Sacramento State's Leap to the FBS: Bold Ambition or Risky Overreach?

Sacramento State is set to join North Dakota State as a fresh FBS addition in EA Sports College Football 27.

On February 16, 2026, Sacramento State officially accepted an invitation to join the Mid-American Conference as a football-only affiliate member starting July 1, 2026 — a five-year term that elevates the program from the FCS Big Sky Conference to the Football Bowl Subdivision. It marks the first West Coast program to make the FCS-to-FBS jump since San Diego State and Fresno State did it back in 1969. The Hornets will be replacing departing Northern Illinois and giving the MAC its first Pacific Time Zone foothold.

The move comes with a steep price tag: an $18 million entrance fee to the MAC (with $6 million due in Year 1) plus a $5 million NCAA transition fee, totaling $23 million. Additional terms include Sac State forgoing any conference revenue distributions and covering air travel costs for visiting MAC teams. The university's athletics budget sat at roughly $11 million last year, and the school faces a projected $2.9 million deficit. President Luke Wood has stated the fees will come from game guarantees and football-generated revenue — not student fees or the general fund — while a new NIL collective has raised tens of millions in pledges and stadium upgrades at Cal Expo are in the works.

The announcement has sparked intense debate. Supporters see a visionary program betting on itself to compete at the highest level. Critics call it financially reckless, geographically absurd, and a short-term gamble fueled by envy-worthy spending. Both sides deserve a fair hearing.

Aztecs Unveil 2026 Football Schedule: A New Era in the Pac-12 Begins

Image Credit: GoAztecs.com

The San Diego State Aztecs are officially on the clock for their Pac-12 debut, and the 2026 schedule has arrived with plenty of intrigue. Released jointly by the conference and the program on Wednesday night, this slate marks the start of a bold new era for SDSU under head coach Sean Lewis as the team transitions from the Mountain West to the revamped eight-team Pac-12. 
Featuring four non-conference games to open the year, a full seven-game round-robin league schedule, a timely bye, and a groundbreaking flex matchup to close the regular season, the calendar sets up exciting opportunities for road adventures, rivalry renewals, and potential postseason pushes.
The non-conference portion kicks off with a home opener against Portland State on September 5 at Snapdragon Stadium—a familiar FCS opponent the Aztecs crushed 52-17 back in 2007. The real test comes early with a September 12 road trip to UCLA in the Rose Bowl, where SDSU holds a memorable 23-14 upset win from 2019 but fell 35-10 in their most recent clash. Back home on September 19, the Aztecs welcome James Madison in the first-ever meeting between the programs; the Dukes were a 12-2 Sun Belt powerhouse in 2025, reaching the CFP before a loss to Oregon in the first round. The non-league slate wraps September 26 at Toledo, avenging a close 2022 win in San Diego against a Rockets team that's posted 16 straight .500-or-better seasons.

SMU Holds Off Furious Arizona Rally to Win Holiday Bowl, 24-19

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

SNAPDRAGON STADIUM – The SMU Mustangs (9-4) held off a frantic second-half comeback to defeat the No. 17 Arizona Wildcats (9-4) 24-19 in the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl on Friday night, claiming the program's first bowl victory in 13 years.

The Mustangs dominated the first half, building a 24-0 lead before the Wildcats mounted a desperate rally that fell just short.

"It's the first bowl we've won in a while here at SMU," said Mustangs head coach Rhett Lashlee. "Each year, we've been able to check things off. That's the one thing this group hadn't done. We hadn't won a bowl game, we hadn't finished the season with a win."

SMU came out firing, racing to a 21-0 lead before halftime with three touchdown drives that dissected Arizona's undermanned defense. The Wildcats were without several key players who opted out of the bowl game, a decision Arizona head coach Brent Brennan acknowledged before kickoff.

"Three weeks ago, we had some of our players tell us that they were not going to play in this football game," Brennan said. "Those are family decisions, and we respect that."

Senior running back T.J. Harden set the tone immediately for SMU, capping the opening 83-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run just 13:58 into the game. Harden struck again midway through the first quarter with a 3-yard scoring plunge, making it 14-0.

The Mustangs' offense showed no signs of slowing. A methodical 16-play, 94-yard drive consumed nearly seven minutes and ended with senior tight end Stone Eby's 1-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 21-0.

Sam Keltner added a 24-yard field goal with 29 seconds left in the half for a commanding 24-0 advantage.

