Utah State Aggies quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) throws under pressure from Washington State Cougars linebacker Jack Ellison (42) during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
Carson Hilton
By Carson Hilton
Carson Hilton has covered high school sports in Utah for the Deseret News since 2022.

BOISE, Idaho — Monday’s 34-21 loss to Washington State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl marked the end of Bronco Mendenhall’s first year in Logan. It was also the end of the collegiate road for many of Utah State’s top contributors, including quarterback Bryson Barnes.

With the season over and the Mountain West era in the past, what’s next for Utah State football?

The new Pac-12 will officially begin on July 1. The Aggies will see some familiar faces from the Mountain West, but they will also see new faces in Washington State, Oregon State and Texas State.

The move will mean a jump in competitiveness in conference play, but one that Bronco Mendenhall welcomes wholeheartedly.

“I’m thrilled with the direction of Utah State football, but also Utah State athletics,” Mendenhall said. “... I think there’s just fantastic leadership and alignment that exists there. Our new president is, man, the trifecta seems to be lined up really well. I certainly have to do my part, but I love the leadership, I love the direction, I love the support and now I love the opportunity with a new league and this program.”

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Arguably, the most significant question the coaching staff needs to answer this offseason regards the quarterback position.

Barnes has had a great season with the Aggies and helped push what’s been an otherwise middling offense.

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Utah State Aggies quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) hugs his wife Brittlyn after getting injured and leaving the game during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Washington State Cougars safety Matthew Durrance (23) breaks up the pass intended for Utah State Aggies quarterback Anthony Garcia (10) during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. Durrance was called for interference on the play. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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USU defensive line coach Donte Wilkins celebrates the interception of Utah State Aggies defensive tackle Carson Tujague (28) during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies wide receiver Brady Boyd (5) makes a touchdown catch over Washington State Cougars safety Matthew Durrance (23) during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies head coach Bronco Mendenhall watches the clock during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus (4) is tackled by the Aggie defense during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies quarterback Jacob Conover (3) scrambles during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies running back Javen Jacobs (8) scores a touchdown after a catch and run during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies cornerback Dylan Tucker (34) celebrates his interception during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies cornerback D' Angelo Mayes (15) tries to block a pass by Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus (4) during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies quarterback Jacob Conover (3) scrambles during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Washington State Cougars wide receiver Jeremiah Noga (15) grabs an onside kick during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) scores a touchdown past Washington State Cougars linebacker Sullivan Schlimgen (24) during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) throws under pressure from Washington State Cougars linebacker Jack Ellison (42) during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Aggie fans cheer during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies quarterback Jacob Conover (3) smiles after throwing a touchdown during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies head coach Bronco Mendenhall walks with players after a timeout during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies defensive tackle Tyree Morris (9) is carted off the field after an injury during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies head coach Bronco Mendenhall applauds a good play during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies quarterback Jacob Conover (3) takes a snap during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) runs against Washington State Cougars linebacker Sullivan Schlimgen (24) during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies safety Brevin Hamblin (4) tackles Washington State Cougars running back Leo Pulalasi (20) during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) is injured, causing him to leave the game, during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies cornerback Dylan Tucker (34) tackles Washington State Cougars running back Leo Pulalasi (20) during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Utah State Aggies defensive tackle Tyree Morris (9) and Utah State Aggies cornerback D' Angelo Mayes (15) hurry Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus (4) during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus (4) scrambles from Utah State Aggies defense during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere

Even the second-stringer, Jacob Conover, has no years of eligibility left. Conover jumped into Monday’s bowl game after Barnes went down in the fourth quarter. He threw two touchdown passes in his limited time.

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Beyond just the quarterback, Mendenhall has a big task of replacing offensive talent such as Braden Pegan. Pegan was the Aggies’ top receiver this year and announced his intent to enter the transfer portal earlier this month.

Utah State is also losing wide receiver Brady Boyd and its top running back, Miles Davis.

Mendenhall also has to focus on bolstering the offensive line, which was a significant issue for Utah State all year.

Even defensively, the Aggies are losing significant contributors in John Miller, Ike Larsen and Noah Avinger.

Utah State Aggies head coach Bronco Mendenhall walks with players after a timeout during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere
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