Camp Highlights
San Diego State football concluded its third day of the 2026 fall camp on the campus practice fields, shifting from helmets and spiders to full shells for the first time. The session emphasized on‑field drills and team exercises as the coaching staff evaluated the roster ahead of the upcoming season.
New defensive coordinator Demetrius Sumler, who previously served as a graduate assistant and longtime defensive stalwart on The Mesa, took the opportunity to outline his vision for the unit. Under his guidance the program has produced standout talent, including 2026 NFL first‑round pick Chris Johnson, and now aims to replace last year’s elite defense through shared leadership.
Veteran cornerback Jelani Whitmore, entering his sixth year with the Aztecs, spoke about his recovery from injury and the value of watching the defense from the sidelines. He highlighted the importance of physical readiness and maintaining teamwork as he prepares for what he expects to be his final season in San Diego.
Transfer cornerback Mike Lindsay, who arrived from Idaho State, added his perspective on the early camp atmosphere. Lindsay emphasized the significance of bonding with teammates, intensive film study, and the trust that will be essential when competition intensifies.
The schedule ahead includes a home opener against Portland State on September 5, followed by matchups with James Madison, Texas State, Fresno State, Washington State and Utah State later in the month. Each game will serve as a benchmark for the team’s progress as it fine‑tunes its approach under Sumler’s new system.