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BREAKING: Former Utah QB Bryson Barnes To Transfer To Utah State

The Pig Farmer era has come to an end in SLC, as Bryson Barnes announced that he intends to transfer to Utah State

Austin Eames

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Bryson Barnes, one of Utah football's most intriguing athletes of the 2023 season, has transferred to Utah State. 

The USU Football account on X was the first to post about the former Utah man's move out of Salt Lake. 

Originally coming to the Utes as a walk-on, Barnes emerged seemingly out of nowhere when he replaced an injured Cam Rising in the 2021 Rose Bowl against Ohio State. 

Rising would return in 2022, causing Barnes to slide down the depth chart, only to fill in again during the 2022 Rose Bowl after Rising was injured for a second time.  

2023 would be a different story, as Barnes held on to the starting job and quickly became one of the Utes' most beloved players. 

The Milford, Utah native, led the Utes to a 2-0 record to open the season and gained a cult-like following after Utah fans discovered his pig farming background. With this discovery, Barnes would forever inherit the title of “The Pig Farmer” among the Utah faithful. 

The Pig Farmer's 2023 campaign was filled with great moments. One of which being a whirlwind victory over USC. Against the Trojans, Barnes had his best game of the season, leading Utah with four total touchdowns (3 passing and 1 rushing). The performance would give way to an all-time quote from head coach Kyle Whittingham.

"They got themselves a Heisman Trophy winner. We got a pig farmer," said Whittingham after beating USC.

Pig Farmer mania would continue, and even spill over into Utah's appearance on ESPN’s College Gameday, as nearly every sign seemed to make note of Barnes' former pastime. 

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As the Utes primary starter during the 2023 season, Barnes led Utah to an impressive 8-5 record all things considered. Despite an injury late in the season, the quarterback started 10 games and threw for 1,572 yards with 12 touchdowns. 

Barnes won’t have to move far with his transfer up north. The Aggies project to be a great fit for Barnes who still has two years of eligibility remaining and should thrive in a Group 5 setting. 

Barnes will face his former team when Utah State takes on Utah at home in week three of the 2024 season. 

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Austin Eames
AUSTIN EAMES

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