Utah State is back in action this week after a much-needed bye, taking on Texas State. The Aggies needed the week off not only to get healthier, but also to figure out how to turn things around after a 2-4 start to the season. The back half of the season will be a little less difficult than a front half that featured three ranked opponents. But it’s not exactly accurate to say that the upcoming opponents are easy foes to take on. Texas State boasts one of the top offensive units in the country and is a two-touchdown favorite in the upcoming contest.
Here is all the necessary info to prepare you for the Aggies’ return to Pac-12 play. You can also check out the full preview from the Full Court Press.
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Utah State exits bye week healthier / First look at Aggies’ next opponent, Texas State – Oct. 20, 2026
Game Info
- Game Day: Oct. 24 (Sat)
- Location: UFCU Stadium (San Marcos, TX)
- Kickoff Time: 5:30 p.m. MT
- TV Broadcast: CBS Sports Network
- Radio Broadcast: KVNU 102.1 FM / 610 AM
KVNU Aggie Gameday pregame show with Stockton Jewkes and J.D. Walker: Begins at 3:30 p.m. on 102.1 FM, 610 AM, or stream online at kvnutalk.com
KVNU Aggie Call Postgame: Will begin immediately following Coach Bronco Mendenhall’s postgame comments, also on 102.1 FM, 610 AM, or streamed online at kvnutalk.com
- Text (435) 554-1175 or call (435) 753-5868 during the pregame or postgame show to share your thoughts and reactions.
Availability Report
Both teams submitted official availability reports to the Pac-12. These reports were originally submitted Wednesday evening and are updated periodically up until kickoff. These listings reflect the latest updates as of publication.
Utah State
- Jackson Nelson (OL) – PROBABLE
- Javon Robinson (WR) – PROBABLE
- Chapman Lewis (DB) – QUESTIONABLE
- John Randle Jr. (OL) – QUESTIONABLE
- Dakota Howell – QUESTIONABLE
- Eli Wood (WR) – QUESTIONABLE
- James Jennette (OLB) – QUESTIONABLE
- Jordan Pendleton (OLB) – QUESTIONABLE
- Rex Haynes (WR) – QUESTIONABLE
- Diego Grateron (ILB) – OUT
- Harrison Taggart (ILB) – OUT
- Joshua Papu (DL) – OUT
- Nikko Boncore (WR) – OUT FOR SEASON
- Chris Joe (ILB) – OUT FOR SEASON
- Jude Nelson (TE) – OUT FOR SEASON
Utah State head coach Bronco Mendenhall said earlier this week that he expected three players to return from the injury report. By the looks of things, those three appear to be Nehemia Washington, Kache Kaio and Tavo Motu’apuaka. Though that trio of players aren’t the only ones who might make their return this week. James Jennette, Jackson Nelson and Rex Haynes each missed the last game, but are a mix of probable and questionable.
With Motu’apuaka back, plus Nelson and Randle, this upcoming week could be the healthiest the offensive line has been all season, which will be a crucial factor for an Aggie offense looking for answers.
There is some concern with the inclusion of Eli Wood and Jordan Pendleton on this week’s report. Wood is by far the biggest weapon for the offense, and Pendleton has been a solid performer as an edge rusher and outside linebacker.
Texas State
- Blake Smith (TE) – PROBABLE
- Bryce Carter (DL) – PROBABLE
- Mike James (SP) – PROBABLE
- Davian Jackson (RB) – QUESTIONABLE
- Donterry Russell (DL) QUESTIONABLE
- Jo’Laison Landry (DL) – QUESTIONABLE
- JP Deeter (OL) QUESTIONABLE
- Cole Niles (LB) – OUT
- Cole Snodgrass (TE) – OUT
- Jordan Sample (LB) – OUT
- Josh Selmes (SP) – OUT
- Mekhi Buchanan (DL) – OUT
- Ryan Nolan (DB) – OUT
Davian Jackson’s availability will be one to keep an eye on. He’s the backup running back who helps spell the Bobcats’ star rusher, Torrance Burgess Jr. The biggest name on the report is Ryan Nolan, who, despite missing two games, is still fifth on the team in tackles. He also has an interception and three passes defended this year.
