LOGAN, Utah – Utah State had 10 football players named to Phil Steele's preseason all-Mountain West teams at 11 different positions it was announced by the publication on Monday.

Utah State's 11 all-conference selections ranked as the third-most in the league behind Boise State (15) and San José State (13), and ahead of Air Force (10), San Diego State (10), Wyoming (10), Fresno State (9), New Mexico (9), Colorado State (8), Hawai'i (7), UNLV (7) and Nevada (6).

Utah State had three players named to the first team in senior defensive tackle Hale Motu'apuaka, senior wide receiver Terrell Vaughn and junior long snapper Jacob Garcia. Vaughn was also named to the first team as a kick returner. Three players were named to the second team in senior punt returner Cooper Jones, senior linebacker MJ Tafisi and sophomore safety Ike Larsen. Three Aggies garnered preseason third-team accolades in senior cornerback Michael Anyanwu, senior punter Stephen Kotsanlee and junior offensive lineman Cole Motes. And, one Aggie was named to the preseason fourth team in senior offensive lineman Falepule Alo.

Four of the Aggies named preseason all-Mountain West by Phil Steele have garnered previous all-conference accolades as Larsen was named a College Football News Honorable Mention Freshman All-American and a second-team all-MW selection last season, while Tafisi and Vaughn both garnered honorable mention all-MW honors in 2022. Furthermore, Kotsanlee was named honorable mention all-MW following the 2020 season.

For Larsen (first team), Jones (second team), Motu'apuaka (second team), Tafisi (second team), Vaughn (second team), Anyanwu (third team) and Kotsanlee (third team), it is the second preseason publication to honor them as they were also named to Athlon Sports preseason all-Mountain West teams this summer.

Utah State opens the 2023 season at Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 2, while its home opener is the following weekend against Idaho State on Saturday, Sept. 9. USU begins Mountain West play at Air Force on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Season ticket renewals are currently being accepted. To renew, fans should visit www.utahstateaggies.com, or do so in person or by phone through the USU Ticket Office during regular business hours (435-797-0305). New season ticket orders can also be made.

For more information on the Utah State football program, follow the Aggies on Twitter at @USUFootball, on Facebook at USUFootball and on Instagram at USUFootball.

-USU-