News Summary
San Diego State University has strengthened its football program by signing former Cal running back Byron Cardwell. Cardwell, a talented player with a strong high school background and college experience from Oregon, aims to contribute to SDSU’s success after facing injuries. His commitment is influenced by a connection to the coaching staff and a desire to mentor his brother, who is also joining the Aztecs. Meanwhile, SDSU’s baseball program faces transitions as players enter the transfer portal following coaching changes.
San Diego – San Diego State University (SDSU) has made headlines with the signing of former Cal running back Byron Cardwell, bolstering its football program as part of a significant recruitment effort that sees a total of eight players acquired from the transfer portal this spring.
Cardwell, who was recognized as the top prospect in California for his position during his high school years, brings a wealth of experience and talent to SDSU. Beginning his college career at Oregon, he quickly showcased his potential, rushing for 417 yards as a true freshman and leading the Pac-12 Conference with an impressive average of 6.84 yards per carry. One of his most notable performances came against Colorado, where he accumulated 127 yards on just seven carries.
Despite his promising start, Cardwell faced challenges related to injuries that have impacted his playing time. He suffered a high ankle sprain during the 2022 season and was forced to miss the entirety of the 2023 season while at Cal due to a knee injury. Nonetheless, he is set to graduate from Cal on Saturday with a degree in sociology, and he retains two years of eligibility to play at SDSU.
Cardwell’s decision to join SDSU was influenced by his connection with the coaching staff, particularly head coach Sean Lewis and running backs coach Darian Hagan. He envisions a collaborative effort to enhance the football program and contribute positively to the team’s dynamic.
In high school, Cardwell demonstrated his capabilities, rushing for a remarkable 2,000 yards and participating in two games for Morse High School during the COVID-19 delayed season in 2021. Furthermore, he has personal ties to SDSU as his younger brother, Braylon Cardwell, is part of the Aztecs’ 2025 recruiting class. Byron expressed excitement about the opportunity to mentor his brother during his collegiate journey.
By joining SDSU, Cardwell adds depth to the running back room, which already includes local talents Lucky Sutton and Christian Washington. He is eager to compete for playing time and contribute to the team’s performance as they prepare for the upcoming season, which begins on August 28 against Stony Brook.
As SDSU’s football players head into a brief two-week hiatus before the summer conditioning program kicks off, the coaching staff aims to maximize the potential of the newly recruited players ahead of the training camp in August.
In related developments, SDSU’s baseball program is experiencing its share of transitions, as sophomore infielder Finley Bates announced his entry into the transfer portal on the same day he was recognized as an all-academic honoree. The baseball team has seen several players, including junior right-hander Marko Sipila and junior infielder Nevan Noonan, also enter the portal following the dismissal of head coach Shaun Cole.
Coach Cole, whose tenure was marked by a 38-76 record over two seasons, is no longer at the helm, prompting SDSU to search for a new leader for its baseball program. While the team reached the conference tournament, it failed to progress beyond the initial round, highlighting areas that require improvement.
The head coaching position for baseball at SDSU is regarded as a coveted opportunity, albeit one that comes with challenges, including the need for upgraded facilities and competitive salaries when compared to rival programs. The university’s baseball facility, Tony Gwynn Stadium, has shown signs of neglect, which may require the new coach to focus on enhancing both amenities and maintenance standards to attract new recruits.
As scholarship limits are expected to be lifted, the new baseball coach will need to navigate these changes carefully while also considering the regional ties that could facilitate recruitment in light of San Diego’s higher cost of living.
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Additional Resources
- MSN: College Basketball Transfer Portal
- Wikipedia: San Diego State Aztecs
- Sports Illustrated: SDSU Baseball Transfers
- Google Search: San Diego State University Baseball
- San Diego Union-Tribune: SDSU Baseball Transfers
- Google Scholar: College Basketball Transfer Portal
- Frogs O’ War: SDSU Women’s Basketball Transfer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Basketball
- Sports Illustrated: SDSU Loses Star Player
- Google News: San Diego State University Football
