Utah State’s basketball program is thriving under Jerrod Calhoun, with a 15-1 start and a top-25 ranking. The Aggies’ success is built on a strong coaching pipeline, smart transfer portal moves, and a significant defensive improvement.
Utah State’s basketball program has become a model of consistency in the mid-major ranks, and the 2026 season is no exception. Under second-year head coach Jerrod Calhoun, the Aggies have continued their winning ways, opening the season with a 15-1 record and earning a top-25 ranking. This success is not a fluke but the result of a well-established system that has seen multiple coaches parlay their time in Logan into jobs at bigger programs.
The Coaching Pipeline: A Legacy of Success
The Aggies’ recent success can be traced back to the coaching pipeline that has been established over the years. Craig Smith, Ryan Odom, and Danny Sprinkle all coached at Utah State before moving on to other jobs, yet they remain connected to the program. This connection has been a significant factor in the Aggies’ consistent success.
“We’re all very close,” Calhoun said. “When you get a job, the first thing you want to do is know the ins and outs of the program. They bend over backwards.”
The program’s success can be attributed to the foundation laid by Stew Morrill, who took Utah State to the NCAA Tournament eight times between 1998-2011. Although the program experienced a slight lull towards the end of Morrill’s tenure and in the three years under Tim Duryea, it has become one of the most consistent mid-major programs since 2018.
Transfer Portal Success: MJ Collins Jr. Leads the Charge
One of the key factors in Utah State’s success this season has been the addition of MJ Collins Jr. through the transfer portal. Collins, a 6-foot-4 guard, started his career at Virginia Tech and played last season at Vanderbilt, where he averaged 7.4 points in 32 games. This season, Collins has made a significant leap, playing with confidence and in a system that fits his style of play.
Collins has boosted his scoring average to a Mountain West Conference-best 19.6 points per game while leading the league in shooting at 55% from the floor. He is also 15th nationally in 3-point shooting at 44%. Combined with do-it-all guard Mason Falslev, Collins gives Utah State one of the Mountain West’s best backcourts.
“When we got him, we knew he’d be really good, but I’d be lying to say we thought you’d be averaging 20 a game,” Calhoun said. “I think the system fits him really well.”
Defensive Improvements: A Key to Success
While Utah State has been known for its offensive prowess, this season has seen a significant improvement on the defensive end. The Aggies are better in nearly every defensive category from a year ago, holding teams to nearly three points less per game while forcing an average of 15.2 turnovers.
“Just being very intentional in the offseason about studying, where we can get better when we need to,” Calhoun said. “If you’re going to win in this era, you kind of have to know how you want to play and then you’ve got to get those guys in the portal.”
The Future Looks Bright
With a strong coaching pipeline, a successful transfer portal strategy, and significant defensive improvements, the future looks bright for Utah State basketball. The Aggies have established themselves as a consistent mid-major powerhouse, and under Jerrod Calhoun’s leadership, they show no signs of slowing down.
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