A New Era for the Aztecs
San Diego State’s football program closed the 2025 campaign with a 9‑4 record, a feat that placed the Aztecs in the conversation for the Mountain West championship. The performance underscored the program’s upward trajectory and set a high bar for the transition to the reconstituted Pac‑12 Conference.
Attrition has left several key positions vacant, prompting the coaching staff to turn to the transfer portal. The five most prominent newcomers — Kai Wallin, Evan Lawrence, Justius Lowe, Javion Kinnard and Stone Saunders — bring a mix of experience and upside that the staff believes can fill the gaps left by departing seniors.
Wallin, a senior defensive lineman from Sacramento who previously starred at Oregon State, is expected to compete for a starting spot on the line. Lawrence, a left guard who helped Indiana capture a national championship, is projected to anchor the interior of the offensive line. Lowe, a wide receiver from Oregon, arrives with 27 career receptions for 259 yards and a touchdown, adding depth to the passing attack. Kinnard, a running back and return specialist from Colorado State, earned second‑team All‑Mountain West honors as a punt returner and could provide a spark on special teams. Saunders, a quarterback from Kentucky with a decorated high school career, is viewed as one of the most intriguing transfers and could vie for playing time.
The quarterback position has been unsettled after incumbent starter Jayden Denegal missed the New Mexico Bowl due to surgery on his non‑throwing left shoulder. In his absence, Bert Emanuel Jr. stepped in and delivered a jaw‑dropping performance before sustaining his own injury, prompting a positional shift to wide receiver as the staff seeks to maximize his playmaking ability.
Head coach Sean Lewis, now in his second season, has emphasized competition and versatility throughout the offseason. By integrating the new transfers into a cohesive unit, he hopes to preserve the momentum generated by last year’s success and to position the Aztecs as a credible contender in the Pac‑12.