Dallas Cowboys during the 1960s; played in the 1967 “Ice Bowl” and later with the Rams.[30]
  • TE – Chris Cooley (2000–2003) – Two-time NFL Pro Bowler; led NCAA tight ends in receptions (2003).[31]
  • WR – Kevin Curtis (2001–2002) – Third-team AP All-American; NFL receiver for the Rams and Eagles.[32]
  • CB – Jalen Davis (2014–2017) – NFL defensive back for the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals; appeared in Super Bowl LVI with Cincinnati. Known for his nickel-corner coverage and special-teams contributions.
  • CB – Will Davis (2011–2012) – Third-round pick (2013); played for the Dolphins, Ravens, and 49ers.[33]
  • PK – Dominik Eberle (2016–2019) – All-Mountain West kicker and Utah State’s all-time scoring leader. Played in the NFL for the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers; scored 10 points in his NFL debut, tying a league rookie record.
  • LB – Kyler Fackrell (2012–2015) – Third-round pick (2016); multi-year NFL career with Green Bay, the Giants, and Chargers.[34]
  • LB – Bojay Filimoeatu (2011–2013) – Team captain and defensive standout at Utah State; played in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders and later in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats; known for his physical, aggressive play style.
  • QB Bob Gagliano (1980) – Played at Utah State before a nine-year NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, San Diego Chargers, and others. He also played in the USFL and the CFL.
  • LB/DE – Tipa Galeai (2017–2019) – NFL linebacker and edge rusher who appeared in 30 games for the Green Bay Packers from 2020–2022. Contributed on defense and special teams, earning several starts during the 2021 season.
  • RB – Louie Giammona (1973–1975) – AP Third-team All-American (1974); seven-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets; led the NFL in all-purpose yards in 1979; member of the Eagles' NFC Championship team.[35]
  • DB – Cornell Green (1960–1962) – Five-time Pro Bowler (1966–68, 1972–73) and two-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys; appeared in 13 NFL seasons and started in Super Bowls V and VI.[36]
  • QB – Eric Hipple (1976–1979) – 10-year NFL career with Detroit; All-Pacific Coast selection.[38]
  • OG – Jim Hough (1974–1977) – AP Second-team All-American; 9-year NFL career.[39]
  • DE – Rulon Jones (1976–1979) – AP First-team All-American (1979); 1986 AFC Defensive Player of the Year.[40]
  • DL – Greg Kragen (1980–1983) – Pro Bowl defensive lineman; played in three Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos (XXI, XXII, XXIV) across a 13-year NFL career.[41]
  • RB – MacArthur Lane (1966–1967) – First-round pick (No. 13 overall, 1968); Pro Bowler (1971); 11-year NFL career with the Cardinals, Packers, and Chiefs.[42]
  • C – Tyler Larsen (2009–2013) – 10-year NFL center with Carolina and Washington; appeared in more than 100 career games.[43]
  • CB – Nevin Lawson (2010–2013) – Nine-year NFL defensive back with Detroit, Las Vegas, and Jacksonville; 54 career starts.[44]
  • S – Dallin Leavitt (2016–2017) – Multi-year NFL safety for the Raiders, Packers, and Broncos.[45]
  • QB – Jordan Love (2016–2019) – First-round pick (No. 26 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft; starting quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. Led the NFL in several statistical categories during the 2023 season and guided Green Bay to a playoff berth in his first year as a full-time starter.
  • CB – Curtis Marsh Jr. (2007–2010) – Third-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft; played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals, and Denver Broncos.
  • E – Carl Mulleneaux (1938–1939) – Two-time Pro Bowler (1940–41) with the Green Bay Packers; member of the 1939 NFL championship team.[46]
  • OG – Shawn Murphy (2003–2007) – Fourth-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft; played for the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, and Denver Broncos. A former junior-college transfer, Murphy became one of Utah State’s top linemen, starting every game of his senior season and earning second-team All-WAC honors. Son of MLB MVP Dale Murphy.[47]
  • WR/RS – JoJo Natson (2014–2016) – NFL return specialist for the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Los Angeles Rams. Played in Super Bowl LIII and ranked among league leaders in punt-return average during the 2018 season.
  • DT – Phil Olsen (1967–1969) – Consensus All-American (1969); 9-year NFL career.[48]
  • DT – Merlin Olsen (1959–1961) – Outland Trophy winner; Pro Football Hall of Fame; 14× Pro Bowl selection.[49]
  • OT – Donald Penn (2002–2006) – 14-year NFL career; three-time Pro Bowler.[51]
  • OT – Len Rohde (1957–1959) – Pro Bowler (1971) and 15-year NFL tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, appearing in 208 games.[52]
  • WR – Jalen Royals (2022–2024) – Led the Mountain West in receiving touchdowns in 2023; named First-team All-Mountain West; finished top-10 nationally in TD receptions; drafted as an NFL wide receiver by the Kansas City Chiefs.[53][54]
  • RB – Roy Shivers (1966–1967) – Early Black NFL player; six-year career with St. Louis; later became a pioneering CFL general manager.[56]
  • LB – Al Smith (1984–1986) – Big West Defensive Player of the Year (1986).[57]
  • TE – Kendal Smith – NFL tight end.[58]
  • RB – Altie Taylor (1966–1968) – 8-year NFL career; NCAA kick return leader (1967).[59]
  • WR/RS – Deven Thompkins (2018–2021) – NFL return specialist; played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers.[60]
  • RB – Darwin Thompson (2018) – Super Bowl champion (LIV) with Kansas City; multi-team NFL career.[61]
  • RB – Robert Turbin (2007–2011) – Fourth-round NFL draft pick (2012); Super Bowl XLVIII champion with the Seattle Seahawks; played seven NFL seasons with Seattle, Cleveland, Dallas, and Indianapolis.[62]
  • LB – Nick Vigil (2012–2015) – Eight-year NFL linebacker; starter for Cincinnati, Minnesota, Arizona, and others.[63]
  • LB – Bobby Wagner (2008–2011) – Six-time First-team All-Pro; Super Bowl XLVIII champion; 2010s All-Decade Team.[64]
  • RB – Jaylen Warren (2018–2020) – NFL running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers; earned the starting job after joining the team as an undrafted free agent. Posted multiple 1,000-yard all-purpose seasons and became one of the NFL’s most efficient dual-threat backs.<
  • RB – Emmett White (1996–2000) – AP Third-team All-American; NCAA all-purpose yards record (578).[65]
  • RB – Kerwynn Williams (2011–2012) – Seven-year NFL career with Indianapolis, Arizona, Kansas City, Detroit, Tampa Bay, and New Orleans.[66]

References

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  28. ^ "Johndale Carty Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
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  31. ^ "Chris Cooley Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  32. ^ "Kevin Curtis". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  33. ^ "Will Davis". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  34. ^ "Kyler Fackrell". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  35. ^ "Louie Giammona Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  36. ^ "Cornell Green". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  37. ^ "Matt Hanousek Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
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  39. ^ "Jim Hough Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  40. ^ "Rulon Jones". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  41. ^ "Greg Kragen". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  42. ^ "MacArthur Lane". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  43. ^ "Tyler Larsen". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  44. ^ "Nevin Lawson". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  45. ^ "Dallin Leavitt". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  46. ^ "Carl Mulleneaux". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
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  53. ^ "Jalen Royals 2023 Stats". ESPN. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  54. ^ "Mountain West Announces 2023 All-Conference Teams". Mountain West Conference. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  55. ^ "Patrick Scales". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
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  63. ^ "Nick Vigil". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
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  66. ^ "Kerwynn Williams". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 23, 2025.
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