Bronco Mendenhall Declines Update On Potential Bryson Barnes Injury

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – On the final play of the third quarter in a game that was all but decided, Utah State QB Bryson Barnes scrambled for 18 yards before appearing to suffer an injury on the tackle.

Backup QB Jacob Conover came in to start the fourth quarter for the Aggies to little fanfare because of the 27-point deficit.

Utah State head coach Bronco Mendenhall did not want to discuss specifics regarding Barnes’ injury postgame, referring the matter to the medical staff before making any further proclamations.

“I prefer not to,” Mendenhall said when asked about updating Barnes’ status moving forward. “Bryson gives everything he can to this team. He plays with his heart and soul, completely committed. He’s physical, and he plays with great effort. I’ll let medical, when appropriate, share what that is.”

RELATED: Prolific Vanderbilt Offense Cruises Past Utah State

Mendenhall says he would “prefer not to” provide any update on Bryson Barnes. Says he’ll wait for the medical team. Also shouts out the performance of Jacob Conover

— The Aggship (@TheAggship) September 27, 2025

Barnes has been the heart and soul for an Aggie team that has exceeded all expectations so far in 2025.

He accounted for 209 yards of offense and three passing touchdowns before departing, bringing his season total to 11 in five games.

It looked like Bryson Barnes was favoring his left shoulder as he left the field. Replay showed defender landing on the shoulder. Curious to see if Barnes is back in the game after the pick and if he favors the left shoulder.

— David James (@DavidDJJames) September 27, 2025

Conover finished with 92 yards on 11-of-14 passing with the first two TDs of his college career.

About Utah State’s Bryson Barnes

Barnes followed up the first five-touchdown performance of his college career against Air Force with another against McNeese to solidify his spot atop the USU on-field leadership board.

Barnes was no secret in Utah high school football after he earned 1A First-Team All-State recognition as a sophomore, junior, and senior at Milford High School. He finished his prep career with the Utah state record for touchdown passes (137).

Despite his polished prep resume, Barnes chose to walk on at the University of Utah in 2020.

He redshirted as a freshman before playing 13 games (1 start) the next two years.

RELATED: Will Go As Far As ‘Exceptional’ Bryson Barnes Takes Them In 2025

Scoring drive brought to you by the Tight Ends! @bryson_barnes10 ✈️ @LittleSterz34

📺 @SECNetwork pic.twitter.com/4jAZnyzp1w

— USU Football (@USUFootball) September 27, 2025

Barnes played in 11 games for the Utes in 2023, finishing with 1,572 yards on 142-of-242 passing (11 INT, 12 TD) while contributing 90 carries for 265 yards and three rushing touchdowns. He threw for a career-high 320 yards on 31-of-53 passing (2 INT, 2 TD) against No. 17 Arizona.

The 6’2, 205-pound pig farmer earned Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week and Davey O’Brien Great 8 recognition after leading Utah to a win over No. 18 USC. Barnes threw for 235 yards and three touchdowns (14-of-23, 1 INT) with 10 rushes for a season-best 57 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Utah State Aggies 2025 Schedule (3-2, 1-0)

• UTEP Miners vs. Utah State Aggies | W 28-16
• Utah State Aggies @ Texas A&M Aggies | L 44-22
• Air Force Falcons vs. Utah State Aggies | W 49-30
• McNeese State Cowboys vs. Utah State Aggies | W 48-7
• Utah State Aggies @ Vanderbilt Commodores | L 55-35
• BYE
• Saturday, October 11 – Utah State Aggies @ Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors | 10 p.m. MT
• Friday, October 17 – San Jose State Spartans @ Utah State Aggies | 7 p.m. MT
• Saturday, October 25 – Utah State Aggies @ New Mexico Lobos | 1 p.m. MT
• BYE
• Saturday, November 8 – Nevada Wolfpack @ Utah State Aggies | 5:30 p.m. MT
• Saturday, November 15 – Utah State Aggies @ UNLV Rebels | 5 p.m. MT
• Saturday, November 22 – Utah State Aggies @ Fresno State Bulldogs | 8:30 p.m. MT
• Friday, November 28 – Boise State Broncos @ Utah State Aggies | 2 p.m. MT

Following Utah State football with KSL Sports Zone

Listen to USU football games on KSL Sports Zone with Scott Garrard and former Aggie QB Kevin White on the call.

Find KSL Sports coverage of Utah State University Athletics here.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video, and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24. 

Follow @bpreece24