Albuquerque, New Mexico, December 28, 2025
The San Diego State Aztecs’ football season came to an end with a narrow 49-47 defeat against North Texas in the New Mexico Bowl. The Aztecs, led by quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr. before an injury, aimed for a 10-win season but fell short despite a strong overall performance in a season marked by significant improvement from the previous year. Transitioning to the Pac-12 Conference next year, the Aztecs will carry valuable lessons from this season into their future endeavors.
San Diego State Aztecs’ Season Concludes with Narrow New Mexico Bowl Loss
Albuquerque, New Mexico – The San Diego State Aztecs’ football season ended on a bittersweet note with a 49-47 defeat to the No. 23 North Texas Mean Green in the New Mexico Bowl on December 27, 2025. Despite a valiant effort, the Aztecs fell short in their pursuit of a 10-win season.
Starting quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr. shone brightly before a shoulder injury sidelined him, illustrating the dynamic talent that the Aztecs possess. With a 9-4 record for the season, San Diego State showcased the resilience often seen in local entrepreneurs aiming to overcome challenges. This season marked a significant turnaround from last year’s 3-9 finish, emphasizing how drive and strategic leadership can fuel success, whether on the football field or in San Diego’s vibrant business environment.
Game Highlights
The Aztecs faced a significant challenge when Bert Emanuel Jr. sustained a left shoulder injury in the second quarter. Prior to his departure, Emanuel Jr. showcased remarkable performance, rushing for 170 yards and two touchdowns, including a 72-yard run. Backup quarterback Kyle Crum stepped in and contributed 169 passing yards and a touchdown, along with two rushing touchdowns. Despite these efforts, the Mean Green’s offensive strength proved too much for the Aztecs to overcome.
North Texas’ Offensive Dominance
North Texas capitalized on their offensive prowess, led by quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who threw for 250 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Caleb Hawkins was particularly instrumental, rushing for 197 yards and scoring two touchdowns, in addition to a 23-yard receiving touchdown. Ashton Gray also made significant contributions with 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns, supporting the team’s total of 618 yards, including 368 on the ground.
Season Overview
Finishing the season with a commendable 9-4 record, the Aztecs demonstrated an impressive resurgence under the leadership of coach Sean Lewis in his second year. Their appearance in the New Mexico Bowl marked the team’s return to postseason play for the first time since 2022, showcasing the dedication and adaptability that characterize successful organizations in the San Diego area.
Looking Ahead
As the Aztecs gear up for their transition to the Pac-12 Conference in 2026, the experiences and determination shown throughout the season will serve as a solid foundation for future success. The competitive spirit and ability to adapt reflect a broader theme in San Diego’s entrepreneurial landscape—where innovation and resilience can drive progress and opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of the New Mexico Bowl between San Diego State and North Texas?
The final score was 49-47 in favor of North Texas.
Who were the standout players in the New Mexico Bowl?
For San Diego State, quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr. rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the game due to injury. Backup quarterback Kyle Crum contributed 169 passing yards, a touchdown, and two rushing touchdowns. For North Texas, quarterback Drew Mestemaker threw for 250 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Caleb Hawkins rushed for 197 yards and two touchdowns, adding a 23-yard receiving touchdown.
What was San Diego State’s overall record for the 2025 season?
The Aztecs finished the season with a 9-4 record, marking a significant improvement from the previous year’s 3-9 finish.
When is San Diego State moving to the Pac-12 Conference?
San Diego State is set to join the Pac-12 Conference in 2026.
Key Features of the 2025 New Mexico Bowl
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | North Texas 49, San Diego State 47 |
| Location | University Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| San Diego State’s Record | 9-4 |
| North Texas’ Record | 12-2 |
| San Diego State’s Head Coach | Sean Lewis |
| North Texas’ Head Coach | Drew Svoboda (interim) |
| San Diego State’s Starting Quarterback | Bert Emanuel Jr. |
| San Diego State’s Backup Quarterback | Kyle Crum |
| North Texas’ Quarterback | Drew Mestemaker |
| North Texas’ Running Back | Caleb Hawkins |
| North Texas’ Running Back | Ashton Gray |
| San Diego State’s Bowl Game Appearance | 21st bowl game overall |
| San Diego State’s Previous Season Record | 3-9 |
| San Diego State’s Improvement from Previous Season | 6-win improvement |
| San Diego State’s Conference Transition | Moving to the Pac-12 Conference in 2026 |
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