McCae Hillstead, a former Skyridge High School quarterback from Lehi, recorded 173 passing yards and two touchdowns in his return from injury as Utah State defeated Colorado State 31-14 on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Maverik Stadium in Logan.
According to Utah State athletics, Hillstead completed 17 of 22 passes with one touchdown and added 11 carries for 79 yards and a rushing score. The junior quarterback committed no turnovers during the game.
The Aggies established an early lead, highlighted by a 31-yard touchdown run from redshirt freshman running back Nehemiah Washington on the team's opening drive. Following a 25-yard field goal by Kian Afrookhteh, Hillstead scored his first career rushing touchdown on an 18-yard scramble. Utah State held a 17-0 lead at halftime.
Colorado State was limited to 67 total yards in the first half, including minus-5 yards on the ground, according to ABC4.
In the second half, Javen Jacobs scored a 12-yard rushing touchdown for Utah State. Colorado State responded with a 6-yard touchdown run from Durell Robinson. Hillstead later connected with Kaina Watson for a 7-yard touchdown pass. The Rams' final score was a 21-yard pass from Hauss Hejny to Cedric Ross.
Utah State recorded a season-high 464 total yards of offense, including 247 rushing yards, and maintained possession for more than 36 minutes. Anthony Garcia led the Aggies in receiving with 11 catches for 121 yards.
Hillstead previously attended Skyridge High School in Lehi, where he led the Falcons to a Utah 6A state championship. During his high school career, he threw for 6,898 yards and 73 touchdowns, while adding 1,791 rushing yards and 35 rushing scores, according to The Utah Statesman.
After originally committing to Utah State out of high school, Hillstead transferred to BYU before returning to the Aggies in January 2026 under head coach Bronco Mendenhall.
Utah State is scheduled to host Fresno State on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Maverik Stadium.
