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.
Pac-12 play begins October 3 at home against Texas State, another first-time matchup with the Sun Belt's rising Bobcats. The conference stretch then delivers a mix of fresh challenges and heated rivalries: a road date at Oregon State on October 10 (where the Beavers have taken the last five in the series), the return of Fresno State on October 17 for the Battle for the Old Oil Can (SDSU leads 32-27-4 and handed the Bulldogs a rare 23-0 shutout in 2025), and a trip to Colorado State on October 24. Halloween brings Washington State to Snapdragon, continuing a recent three-year run against the Cougars, before the November 7 bye provides a much-needed reset.
Post-bye action keeps the momentum rolling with a final home stand against Utah State on November 14 (despite recent losses, SDSU holds a 13-5 all-time edge) and a tough road finale against Boise State on November 21. The Aztecs snapped a three-game skid against the Broncos with a 17-7 victory in 2025, and this matchup promises fireworks in Albertsons Stadium.
The real twist comes in Week 13 on November 28: the Pac-12's innovative flex game. As a road team for SDSU, the Aztecs will face one of Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, or Washington State in a rematch that doesn't count toward conference standings. The league can adjust pairings as late as six days before kickoff based on "best interests," including CFP resume-building—think strength-of-schedule boosts or avoiding mismatches for contenders. This non-conference finale ensures every team plays 12 games while keeping the seven-game league race pure, with the top seed hosting the December 4 championship game.
Aztec fans have every reason to be excited in 2026. With home-heavy advantages early, marquee road trips, and the flex week's drama, this schedule positions SDSU to make noise in their new conference. Game times, TV details, and any non-Saturday shifts will drop later, but the foundation is set for an unforgettable first year in the Pac-12.
2026 San Diego State Football Schedule
Saturday, Sept. 5 -- Portland StateSaturday, Sept. 12 -- at UCLASaturday, Sept. 19 -- James MadisonSaturday, Sept. 26 -- at ToledoSaturday, Oct. 3 -- Texas State*Saturday, Oct. 10 -- at Oregon State*Saturday, Oct. 17 -- Fresno State*Saturday, Oct. 24 -- at Colorado State*Saturday, Oct. 31 -- Washington State*Saturday, Nov. 7 -- OPENSaturday, Nov. 14 -- Utah State*Saturday, Nov. 21 -- at Boise State*Saturday, Nov. 28 -- at FLEX Opponent*~Friday, Dec. 4 -- Pac-12 Championship
*- indicates Pac-12 opponent.~- indicates Pac-12 flex opponent (Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State or Washington State)
Additional game times and television arrangements, including moves to non-Saturdays, will be announced at a later date.
No comments:
Post a Comment