LOGAN, Utah – Utah State head football coach Bronco Mendenhall announced Monday that McCae Hillstead has been named the Aggies' starting quarterback entering the 2026 campaign, marking the program's inaugural year in the Pac-12 Conference. USU will open the season at home against Idaho State on Saturday, Sept. 5.
"After a thorough evaluation of our quarterback room, it became clear that McCae has earned the opportunity to lead this program," said Mendenhall. "Throughout the spring, McCae demonstrated consistency, poise and a command of the offense that aligns with our expectations for that position. He's a competitor, he's resilient, and he's earned the trust of his teammates. We're excited about his development and confident in his ability to lead our team into the 2026 season."
Hillstead's skill set is expected to mesh well with first-year offensive coordinator Robert Anae, whose track record of developing quarterbacks and producing efficient, high-powered offenses has been well documented throughout his career. Anae's system emphasizes quick decision-making, accuracy and distributing the ball to playmakers in space — areas where Hillstead excelled during spring practice. Under Anae's guidance, quarterbacks have consistently posted strong completion percentages and career-best production.
Hillstead, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound junior from Lehi, Utah (Skyridge HS/BYU), spent the past two seasons at BYU, redshirting in 2024 before appearing in five games in 2025.
Hillstead began his collegiate career at Utah State, where he played in eight games with four starts as a true freshman in 2023. He became the eighth true freshman quarterback in program history to start a game when he made his debut against James Madison. In that contest, he set a school freshman record with 399 passing yards, completing 25-of-47 attempts with four touchdowns, all career highs. His 399 passing yards are the most by a freshman in program history and tied for the 15th-most in a single game overall.
For the 2023 season, Hillstead completed 94-of-158 passes (.595) for 1,062 yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also rushed 44 times for 36 yards.
A three-star recruit out of high school, Hillstead was rated the No. 15 prospect in Utah and the No. 60 quarterback nationally by 247Sports. He was a three-year starter at Skyridge High School, where he completed 491-of-816 passes (.602) for 6,898 yards with 73 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,791 yards and 35 touchdowns on 327 carries (5.5 ypc).
As a senior, Hillstead earned Utah Class 6A second-team All-State honors while leading Skyridge to a state championship.
2026 Football Season Ticket Information
Football season tickets for Utah State's inaugural season in the new Pac-12 are available starting at just $99, with value options in sections 215, 216, 220 and 221. A family plan is offered for $450 and includes tickets for two adults and three youth in sections 216 and 220. Contact a member of the Utah State Ticket Sales and Service Team for more information about football season tickets.
Big Blue Club
The Big Blue Club serves as the official fundraising unit of Utah State University Athletics, supporting scholarships and championship resources for Aggie student-athletes. Every gift and membership directly contributes to the future success of Utah State Athletics. Big Blue Club members are rewarded with perks like complimentary event parking, ticket priority, and other exclusive benefits commensurate with their level of support. Memberships start as low as $50. Invest in the future of Aggie Athletics, here.
About the Blue A Society
The Blue A Society is the leadership-level philanthropic giving society within the Big Blue Club. Membership is reserved for those who are passionate about advancing Aggie Athletics with bold and strategic action, leading the way with financial commitments of $25,000 or more over a five-year period. Invest in the future of Aggie Athletics, here.
Show Me Initiative
Utah State Athletics has launched the "Show Me" initiative as the department gears up for its historic move to the Pac-12. This all-encompassing modernization effort strengthens the department's foundation, creates lasting opportunities for student-athletes and invites fans, businesses and the community to get involved through tickets, philanthropic giving via the Big Blue Club and sponsorships through Aggie Sports Properties. Join us in shaping the future of Aggie Athletics and learn more at UtahStateAggies.com/ShowMe.
Follow Along
Fans can follow the Aggie football program with behind-the-scenes content and coverage on social media through X, Instagram and Facebook, along with visiting www.utahstateaggies.com.
