The day-by-day reveal of the Cache Valley Media Group Top 25 Aggies of 2024 continues with today’s unveiling of the number 18 player for the upcoming football season — defensive end Cian Slone! Slone joined the Aggies in 2023, transferring from American River College and made an immediate impact with the Aggies. He appeared in all 13 of Utah State’s games and ranked fifth on the team in tackles for loss with 6.5. He also had two sacks and a fumble recovery. He’ll be one of the players looking to make a big jump as the USU defense looks to flip the script from its 2023 showing and become a strength of the team under interim head coach Nate Dreiling. The Top 25 Aggies is based on a vote from members of Utah State media including Jason Walker, Eric Frandsen, Craig Hislop and Ajay Salvesen. A public fan poll was also used with its results being used as a fifth ballot. The full list of 25 players will be revealed one at a time each weekday on the Full Court Press (106.9 FM, 1390 AM) at 4:25 p.m. from July 22 until August 26. Previously revealed players on the Top 25 Aggies

The Cache Valley Media Group Top 25 Aggies of 2024 continues with the reveal of the number 17 player for the upcoming football season – he’s a 6-foot-1, 245-pound linebacker who wears jersey number 33 – Max Alford. Alford played in all 13 of Utah State’s games as a true freshman in 2022, starting four times late in the season. He finished that year with 40 tackles and 4 tackles for loss. Alford earned Mountain West Freshman of the Week for recording 8 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss against New Mexico. In 2023, Alford was set for a breakout season, winning one of the two starting linebacker roles going into his sophomore year. However, on the first defensive snap of the year, Alford suffered a season-ending knee injury. According to interim head coach Nate Dreiling, Alford will be ready to play by the start of the season and should participate in fall camp. With both of USU’s linebackers from last season departing in the offseason, Alford should have another chance at a breakout season. The Top 25 Aggies is based on a vote from members of Utah State media including Jason Walker, Eric Frandsen, Craig Hislop and Ajay Salvesen.