Head coach Bronco Mendenhall has officially announced his first full 2026 recruiting class for the Utah State Aggies, highlighting a strong local core and a clear commitment to in-state and regional talent.
All 17 athletes who signed on the first day of the early signing period are current high school seniors, and seven of them are from Utah, underscoring Mendenhall’s belief that successful programs start by winning close to home.
Local and Regional Talent at the Center of Aggies’ Strategy
Mendenhall explained that his recruiting philosophy is shaped by years of data and exit interviews with former players. One consistent trend stood out: athletes who played closer to home often reported a better overall experience.
He noted that players whose families could travel by car within a few hours, or reach Logan on a single flight, tended to feel more supported and more connected throughout their careers. Game-day performance mattered, he said, but so did parents and relatives being able to watch them play in person.
Because of that, Utah high school players remain a top priority, followed closely by prospects from the surrounding region. The 2026 class reflects that strategy, with the Aggies leaning heavily on local high school programs that have produced winning, well-coached athletes.
Position Breakdown of the 2026 Class
Utah State’s new group of 17 signees includes a balanced mix across both sides of the ball:
- 4 offensive linemen
- 2 quarterbacks
- 2 cornerbacks
- 2 outside linebackers
- 2 inside linebackers
- 2 tight ends
- 1 defensive tackle
- 1 wide receiver
- 1 running back
Five of these players are scheduled to enroll early for the spring semester: tight ends Jude Nelson and Preston McDaniel, defensive tackle Tiki Bell, quarterback Kaleb Maryland, and linebacker Brody Flores. Early enrollment gives them a head start in the weight room, the playbook, and spring practices.
Two others, linebacker Tripp Palmer and offensive lineman Matekitonga Havea, will serve missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before joining the program.
In-State Offensive Line Core Anchors the Class
All four offensive line signees are multi-sport athletes from Utah, a point of pride for Mendenhall and his staff. Two of them come directly from Cache Valley:
- Easton Hammond, Ridgeline High
- Luke Baker, Green Canyon High
They are joined by:
- Lucas Neidig, Bingham High
- Matekitonga Havea, Lehi High
Evan Butts, Utah State’s director of player personnel, praised the quality of line play in the state. He pointed to the combination of size, toughness, and strong coaching at the high school level, saying Utah linemen arrive with both a physical edge and a solid technical base.
Hammond and Baker: Local Standouts With Upside
Hammond, listed at 6-foot-3, started four straight seasons for Ridgeline and helped lead the Riverhawks to an undefeated year and a 4A state championship. His experience and mentality caught Mendenhall’s attention immediately.
The coach described Hammond as having a mindset that “shows up on film,” noting his aggression, competitive drive, and polish for a player his age. In Mendenhall’s view, Hammond already carries himself like someone who has been in a college program for more than a year.
Baker, a 6-foot-8 tackle from Green Canyon, brings a different profile. He started three seasons for the Wolves and played in two 4A title games as a sophomore and senior. Mendenhall sees Baker as a longer-term developmental prospect physically, but with the same competitive edge and mental approach he values in Hammond.
He has openly imagined a future where, a few years from now, conference opponents look at Utah State’s offensive front and wonder how the Aggies assembled so much length and strength up front.
Dual-Threat Quarterbacks Headline Skill Positions
Among the 17 signees, quarterback Kaleb Maryland stands out because his high school season is still underway. His North Shore team in Texas remains alive in the state playoffs, giving him extra live reps before he ever arrives in Logan.
Maryland brings legitimate track speed, with reported times under 10.4 seconds in the 100 meters. He and fellow incoming freshman quarterback Brady Goodman from Mountain View High in Arizona are both true dual-threat signal callers, capable of stressing defenses through the air and on the ground.
Mendenhall said Maryland was drawn to Utah State in part because of how the coaching staff has handled quarterbacks in the current system. After watching how the Aggies deployed their offense and developed players under offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven, Maryland saw a fit that matched his skill set.
The staff is equally excited about Goodman, viewing both freshmen as strong long-term options in the quarterback room.
Building a Foundation for the Future
Mendenhall’s first Utah State signing class sends a clear message about the identity he wants for the program. The emphasis on in-state linemen, regional playmakers, early enrollees, and developmental frames suggests a long-term plan built around continuity, physicality, and family proximity.
With 17 high school seniors already signed and several scheduled to arrive on campus early, the Utah State Aggies have established a foundation that Mendenhall believes can grow into a front that looks and plays like a top conference contender in the coming years.
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