We here at Sons of Montezuma are putting into focus our top San Diego State Aztecs football players for you to to know in the upcoming 2025 season. Next up is linebacker, Tano Letuli.
Name: Tano Letuli
Position: Linebacker
Class: Junior
Height / Weight: 6′2″, 240 lbs
Hometown: Chula Vista, CA
Previous School: Cathedral Catholic->Army->San Diego State
Tano Letuli enters the 2025 season as a key leader for the Aztecs, building on a strong sophomore campaign. A San Diego native and Cathedral Catholic High alum, the 6′2″, 240-pound linebacker transferred in from Army at West Point.
Once back home in San Diego he quickly made his mark, earning a team captaincy in his first year and leading San Diego State with 70 tackles, along with 1.5 sacks, one interception, and a fumble recovery. He successfully showed why coaches and supporters alike were so thrilled to have him in the red & black.
With relation to Aztec4Life wide receiver and San Diego Christian High alum Jesse Matthews, Aztec greatness is perhaps in line for Tano already. Even more, after a tough overall season for the team, he decided to stay for this upcoming 2025 season, making he and fellow childhood best-friend Trey White, some of the names that won’t be forgotten for their dedication to the program if this season marks the turnaround they expect to make.
“For me it was a mix of being in the best environment that I can succeed in and also believing in the coaches. You hate to just chase a bag in the portal and end up in a really big program, where the whole position group looks like me,” says Letuli.
The linebacker now in his junior season, was gracious enough to join Sons of Montezuma in a sit down podcast interview with us. In our time together he detailed exactly what went into his big decision to run it back with the Aztecs and not be swayed by any poachers that may have been knocking on his door.
“Coaches are goona lie to you and say you’re gonna come in and be their guy. I think I can really succeed at SDSU and I have a lot of resources in San Diego that allows me to succeed. And just to be my best. I love the SDSU coaches, I love their attitude every single day—what they preach and what they pour into us.”
Letuli’s top asset is his tackling and instincts. His 70 tackles ranked 11th in the Mountain West despite missing games with a broken thumb. He still shined through with bright, proving he can disrupt both run and pass.
In his time at the Army at West Point, he learned strong leadership. For being named captain and making immediate impact last season is testament to his influence.
Tano also exhibits strong athleticism and fluid movement. SDSU’s coaching staff describe him as an “athletic, twitchy linebacker… great at getting to the ball”
Letuli is expected to reprise his role as the middle linebacker, anchoring the defense’s front-seven. With his leadership, tackling presence, and improved blitzing, he is positioned to build upon his stats—aiming higher tackle totals, increased tackles for loss, and more turnovers.
“I definitely want to see my technique get better, playing with my hands more, getting off blocks more efficiently. And then be more vocal on the field as well. Last year was really my first year starting and being like ‘a real guy’ in college football.”
And Tano is correct. As effective as he was, Letuli’s pass-rush production remains modest—only 1.5 sacks—suggesting potential to refine his blitz timing and techniques.
Aside from the goal of winning a Mountain West Championship—which was Letuli’s first response in answering for his attainable goals this season—the determined middle linebacker knows numbers are a part of how his performance will be perceived.
“I want to get 100 tackles this year too. I definitely feel confident that I can do it. Can’t miss no more games though.”
As the Aztecs aim to bounce back from a tough 2024 under Coach Lewis, Letuli’s performance and vocal presence will be critical in rallying the defense. If he refines his pass-rush to add some sacks and turnover creation to his resume and maintains health, he could solidify his standing as one of Mountain West’s top linebackers.
Stay tuned as we list more crucial Aztec Warriors that will be looking to make a big impact this 2025 season. The list isn’t in any specific order—but let us know in the comments what you think of each player as the list unfolds.
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