San Jose State head coach Ken Niumatalolo led the Spartans to seven wins in his debut season in 2024, but they struggled in close games last fall.
San Jose State’s three wins last season were its fewest since a 1-11 campaign in 2018. Four of its losses were by seven points or less, including a 30-29 heartbreaker at Stanford.
The Spartans are in a new-look Mountain West this year. One where Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Colorado State and Utah State are gone and the conference title race looks wide open for the first time in nearly a decade.
UTEP, North Dakota State and Northern Illinois have joined the fold. San Jose State is the only returning Mountain West member that has won a conference title. The Spartans took the crown in the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
They have an uphill battle in front of them if they’re going to make it back into title contention, especially because they’re in the midst of a near total rebuild after last season’s roster was gutted by the transfer portal.
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San Jose State Football Season Preview
The Spartans have no shortage of holes to fill on both sides of the ball, including their starting quarterback, leading receiver and leading tackler.
Will It Be Luke Weaver At QB?
Hawaii transfer Luke Weaver looks like the favorite to replace starting quarterback Walker Eget, who transferred to Duke.
The Spartans haven’t been shy about airing it out in recent years. They threw for more than 300 yards in seven games last fall. Weaver showed last season that he has the arm and the poise to compete at a high level.
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound senior started two games for Hawaii last season in place of injured starter Micah Alejado. Weaver completed a combined 53 passes for 534 yards and five touchdowns in his starts against Sam Houston and Portland State.
He also came off the bench to throw a 22-yard game-winning touchdown pass in Hawaii’s win over California in the Hawaii Bowl.
Will The Receiver Pipeline Continue?
Nick Nash ended his college career with a historic season in 2024. Sacramento State transfer Danny Scudero caught 88 passes for 1,297 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He’s gone, too, after transferring to Colorado.
The Spartans are left to rebuild their receiving room once again, but their high-volume passing attack could produce another star right away.
Arizona transfer Malachi Riley didn’t see much action last year, but he should take on a bigger role this fall. He’ll get plenty of competition from transfers Dominique McKenzie (BYU), Anthony Ivey (Penn State) and Jordan Anderson (Sacramento State).
Will The Backfield Produce?
San Jose State struggled to run the ball last season, averaging just 119 yards a game, but it’s hoping UCLA transfer Isaiah Carlson can inject some life into the backfield. Carlson played primarily on special teams in three seasons with the Bruins.
Jabari Bates returns after posting 192 yards and two touchdowns last season, and Viliami Teu has the speed to score on any carry.
Rebuilding The Defense
Leading tackler Jordan Pollard is gone, as is top cornerback Caleb Presley, who transferred to Colorado State.
San Diego State transfer Isaiah Buxton should replace Presley, while redshirt senior Ethan Powell leads a deep group of linebackers, which includes Naseri Danielson and Weber State transfer Aizik Mahuka.
Former Cal Poly safety Brian Dukes Jr. could be a star in the making. The 6-3, 205-pounder posted 51 tackles last season.
Nose guard Solomone Langi should anchor the defensive line, while Ian Shewell, San Diego State transfer Jeremiah Tuiileila, veteran Dejon Roney and Sacramento State transfer Jayland McGlothen will be tasked with improving on the Spartans’ 17 sacks from a year ago.
San Jose State’s Breakout Candidate
WR Tama Amisone – The sophomore burst onto the scene as an athletic quarterback last season, notching 104 passing yards and 75 rushing yards against San Diego State. He transitioned to wide receiver this spring. Who knows how many snaps he’ll get right away in his new role, but if he has a big year, it could be the story of the season in the Mountain West.
San Jose State’s Mountain West Championship Betting Odds
San Jose State’s college football betting odds to win the Mountain West championship is +2000, according to BetMGM. New Mexico and UNLV are the favorites at +270.
San Jose State’s Betting Odds & Win Total Over/Under
- San Jose State’s Over/Under win total is 4.5 games
- The Over is at -155
- The Under is at +120
2026 San Jose State Schedule
Aug. 29 at USC
Sept. 4 at Eastern Michigan
Sept. 12 vs. Cal Poly
Sept. 19 vs. Fresno State
Oct. 3 at Hawaii
Oct. 9 vs. Wyoming
Oct. 17 at UTEP
Oct. 24 at Nevada
Oct. 31 vs. New Mexico
Nov. 7 vs. Northern Illinois
Nov. 14 at Air Force
Nov. 21 vs. UNLV
Nov. 27 vs. North Dakota State
Bold indicates Mountain West games
San Jose State Season Prediction
I predict San Jose State will not win the Mountain West championship and the Spartans will win less than 4.5 games. I think they need to win two of their first four conference games to even have a chance at the Over.
San Jose State’s high-powered passing attack should turn some heads again, but I believe the Spartans need to get a lot more out of the running game and put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks if they have any hope of posting a winning record.
