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. 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

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.

College Football: Mesa still Kings of the County, USD dominates Stetson on Senior Day, Aztecs fall in Vegas, and Southwestern defeats struggling Griffins

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

San Diego Mesa Edges Palomar in Tight Contest

In a hard-fought defensive battle, San Diego Mesa (8-2, 5-2) edged out a 14-10 victory over Palomar (4-6, 3-4) to earn the Kings of the County title for the second straight season. Sophomore running back Danny Davis emerged as the hero for Mesa, scoring both touchdowns on runs of three and 10 yards, while amassing 103 yards on 19 carries. Despite a challenging day through the air, with quarterback Jax Leatherwood throwing four interceptions, including three to Palomar's Davion Green, who recorded his second three-interception game of the season for a total of nine, Mesa's offense displayed resilience.

The Olympians managed to accumulate 330 total yards, with wide receiver Jalil Tucker leading all pass-catchers with 73 yards on five receptions. Mesa's defense stepped up when it mattered most, limiting Palomar to a mere 73 rushing yards and forcing two crucial fumbles. Palomar's offense showed flashes of brilliance, such as Elijah Hudson's 76-yard reception and a touchdown pass from KJ Chatham to Quincy Herron.

College Football: Reed's Record Day, Defense Lead Toreros to 40-13 Win Over Davidson

In a dominant performance that showcased both offensive firepower and defensive opportunism, the University of San Diego Toreros (5-3, 3-2 PFL) defeated the Davidson Wildcats (5-4, 3-3 PFL) 40-13 at Torero Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The victory was highlighted by senior wide receiver Ja'seem Reed's team record-tying 14 receptions and yet another defensive touchdown, maintaining USD's perfect home record this season.

Reed finished with 186 yards and two touchdowns, matching a program record for receptions in a single game set by John Matthews in 2008. 

"It's a blessing," Reed said after learning of the milestone. "I just try to take it play by play. Even if it's a big play or bad play, I just try to clear my head and keep going."

College Football: Toreros Remain Undefeated at Home with a Dominant 34-6 Victory Over Marist

TORERO STADIUM - The University of San Diego Toreros (4-2, 2-1 PFL) continued their unbeaten home streak with an impressive 34-6 victory over Marist (0-7, 0-4 PFL) in front of 3,017 fans at Torero Stadium on homecoming day. The Toreros, now 4-0 at home, put together a complete team performance, with contributions from all phases of the game.

The defensive unit set the tone early when Eric Haney returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown just minutes into the first quarter. "I always pray for the opportunity to make plays, and today, I was able to be in the right spot at the right time. I'm just grateful," Haney said of the game’s opening score. This play ignited the Toreros, giving them a quick 7-0 lead.

San Diego's offense wasted no time extending the lead. Quarterback Grant Sergent connected with wide receiver Ja’Seem Reed on a 21-yard touchdown pass to cap a seven-play, 53-yard drive later in the first quarter. Reed was unstoppable throughout the game, notching a career-high 162 receiving yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions. "We really emphasized attacking the zone coverage this week, and it worked," Reed said. "Coach Moore and the staff had a great game plan, and we executed."

San Diego maintained a steady offensive pace after the halftime break, with Aidan Lehman drilling a 52-yard field goal and Sergent finding Reed again for an 18-yard touchdown. Josh Heverly added a nine-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. Sergent finished the day with 202 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Head Coach Brandon Moore praised the complete team effort. "This is the first time this season we've put all three phases of the game together. Offense, defense, and special teams all contributed today," Moore said. "It was great to see the hard work from practice pay off, especially on a big homecoming day."

Defensively, the Toreros were relentless, holding Marist to just six points and 226 total yards. The defense registered four sacks, including key stops from Giovanni Iovino and Malachi Cooper, who combined for multiple tackles for loss. Marist managed just one touchdown, a 21-yard pass from Sonny Mannino to Mohamed Diawara, which was the only bright spot for the visiting team.

"We're excited to continue this momentum as we head on the road," Moore added. "But there's still work to be done, and we have a tough test against St. Thomas next week."

