UTEP vs Utah State Preview: A Closer Look At The Aggies

With only 16 days until UTEP’s season opener against Utah State in Logan on August 30, 2025, it’s time to take a dive into the Aggies, and learn more about the Miners’ first opponent of the 2025 season. From key returners to a massive influx of newcomers, here’s an in depth preview of Utah State. 

A New Era for The Aggies 

Utah State has been a consistent program in the Mountain West, reaching eight bowl games since joining the conference in 2013, including three 10-win seasons. Their most recent high point came in 2021 under first-year head coach Blake Anderson, who guided the Aggies to a 10-3 record and a bowl victory. Anderson led the team to two more bowl appearances in 2022 and 2023. 

Expectations were high for 2024, with hopes of taking the next step. However, an internal investigation led to Anderson’s dismissal after allegations of non-compliance with university policies regarding sexual misconduct reporting in the offseason. Defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling stepped in as interim head coach, but the Aggies struggled to a 4-8 record. Dreiling and Utah State parted ways at season’s end. 

Enter Bronco Mendenhall. 

The former BYU and Virginia head coach, fresh off a successful debut season at New Mexico, returned to his home state to take the helm at Utah State. Mendenhall, who enjoyed a 99-43 record at BYU, faces a daunting challenge in Logan. The Aggies lost significant talent in the offseason, returning only a few starters from 2024. To rebuild, they welcomed a staggering 70 newcomers. The key question: How quickly can this revamped roster gel? 

Offensive Outlook 

Utah State’s offense hinges on stability at quarterback. Senior Bryson Barnes returns after appearing in nine games and starting three in 2024. The dual-threat QB, who transferred from rival Utah last year, threw for 856 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for 530 yards and five scores. His experience—24 career games, including time at Utah—provides a foundation for Mendenhall’s system. 

However, the skill positions face significant losses. Running back Rahsul Faison, who rushed for 1,109 yards and six touchdowns, transferred to South Carolina. New Mexico transfer Javen Jacobs (277 yards, two TDs in 2024) is slated to lead the backfield, but replacing Faison’s production will be a challenge. The receiving corps was hit even harder, losing all key contributors, including All-Mountain West star Jalen Royals (1,054 yards, nine TDs). Newcomers like Demick Starling (Western Kentucky), Braden Pegan (UCLA), and Corey Thompson Jr. (UNLV) bring potential but lack proven production at the FBS level. Starling, who caught three passes for 56 yards last season and previously played for Mendenhall at Virginia, could emerge as a target. 

The offensive line is a bright spot, with three returning starters—Trey Andersen, George Maile, and Tavo Motu’apuaka—complemented by Power 4 transfers Jake Eichorn (BYU) and Jimmy Liston (Purdue). The group offers talent, experience, and depth, potentially anchoring an offense looking to find its identity. 

Defensive Outlook 

Defensively, Mendenhall has bolstered a unit that ranked 115th in points allowed (30.33 PPG) in 2024 with size and experience. The defensive line returns All-Mountain West honorable mention Gabriel Iniguez Jr. (29 tackles) and added FCS transfer Tyree Morris, who stands at a huge 6-5 285 lbs. Add in JUCO standout’s Joshua Papu and Kone Aumua-Uiagalelei with proven FBS players like Bo Maile and Naki Fahina (New Mexico State), the Aggies have a group that will aim to improve a rush defense that allowed 178.5 yards per game. 

The linebacker corps, despite roster turnover, remains solid. Returners John Miller (52 tackles, two sacks) and Enoka Migao will lead the group, while Utah Tech transfer Brevin Hamblin (139 tackles over two years) will add to its depth. 

The secondary is led by All-Mountain West safety Ike Larsen (80 tackles, one INT), but it lacks depth after losing stars like safety Devin Dye. JUCO All-American corner John Shepard and New Mexico transfer safety Noah Avinger (All-MW honorable mention) bring promise, but the group’s inexperience could be tested early in the year. On paper, this is the Aggies weakest group on the defensive side of the ball.  

The Bottom Line and Prediction 

Utah State enters the Mendenhall era with 70 newcomers, a factor that could play into UTEP’s hands in this road matchup. The Aggies hold an edge at quarterback, with Barnes offering stability that UTEP’s uncertain QB situation—Malachi Nelson, Skyler Locklear, Shay Smith, or Cade McConnell—will struggle to match. Utah State’s offensive line is a strength, but their unproven running backs and receivers raise concerns. Defensively, Larsen and Iniguez Jr. are proven playmakers, but the unit lacks standout difference-makers beyond them. 

UTEP must capitalize early to rattle a Utah State team still finding its footing. The Miners struggled on the road last year (1-6), but their returning offensive core, led a great receiver group that can exploit Utah State’s inexperienced secondary. The game will hinge on red-zone execution and minimizing mistakes. UTEP needs to contain Barnes’ mobility and secure third-down stops. Most importantly will be the quarterback position. Whether it’s Locklear, Nelson, Smith, or McConnell taking the first snaps in Logan. The Miners will need a great game from whoever is behind center.  

I think it will be a close one, and going into this preview I was ready to hand the win over to the Aggies. But after doing the research, I have to go with the Miners on this one.  

With so many newcomers and not much production coming in, Utah State will without a doubt have plenty of wrinkles to iron out. UTEP will too, but with Walden and his team having some continuity and momentum from last year under their belt, they get the upper hand here, even being on the road. It won’t be easy, though 

Final Score Prediction: UTEP 27, Utah State 21