"One, we couldn't have played much better in the first half," Lashlee said. "Nobody has done that to Arizona's defense all year."

But Arizona, picked to finish last in the Big 12 preseason poll before winning nine games, refused to go quietly.

Carlsbad's Julian Sayin Eyes National Title After Strong Heisman Showing

The Heisman Trophy ceremony came and went last weekend, with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza taking home college football's most prestigious individual honor. For Carlsbad High alum Julian Sayin, the Ohio State Buckeyes' poised and talented quarterback, the stiff-arm trophy will have to wait—at least for now.

But make no mistake—Carlsbad's native son isn't losing sleep over it.

Sayin finished fourth in the Heisman voting with 432 points and eight first-place votes, a remarkable showing for a sophomore signal-caller. More importantly, he's made it clear all season: individual awards are nice, but his ultimate dream is hoisting the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy with his Buckeye teammates.

A Breakout Season in Columbus

In his sophomore campaign as Ohio State's starting quarterback, the former Carlsbad High School standout has delivered exactly what Buckeye Nation hoped for. Sayin has taken command of Ryan Day's high-powered offense, completing an impressive 78.9% of his passes while turning heads with his arm talent, composure under pressure, and playmaking ability.

From clutch performances in crucial Big Ten matchups to leading the Buckeyes into playoff position, Sayin has proven he belongs among the elite signal-callers in the country. While the Heisman voters ultimately crowned Mendoza, Sayin's body of work throughout the season positioned him as one of the nation's premier quarterbacks.

Now, with the College Football Playoff in full swing, Sayin and Ohio State have bigger business to handle. The defending national champions are positioned for a legitimate run to repeat, and a second consecutive title would mean far more to the young QB than any individual hardware.

The Road Ahead

No. 2 Ohio State is preparing for their College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup on December 31st against the winner of Texas A&M and Miami. As the defending champions, the Buckeyes enter the playoff with high expectations and the experience of winning it all last season.

For Sayin, this postseason represents an opportunity to add to his growing legacy while leading his team toward the ultimate prize.

Holiday Bowl: Arizona and SMU Ready for Showdown

Photo Credit: David Frerker / Holiday Bowl

With the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl set to kick off after New Year's Day, both Arizona head coach Brent Brennan and SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee expressed enthusiasm and mutual respect during Monday's coaches press conference in San Diego.

A Homecoming for Brennan

For Brennan, the Holiday Bowl represents a return to familiar territory. The Arizona coach shared personal connections to the storied bowl game, recalling his time as a graduate assistant at Washington in 1999 and watching his brother play in the 1998 edition.

"The University of Arizona is incredibly honored to be in the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl," Brennan said, praising the hospitality of Sports San Diego and its legendary red jackets. He emphasized the significance of playing in California, his home state, and noted that much of Arizona's roster hails from the Golden State.

The Wildcats enter the match-up with one of the nation's top defenses and the country's best turnover margin. Brennan urged fans to snap up the remaining 5,000 tickets, promising an exceptional college football game.

SMU's Postseason Tradition Continues

Lashlee, leading SMU to its seventh straight postseason appearance, acknowledged the Holiday Bowl's prestigious history while looking to improve the Mustangs' recent bowl game record.

"For our school, our fan base, and our players to get to play in this game is a huge honor," Lashlee said, referencing SMU's memorable 1980 Holiday Bowl appearance featuring Eric Dickerson and Craig James.

The SMU coach praised Arizona's formidable defense, highlighting their ranking as the second-best turnover defense in the country and noting that only two teams have scored over 30 points against them in regulation this season.

Desert Heat vs. Pony Express: No. 17 Arizona and SMU Clash in Post-New Year’s Holiday Bowl Showdown

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

The Trust & Will Holiday Bowl on January 2, 2026, promises a clash of rising powers when the No. 17 Arizona Wildcats (9-3, 6-3 Big 12) meet the SMU Mustangs (8-4, 6-2 ACC) at Snapdragon Stadium. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. Pacific Time on FOX, marking the first time the storied bowl shifts to a post-New Year's slot.

