The number three Utah State football player in the Cache Valley Media Group Top 25 Aggies of 2024 is quarterback Spencer Petras. Late last fall, Petras made the quick decision to come to Utah State and so far it’s paid off, with him earning the starting QB spot in spring camp and recently being named one of the captains of the team. Petras transferred from Iowa where he spent six seasons. He appeared in 37 games, starting 31 times and threw for 5,199 yards and 24 touchdowns. This year, Petras is looking to bounce back from missing all of 2023 due to an injury, and also overcome some of his shortcomings with what was at times an anemic offense. He’ll have the benefit of being under center in what has been a very QB-friendly offensive system that’s filled with explosive playmakers. 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

One of Utah State’s most recognizable stars comes in at number two in the Cache Valley Media Group Top 25 Aggies of 2024 — junior safety Ike Larsen. Larsen earned First Team All-Mountain West honors last year following a season with career-best numbers, including 103 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, six passes defended and four interceptions. He was twice named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week and earned one MW Special Teams Player of the Week honor in 2023 (he has one additional DPOTW from 2022). Larsen was named a College Football Network Honorable Mention All-American. Two plays stand out from Larsen’s 2023 campaign. The first being a blocked PAT that sealed a much-needed victory for the Aggies over UConn in late September. The Huskies had just scored a touchdown with 40 seconds left and the PAT would have tied the game up. But Larsen didn’t allow that to happen. Larsen later came through just as clutch in USU’s overtime win over San Diego State. In the second overtime period, after the Aggies pulled ahead on their possession, Larsen picked off Aztecs QB Jalen Mayden which ended the game then and there. The Top 25 Aggies is based on