This former BYU quarterback just named Bronco Mendenhall's starter at Utah State

McCae Hillstead read the writing on the walls when freshman Bear Bachmeier, who had joined the team after spring practice was over, won the starting job at quarterback. It was clear BYU had no intention of building an offense around the former Utah State Aggie, so it wasn't unreasonable for Hillstead to turn around and give his old home another shot, this time with a new coach.

That coach, being former BYU football lead Bronco Mendenhall, the pair have begun to foster a partnership that could finally push Hillstead back under center as QB1.

"Most likely I'll make an announcement on Monday to add clarity," shared former BYU football head coach and current USU head coach Bronco Mendenhall during a post-practice media availability. "I think it's really important, the [quarterback] position, not only the technical and the tactical and the mechanics of playing it. Yeah, that's necessary, but the leadership. And let's face it, there's a disproportionate value on that player on the outcome of seasons and games."

"That player progresses the most and best when he has the certainty of where he's going to be."

Sure enough, as Monday arrived, the Aggies' starting signal caller was announced to be Hillstead.

For those of you familiar with Hillstead's career path, this is a pretty funny turn of events. Hillstead, a native of Orem, Utah, played eight games for the Aggies as a freshman. His output in those games caught BYU's attention, as the team brought him on as the backup for then-starter Jake Retzlaff. Had it not been for Bachmeier's arrival, Hillstead likely wins the starting job in 2025, and remains the starter as a junior in 2026.

Instead, he'll be slinging passes in Logan once again, only this time will be under a former BYU head coach.

Utah State hopes to improve off a mediocre 6-7 season this year, now featuring Hillstead under center.

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