San Diego will look to secure its first road win of the season as they travel to Minnesota to face St. Thomas in a crucial conference matchup.

College Football: Toreros Triumph in Overtime

Junior DB Ruben Lopez (#6) leads the fight song after scoring the game-winning touchdown.

In an electrifying matchup at Torero Stadium, the University of San Diego (3-2, 1-1 PFL) pulled off a dramatic 27-21 overtime victory over the Presbyterian Blue Hose (2-4, 0-2), with junior defensive back Ruben Lopez sealing the win on an 87-yard fumble return.

Lopez reflected on the moment after the game, stating, "It feels great. We take pride in our defense, and to win like that feels amazing. Everyone just yelled, ‘run!’ and I saw the open field."

Both teams fought hard throughout the game, trading blows in each quarter. Presbyterian took an early lead in the second quarter with a 50-yard rushing touchdown by Ty Englehart, but San Diego quickly responded with a 13-play, 73-yard drive, capped off by an eight-yard touchdown pass from Grant Sergent to Ja'seem Reed to tie it 7-7.

The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with the Blue Hose scoring first on a 23-yard pass from Collin Hurst to Dominic Kibby, only for the Toreros to answer back with a short touchdown pass from Sergent to Josh Heverly. With the score tied at 14-14 heading into the final quarter, the pressure was on both teams.

Presbyterian struck again, with Hurst running in a 19-yard touchdown to reclaim the lead, 21-14. With just seconds left in regulation, Sergent found Heverly again for a 26-yard scoring connection to send the game into overtime.

On the opening drive, the Blue Hose advanced to the three-yard line, but senior defensive back Trey Ortega forced a fumble on Englehart. Lopez scooped up the loose ball and sprinted 87 yards to the end zone to seal the win.

Head Coach Brandon Moore praised his team but acknowledged the challenges, saying, "It's hard to win in college football, and Presbyterian came out strong. We have a lot to improve on, especially with penalties, but I'm proud of how we fought."

Impact Toreros

WR Josh Heverly

2 catches for 34 yards & 1 Touchdown.

WR Ja'Seem Reed

10 catches for 99 yards & 1 Touchdown

QB Grant Sergent

21/42 for 214 yards & 3 Touchdowns

Impact Blue Hose

QB Ty Englehart

10 carries for 68 yards & 1 Rushing TD

QB Collin Hurst

2 Total Touchdowns (1 run, 1 pass)

WR Dominic Kibby

4 catches for 71 yards & 1 Touchdown.

Looking Ahead

USD heads into their second bye week before returning home to host Marist. The Toreros aim to build on this momentum and address areas that need improvement, especially regarding penalties, as they were flagged 16 times for 157 yards during the game.

College Football: Toreros Surge to 2-0, Aztecs Shutout by Oregon State, JuCo Season Kicks Off

SAN DIEGO 26, Central Washington 7

The University of San Diego Toreros improved to 2-0 for the first time in a full season since 2011 with a 26-7 win over Division II Central Washington (0-1) at Torero Stadium. Quarterback Grant Sergent led the Toreros’ offense with three passing touchdowns, connecting with Ja’Seem Reed, Cole Monach, and Lincoln High alum Kenyon Sims. Sergent threw for 231 yards, while Sims added 89 all-purpose yards and a 28-yard touchdown catch that opened the scoring.

"It feels great — a great team win overall," Reed said. "This is huge for the program."

After Central Washington briefly took a 7-6 lead, USD regained control with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Monach, sending them into halftime with a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The third quarter saw a game-changing moment as defensive lineman Jae’Von Reels intercepted a pass and returned it for a pick-six.

"After I caught the ball, I don’t even remember everything," Reels recalled. "I just started running and hoping I get to the end zone." 

"Linemen can dream about that, I’ve always dreamed about that. It just happened today."

USD’s defense dominated the second half, shutting down Central Washington and holding them scoreless after their early touchdown. Giovanni Iovino recorded 13 tackles, helping to stifle any attempt at a comeback. 

Reed capped off the scoring with a 24-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, as USD cruised to victory. "We knew we had them; we just had to execute," said Reed, emphasizing the team’s preparation and focus throughout the game.