Statistical Leaders
Passing
- Utah State: Grady Brosterhous — 78/142 (54.9%), 914 yards (152.3/game), 7 TD, 6 INT
- Texas State: Brad Jackson — 106/157 (67.5%), 1,439 yards (239.8/game), 14 TD, 5 INT
Rushing
- Utah State: Javen Jacobs — 70 rush att, 393 yards (5.6/att), 2 TD
- Texas State: Torrance Burgess Jr. — 108 rush att, 838 yards (7.8/att), 5 TD
Receiving
- Utah State: Eli Wood — 36 receptions, 472 yards, 5 TD
- Texas State: Chris Dawn Jr. — 29 receptions, 348 yards, 4 TD
Defense
- Utah State: Asher Cunningham (LB) — 52 tackles, 6.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass defended
- Texas State: Terrence Cooks II (LB) — 36 tackles, 4.0 TFL
Three Keys for Utah State
Limit Explosive in the Run Game
Texas State possesses one of the most explosive run games in the country. Running back Torrance Burgess Jr. leads the country in both yards per game (139.7) and yards per rush attempt (7.8). Additionally, the Bobcats lead the nation in runs of 40+ yards, having done so 10 times this year (they also lead the way in runs of 50+ and 60+ yards).
Utah State has done fairly well to limit opposing explosive plays. The Aggies rank T-16th in plays of 20+ yards allowed. They’ll need to stick to that trend to have any hope of coming out on top this Saturday.
Generate Turnovers and Big Special Teams Plays
Utah State’s model of victory will have to look similar to what San Diego State did to the Bobcats three weeks ago. The Aztecs ran just 52 plays on offense and gained only 239 yards of total offense, but scored 31 points (the highest point total for any team this year when gaining 240 yards or fewer). San Diego State pulled that off with big plays on special teams and defense. Those included a kickoff return touchdown and a pick-six. The Aztecs also got the ball on the seven-yard line after a botched snap on a punt by Texas State. Altogether, that’s 21 extra points gained with virtually no effort required from the offense.
Safe to say that if the Aggies want to match a Texas State team that ranks ninth in points per game nationally, they’ll need some extra plays outside of their offense.
Get Grady, Eli and Javen going on offense
Utah State has three guys on offense who have shown some semblance of consistency in playmaking. On the few occasions where the Aggies’ offense is actually moving the ball, Grady Brosterhous, Eli Wood and Javen Jacobs have almost always been involved. There’s certainly room for others to be making big plays as well. We’ve seen Javon Robinson take two passes long distances for six points, and Demick Starling started to show his deep threat skill against Washington State. Those kinds of plays will certainly be necessary. But if it’s just those, the Aggies will likely be stuck in the same place as the first few weeks. Scattered offense and only a dozen or so points to their name. Consistency is going to come from feeding Utah State’s most reliable players and making sure they have the means to fully utilize their talent.
History of Utah State vs Texas State
- All-Time Series: Utah State leads 1-0
- First-Ever Meeting: Nov. 3, 2012 (Utah State won 38-7)
This is only the second-ever meeting between the Aggies and Bobcats. They crossed paths in 2012 when Texas State joined the WAC, making the move from FCS up to FBS. That season was Utah State’s last campaign in the WAC before moving to the Mountain West. So, on Nov. 3, 2012, the Aggies hosted the new team on the FBS block with a 38-7 blowout, accumulating 593 yards of total offense led by 316 passing yards from Chuckie Keeton (who also accounted for all of USU’s five touchdowns).
Game Prediction
Here are the score predictions from Cache Valley Media Group staff.
Eric Frandsen — Utah State wins 31-28
Jason Walker — Texas State wins 33-20
J.D. Walker — Texas State wins 35-24
Stockton Jewkes — Texas State wins 41-21
