LOGAN, Utah — Freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson made his first career start a memorable one, leading the University of Utah to a 38-21 victory over Utah State on Saturday in the “Battle of the Brothers” at Maverik Stadium.
Wilson threw for 239 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, rallying the No. 12 Utes from an early 14-3 deficit with a 25-0 run that proved too much for the Aggies. In doing so, he became the first true freshman in Utah history to throw three touchdown passes in his debut.
The game wasn’t without its struggles for Wilson, who overthrew several passes early and made a few missteps. However, as the game progressed, the young quarterback found his rhythm. In the third quarter, Wilson completed seven straight passes — including a 20-yard strike to Money Parks in double coverage — to set up key scoring drives.
“It’s getting over that ridge of being nervous,” Wilson said after the game. “I’m confident, I feel composed, and leaned on my offensive line, wide receivers, and running backs.”
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham praised Wilson’s growth throughout the game.
“He settled in and got more comfortable and confident as the game went on,” Whittingham said. “It was really good to see Isaac step up and play with some real confidence.”
But the Utes faced a fierce challenge from Utah State transfer quarterback Bryson Barnes, who played his first game against his former team with the same fearless style Utah fans remembered from his time in Salt Lake City. Barnes threw for 223 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, adding 49 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown.
Barnes sparked the Aggies’ early 14-3 lead with a pair of touchdown passes, including a 39-yard strike to Otto Tia and a 35-yard bomb to Jalen Royals, setting up a touchdown pass to Jack Hestera. Barnes’ gutsy performance also included a daring 14-yard scramble on third-and-15 that helped keep Utah State’s hopes alive late in the game.
“He’s the toughest player on the field when he’s out there,” interim head coach Nate Dreiling said. “And he willed our way to stay in that game.”
Despite Barnes’ efforts, Utah’s superior talent and Wilson’s poise helped the Utes regain control. A second-quarter interception by Barnes shifted momentum in Utah’s favor, allowing the Utes to score just before halftime and take a 17-14 lead they would not relinquish.
Rahsul Faison was a bright spot for the Aggies, rushing for 119 yards on 19 carries, while Tia added five receptions for 78 yards. But ultimately, mistakes and missed opportunities plagued Utah State. Barnes overthrew a potential touchdown pass to Tia in the fourth quarter that could have cut the Utes’ lead to a single possession.
“When you’re playing a team like Utah, who’s picked to win the Big 12, things have to go pretty perfect,” Dreiling said.
In the end, Wilson’s steady hand and Utah’s relentless defense sealed the victory, giving the Utes confidence in their quarterback of the future.
“It’s comforting knowing that Isaac is capable of doing what you saw this afternoon,” Whittingham said.
For Utah State, the performance suggested the Aggies have the offensive firepower to compete in the Mountain West this season, and the Barnes-led offense proved it could stand toe-to-toe with one of the nation’s top defenses.
The “Battle of the Brothers” may have ended in a Utah victory, but both teams saw glimpses of potential as the season moves forward.