When Utah State published the game notes Monday morning for its season opener against UTEP, one traditional element was conspicuously absent — a depth chart, for the Aggies’ offense, defense and special teams.
The page for a depth chart still exists in the notes and was labeled as such, only it was completely blank.
For good reason, USU coach Bronco Mendenhall believes. Namely competitive advantage. Entering his first year leading Utah State, Mendenhall is going to try to create any advantage he can.
“I don’t intend to give away a competitive advantage yet,” he said.
Meaning a lot of unknowns about the Aggies will remain that way until kickoff inside Maverik Stadium at 5:30 p.m. MDT Saturday night.
Mendenhall was willing to talk about his team ahead of the matchup with the Miners, albeit there was not much in the way of specifics. He noted that when it comes to position groups, the ones where the Aggies are deeper seem to be improving at a faster clip than position groups where depth is a concern.
He wouldn’t go so far as to say which position groups fell into which category though, again citing that whole competitive advantage thing.
“Many of the positions on our team we have great competition, and those positions actually are accelerating fiercely and fast and I think are showing the most growth (as compared to) the thinner positions,” Mendenhall said. “The thinner positions, man, you kind of feel like it might be one play away or one injury away, and then you (will) have to transition to what schemes and strategies you’re playing right to leverage your roster.”
Mendenhall noted that on the whole, Utah State is healthier and deeper than he had anticipated.
“In terms of competition, more than I thought,” he said. “In terms of depth, more than I thought. In terms of the number of positions that are healthy, more than I thought. And then a couple (of position groups) to manage, which is pretty typical.”
Mendenhall did talk specifically about one position group, the receivers.
“Our receivers, while they’re new (to Utah State), they’re also seasoned in terms of coming from other places,” he said. “They’re older, not younger. I also really like our whole incoming crew of freshmen receivers. So while I wouldn’t say (the receiver room is) deep, you’ll get experienced players and youth with probably not a middle tier, but enough.
“I’m excited about our receivers. Chemistry (with starting QB Bryson Barnes) hasn’t yet been demonstrated on game day, but I watch them every day and I think there’s some good football players there. And a really bright future with the younger players.”
That Utah State underwent as much change as it did during the offseason means that even Mendenhall and his staff don’t know exactly what sort of team they have. Not yet.
Mendenhall said that a year ago with New Mexico it took four games before the staff could “craft kind of schemes and strategies that really truly matched that institution, that team. (After that) put together a pretty nice stretch of success.”
“It took some discovery,” he said. “As much as you try to do it against yourself in fall camp, it’s difficult, especially at the front end. Doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but I would say, in general, and in college football, with the number of players and coaches moving, most (teams) are finding it out as they go.”
Still, at this point in the year, even Mendenhall found himself being a little optimistic.
“We love really everything that we’ve seen here at Utah State,” he said. “Huge opportunities and lots of work to do, but we couldn’t be more excited and thrilled. It’s game week.”
What is the status of safety Ike Larsen?
Mendenhall was tight-lipped about the status of USU star safety Ike Larsen, who was suspended for a violation of team rules.
Mendenhall went so far to say that he had nothing else to say beyond the official statement USU released.
“I really won’t comment on this,” Mendenhall said. “The comment that we released is standing. When, and if there’s any change, I’ll keep you posted.”
The official statement regarding Larsen’s suspension said: “Ike Larsen has been placed on a short-term suspension from the USU football team for a violation of team rules, effective today, Aug. 15, 2025.”
Additional reporting said that Larsen could be expected to miss six weeks.
What to expect from Utah State injury reports?
The Mountain West Conference’s recent announcement that — like the Power Four conferences — it will release player availability reports.
Mendenhall believes strongly that those reports are for the benefit of the players themselves and is on board with the practice.
“I was a proponent of the availability reports. I think it takes a burden off of our players,” he said. “There’s lots of interest in college football wagering now. Has that increased that interest (in injury reports)? I’m not sure. And I’m not saying that’s the only cause, but really, anything we can do structurally to not have our players or our team in compromising situations, the better.
He continued: “Transparency is helpful. The timing (of the reports release) I think, makes sense. I don’t think it’s as much to prevent gamesmanship from coaches to coaches or teams to teams, that is just managing the current climate, and so I’m for it in relation to conference games.”
As far as nonconference games go, Mendenhall didn’t commit to any one practice, but said he was likely to follow what the competition did. Meaning if Texas A&M and Vanderbilt release injury reports before they play USU, then the Aggies will too.
“Most likely all do that because I believe in the concept,” he said. “... I think it’s just helpful for the kids in the game.”
