Aztecs look forward to September 5 opener against Portland State.
Expect an elevated offense while remaining dominant on defense.
Key players will headline the Aztecs on defense and offense.
The Aztecs are deeply engaged in fall camp practices. The emphasis is on “Focus and Finish”. Coach Sean Lewis, while optimistic, has legitimate concerns as he says, “we’ve got to get better. So many errors all over the place, but that’s to be expected” Reviewing scrimmage and practice film, he says, “offensively,
I thought we did a nice job of moving the ball, but then again as drives went along, we ended up stalling out in the red area and we didn’t get into the paint until the second half.”
There is not a want for a lack of effort. Players are flying all over the practice field, as they fight for the coveted starting positions. As with any team sport, one can see most players executing, but it’s the one or two that might run a wrong route or miss their blocking assignment. Getting all eleven in sync at the same time is what long practices and play repetition is all about. That’s what happens when a team has to fill their roster with transfers and new players. While the Aztecs return several key starters along all fronts, they needed to reload to fill vacancies.
Taking a look at the defense front, the Aztecs look strong and expect to build upon their defensive unit domination from last season. As a unit they were sixth in scoring defense, tied for third best red zone defense and was sixth in fewest passing yards allowed per game. This strength begins along the line. Returning are Malachi Finau, Krishna Clay and Amari Comier who combined for 53 tackles. With the focus being on stopping the run, defensive line coach David Lose added some key components to his unit in the off season. Transfers Gavriel Lightfoot and Tuaoa Tauili’ili and freshmen Koi Taiese and Roman Paseka look to get the majority of the snaps. Coach Lose says, “If you look at the room, from top to bottom, you start with those two guys (Lightfoot and Finau). Clay and Comier truly have done a good job pushing themselves as well. Tauili-ili has had a phenomenal summer and done a really good job during camp improving his game, being stalled at the point of attack. He has also added some repertoire to his finesse pass rush game and capabilities. We are really excited about our two young guys, Koi Taiese and Roman Paseka as well, and the potential they bring to the program for the near future and the far future.”
The defensive line mirrors the intensity of the offensive line. Squaring off against each other, pushes both sides to be more effective. Physicality and violence are key components. As is said, iron sharpens iron and the defense looks to be a sharp edge. Intense competition during practice is preparing both units to be better during the season. Edge Coach Colin Ferrell says, “Honestly, you just got to be a dog. The trenches aren’t meant for everybody It’s just the biggest dog that is going to win at the end of the day. We compete against the offensive line every day. We both are progressing. I think as long as both us and the offensive line keep competing, nobody’s going to be able to stop us at all.”
Looking at transfer Lightfoot, he has jumped in with full tenacity. He started his career at Fresno State where he played in 35 games. He then transferred to Colorado for the 2025 season but was hampered by injuries. He says, “I think we’re meshing together. Plays are coming. Everybody’s playing fast. Everybody’s having fun out there. That’s what matters most: being violent, being physical.”
Taking a look at the secondary and one sees a tremendous opportunity to rise and shine. Specifically the safeties are loaded to return another outstanding performance. Coach C.J. McGorisk heads a group of fourteen players, half of which are new to San Diego State. He brings an extensive resume including stops in four conferences.
“We have some new faces, some old faces, and all those guys are really coming together. It’s really fun to see the connection that we’re building within the safety room, and then across the defense and across the team as a whole. A rising tide lifts all ships. lOne guy’s going to make a play, and it’s a challenge to the next guy to step up and make a play. We’re going to put our best eleven players on the field in our 4-2-5 structure. Our nickels are going to do a little bit of everything, and that free safety and bullet safety get to run the show back there. We’re going to ask all five of our DB’s to be corners, nickels, free or bullets to fit the run when they need, and then to cover when they have to cover. You have to be able to do everything back there.”
Of interest is transfer Isaiah Green from Portland State. In 2024 he saw action in 11 games while starting seven. He accounted for 50 tackles, three pass breakups and an interception. The next season he played in 12 games and had 100 tackles, including four for loss and a forced fumble
Of note on the offense, the Aztecs return some key producers in the receiving game. Donovan Brown and Jordan Napier both return after each accounted for over 500 receiving yards with two touchdowns each. Jacob Bostick returns after averaging over 14 yards per reception and three touchdowns. Other returners include Jaylon Hawkins, Will Cianfrini and Nathan Acevedo, adding to the Aztec depth. Coaching the wide-outs is Matthew Middleton who comes to the Aztecs staff after three seasons with Kansas State. He previously spent five years with Coach Lewis at Kent State. The competition has been stiff with returners fighting for starting jobs. Middleton says, “The coaching staff and recruiting department have done a great job with acquiring talent and then developing them to this point. Guys are making plays everywhere right now. The depth is real, and the consistency of play is real as well. They’ve made it very tough because each one of them are hungrily battling and competing day in and day out.”
Of special interest is the shift of former quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr. to receiver. He has strength and speed. He has shown some dynamic playmaking abilities including rushing for 170 yards last season against North Texas State. This was the most by an Aztec quarterback in a single game. Another returning stalwart, Acevedo had four catches for 61 yards and returned a pair of punts for 63 yards, including a touchdown. Acevedo stressed the camaraderie and brotherhood the receiving corp has shown. Each player backs one another up and has built and developed a deep level of trust. Saturday September 5 will be the preview of the new Aztec team as they take on Portland State. This will be followed by a road game at UCLA before returning home to face James Madison on September 19. Future conference home games include new addition Texas State, Fresno State, Washington State and Utah State. Much has changed for the Aztecs, but the same basic philosophy under Coach Lewis exists. It will be exciting to see this team perform and if the defense can continue to shine and dominate.
