The San Diego State Aztecs are preparing for a landmark 2026 season that will see them compete in the revamped Pac‑12, a conference that has reshaped the landscape of college football.
A new chapter for the Aztecs
Under head coach Sean Lewis, the team hopes to build on a 9‑4 campaign that ended with a bowl victory, a milestone that had eluded them for three years.
Lewis, who took over the program just a short time ago, has already begun to imprint his vision, emphasizing a balanced attack and a defense that can hold its own against Power Five opponents.
The Aztecs open the season at home against Portland State on September 5, a game that will serve as a warm‑up before they step onto Pac‑12 turf for the first time.
Key matchups
Their schedule reads like a gauntlet, featuring matchups against Boise State, UCLA, Washington State, Oregon State and Fresno State, each bringing a different style of play and a history of recent encounters that add extra intrigue.
Later in the month, the team travels to face Boise State on November 21, a game that could prove pivotal in shaping their postseason hopes.
The Aztecs will also test themselves against UCLA on September 12, marking their first meeting with the Bruins since the 2015 move to the Big Ten, a game that many expect to be a trial of resilience after a 35‑10 defeat in 2023.
A night game at Washington State on Halloween, October 31, could add a spooky twist to their campaign, especially after the Cougars have held the upper hand in recent years.
The rivalry with Fresno State, known as the Battle for the Old Oil Can, returns on October 17, promising a heated contest that transcends conference realignment.
The Aztecs will host Texas State on October 3, their first ever meeting with the Bobcats, making the contest a true unknown for both sides.
Former NFL quarterback Kellen Moore, now a commentator, has weighed in on the Aztecs' prospects, noting that the team's defensive front could be a decisive factor against the high‑powered offenses they will encounter.