Football season is rapidly approaching, making it time for the annual Top 25 Aggies of 2026, presented by Cache Valley Media Group. This list ranks the top projected Utah State Aggie football players for the upcoming season. This article will include players ranked 15 to 11.
These rankings were based on ballots from staff at Cache Valley Daily, 106.9 The FAN, and KVNU, the home of KVNU Aggie Game Day.
15. Jordan Pendleton (OLB)
Not to be confused with the former BYU linebacker who played under Bronco Mendenhall in the early 2010s, Jordan Pendleton is a disruptive force as an edge rusher. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound transfer from St. Thomas recorded 12 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks last year. He also forced three fumbles, leading the way for a St. Thomas defense that ranked 14th in the nation in causing fumbles. Pendleton’s addition gives the Aggies a more impactful pass rush capable of attacking opposing offenses.
14. Eli Wood (WR)
Eli Wood comes to Utah State after four seasons at Virginia. For most of that time, he served largely as a special teams contributor. But in the final six games of his fourth season with the Cavaliers, Wood became a threat in the passing game. He caught at least one pass in six straight games, tallying 12 receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown in that span. With his move to Utah State, Wood is primed for a breakout season to cap off his college career in style.
13. Tavo Motu’apuaka (OL)
Tavo Motu’apuaka is a veteran of the Utah State football team as he enters his fifth season wearing Aggie Blue. He has logged 19 career starts for the Aggies, with 12 of those coming in the 2025 season where he played most of his snaps at right guard. Tavo is a crucial piece in Utah State’s interior offensive line as one of three returning starters for the unit. His experience will aid the O-line in taking a step forward in 2026.
12. Carson Tujague (DT)
Carson Tujague quickly became a force to be reckoned with as a redshirt freshman in 2025. He recorded 72 tackles last season, setting a Utah State single-season record for most tackles by an interior defensive lineman. Tujague is just entering his sophomore season, but is already becoming an impact players. He is one of Utah State’s top returning players from last year’s defense, and will aid the unit as it looks to make a big step forward in 2026.
11. Harrison Taggart (LB)
Harrison Taggart comes to Utah State after stops at BYU, Oregon and, most recently, California. The 6-foot-1 linebacker has appeared in 40 games across his four seasons in college football. This past season, Taggart played 13 games for Cal, recording 38 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. Preseason hype for Taggart is high, as the linebacker has been named Second Team Preseason All-Pac-12 by Athlon and First Team Preseason All-Pac-12 by Phil Steele.
