​In Bronco Mendenhall’s first season as Utah State’s head coach, the Aggies managed to make a bowl game.Can Utah State reach that benchmark in his second year as its football coach, and as the program enters a new era as a member of the Pac-12 Conference?AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAt least according to ESPN’s initial Football Power Index ratings, released last week, it could be a climb for the Aggies to return to the postseason in 2026.As ESPN explains, the Football Power Index is “measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team’s performance going forward for the rest of the season. FPI represents how many points above or below average a team is.”Utah State Aggies running back Javen Jacobs (8) scores a touchdown after a catch and run during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the DesereUtah State has a minus-6.7 score in ESPN’s FPI, which ranks No. 92 nationally and sixth in the Pac-12.Projected wins — 4.7Odds of going undefeated — 0%Odds of six wins (and bowl eligibility) — 33.2%Odds of winning the Pac-12 — 4.7%Odds of playing in the College Football Playoff — 0.7%FPI’s metrics project for four Pac-12 teams to reach bowl eligibility, including Boise State (84.9% odds), San Diego State (81.3%), Fresno State (62.3%) and Texas State (52.2%).AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementUtah State and Washington State (39.3%) have the next-best odds to make a bowl in ESPN’s projections.Strength of schedule — 77thThe Aggies’ strength of schedule is fifth among Pac-12 programs.Utah State will play on the road against two power conference teams this season — at Washington on Sept. 12 and then at Utah on Sept. 19. The Huskies are No. 26 in ESPN’s FPI rankings, while the Utes are No. 31.Those will be the Aggies’ top two opponents, by FPI metrics, though the start of Pac-12 play will also bring a challenging road game — at league favorite Boise State on Oct. 3. The Broncos are No. 50 in the FPI rankings.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementUtah State will also have a home game in Week 13, the final week of the regular season, though the opponent is yet to be determined — it will be a flex game, with matchups determined “based on the best interests of the league.”The Aggies are tentatively scheduled to host Boise State that week, which would give Utah State two games against the presumed favorite.Utah State Aggies safety Brevin Hamblin (4) tackles Washington State Cougars running back Leo Pulalasi (20) during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. | Jeffrey D. Allred for the Desere