The Wildcats roll in riding high after a stunning 2025 turnaround under second-year coach Brent Brennan, flipping last season's 4-8 record into a 9-3 finish capped by a five-game winning streak, including a nail-biting Territorial Cup victory over Arizona State. Quarterback Noah Fifita, now the program's all-time passing touchdown leader, shredded defenses for 2,963 yards and 26 scores, fueling an attack averaging 32.6 points and 404.8 yards per game. Senior running back Ismail Mahdi (887 all-purpose yards) and a revamped line kept things balanced at 150.4 rushing yards per game. But it's defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales' "bend-don't-break" unit—19th nationally in scoring defense (18.9 points per game) and forcing 28 turnovers—that stole the show, earning him Broyles Award semifinalist recognition. Arizona's ready to etch a 10th win into history, their fifth 10-win campaign.

SMU, in year two of Atlantic Coast Conference life after a blockbuster 2024 debut that landed them in the playoff, arrives hungry to snap a five-game bowl losing streak dating to the 2012 Hawaii Bowl. Rhett Lashlee's Ponies posted an 8-3 mark before a late-season stumble at Cal dashed title hopes, but their high-flying offense—32.9 points per game, 11th in passing (283.5 yards per game)—stayed lethal behind quarterback Kevin Jennings' 3,363 yards and 26 touchdowns. Senior running back T.J. Harden (747 yards, 7 scores) and wide receiver Jordan Hudson (749 yards, 6 touchdowns) powered the ground-and-air assault, while a stingy defense (20.7 points per game allowed, 19th in rush defense) notched 27 takeaways. The series sits even at 1-1 (SMU's 1938 win, Arizona's 1985 upset of No. 3 SMU), but under these lights, expect fireworks as both squads vie for Holiday Bowl supremacy.

College Football Roundup: SDSU & USD secure conference home wins

Aztecs Dominate Boise State for First Place in the Mountain West

San Diego State secured a decisive 17-7 victory over the Boise State Broncos on November 15th at Snapdragon Stadium, improving their record to 8-2 (5-1 in conference) while the Broncos fell to 6-4. The Aztecs controlled the game from the second quarter onward, establishing dominance on the ground with 277 rushing yards compared to Boise State's 164.

Quarterback Jayden Denegal proved instrumental in the win, rushing for both of San Diego State's touchdowns—a one-yard score in the second quarter and an eight-yard run later in the half. Lucky Sutton led the ground attack with 150 yards on 25 carries, while Christian Washington added 98 yards including a spectacular 41-yard gain. The Aztecs' defense stifled Boise State's passing game, limiting them to just 17 yards through the air. Dylan Riley scored the Broncos' only touchdown on a nine-yard run, and Gabriel Plascencia added a 47-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. The win kept San Diego State firmly in contention for a Mountain West Championship berth with just two regular season games remaining (vs. San Jose State, @ New Mexico).

Toreros Explode in Fourth Quarter, Defeat Butler 29-7

The University of San Diego Toreros put up 23 fourth-quarter points to overwhelm the Butler Bulldogs 29-7 on Senior Day at Torero Stadium, improving to 7-4 overall and 5-2 in the Pioneer Football League. After trailing 7-6 entering the final quarter, the Toreros completely dominated the closing period, scoring a safety, two touchdowns, and controlling possession for over nine minutes.

Senior captain Matt Colombo led USD's balanced rushing attack with 113 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, while fellow senior Adam Criter added 56 yards and a score. Quarterback Dom Nankil (Mater Dei Catholic) threw for 218 yards including a spectacular 43-yard touchdown strike to Josh Heverly in the fourth quarter. The Toreros' defense forced two critical interceptions in the fourth quarter, with linebacker Nate Fischer recording both a fumble recovery and an interception while leading the team with nine total tackles. Butler's Reagan Andrew threw for 141 yards and a touchdown to Brady Preston, but the Bulldogs managed just 75 rushing yards and fell to 5-6 on the season. The victory keeps USD's hopes of sharing the PFL title alive heading into the final game of the regular season at Stetson.

College Football Recap (Oct. 18)

Julian Sayin Shines in Ohio State Victory

Former Carlsbad High School star Julian Sayin delivered a career-best performance for Ohio State in the Buckeyes' 42-36 victory over Wisconsin Saturday morning. The sophomore quarterback completed an impressive 85.7% of his passes (36-of-42) for 393 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing the elite talent that made him one of the nation's top recruits. Sayin's precision passing attack carved up the Badgers defense as he distributed the ball efficiently throughout the game, displaying the poise and accuracy that San Diego County football fans have come to expect from the talented signal-caller.

