The college football world was shocked Tuesday to hear of the imminent exit of Blake Anderson due to Title IX violations while coaching the Utah State Aggies. In today’s world, while the initial news was surprising to hear, it won’t be surprising to see Utah State players enter the transfer portal, as Anderson’s exit opens the portal for players on his team.
College Football Network takes a look at five players who could depart from Utah State through the transfer portal.
5 Potential Transfer Portal Departures From Utah State
Anderson held offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach titles in addition to his duties as head coach. A great offensive mind, it’s likely that a few players on that side of the ball could throw their names in the portal, especially given that interim coach Nate Dreiling was hired this offseason to coach the defense.
Others could use the situation as an opportunity for a fresh start. Here are a few guys who could throw their names in the transfer portal.
Spencer Petras, QB
Former Iowa starter Spencer Petras entered the portal earlier this offseason and was named Utah State’s starter in April. Petras found Utah State because it was slightly closer to his California home and because Anderson’s scheme and coaching gave him the best chance to start and show off his skills for the NFL.
With Anderson gone, Petras is a guy who could take the plunge and explore the portal in hopes of finding another opportunity. However, this late in the season, it’s unlikely he’ll be able to find a school with an open competition. His best chance of starting likely remains at Utah State.
Jalen Royals, WR
Utah State’s star receiver would immediately garner the interest of several Power Four schools if he were to enter the portal. The first-team All-Mountain West and third-team College Football Network All-American selection transferred in from Georgia Military College near where he grew up.
Jalen Royals is in a unique position in that the 6’0″, 210-pounder is already on the NFL’s radar and won’t have trouble finding playing time elsewhere if he throws his name in the portal.
Ike Larsen, CB
Ike Larsen was an all-conference selection and CFN All-American honorable mention in 2023. Larsen has been a star at Utah State, but the entire staff that recruited him out of high school is now gone, including area recruiter Frank Maile, who is now at Washington State.
Larsen would have plenty of interest in the portal and hasn’t exactly stayed quiet on social media after the Anderson news was released.
Bryson Barnes, QB
Utah State’s backup quarterback and a transfer from Utah, Bryson Barnes may just want another fresh start. He lost the QB battle with Petras in the spring, and if he wants to start at a lower level, there are sure to be plenty of takers for the former Power Four starter.
Micah Davis, WR
Micah Davis transferred from the Air Force prior to last season, but he originally hails from the East Coast. A dynamic receiver and punt returner, Davis is likely to have some interest in the portal after an All-Mountain West honorable mention season last year.
Davis has one more year of eligibility, so he would need to be selective with where he ends up should he decide to move on from Utah State.