**Utah State Volleyball's Controversial Forfeit: Implications and Reactions**

Utah State University (USU) has recently made headlines by becoming the fourth collegiate volleyball team to forfeit a match against San Jose State University (SJSU) this fall. In a statement released by the university, USU announced it would not participate in the scheduled October 23 matchup, joining Southern Utah, Boise State, and Wyoming in their decision to forfeit.

The USU spokesperson has provided no further comments on the matter, leaving the exact reasoning behind the forfeiture up to speculation. However, it is widely presumed that the decision is connected to the presence of Blaire Fleming, a transgender female athlete, on the SJSU team.

Utah State Governor Spencer Cox, an alumnus of USU, voiced his support for the decision on social media. "I stand with the students, coaches, and leadership at @SUUtbirds and @USUAggies in their choice to forgo their women's volleyball matches against San Jose State," he stated. Governor Cox emphasized the importance of fair and safe competition for female athletes, criticizing the NCAA for not adequately protecting women's sports.

Under Mountain West Conference regulations, the forfeited match will result in a 3-0 loss for the Aggies, impacting their season record which currently stands at 3-10. In contrast, the Spartans, who remain undefeated, will see their record improve to 9-0.

The NCAA's policy on transgender student-athlete participation, updated in May 2024, permits transgender athletes to compete, provided they meet specific criteria set by national governing bodies, such as USA Volleyball. For volleyball, athletes must adhere to guidelines that include medical documentation and testosterone level requirements, ensuring levels are maintained below 10 nmol/L for at least one year before their application.

The Mountain West Conference itself does not have an independent transgender athlete policy but adheres to NCAA regulations. The conference has yet to issue an official statement regarding the spate of forfeitures by Boise State, Wyoming, and Utah State.

This decision comes as USU prepares to join the Pac-12 Conference in 2026. While this new affiliation is anticipated to be advantageous for the Aggies, there is speculation about whether the recent forfeiture could affect their relationship with the Pac-12. The Pac-12 has not yet responded to inquiries regarding this issue, and the membership agreement between USU and Pac-12 does not address policies related to transgender athletes or specific sports programs.