McCae Hillstead, the former Skyridge High School quarterback from Lehi, threw for 173 yards and accounted for two touchdowns in his return from injury as Utah State beat Colorado State 31-14 on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Maverik Stadium in Logan.

Hillstead completed 17 of 22 passes with one touchdown and added 11 carries for 79 yards and a rushing score, according to Utah State athletics. The junior quarterback committed no turnovers.

It was Hillstead's second start of the 2026 season. He had been named the Aggies' starter entering the year but was sidelined by an injury in the season opener against Idaho State, ABC4 reported.

The Aggies took control on their opening drive. Redshirt freshman running back Nehemiah Washington capped a 75-yard march with a 31-yard touchdown run, his first career score, according to Utah State athletics. After a Kian Afrookhteh 25-yard field goal, Hillstead scrambled on third-and-14 in the red zone for an 18-yard rushing touchdown, his first career rushing score. Utah State led 17-0 at halftime.

Colorado State managed just 67 total yards in the first half, including minus-5 on the ground, according to ABC4.

Javen Jacobs added a 12-yard rushing touchdown in the second half before Colorado State got on the board with a Durell Robinson 6-yard run. Hillstead then connected with Kaina Watson on a 7-yard scoring pass. The Rams closed the scoring on a 21-yard pass from Hauss Hejny to Cedric Ross.

Utah State piled up a season-high 464 yards of total offense and 247 rushing yards. The Aggies held the ball for more than 36 minutes. Anthony Garcia led the Aggies in receiving with 11 catches for 121 yards.

Hillstead attended Skyridge High School in Lehi, where he helped lead the Falcons to the Utah 6A state championship, according to The Utah Statesman. He threw for 6,898 yards and 73 touchdowns during his high school career and added 1,791 rushing yards and 35 scores on the ground. He originally committed to Utah State out of high school, then transferred to BYU before returning to the Aggies in January 2026 under head coach Bronco Mendenhall.

Utah State improved to 4-5 overall and 3-2 in Pac-12 play with the win. The Aggies host Fresno State on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Maverik Stadium, with the game airing on USA Network.