A weekly look at what Aztecs football stock is up and which is trending downward
Throughout the 2026 San Diego State football season the Sons of Montezuma will take stock of the team’s recent performance.
After each game, we’ll provide an assessment of what position group or unit seems to be trending upward. They’ll be in the “Stock Up” category. Converserly, the team’s area that might need some tweaking to better maximize outcomes will be listed as “Stock Down.”
Stock Up
At the outset of the 2026 season, San Diego State football fans took comfort in knowing the team possessed skilled offensive players in key spots.
Proven talents like receiver Jordan Napier, back-up quarterback-turned-receiver Bert Emanuel Jr, and all-conference running back Lucky Sutton headlined an offensive unit that held such promise and intrigue entering SDSU’s first season in the Pac-12.
But once the season started and the injuries and illnesses began to mount, loyal Aztecs supporters watched as the offense struggled to not only put points on the board but even offer a mere threat to opposing defenses.
Despite the emergence of additions like shifty running back/returner Javion Kinnard and speedy returner/receiver Jaylon Hawkins, SDSU’s offense lacked rhythm, pace, and any sustained success outside of the opener against FCS-side Portland State.
That changed Saturday evening against the visiting Bulldogs from Fresno State. Coach Sean Lewis and staff found a way to unleash the various skilled players in the Red and Black.
Sutton showed his powerful running style on numerous inside handoffs and then added a big 67-yard run to position the Aztecs for more points. Kinnard looked more like himself with his quick decision making and dynamic burst. The duo combined for 200 yards rushing on 32 attempts.
Having Sutton and Kinnard back at the running back spot opened up the passing game just enough for the offense to complete some big plays.
Before departing in the first half with a lower leg injury, quarterback Jayden Denegal connected with Hawkins on a 52-yard touchdown pass down the right sideline.
On the team’s second touchdown, Emanuel Jr. assumed his old spot in the backfield and made a quick toss to Napier resulting in a seven-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
Together, Hawkins, Napier, and Emanuel Jr. contributed 11 catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns.
For this week’s “Stock Up” designation we spotlight the dynamic playmakers on offense. This talented group finally clicked at the same time and, along with clutch kicker Cooper DiLeva, led the Aztecs to a nice bounce back win 26-23 on Homecoming.
In the team’s Monday press conference, the sophomore transfer Kinnard, who contributed a big 24-yard punt return to position the Aztecs at the FSU 27-yard line, talked about the momentum a performance like last week can do for the Aztecs moving forward.
“There’s no going back; it’s kind of what it is,” Kinnard said. “We can’t go back from where we used to be. We have to focus on now and keep it going. It was a good win last week. I feel like we needed it as a program and as a team. So definitely keep it going…Now, it really is our main thing to get a road game win. We know what we can do at home, and coming off a big win, I feel like this would be the perfect week for us to pick up a road win.”
Stock Down
While nearly all the offensive skilled players showed up and showed out in Saturday’s home win, SDSU’s passing game continues to stall and jerk like a young driver learning to drive a manual transition.
Just when it looks like it’s going to shift into high gear, the offense sees a throw sailing high and wide or an open receiver racing down field watching helplessly as the ball falls short of his reach woefully underthrown.
Even Denegal, who has struggled mightily this season to find any consistent success, enjoyed a good start to the game only to limp off the field near the middle of the first half.
On came redshirt freshman quarterback Stone Saunders for his first real college football action. The Kentucky transfer completed six of his 11 throws for 61 yards.
The play calling went conservative with the young signal caller in the game. Though, Saunders did convert a huge third-down play on the game-winning drive when he found Napier open for a 26-yard gain positioning the Aztecs for the deciding field goal.
So, the Sons of Montezuma Week 7 “Stock Down” designation is awarded to the San Diego State passing attack.
The potential is there for this group to be more dynamic. The question is how does Coach Lewis and his staff get the ball into their playmakers’ hands more readily.
At the moment, SDSU ranks near the bottom in the nation (131st) in passing yards per game at 141. Is Saunders the guy to unlock the keys to the passing game?
San Diego State hits the road for a game in Colorado against the Colorado State Rams on Saturday. Kick-off is 3:30 P.M. and the game can be seen on the CW.
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