San Diego State enters the 2026 season with perhaps its deepest collection of offensive talent under Sean Lewis. We’ve heard it from directly from Lucky Sutton and we’ve heard it directly from Jackson Ford. This Aztecs offense is skilled and they are loaded.
But when SDSU opens up their 2026 season this Saturday evening at Snapdragon Stadium, is the expectation to see all of that talent on display really deserved? Las Vegas odds makers have the home team Aztecs squarely at 40 point favorites over visiting Portland State. Guess that means yes.
Lewis as a head coach is returning his starting QB1 for the first time since his years at Kent State. He last coached that program back in 2022.
Thankfully Jayden Denegal, the senior gunslinger who won a National Championship while being a backup at Michigan, is back at quarterback. Lucky Sutton returns after rushing for 1,297 yards and 10 touchdowns that earned him Doak Walker Award semifinalist recognition.
The receiving corps has brought back experience & explosiveness and even added more speed & depth to the unit.
But none of it matters quite as much compared to the five men up front holding their own.
The offensive line may quietly be the most important position group on San Diego State’s roster if they plan on finishing the climb and winning the Pac-12 this inaugural season.
Last year, SDSU started the same five offensive linemen in all 13 games, which carried with it the consistency necessary for Sutton to produce one of the best rushing seasons in school history.
The Aztecs in 2025 also allowed just 18 sacks, tied for 25th-fewest in the FBS.
This year, only two of those five starters return.
Joe Borjon and Kalan Ellis give San Diego State a formidable foundation on the left side. Borjon, a 6-foot-9, 340-pound senior, moves to left tackle after starting every game last season, while the 6-foot-5, 340-pound Ellis returns at left guard.
The rest of the line is getting a show me what you got opportunity.
This week’s 2-deep depth chart reveals that Ball State transfer Isaac Lucas has made the transition from guard to center and will be responsible for helping organize the blocking scheme from the middle. Texas Southern transfer Dennis Jones, listed at 6-foot-6 and 350 pounds, has impressed enough to establish himself at right tackle. Michael Leville Watkins has been competing at right guard while also possessing the versatility to play multiple positions.
New offensive line coach Bill O’Boyle has emphasized competition throughout camp, with 12 new players entering the position room. Rather than locking players into one spot, the Aztecs have emphasized finding the best five players and developing players capable of moving around when necessary.
When you factor in the use of the tight-ends in the run, pass and protection game, this years line-up also must hold up the standard of physical play that was carried through last season with the graduated Seth Adams. Insert tough youngsters Jackson Ford, Kime Fangupo, Ryan Wolfer and Jack Lua among others.
For a team with championship aspirations and the way the season ends up being a war of attrition at times, that ability to be versatile could mean a lot.
Does the offensive line need to be their best, most finished selves Saturday night to get the win against Portland State? Not exactly.
If Saturday comes and the offensive level of production takes a sluggish approach to being dominant against the FCS Vikings, the prevailing thought is simply punish their smaller opponents by a full dose of run behind the left side of the line.
The nation knows what Lucky Sutton is capable of when given some room. Additional running threats Christian Washington and Javion ‘Chop’ Kinnard have created excitement for what they can do. Denegal is healthy and knows what it takes to have a Championship level of command of an offensive unit.
The line as a unit, however, need to establish an identity together. Now the line has to give all that talent the time, space and protection on where they want to go.
That cohesion could ultimately determine how high this offense climbs.
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