The University of San Diego’s football team put up 63 points last week, a high-water mark for an offense that’s struggled to start the 2026 season.
The Toreros’ offense took a step back in Saturday’s 41-10 to Butler in a Pioneer Football League matchup played in Indianapolis.
In the first half, USD (2-4, 1-2 PFL) threw an interception and had consecutive drives end with turnovers on downs. One was a fourth-and-4 just from Butler’s 38-yard line, just outside of field goal range for Emiliano Salazar; the other was a fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line.
USD quarterback Dom Nankil completed 28 of 42 passes for 295 yards but threw two picks. The senior quarterback salvaged his afternoon with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Omar Mbakwe. Mbakwe totaled nine carries for 12 yards as the Toreros only recorded 13 rushing yards compared to 262 rushing yards by the Bulldogs (5-1, 2-0).
Elijah Taylor and Yosei Takahashi led the way for the Toreros with six catches each. Cole Monach logged five receptions for 79 yards.
Butler was led by Sam Manna, who logged nine carries for 151 yards, including a 73-yard touchdown to open the scoring with 10:06 left in the opening quarter. Desmin Jackson also ran the ball nine times and totaled 44 yards, including scoring a 22-yard touchdown to extend Butler’s lead to 17-3 with 12:50 left in the second.
Bulldogs quarterback Gabe Passini completed 11 of 16 passes for 217 yards while carrying the ball 12 times for 56 yards and three touchdowns.
USD returns to Torero Stadium next Saturday, where they’ll host Valparaiso at 1 p.m.