Captains Ready to Lead
San Diego State University has revealed the five players who will wear the captain’s armband for the 2026 football season. Quarterback Jayden Denegal, defensive tackle Malachi Finau, safety Max Garrison, linebacker Tano Letuli and running back Lucky Sutton were selected after a year that saw the Aztecs rebound from a 3‑9 record to a 9‑4 finish.
Denegal, who guided the offense to a 9‑3 record and a 126.9 passer efficiency rating, returns as the team’s offensive leader. Finau, one of only two defensive starters to see extensive action, brings veteran presence to the line. Garrison earned Mountain West Scholar‑Athlete honors and made his mark on special teams with 11 tackles and several kick returns. Letuli makes history as the first three‑time Aztec captain since Kevin O’Connell, having helped a top‑25 defense dominate in multiple statistical categories. Sutton, a junior who amassed 1,297 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, was also named a Doak Walker Award semifinalist and earned first‑team all‑conference recognition.
A Season of Growth
The upcoming slate blends home non‑conference matchups with Pac‑12 contests, featuring games against Portland State, James Madison, Texas State, Fresno State, Washington State and Utah State. To make the experience more accessible, season tickets start at $175, which includes a $25 Aztec Club membership, while individual game tickets begin at $23.
Fans have responded positively to the pricing adjustments, a move intended to strengthen local support as the program looks to build on its perfect 6‑0 home record from the previous season. With a stadium that outscored opponents 187‑41 at Snapdragon Stadium, the Aztecs are poised to translate their upward trajectory into another competitive campaign.