The performance wasn't just statistically impressive—it marked Sayin's arrival as a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender for the undefeated Buckeyes.

Sayin has now completed more than 70% of his passing attempts with at least two touchdown passes in each of Ohio State's last six games, joining an exclusive club that includes only four other quarterbacks: 2023 Heisman finalist Bo Nix, 2020 finalist Trevor Lawrence, 2019 winner Joe Burrow, and 2018 winner Kyler Murray. 

His teammate, star wide receiver Carnell Tate, didn't mince words about Sayin's Heisman credentials, declaring: "He's the truth. He's a Heisman winner. There's no ifs, ands or doubts about it. Each and every week, he shows us he's a Heisman winner."

The Carlsbad native has taken the college football world by storm in his first year as a starter, leading the nation in completion percentage while piloting Ohio State's high-powered offense. Head coach Ryan Day intentionally opened up the offense against Wisconsin, putting more on Sayin's plate and challenging him to push the ball downfield—a test the young quarterback passed with flying colors. The Buckeyes remain perfect at 7-0 and have won 11 consecutive games dating back to their College Football Playoff championship run last season, with Sayin emerging as the orchestrator of one of the nation's most dominant offenses.

Is Julian Sayin a Heisman Trophy Contender?

As the 2025 college football season heats up, one of the biggest storylines revolve around sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin. After transferring to Ohio State from Alabama, Sayin has quickly become one of the most talked-about young quarterbacks in the country. With a loaded Buckeye roster, elite-level offensive weapons, and national championship aspirations, the question many football fans from Carlsbad to Columbus are asking is simple — can Julian Sayin actually win the Heisman Trophy this year?

From Alabama to Ohio State: The Rise of Julian Sayin

A five-star recruit from Carlsbad High, where he was considered one of the most polished high school quarterbacks in the country, Sayin enrolled early at Alabama. However, after legendary head coach Nick Saban announced his retirement, Sayin entered the transfer portal and landed at Ohio State in early 2024 — a move that immediately reshaped the Buckeyes’ quarterback situation.

In limited action during the 2024 season, Sayin showed flashes of brilliance for the eventual national champions, completing 5 of 12 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. That small sample and his training camp performance was enough for Ohio State’s coaching staff to hand him the keys to the offense in 2025. Through the first half of the season, he’s made good on that decision, throwing for over 1,400 yards, 15 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, while maintaining one of the top efficiency ratings in college football.

Aztecs on a Roll: Can the Winning Streak Continue?

The San Diego State Aztecs continues to impress in the 2025 season, now riding a four-game winning streak and sitting at 5-1 overall. Under head coach Sean Lewis, the team has already eclipsed last year’s win total and is showing no signs of slowing down. With commanding victories at home and a statement road win in Reno, SDSU is emerging as a serious contender in the Mountain West Conference.

Recapping the Streak: From Shutout to Blowout

The streak began on September 20 with a 34-0 shutout of California, followed by a gritty 6-3 win at Northern Illinois and a 45-24 offensive explosion against Colorado State. But the most recent chapter came on October 11, when the Aztecs demolished Nevada 44-10 on the road.

SDSU scored in all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams—marking their most complete performance of the season. Jordan Napier opened the scoring with a 75-yard punt return touchdown, and Chris Johnson added another pick-six, his second of the season. The Aztecs built a 35-0 halftime lead, silencing the crowd at Mackay Stadium while extending their conference record to 2-0.

College Football Recap (Oct. 9-11)

USD sporting new Torero Blue jerseys for their Homecoming Game against Drake.

A week of thrilling finishes and statement victories saw San Diego State continue its hot streak while local junior college teams battled through pivotal conference matchups. From a last-second heartbreaker for the Toreros to Southwestern cementing its local dominance, here’s a recap of the action.

Drake Walks Off USD for Third Straight Season

For the third consecutive year, the University of San Diego Toreros (3-4, 1-2 PFL) suffered a last-second, walk-off defeat at the hands of the Drake Bulldogs, falling 19-16 at Torero Stadium. In a defensive struggle defined by field goals, the Toreros held a 13-10 lead entering the fourth quarter. After allowing a five-yard touchdown run by Logan Inagawa to give Drake a 16-13 lead, a missed extra point gave USD life. Kicker Emiliano Salazar nailed a 41-yard field goal with 1:09 left to tie the game at 16-16. However, Drake drove into range, and Cathedral Catholic alum Harry Balke booted a 55-yard field goal as time expired. USD running back Adam Criter was a workhorse, carrying the ball 28 times for 108 yards. Senior receiver Cole Monach provided the biggest offensive spark with a 73-yard touchdown catch from punt returner Yosei Takahashi on a double-pass play. They now head into a needed bye week to regroup before a road trip to Davidson on October 25th.

