Utah State Football Expects To Allow More Fan Access During Fall Camp
Jul 18, 2025, 9:03 AM | Updated: 9:03 am
Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium, home of the Utah State Aggies football team, is pictured in Logan on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Due to a late spring transfer portal window, Utah State joined a growing number of college football programs that are limiting fan and media access during spring practices.
First-year Aggie head coach Bronco Mendenhall understands the importance of allowing the local fan base access to the team. Still, the risk of losing potential contributors outweighs the benefits of fans in the stands in March and April.
Mendenhall sat down with Hans & Scotty G. from KSL Sports Zone during day two of the Mountain West media days.
“It’s not just tampering and poaching,” Mendenhall said of the risk of putting his practices on film. “It’s player acquisition because there’s no governance that’s influencing it. So, before we played, it just made no sense to me for anyone to know who we had.
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“I recognize the trade off for community engagement and support, and media, etc. Fall camp, there will be opportunities for much like spring used to be. For people to come see a scrimmage and different things. I’m trying to make up for it somewhat within reason.”
As long as the spring transfer window exists, Mendenhall doesn’t see his approach changing.
“As long as the second window is post-spring practice, I think, as a steward of the program, I have to do that.”
Bronco Mendenhall discusses Utah State’s AD search
Mendenhall is in his first year with the university. Still, his understanding of the college athletics landscape and connections across the country make him a valuable asset as the school searches for the next Director of Athletics following the departure of Diana Sabau.
“The way it’s gone so far is key influencers, boosters, as well as the board,” Mendenhall said of his involvement in the process. “I’ve visited with our interim president as well, and they’ve asked me for my opinion on what qualities, what traits. I have not gon to name yet. I will if asked.”
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The Utah native is familiar with the eccentricities of the Utah State fan base. He has a valuable perspective on what USU and Cache Valley community look for in a department head.
“What I think Utah State needs and is craving, in the short time that I’ve been there, is stability, consistency, with competency and ability to connect Utah State at the ad level and the president level, he stated. “Someone that’s fiercely capable and competent.”
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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.
