When Utah State senior safety Ike Larsen was suspended before the season for a “violation of team rules,” reporting suggested that Larsen would miss six weeks.
That timeframe wasn’t ever confirmed by Utah State or head coach Bronco Mendenhall, but there was a world in which Larsen could be back in time for Utah State’s trip to Vanderbilt.
On cue, Larsen posted on his Instagram story Sunday a picture of himself in a Utah State uniform, seated in front of his parents, both of whom are wearing Utah State gear.
Most notably though was an hourglass in the lower left corner of the post, an hourglass that had run its course.
The symbolism seemed apparent. Larsen was coming back.
On Monday, though, Mendenhall was noncommittal about Larsen’s status, succinctly noting that a return to practice for Larsen was “yet to be determined.”
There was always a possibility that Larsen’s suspension could run through the Vanderbilt game and in many ways that timeline makes the most sense. Utah State will have its first bye week of the season after the trip to Nashville, which would give Larsen and the Aggies more time to reacclimatize themselves.
There is a genuine question as to how much Utah State needs Larsen to return. Or at least how quickly.
In his absence, the Aggies have received standout play from Noah Avinger (moved from cornerback to safety following Larsen’s suspension) specifically.
Avinger leads Utah State with two interceptions and solo tackles and is second on the team in total tackles and pass breakups.
Pro Football Focus rates Avinger as the No. 88 best safety in all of Division I football so far.
His replacement at cornerback — D’Angelo Mayes — hasn’t disappointed either. Mayes has both an interception and a pass breakup this season.
Currently, the Aggies’ secondary has helped USU be the fourth-best team in the Mountain West Conference in pass efficiency defense. Through four games Utah State is allowing opposing offenses to pass for just over 200 yards less than 55% of their pass attempts. Utah State’s four interceptions are the third-most in the conference, behind UNLV (eight) and Fresno State (six).
Larsen has a track record of being an impact player, even if he was far from his peak last season. At times during his Aggie career Larsen has been the team’s best player, singlehandedly making plays that won Utah State games.
Whatever version of Larsen shows up for the Aggies in 2025, it might still be a little while before he is seen in game action.