Aztecs Roll to Fourth Straight Win, Best Start Since 2021

San Diego State (5-1, 2-0 MWC) put on a dominant road performance, blowing out the Nevada Wolf Pack 44-10. The Aztecs' offense was explosive, scoring 35 points in the first half—their most in a half since at least 2000. The defense and special teams joined the party, with Chris Johnson returning an interception for a touchdown and Jordan Napier (5 RECs for 110 yards) taking a punt 75 yards to the house. It was the first time SDSU had both a punt return and an interception return for a TD in the same game since 2013. San Diego State kicker Gabe Plascencia was perfect, going 3-for-3 on field goals and extending his school and Mountain West record streak to 22 consecutive makes. With their fourth consecutive victory, the Aztecs have secured their best start to a season since 2021 and will head into their bye week firmly in the Mountain West conference race.

Next Game: Saturday, Oct. 25 at Fresno State

JuCo: Midseason Standouts

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

As San Diego Juco Football reaches the midpoint of its season, several players have emerged as difference-makers for their respective programs. From explosive receivers to shutdown defenders, these athletes are putting together standout campaigns worth recognizing. Keep an eye on these names as they make waves at the junior college level and could be on the radar of four-year programs nationwide.

College Football: USD and SDSU Win on Last-Second Field Goals, Southwestern Dethrones Mesa in Epic Triple-Overtime Battle

San Diego County football fans were treated to a thrilling weekend of college action, with three local programs delivering dramatic finishes.

USD Completes Stunning Rally in 30-27 Victory Over St. Thomas

The University of San Diego pulled off perhaps the most remarkable comeback of the weekend, overcoming a 17-point halftime deficit to defeat St. Thomas (MN) 30-27 on a 25-yard field goal by Emiliano Salazar as time expired at Torero Stadium.

Trailing 17-3 at the break, the Toreros erupted for 24 third-quarter points. The rally began when Dom Nankil (Mater Dei Catholic) connected with Josh Heverly for a 41-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-nine, a gutsy call that sparked the comeback.

"I thought we were going to punt it and then they said we're staying on the field and that warmed my heart for sure," Heverly said of the crucial fourth-down decision. "There was never a doubt. I got trust in my OC, trust in the quarterback and the O-line."

College Football: USD stuns Princeton, Mesa still Kings of the County, SDSU shuts down Cal, Southwestern remains undefeated

 Photo Credit: Shelley Szwast, USD Athletics

Toreros defeat Princeton 42-35 in Wild Comeback

In the most thrilling game of the weekend, the University of San Diego pulled off a spectacular comeback victory over Princeton, 42-35, at Princeton Stadium. The Toreros overcame a 21-point first quarter deficit to improve to 2-2 on the season.

Princeton jumped out to a commanding 21-0 lead after the first quarter, with Ethan Clark's 55-yard touchdown run capping off a dominant opening period. The Tigers extended their lead to 35-14 early in the second quarter before USD's offense found its rhythm.

Senior running back Adam Criter was the hero for the Toreros, rushing for 105 yards and three crucial touchdowns, including the game-winner with 1:04 remaining. Quarterback Tyler Voss completed 25 of 34 passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns, finding his favorite target Josh Heverly eight times for 56 yards and two scores.

The comeback began in the second quarter when USD scored 21 points to close the gap. The Toreros then dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring Princeton 21-0 to complete the stunning turnaround. USD's defense forced a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter that set up Criter's second touchdown of the period.

The Toreros controlled the ball for over 38 minutes and converted 14 of 21 third-down attempts.

USD returns to Torero Stadium next Saturday, Sept. 27th to kickoff Pioneer Football League action against St. Thomas.

San Diego State Dominates Cal in 34-0 Shutout

At Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego State delivered a statement performance with a commanding 34-0 shutout victory over California before 31,369 fans. The Aztecs improved to 2-1 while handing Cal their first loss of the season.

