The upcoming 2026 season is the start of a NEW ERA for SDSU. Sons of Montezuma is putting into focus our top San Diego State football players for you to know heading into the PAC 12 era.
- Name: Kalan Ellis
- Position: Offensive Line
- Class: Senior
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 350 lbs
- Hometown: Waimanalo, Hawaii
- Previous School: Syracuse
When San Diego State brought Kalan Ellis to San Diego through the transfer portal in 2025, the Aztecs were hoping the former Syracuse big man could provide some much-needed stability along the offensive line. By the end of the season, Ellis had done exactly that—and established himself as one of the most important returning pieces of the position group heading into 2026.
The 6-foot-5, 350-pound Ellis was a fixture starter at left guard for San Diego State in 2025, playing 692 offensive snaps. Although his 57.4 overall grade according to Pro Football Focus weren’t dominant, it provided the Aztecs with that consistency.
That valuable experience at one of the most physically demanding positions on the field is going to be called upon again in 2026.
The biggest advantage Ellis brings to the Aztecs is obvious before he even takes a snap. At 350 pounds, he has the size and natural power to create movement at the point of attack. His combination of size, experience and physicality makes Ellis valuable in an offense that wants to ground & pound more often than not.
San Diego State’s 2025 offensive line helped RB Lucky Sutton produce a career-best 1,297 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, while the Aztecs finished 9-3 during the regular season behind it. Ellis along with big Joe Borjon moving sides to that left tackle spot this season, will be a huge force together in 2026.
There are still areas where Ellis needs to improve, however. His 2025 PFF grades suggest that while he was dependable, he wasn’t yet a dominant guard in the conference. The transition from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 will also provide a different level overall, with Ellis expected to face larger and more athletic defensive fronts on a regular basis.
Health is another factor worth watching. Ellis underwent shoulder surgery following the 2025 season, which limited him during San Diego State’s spring practices. That makes his return to full strength all the more important for the Aztecs’ offensive line entering fall camp.
The good news for the Aztecs and HC Sean Lewis, is that Ellis enters 2026 with a full season of starting experience in the system. Having a clear understanding of what is expected of him should pave the way for the other three new starter spots on the line to focus in and measure up.
The expectations should be higher for Ellis, but he also doesn’t need to become an All-American for this offense to take the next step. If he can stay healthy, be consistent in his dominance in tandem with Borjon, and provide positive leadership to his other linemen besides him, he can be one of the players SDSU can depend on to reach their highest heights in 2026.
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