Idaho State defeated Utah State 29-17 in its season opener on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at Maverik Stadium in Logan, Utah. Despite gaining 407 yards of total offense, the Aggies fell to the Bengals due to four turnovers and three drives stopped on downs, allowing Idaho State to secure its first win over an FBS opponent since 2017.
Historic Victory for Bengals
The victory marked a significant milestone for the Idaho State program. According to Idaho State University Athletics, the win was the Bengals' first victory over an FBS opponent since 2017 and their first win over Utah State since 2000. Additionally, the win gave the Bengals a 2-0 start against Division I opponents for the first time since 1995.
Lindberg Leads Scoring
Mason Lindberg provided much of the scoring for the Bengals, connecting on all five of his field goal attempts during the game. His successful kicks spanned distances of 28, 48, 25, 43, and 41 yards. The 48-yard field goal was a career best for the junior kicker.
Early Scoring Exchange
The game featured early scoring from both sides. Utah State responded to an initial Idaho State field goal by McCae Hillstead with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Rex Haynes on the opening play from scrimmage. Hillstead then completed an eight-play, 75-yard drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Eli Wood. However, Idaho State responded with a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Jordan Cooke on a fourth-and-goal play to cap an 11-play, 71-yard drive.
Aggies Lose Lead
Utah State regained the lead in the second half when Hillstead connected with Demick Starling on a four-yard touchdown pass. This touchdown brought the Aggies to a 17-16 lead. However, the lead was short-lived as Idaho State regained control with a 43-yard field goal from Lindberg. The Bengals later extended their lead to 29-17 following an eight-yard touchdown pass from Cooke to wide receiver Chedon James, followed by a 41-yard field goal from Lindberg.
Turnovers Impact Outcome
Turnovers proved decisive in the outcome. While Utah State outgained Idaho State 407 yards to 241, the Aggies were plagued by four interceptions. The Idaho State defense converted two of those interceptions into short fields that aided their scoring efforts. Utah State's final attempt to score ended in an interception on a Hail Mary pass.
Quarterback Performance
Junior quarterback McCae Hillstead finished the game for Utah State with 178 yards on 15-of-30 passing, including two touchdowns and three interceptions. He also recorded 43 rushing yards on nine carries. Graduate senior quarterback Grady Brosterhous entered the game in relief, completing 5-of-13 passes for 67 yards with one interception, and adding 35 rushing yards on 10 carries.
Individual Statistics Summary
Leading the Aggies in rushing was graduate senior running back Javen Jacobs, who recorded 80 yards on 20 carries and added four receptions for 27 yards. Eli Wood led the team in receiving with six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, senior linebacker Harrison Taggart and sophomore safety David Kabongo led Utah State with eight tackles each. Mataira Brown and Carson Tujague recorded sacks for the Aggies, while Asher Cunningham and Tevita Tuha each recorded a tackle-for-loss.