The SDSU defense was spectacular, forcing multiple turnovers and returning them for touchdowns. Linebacker Dwayne McDougle scored on a 35-yard fumble recovery, while defensive back Chris Johnson returned an interception 97 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Quarterback Jayden Denegal was efficient for the Aztecs, completing 15 of 18 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown. His 80-yard touchdown strike to Jordan Napier in the second quarter gave SDSU a 7-0 lead they would never relinquish.

The Aztecs' balanced attack generated 321 total yards while holding Cal to just 289. SDSU's defense recorded four sacks and limited the Golden Bears to just 2.1 yards per rushing attempt.

San Diego State will look to build on this momentum when they hit the road next Saturday for a 12:30 p.m. meeting at Northern Illinois.

JuCo Recap: Southwestern Remains Unbeaten While County Teams Stumble

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

San Diego Mesa Falls Short Against Citrus 24-21

In a heartbreaking finish at Merrill Douglas Stadium, San Diego Mesa (1-2) dropped a 24-21 decision to Citrus College. The Olympians found themselves trailing 24-14 entering the fourth quarter but couldn't complete the comeback.

Mesa's offense showed impressive balance, accumulating 411 total yards led by a powerful rushing attack that generated 280 yards on the ground. Derek McClintic (Vista) paced the running game with 116 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, while quarterback Reggie Johnson added 42 rushing yards to go with his 92 passing yards.

Troy Bassler was Johnson's primary target, catching six passes for 60 yards and two touchdowns. The Olympians controlled the clock, holding possession for over 44 minutes compared to Citrus's 22:47.

However, turnovers proved costly as Mesa threw two interceptions while failing to force any turnovers of their own. Despite outgaining Citrus 411-312 in total yards, the Olympians couldn't overcome the miscues.

They will look to rebound next Saturday when they travel to Palomar for a "Kings of the County" title defense.

Southwestern Dominates Long Beach City College 38-14

The Southwestern Jaguars (2-0) continued their perfect start to the season with a commanding 38-14 victory over Long Beach City College at LBCC's Veterans Stadium. The Jaguars controlled the game from start to finish, building a 14-0 first quarter lead and never looking back.

Quarterback Brayten Silbor led the offensive charge, completing 12 of 22 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite target was Clint Thomas Jr., who hauled in a 48-yard touchdown pass in the opening quarter. Josiah Jefferson also contributed with an 11-yard scoring reception.

The Jaguars' ground game complemented their aerial attack effectively, with Jamarei Ashby-Phan leading the way with 94 yards on 13 carries.

Defensively, Southwestern forced three fumbles and recorded three sacks, with linebacker Carson Curtis leading the charge with seven tackles and a sack. They will look to keep their unbeaten streak alive when they host Mt. San Jacinto next Saturday.

JuCo Recap Week 2: San Diego teams pull off 3 of 4 wins on the road

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

Mt. San Antonio Outlasts San Diego Mesa in Back-and-forth Affair, 21-18

Walnut, CA - Mt. San Antonio College improved to 3-0 with a thrilling 21-18 victory over San Diego Mesa at Hilmer Lodge Stadium. After San Diego Mesa jumped out to a 10-0 lead on an 83-yard touchdown pass from Reggie Johnson to Morse High alum Aleonte Logan and a field goal, Mt. San Antonio responded with three rushing touchdowns from Aiden Ramos (123 yards, 3 TDs on 24 carries). The Olympians made it interesting late when Johnson connected with Jay Porter on a 75-yard touchdown pass with 1:48 remaining, and Logan caught the two-point conversion to cut the deficit to three points. However, the Mounties were able to run out the clock to preserve the victory. Johnson finished 18-33 for 284 yards and two touchdowns for Mesa, while Hunter Herrera managed the game effectively for Mt. San Antonio with 203 passing yards. The Olympians fall to 1-1 and will return home this Saturday for a meeting with Citrus.

Palomar Edges East Los Angeles in Defensive Battle, 17-14

Monterey Park, CA - Palomar College held on for a thrilling 17-14 victory over East Los Angeles College that came down to the final seconds. The Comets built a 14-0 halftime lead behind touchdown passes from Jakob Harris (37 yards to Princeton Anderson) and Lincoln High alum KJ Chatham (12 yards to Furious Hoskins), but East Los Angeles rallied with a spectacular 79-yard scoring strike from Logan Ebnet to Da'mari Taylor in the third quarter. After Palomar extended their lead to 17-6 on a Carson Beard field goal, the Huskies scored again on a James Thomas II 1-yard run but failed on the two-point conversion. The game ended with dramatic fashion as East Los Angeles was credited with a safety in the final seconds, making the final score 17-14. Ebnet threw for 276 yards for the Huskies, while Palomar's balanced attack was led by Chatham and Harris combining for 187 passing yards. The Comets improve to 1-1 and will hit the road again for their next outing against Pasadena City.

