As opposing quarterback résumés go, Bryson Barnes’ is about as deep as Air Force can expect to see.

The first college passes Barnes attempted – both completions – came for Utah against Ohio State in the 2021 Rose Bowl. One went for a touchdown.

He was back in the Rose Bowl a year later, this time against Penn State, where he threw another touchdown.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Utah native then threw for 1,572 yards for the Utes in 2013, taking them to the Las Vegas Bowl.

Last year he transferred to Utah State, where he showcased his prowess as a dual-threat quarterback with 378 rushing yards over the final two games against San Diego State and Colorado State.

“He’s a guy who, at the end of the year, we could end up looking back within our league saying this is one of the best quarterbacks,” Falcons coach Troy Calhoun said.

The Falcons haven’t faced Barnes, as Utah State wasn’t on the schedule last season. The closest first-hand experience for the program came in the form of Chevan Cordeiro, the Mountain West’s all-time leader in total yards, passing yards and touchdowns.

The Falcons faced Cordeiro, who had transferred from Hawaii, at San Jose State where he played under offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven.

Cordeiro went 24-for-35 passing for 239 yards and ran for a touchdown against Air Force in 2023, a game the Falcons won 45-20 after trailing by 10 points in the second quarter.

“Really mobile, really experienced,” Calhoun said of traits Barnes shares with Cordeiro. “Could throw a ball on time and get it in the right spot.”

Air Force’s roster is stacked with mobile quarterbacks, which aids in preparation. Freshmen Evan Medders and Cade Spradling have been primarily handling the duties for the scout team.

With an open week in the schedule following a season-opening 49-13 victory over Bucknell on Aug. 30, the Falcons have had extra time to prepare for the latest dual-threat quarterback for an Aggies program that produced several – Chuckie Keeton and Jordan Love among them.

“Definitely with a mobile quarterback you’ve got to take him into account and keep him inside the tackles,” Air Force defensive lineman Aidan Swartz said. “So just paying attention to pass-rush lanes and making sure he’s not running wherever he wants to.”