For all its success last season, the San Diego State football team ranked closer to the bottom than the top in scoring offense and total offense among the NCAA’s 136 FBS teams.
The goal each year is to be among the top 10 teams in the nation in those categories. SDSU ranked 77th in scoring with 26.4 points per game and 89th in total offense with 356.4 yards per game.
The Aztecs saw what piling up points and yards looks like firsthand at the New Mexico Bowl. North Texas, which beat SDSU 49-47, led the nation in scoring (45.1 ppg) and yardage (512.4 ypg).
What would it have taken for SDSU to be in the top 10? About 10 more points and 100 more yards a game.
With five of 15 spring practices in the books, there is optimism that the Aztecs have the makings of high-level production.
“Our depth is at a better place than it was a year ago,” SDSU offensive coordinator Matt Johnson said after Thursday morning’s practice.
Johnson said the Aztecs now go eight or nine deep along the offensive line and at wide receiver. Two years ago, the Aztecs barely had nine able-bodied players to practice on the O-line; their receivers combined for only 14 catches per game.
The return of running backs Lucky Sutton and Christian Washington and the addition of Colorado State transfer Javion Kinnard provide significant depth in the backfield. Senior quarterback Jayden Denegal, healthy after offseason surgery and experienced after starting 12 games last season, provides an additional boost.
“So now it’s a race of competition for how fast can (players) learn the offense, learn assignments to truly solidify a starting spot,” Johnson said “I told the offense I’m excited every single day to see how quickly can we be connected because, offensively, we have more talent than we’ve ever had. You see the raw talent around here, and I’m excited for it to all come together. …
“You see it when it flashes, and now it’s how consistent can we become as a team on that side of the ball.”
Johnson repeated one of SDSU head coach Sean Lewis’ mantras: “We have time, but we don’t have time to waste.”
“So every rep has to be meaningful,” Johnson said. “It has to be done urgently, and I think the guys are attacking it the right way.”
Early standouts
Lewis was asked to name some players who have stood out so far this spring.
Among the Aztecs he mentioned were offensive lineman Evan Lawrence, a 6-foot-6, 306-pound transfer from Indiana. Lawrence has been running with the first team at left guard and “is doing a nice job,” Lewis said.
Sophomore Michael Watkins (6-2, 310), a returner from Glendale, Ariz., is bidding to replace graduated all-conference center Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli. Lewis said he’s been “pleased thus far” with Watkins.
Lewis said “the young ‘backers are doing a good job” in spring.
Sophomore Jeramiah Lewis (College of San Mateo) and senior Sione Hala (Weber State) were both active tacklers for their respective schools last season. SDSU defensive coordinator Demetrius Sumler also noted that junior Cameron Cooper, a Western Colorado transfer, has stood out so far.
San Diego State running back Javion Kinnard catches a pass during a practice on March 24, 2026 in San Diego, CA. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
And Kinnard, a 5-8, 175-pound sophomore, has been impressive both out of the backfield and on special teams.
Kinnard had only 12 carries last season for the Rams, but he caught 18 passes and earned second-team all-Mountain West honors as a punt returner.
“He’s been dynamic,” Lewis said. “He’s done some natural things. The good Lord touched him, and he’s got a good feel for the game.”
Senior safety Max Garrison has been working with the running backs this spring. He rushed for more than 3,000 yards at St. Francis High School in La Cañada.
Injury update
Two transfers missing spring reps are junior defensive lineman Djibril Rahman (Rutgers), who is wearing a boot on his right foot, and senior edge Kai Wallin (Oregon State), who has a cast on his left arm following wrist injury.
Senior offensive lineman Dallas Fincher continues to be sidelined with the hip injury he suffered last season.
Starting wide receivers Jacob Bostick and Jordan Napier, cornerback Jelani Whitmore and linebacker Tano Letuli are all sidelined in the spring at various stages of recovery from reconstructive knee surgery. Bostick and Letuli appear furthest along. Both are out of bulky knee braces, though they aren’t expected to be on the field until fall camp.