 

Southwestern Dominates Orange Coast in Offensive Explosion, 71-10

Costa Mesa, CA - Southwestern College put on an offensive showcase in a 71-10 rout of Orange Coast College at LeBard Stadium, improving to 2-0 on the season. The Jaguars amassed 588 total yards while completing 21 of 26 passes for 358 yards and six touchdowns. Ty McCutcheon (10-12, 168 yards, 3 TDs) and Brayten Silbor (9-11, 133 yards, 1 TD) led the aerial attack, while Caleb Blocker rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. Tyler Becker caught six passes for 108 yards and two scores, and Israel Evans added three catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns. Orange Coast (0-2) managed just 10 points on a Talan Samosky field goal and a 3-yard touchdown pass from Sonny Tierney to Joseph Flannigan. Southwestern improves to 2-0 as they get set to face Long Beach on the road this Saturday.

Grossmont leaves LA with another big win, 42-15

The Grossmont Griffins are off to their first 2-0 start since 2016 after a 42-15 victory over Los Angeles Southwest. Grossmont DBs Paris Dixon (El Cajon Valley) & Adrien Chargualaf (Lincoln) recorded pick-sixes during the win. The Griffins will remain on the road this Saturday when they take on Antelope Valley. 

JuCo Week 1: San Diego teams win 3 of 4

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

SAN DIEGO MESA (1-0) 35, East Los Angeles (0-1) 20

Mesa set the tone on the opening kick when Morse High alum Aleonte Logan housed a 92-yard return, then QB Reggie Johnson authored a four-touchdown night (three passing, one rushing) to guide the Olympians past East Los Angeles. Johnson hit Kwali Wilson (31 yards) and Conor Lawlor twice (32, 18) through the air and tucked one in from 12 yards after halftime; Logan piled up 181 kick-return yards on four tries. ELAC QB Logan Ebnet threw for 293 yards and two late scores, but Mesa’s 8-of-11 third-down efficiency and timely red-zone finishing were the difference despite 15 penalties.

SOUTHWESTERN (1-0) 26, Canyons (0-1) 24

Southwestern opened fast and finished faster, edging Canyons 26–24 with a 1-yard keeper by QB Brayten Silbor with 1:27 left. Silbor was sharp all day (27-of-38, 287 yards, 3 TD) with scores to Israel Evans, Nic Cline and Israel Garcia-Rotolo, while the Jaguars’ defense grabbed the game’s lone interception (Chance LaChappa). Canyons rallied in the fourth behind dual-threat Jazel Riley IV (107 rush yards, rushing TD, plus a 40-yard TD pass to Joseph Saenz), but Southwestern's late 75-yard march sealed it. Team totals were nearly even (SWC 439 yards, Canyons 391), with both sides converting 57% on third down.

GROSSMONT (1-0) 64, Compton (0-1) 0

Grossmont put up a statement shutout in its home opener, racking up 427 total yards and 22 first downs while holding Compton to just three total yards of offense. QB Melvin Spicer IV earned SCFA Player of the Week honors after dicing the secondary (15-of-22, 250 yards) with five touchdown passes and added a 32-yard rushing score; the Griffins also got ground TDs from Myles Norman and Gannon Daoedsjah and a 36-yard field goal from Tyler Haley. The defense was relentless, limiting Compton to -2 net passing yards and five rushing yards, while Abdikadir Ali sparked special teams with four punt returns for 89 yards.

Ventura (1-0) 32, PALOMAR (0-1) 21

Palomar led 14–6 after a 52-yard sprint from Fallbrook High alum Chris Bausch (183 rush yards) and a 26-yard KJ Chatham (Lincoln) touchdown strike, but Ventura methodically took control with 554 total yards and a 35:47 time-of-possession advantage. The Pirates leaned on a deep backfield (334 rushing yards) and QB Devin Tate, who threw a TD to Elijah Davis and later iced it with a 24-yard scoring run with 4:53 to play; Koen Glover also powered in from a yard out. Chatham finished with two TD passes for Palomar, but Ventura’s balance and sustained drives proved decisive late.

