San Diego Aztecs Football Season Preview and Key Players to Watch This Year
As I sit down to preview this year's San Diego Aztecs football season, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of anticipation and curiosity that comes every August. Having followed this program for over a decade now, I've learned to temper expectations while still allowing myself to dream about what could be. This year's squad presents an intriguing puzzle - one that could either click into championship form or leave us wondering what might have been.
Looking at the offensive side of the ball, all eyes should be on quarterback Jalen Mayden, who made the surprising transition from defense to offense last season and showed flashes of genuine brilliance. His completion rate of 58.3% last year doesn't tell the full story of his potential impact. What impressed me most was his poise in crucial moments, particularly during that thrilling overtime victory against Nevada where he accounted for 312 total yards. The coaching staff has had a full offseason to design an offense around his unique skill set, and I'm expecting we'll see more creative play-calling that leverages both his arm strength and surprising mobility. The real question isn't whether Mayden can play quarterback at this level - we've seen that he can - but whether he can elevate his game from competent to exceptional. If he can improve his decision-making under pressure and cut down on those 11 interceptions from last season, this offense could be surprisingly potent.
The receiving corps lost some key veterans, but I'm particularly excited about the development of sophomore Mekhi Shaw, who caught 34 passes for 411 yards last year despite limited opportunities early in the season. What makes Shaw special isn't just his route-running ability but his knack for making contested catches in traffic. I've watched him develop since his high school days, and his work ethic is second to none. The chemistry between Mayden and Shaw could become one of the most exciting quarterback-receiver combinations in the Mountain West if they can build on the foundation they established late last season.
Defensively, the Aztecs have built their reputation on being physical and fundamentally sound, and this year should be no different. The linebacker group, led by senior Cooper McDonald who recorded 7.5 sacks last season, might be the strongest unit on the entire team. McDonald's ability to disrupt opposing offenses both as a pass rusher and in coverage gives defensive coordinator Kurt Mattix tremendous flexibility in his schemes. What often gets overlooked when discussing the Aztecs defense is their depth - they regularly rotate 8-9 players along the defensive line, keeping everyone fresh and maintaining pressure throughout the game. This approach has helped them finish in the top 25 nationally in scoring defense for three consecutive seasons, allowing just 21.1 points per game last year.
Special teams often gets treated as an afterthought in these previews, but having seen multiple games decided by special teams play over the years, I believe it deserves more attention. Punter Jack Browning returns after averaging 43.8 yards per punt last season, with 15 of his 59 punts landing inside the 20-yard line. That kind of field position advantage can't be overstated, especially in close conference games where every yard matters. The return game needs improvement though - the Aztecs averaged just 6.2 yards per punt return last season, which ranked them 89th nationally. If they can find a dynamic return specialist, it could provide the spark this team needs in key moments.
The schedule presents both challenges and opportunities. The non-conference slate includes that intriguing matchup against UCLA at the Rose Bowl, which will tell us a lot about how this team stacks up against Power Five competition. Within conference play, the November 18th game against Air Force could very well decide the Mountain West West Division title. Having attended that rivalry game multiple times, I can attest to the intensity and physicality that defines it. The Falcons' triple-option offense always presents unique challenges, and how the Aztecs defense prepares for that week will be fascinating to watch.
When head coach Brady Hoke said "Absolutely, if possible" regarding the team's championship aspirations during media day, it perfectly captured the cautious optimism surrounding this program. They have the talent to compete for a conference title, but the margin for error is slim. The development of younger players, particularly along the offensive line where they lost two starters to graduation, will be crucial. Injuries are always the wild card - last season's campaign was derailed when starting running back Jaylon Armstead went down with that knee injury in week four. The running back depth appears stronger this year, with Oregon transfer Byron Cardwell providing an exciting complement to Armstead's power running style.
What ultimately makes college football so compelling is the unpredictability. We can analyze statistics, watch spring practices, and study recruiting classes, but until these young men step onto the field under those Friday night lights, we're only making educated guesses. My prediction? This Aztecs team finishes 9-3 during the regular season, with losses to UCLA and two conference opponents they should probably beat. They'll be in the mix for the Mountain West championship, and if a few breaks go their way, could very well find themselves playing for a conference title in December. The pieces are there - it's just a matter of whether the coaching staff can assemble them into a cohesive unit that plays to its potential week in and week out. As someone who's witnessed both the triumphs and disappointments, I'm leaning toward this being one of the more memorable seasons in recent program history.
