The Aztecs kick off their inaugural PAC-12 season as hosts to the rebuilding Portland State Vikings. This match should be more than manageable for SDSU to win by an outsize margin.
- WEEK 1: Portland State Vikings vs. San Diego State Aztecs
- WHEN: Saturday September 5, 2026, 6:30 PM PST | 9:30 PM EST
- WHERE: Snapdragon Stadium; San Diego, CA (35,000)
- TV: USA Network (USA)
- SERIES RECORD: SDSU leads the all-time series 1-0.
- LAST MATCH: SDSU won 52-17 in San Diego on Sept. 22, 2007.
- ODDS: San Diego State -41.5
San Diego, CA — The SDSU Aztecs (0-0, 0-0 PAC) opens its first season in the revamped Pac-12 with a home matchup against FCS opponent Portland State Vikings(0-1, 0-1 SKY). Statistically speaking, the Aztecs enter as overwhelming favorites, but maintaining focus will be critical, especially considering their coming road showdown against the formidable UCLA Bruins in Week 2.
The Aztecs must open the season dominantly, using a soft opponent as a platform to showcase their impact players while establishing a Pac-12 tempo. Wire-to-wire control would set the right tone in this match.
Now, let’s take a closer look at Portland State.
Get to Know the 2026 Vikings
Portland State is coming off a grueling 1-11 campaign in 2025 and enters 2026 under new head coach Chris Fisk, who was hired in December, 2025 after a successful tenure at Central Washington University where his 48-22 record included four NCAA II Playoffs appearances over the past five years. Fisk inherited a program in transition and overhauled the roster with 67 new players, as no marquee players returned from 2025, and the Vikings are, for the most part, a clean slate.
Fisk is originally from Pocatello, Idaho, and played football at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota, and Southwestern College in Kansas.
The Vikings opened their season with a difficult 31-24 home loss to UC Davis after surrendering a 21-point halftime lead. Despite the disappointing finish, the game showed signs of progress for a team still adjusting to a seismic rebuild.
Offensive Leaders
Vikings QB1 Tyrese Smith went 23 of 36 in passing for 268 yards. He threw one interception and rushed for two touchdowns in their match last week. Running back Delon Thompson had 48 rushing yards on 15 carries (3.2 ypc).
Wide receivers Devon Anderson had six receptions for 99 yards, and Cru Newman managed seven receptions for 66 yards, plus a 78-yard punt return for touchdown. Tight end Tanner Beaman had four receptions for 39 yards.
Defensive Standouts
The Vikings have some defensive issues, but in last week’s game, safety Gio Kafentzis had eight tackles and one pass breakup; Cornerback Isaac Redford managed seven tackles and two pass breakups. Linebacker Logan Lisherness managed six solo tackles, and defensive lineman Eddie Vega managed an interception and fumble recovery. Defensive end Avery Ducsik had a sack and a tackle for loss.
Your 2026 Pac-12 Aztecs
San Diego State enters its third season in the head coach Sean Lewis era after an impactful 9-4 turnaround campaign in 2025. The Aztecs begin their first official Pac-12 season with expectations of competing at or near the top of the robust new conference.
Most sports outlets have the Aztecs ranked second behind Boise State in the new Pac-12. Count on the Aztecs working hard to surpass these expectations.
Key Offensive Players
The Aztecs have high expectations for QB1 Jayden Denegal this season. The Michgan transfer had a pretty good season last year. As a returning starter with a fully healed shoulder, he is expected to continue leading SDSU’s resurgence.
Star running back Lucky Sutton was the 2025 Mountain West rushing leader, and is a preseason all conference pick. Sutton is on the Doak Walker watchlist and many consider him the next great Aztec running back. He’s easy to spot wearing lucky No. 7.
Wide receivers Jordan Napier and Jacob Bostick are potential all-Pac-12 receivers. Both will likely be unavailable for this season opener while they return off of season ending injuries last year. Christian Washington has a multi-purpose capability as quarterback AND wide receiver, and offensive tackle Joseph Borjon is SDSU’s respected veteran leader for the O-line.
Key Defensive Players
Last season, the Aztecs were sixth nationally in both scoring points allowed (15.4 ppg) and passing yards allowed per game (164.2 ypg). Despite massive turnover they appear to have reloaded with returning and new talent.
After longtime defensive coordinator Rob Aurich left to Nebraska, cornerbacks coach Demetrius Sumler was promoted from within to take over. Linebacker Tano Letuli is a consistent staple. He’s another preseason first-team All-Pac-12 selection. This is Letuli’s third year as captain, making him a special asset.
Defensive lineman Gavriel Lightfoot, a Colorado transfer, is expected to make an immediate impact, and linebacker Josiah Cox is also expected to be a serious contributor this season on Aztec defense.
Keys to a San Diego State Victory
1. Handle Business Early
The Aztecs possess a significant talent advantage and should establish control from the opening drive. Wire-to-wire dominance would set the right tone in this matchup. Demoralizing their opponents would undoubtedly lead to a strong rout.
2. Build Momentum, Boost Stats
This match is a great opportunity for standout performances by Denegal, Sutton, and others to be on full display. Outsize stats could provide valuable confidence heading into next week’s UCLA matchup. Sutton, currently in the Doak Walker conversation, could open the season with a big production day.
3. Power FIVE Precision
This game presents an opportunity for San Diego State to showcase its new Pac-12 identity through disciplined execution on both sides of the ball. As Sean Lewis continues his journey, further offensive enhancement to complement the Aztecs’ elite defense and special teams would make his program unstoppable.
Prediction
Portland State is rebuilding and should compete to their best ability, but the gap in talent and depth is incredibly substantial. Expect San Diego State to control the game from start to finish and use the opener as a springboard into a much tougher Week 2 challenge on the road against the UCLA Bruins.
Final Score
San Diego State 53, Portland State 10
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