JuCo: Kings of the County will be a three-way battle this season

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

Mesa Eyes Three-Peat as Kings of the County

San Diego Mesa College enters the 2025 season with momentum from a solid 8-3 campaign (5-2 conference) in 2024, providing a strong foundation for continued success. The biggest storyline heading into the season will be the quarterback competition, as the team must replace Jax Leatherwood, who threw for 2,472 yards and 26 touchdowns last season before taking his talent to Southwest Missouri State. While no starter has been announced publicly, Sophomore Reggie Johnson, who saw limited action in 2024, will likely compete with incoming freshmen Jackson Emerson (Point Loma) and Tyson Line (Mira Mesa). The success of Mesa's 2025 campaign could depend on which quarterback emerges and how quickly they can develop chemistry with a talented receiving corp.

Despite standout receiver Jalil Tucker heading to Oregon State following an award-winning 2024 campaign, the offensive foundation looks promising with several key returning players and strong depth at skill positions. Derek McClintic (Vista) returns at running back after a solid 2024 season where he averaged 6.3 yards per carry, while the receiving corps features experienced targets like Makai Gray-Virgil (Lincoln), and Conor Lawlor (Scripps Ranch), who contributed 446 yards and six touchdowns last season. A major weapon in the passing game will be tight end Chance Bell (Mira Mesa), who returns as one of the top tight ends in the state and should provide the new QB1 with a reliable target. The offensive line includes former Lincoln High standout Journey Tala, Ayden Dolan (Santana), and Joseph Hunt (Steele Canyon).

Defensively, Mesa returns several contributors, including All-Conference linebacker Cooper Mau (La Costa Canyon) and defensive back Chris Fewell (Lincoln). They'll need to replace some graduated talent while maintaining their aggressive style. The team's strong local recruiting base and balanced offensive weapons should keep them competitive in conference play, but integrating new starters at quarterback and along the offensive line will be key factors in determining whether they can match or exceed last season's run. With experienced receivers, a promising backfield, and a defense built on creating turnovers, Mesa has the pieces in place for another successful season.

College Football: Syracuse completes 10-win season with Holiday Bowl victory over Washington State

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

SAN DIEGO - In a record-setting offensive showcase, the No. 21 ranked Syracuse Orange capped its first season under head coach Fran Brown with a 52-35 victory over the Washington State Cougars in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl at Snapdragon Stadium on Friday night.

Senior quarterback Kyle McCord threw for 453 yards and five touchdowns, breaking Deshaun Watson's ACC single-season record for most passing yards. The Orange (10-3) reached 10 wins for just the eighth time in program history.

"The 10 wins show that we are becoming a successful program and we have to continue to work," said Brown. "This is just a standard that was set, and we want to go above and beyond."

LeQuint Allen starred for Syracuse with 165 total yards and three touchdowns, while Darrell Gill Jr. added 145 receiving yards. The Orange offense amassed 606 total yards and set a new team record for most points scored in a bowl game.

For Washington State (8-5), the game represented more than just the final score. Playing with a depleted roster following recent program changes, the Cougars showed resilience behind senior receiver Kyle Williams, who put up a Holiday Bowl record 172 yards on 10 catches, including a 66-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Zevi Eckhaus in the first quarter.

Williams learned after the game that he had broken Oklahoma State star Dez Bryant's Holiday Bowl receiving yards record.

"Honestly it's amazing," Williams said. "Every game I come and try to put on a show and try to do the most that I can. But to beat a receiver that's an all-time great like that, it's just an honor and it shows that all of the work I put in, it wasn't for nothing."

"I'm grateful I could do that, but I wouldn't have got it without this gunslinger," he added, referring to Eckhaus, who threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns.

"When you're out there between the white lines, you're not thinking about anything else," Williams added. "Out there, that's our sanctuary."

Washington State interim head coach Pete Kaligis was emotional while praising his team's effort. 

"They fought and I'm so proud of them," he said. "The one thing I do know is that love never fails."

2024 All-San Diego JuCo Team

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

San Diego Mesa College continues its reign over San Diego County junior college football, leading the way in the 2024 All-San Diego JuCo Team selections. The Olympians, who secured their second straight Kings of the County title with an undefeated record against local programs, dominated the selections following a historic season that featured their first-ever state playoff bid.