San Diego State’s 2025 Fall Camp is nearing the end. The team now enters into the 4th quarter of it all and will soon begin to prepare for game week numero uno against Stoney Brook in two Thursdays from now on August 28th. But first we get a dress rehearsal and scrimmage known to us as ‘FanFest’.
The previous SDSU Spring Event had fans (or didn’t have fans—depending on your perspective) griping for the lack of actual football being played on Snapdragon Stadium’s Bashor Field. That was intentional—a strategic defensive move by Coach Lewis to protect his players from the dreaded transfer portal. Such is not the case tonight.
“Four quarters of play.” said Head Coach Sean Lewis. “We want it to feel like a 2nd NFL preseason game. It’s going to be football not dodgeball. Let’s get this thing rolling.”
We are in full-on GO mode now. No more time for games—it’s game time. The tackling must be tougher, the blocking must be blockier, and the AztecFast—well, it must be Faster.
For Sons of Montezuma, we stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. We are jacked & tanned after a not so hot summer in San Diego and we’ve got five things for you watch tonight if you happen to make it down to the scrimmage. Hopefully we get some kind of printed out rosters at the gates tonight. Okay, here we go.
1. QB1 Jayden Denegal Leading the Offense
As you know by now, Jayden Denegal the Michigan transfer has been officially named as the starting quarterback heading into the 2025 season opener. For those getting their first view of this team, the scrimmage should be encouraging.
SDSU has had their struggles at the position, especially in the passing game the last few years. Last season saw a true freshman learning the ropes of an entirely new offense at the most pivotal position on the team. Last year we had QB Danny (Danny O’Neil)—this year we have QB ‘Denny’ (Jayden Denegal).
Denegal has been billed as the veteran QB looking for an opportunity that the Aztecs team has already turned to for leadership. He’s not short in stature or in confidence.
Timing and accuracy with his receivers is obviously #1 in a QB evaluation. But for this offense to take the next step to where Coach Lewis needs it to be, Denegal needs to exhibit the mastery—or at least signs of—orchestrating the whole unit around him.
Getting correct personnel packages in & out of the fast past offense, being vocal with his teammates to check at the line of scrimmage and knowing the playbook are a great base to evaluate from. His communication from the sidelines being done efficiently are also parts of where Denegal needs to display his maturity.
Keep in mind, this is all looking at pre-snap! What most of us in attendance will see are did he complete the pass. Did he not throw an interception. Nothing wrong with any of that, but keep in mind this offense will be going up against a defense that they’ve been playing for weeks now. They know exactly what’s coming at them and that is pretty tough to beat.
Bottom line, look for Denegal to be able to make all the different array of throws. It may not light up the scoreboard tonight, but you will see there is plenty of arm strength and ability to get the job done.
2. Offensive Line Efficiency
The re-bolstered O-Line has been a talking point all off season. From top to bottom the depth of the unit is bigger, stronger, more experienced and hungry to finish their collegiate careers successful.
Projected starting five on the line figures to have Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli at Center, and a mixture of Bayo Kannike, Kalan Ellis, Christian Jones and Joe Borjon. There are other key players that can compete within those position groups with added depth, but that isn’t our main focus in this scrimmage.
What we want to keep an eye on is the efficiency and discipline of the whole unit. How in sync is the line that’s playing together at any point of the scrimmage is key. No matter what combination of starting five happens to be playing, how many false starts or other pre-snap infractions will we see? Again, after all this is a game against themselves more than anything.
Running the offense is a given, but if the unit is to be successful in re-establishing the offense, eliminating mistakes and timing miscues before the play begins is more than half the battle.
3. Receivers & Tight End Position Battles
Two position units that underwent the most roster turnover than any others are the receivers and tight ends. While there is a lot of talent on both groups, there isn’t a ton of experience. The receivers will boast returning sophomore standout #2 Jordan Napier—he’s the first one to keep an eye on for sure. But then after that, who will stand out tonight and make a push for being higher on the two-deep?
Look for Jerry McClure who we’ve heard and seen put up exciting plays in practice. The former UCLA transfer now in his second season on the Mesa should be able to flash his talents. Anyone else is going to be a welcomed sign of stepping up and out to make a name for themselves.
“The tight-ends are the transformers our offense, they’ve got to be able to do a little bit of everything.” said Coach Lewis in Wednesday’s presser. “Flex out like a receiver, put their hand in the dirt and be an extension of the offensive line.”
Coach put a glow on when talking about this young group saying they each know who they are and why they are here. With so much versatility needed from the position group, knowing their roles sounds pretty important. Seth Adams aka the Boogeyman, comes in with hype and leadership in the group. But what others will put on display either the hard hitting or route running that Lewis details about?
4. How Special Are the Special Teams
Three areas we will for sure get to see on display are how good our kickers, punters and returners look in game time situations. Last year’s team left points on the board and wins turned to losses by a combined 9 points. Every player matters and these position groups time to step up could make the difference between a 3-9 or 6-6 season.
Returning kicker, Gabriel Plascencia has the chance to elevate his stature with his continued consistency. But who will carry on the Punt-U moniker left from Matt Araiza? Who will aim to be the next Rashaad Penny in the return game?
Though it will be as close to game time situation as possible, the atmosphere and pressure will certainly not be in a factor. So what other time should special teams perform at their best, when there are little to zero distractions or outside challenges.
5. New Traditions
Coach wants this to be a dress rehearsal. Good in theory, but if the stands are empty might be a little awkward. The Warrior Walk is planned to be the way the team enters into the stadium as usual. There is a new Alaska Airlines entrance for fans in the Yellow tailgating lot, which should cut down on entrance times.
Other than that any additional traditions or features will be a surprise to us. What we do know is to expect some sort of 4th Quarter ‘Top Gun’ connection as Coach Lewis detailed this week, as a form of building a connection with the San Diego community.
With no Padres game, SDFC match or other big gathering taking time away, SDSU Football tonight has the sports stage all to themselves. Check in tomorrow as we’ll give an honest review of the evenings festivities as best as we can and see is the program hitting their marks in making a real & honest connection with San Diego football fans.
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