News Summary
The San Diego State football team is gearing up for the 2025 season, featuring its Fan Fest on August 14 at Snapdragon Stadium. Fans can acquire tickets in advance and enjoy a public scrimmage during the event. Key players like Trey White, the preseason Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year, highlight the team’s renewed expectations. The Aztecs face a challenging schedule, including games against Stony Brook and California. Coach Sean Lewis introduces a new game day tradition while the team adapts to setbacks and works towards a promising season.
San Diego – The San Diego State football team is gearing up for the 2025 season, with its annual Fan Fest scheduled for Thursday, August 14, at Snapdragon Stadium. This free event requires fans to claim tickets in advance through the official ticket link, allowing up to four tickets per transaction. Additional tickets can be acquired by contacting the Aztec Ticket Office. Parking for the event is priced at $10 and can be purchased alongside tickets. The parking lot opens at 5 p.m. PT, with gates opening at 6 p.m. PT. The public scrimmage is set to kick off at 7:05 p.m. PT.
The Aztecs are preparing for their season opener on August 28, where they will face Stony Brook. The home games lined up for the 2025 season will see them hosting notable opponents including California on September 20, Colorado State on October 3, Wyoming on November 1, Boise State on November 15, and San Jose State on November 22. Fans will be eager to see how the Aztecs perform as they embark on this season with renewed hopes and expectations.
One of the key highlights for the team heading into the new season is Trey White, who has been named the preseason Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year. White, a pivotal figure on defense, had a breakout season in which he recorded 12.5 sacks, ranking him fifth in the FBS, along with making 60 tackles, which consists of 40 solo tackles and 18.5 tackles for loss. His exceptional performance has earned him spots on the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, recognizing him as one of the most outstanding defensive players in college football.
The Aztecs’ defensive edge players are under the tutelage of Roy Manning, who brings a wealth of experience from coaching at the Power 5 level. There is also anticipation around newly transferred players, including Brady Nassar and Ryan Henderson, who are expected to make significant contributions. Additionally, Niles King, a standout from Grand Valley State, has joined the ranks and is poised to impact the team’s performance.
During the Fan Fest, the Aztecs held a public scrimmage that showcased new offensive strategies. Jayden Denegal, starting quarterback, led the attack, completing 6 of 13 passes for 50 yards across his first two drives, which resulted in field goals. Backup quarterback Bert Emanuel, Jr. displayed his prowess by throwing an impressive 87-yard touchdown pass to Myles Kitt-Denton. Emanuel, Jr. finished with 134 passing yards on 6 of 13 completions, highlighting the depth and potential of the team’s quarterback lineup.
On the defensive front, Dwayne McDougle, a transfer, had a starting role alongside returning players Eric Butler and Delesean Staley. Another noteworthy player, Tano Letuli, is on the watch list for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. Letuli was also named a preseason first-team all-Mountain West selection, leading the Aztecs with 70 tackles last season despite battling injuries.
The team has faced challenges leading up to the season, including season-ending injuries to transferable players Dallas Fincher and Jelani Whitmore. Nevertheless, the Aztecs are committed to maximizing their potential for the upcoming season. Additionally, head coach Sean Lewis introduced a new game day tradition, titled “Fourth Quarter Danger Zone,” adopting themes from the popular film “Top Gun” to engage fans further during matches.
For those wishing to attend upcoming games, season tickets for the 2025 campaign start at $200, with customizable mini plans available to accommodate various attendance preferences. As the Aztecs head into the season, fans can look forward to exciting matchups and a promising roster eager to leave its mark.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego State Football Fan Fest Announcement
- East Village Times: SDSU Holds Annual Fan Fest
- Sports Illustrated: SDSU Football Defensive Edge
- Fox Sports: San Diego State Football Predictions
- San Diego State Home Opener Announcement

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