Mendenhall Expects ‘Lots Of Volume’ From Bronson Olevao Jr. At Utah State
Jul 30, 2025, 5:10 PM | Updated: 5:17 pm
Utah State junior linebacker was named to the 2025 KSL Sports Zone Hans and Scotty 60 in 60 watchlist. (Photo courtesy Utah State)
(Photo courtesy Utah State)
SALT LAKE CITY – Don’t be surprised if you hear junior linebacker Bronson Olevao Jr’s name a lot this season when watching Utah State football in 2025. Bronco Mendenhall won’t.
The 11-year BYU head coach turned Aggie beamed when asked about the former Highland High School dual sport star.
“Bronson is a dynamic playmaker at linebacker,” Mendenhall began. “(He) really emerged a year ago as I watched tape at Utah State as a special teams player. He runs well, he handles himself well in space, he tackles well in space.”
The first-year USU head coach is excited to see what Olevao Jr. can bring to the defense as a playmaker.
“Really an amazing young person in terms of consistency and leadership,” Mendenhall continued. “I see him emerging as a playmaker with lots and lots of volume from the inside linebacker spot this year.”:
Olevao Jr. has played in 15 career games, registering 29 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and six tackles for a loss.
About Utah State’s Bronson Olevao Jr.
The Salt Lake City, Utah native was considered the 47th best prospect in Utah by 247Sports.com and a two-star prospect after earning 5A Second-Team All-State recognition at safety. He was also a first-team All-Region honoree as a safety and running back with the Highland Rams.
He was a two-sport athlete, also playing basketball.
📍Spring Ball ✔️ | Practice 1️⃣2️⃣
🗣️ Bronson Olevao Jr.
We caught up with junior ILB Bronson Olevao Jr., after Saturday’s practice as the Aggies continue to put in the work. 💪💙 #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/otKDQnPJDq
— USU Football (@USUFootball) April 12, 2025
Olevao Jr. redshirted as a freshman in 2022. He played four games in 2023 before missing the remainder of the season with an injury. He ended the year with six tackles, including two behind the line of scrimmage.
Last season, the 6’1, 215-pounder made 23 stops while playing in all 12 games. He added 3.5 sacks, for TFLs, and three QB hurries.
His father, Kautai Olevao played football at Utah.
What is the 60 in 60?
Hans and Scotty highlight college football players in the state of Utah with their annual 60 in 60 watchlist.
Check back after the 2025 College Football season to see the final 60 in 60 list.
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