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Utah State football news

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The gist

Utah State opens its 129th season and first Pac-12 game Saturday against Idaho State. The Aggies aim to break a streak of 6-7 seasons under coach Bronco Mendenhall.

Background

Utah State is entering its first season as a member of the Pac-12 Conference after officially being announced on Sept. 24, 2024. The team went 6-7 last season and lost to Washington State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Head coach Bronco Mendenhall, in his second year, hopes to improve on that record. The Aggies host Idaho State at Maverik Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 5 p.m., with the game televised on CBS Sports Network.

How it unfolded

  1. Sep 24, 2024Utah State officially announced as a member of the Pac-12 Conference.
  2. 2025 seasonUtah State finished 6-7, ending with a 34-21 loss to Washington State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
  3. Aug 31, 2026Utah State Athletics announced the season opener against Idaho State, scheduled for Sept. 5 at 5 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.
  4. Sep 4, 2026Coach Mendenhall said the team got out of fall camp healthy without significant injuries. The Aggies welcome 67 newcomers, including 35 four-year transfers.
  5. Sep 5, 2026Utah State hosts Idaho State in its first Pac-12 game, with kickoff at 5 p.m. at Maverik Stadium.

Who’s saying what

Coach
Mendenhall anticipates a tough test from Idaho State, noting the Bengals' returning starting quarterback Jordan Cooke.
Analysts
Local media predictions favor Utah State, with scores like 43-17 and 38-24.

Sources

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