San Diego State University (SDSU) football is undergoing a significant roster overhaul as it prepares for its inaugural season in the reformed Pac-12 Conference in . The program has been actively utilizing the transfer portal and finalizing its 2026 recruiting class, alongside adjustments to its coaching staff.
Transfer Portal Activity
As of February 16, 2026, SDSU has secured commitments from 23 transfer players, adding to the two junior college players already signed during the early signing period in December. Four additional players have been added since then, bringing the total number of collegiate transfers to 27. These additions are aimed at bolstering the team’s depth and talent as it transitions to a more competitive conference.
Notable transfer additions include:
- Justius Lowe (WR, Senior, Oregon): Lowe contributed 27 receptions for 259 yards and one touchdown during his four years at Oregon, including two catches for 27 yards in the 2024 CFP Quarterfinal against Ohio State.
- Mike Lindsay (CB, Junior, Idaho State): Lindsay recorded 28 tackles, five pass breakups, and one interception in ten games played in 2025.
- Djibril Rahman (EDGE, Junior, Rutgers): Rahman appeared in 24 games over three seasons at Rutgers, totaling 12 tackles and one sack. He earned a 64 overall PFF grade in 160 snaps during the 2025 season.
- Evan Lawrence (OL, Sophomore, Indiana): Lawrence played seven games on a National Championship team, logging 69 snaps at left tackle and earning a 69.7 pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Head coach Sean Lewis highlighted the team’s strategy of identifying and retaining key players. According to Lewis, the staff identified 25 players with over 200 snaps in 2025 that they wanted to keep, and successfully retained 21 of them. The four players who departed were Trey White, Ryan Henderson, Owen Chambliss, and Dwayne McDougle.
The Aztecs’ transfer acquisitions span various levels of collegiate football, with eight players coming from Power Four (P4) schools, four from the Group of Six, nine from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), two from Division II, and four from junior colleges.
2026 High School Recruiting Class
SDSU largely completed its high school recruiting class of 2026 during the early signing period in December, announcing 23 players. The class was further bolstered with the addition of offensive lineman Brady Hill from St. Francis High School in Wheaton, Illinois, on February 4, 2026. Hill had initially committed to the Aztecs in June 2025 and held offers from other programs.
Nine players from the 2026 high school class enrolled early and are participating in spring camp. These include Tainoa Lave (S), Alijah Lash (LB), Javari Nash (LB), Dominic Coelho (EDGE), Harlem Nellum (OL), Jarvis Williams (OL), Derek Stevenson (WR), Daishaun Davis (WR), and Carson Diehl (WR).
Coaching Staff Updates
SDSU has also made several changes to its coaching and support staff. Scott White has been appointed as the linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator, replacing Rob Aurich, who departed for Nebraska. White brings 17 years of collegiate coaching experience, including nine at UCLA. Bill O’Boyle has returned to SDSU as the offensive line coach and offensive run game coordinator, having previously held the same role before joining Northwestern. Matthew Middleton has been named the wide receivers coach and offensive pass game coordinator, coming from Kansas State.
On the support staff side, Sam Brenner has joined as the assistant football strength and conditioning coach, working under Jeff Sobol, the head of football performance. Coach Lewis emphasized the importance of these additions in building a strong team culture and achieving sustained success.
Lewis was recently appointed to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Board of Trustees, representing the Pac-12 conference. This appointment underscores his growing influence within collegiate football.
Early Commitments for the Class of 2027
SDSU is already looking ahead to the 2027 recruiting class, securing verbal commitments from two players from Arizona: Nasim Eason, a defensive back from Higley High School, and Braxton Huynh, a wide receiver from Liberty High School. Eason recorded 25 tackles, 8 passes defensed, and one interception in 2025, while Huynh had 35 receptions for 521 yards and four touchdowns. These early commitments signal a proactive approach to building a strong foundation for the future.