Looking ahead, the Toreros will enjoy a bye week before traveling to North Dakota to take on the Fighting Hawks on September 21.

Toreros Open Season with a Thrilling Victory Over Cal Poly

SAN DIEGO, CA – In front of a packed crowd of 5,792 fans at Torero Stadium, the San Diego Toreros kicked off their 2024 season in thrilling fashion, securing a 27-21 victory over the Cal Poly Mustangs on Saturday evening. The game was highlighted by a dominant defensive performance, which included three key interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns.

The Toreros (1-0, 0-0 PFL) set the tone early in the first quarter when senior defensive back Trey Ortega intercepted a tipped pass and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown, giving San Diego a 10-0 lead with 3:14 remaining in the quarter. This play energized the Torero faithful and marked Ortega's first collegiate interception and defensive touchdown.

Cal Poly (0-1, 0-0 Big Sky) responded late in the second quarter with a two-yard touchdown pass, cutting San Diego's lead to 10-7 at halftime. The Mustangs then capitalized on a third-quarter fumble by San Diego to take a 14-10 lead, their first of the game.

However, the Torero defense was unyielding. Graduate student Eric Haney intercepted a pass in the third quarter, halting Cal Poly's momentum. On the ensuing drive, San Diego's offense struck quickly, with senior quarterback Grant Sergent connecting with Ja'Seem Reed for a 41-yard pass, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by senior Logan Gingg. This score put San Diego back on top, 17-14, a lead they would not relinquish.

San Diego's defense continued to shine in the fourth quarter. Matt Ballentine intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards for another pick-six, extending the Toreros' lead to 24-14 with just over 13 minutes remaining. Aided by strong special teams play, including a 39-yard field goal by Aidan Lehman, San Diego managed to hold off a late Cal Poly rally.

Cal Poly managed to score another touchdown with 1:05 left in the game, narrowing the gap to 27-21, but San Diego successfully recovered the onside kick attempt, allowing them to run out the clock and secure the victory.

The Torero defense was the story of the game, with three interceptions and two touchdowns proving pivotal. Ortega and Ballentine each recorded their first defensive touchdowns, and Haney added his fourth career interception. 

"We believe the defense is the strength of our team," Ortega said. "We had a really good offseason, and we're just ready to kick off the season."

Offensively, the Toreros were led by Matt Colombo, who rushed for 88 yards on 15 carries, and Sergent, who completed 15 of 24 passes for 154 yards.

Impact Toreros:

Passing: Grant Sergent – 15/24, 154 yards
Rushing: Matt Colombo – 15 carries, 88 yards
Receiving: Ja'Seem Reed – 3 receptions, 56 yards
Defense: Trey Ortega – 5 tackles, 1 interception, 1 TD; Matt Ballentine – 1 interception, 1 TD

Special Teams: Aidan Lehman – 2/2 FGs, 39 Long, 3/3 PATs

Coach's Corner:

Head Coach Brandon Moore praised his team's resilience and defensive prowess: "The secondary played lights out tonight. Scoring twice on defense is a huge advantage, and they kept us in the game when things got tough. It was a great way to start the season."

Looking Ahead: 

San Diego returns to Torero Stadium next week as they host Central Washington on September 7th at 1:00 PM. The Toreros will then hit the road to face North Dakota on September 21 before opening Pioneer Football League play at Drake on September 28.

This season-opening victory against Cal Poly marks another step forward for the Toreros as they look to build on their success and make a strong push in the Pioneer Football League this year.

College Football: St. Thomas hold off Toreros 20-14 in overtime

In an overtime finish, the St. Thomas Tommies emerged victorious over the University of San Diego Toreros 20-14 on Saturday at Torero Stadium.

The game started off well for St. Thomas as they scored a touchdown early in the first quarter on a five-yard pass from quarterback Amari Powell to Colin Chase to go up 7-0.

San Diego answered back as the second quarter wound down when quarterback Dom Nankil (Mater Dei Catholic) connected with tight end Peyton Smith on a six-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7.

Before halftime, St. Thomas retook the lead 14-7 thanks to a 37-yard touchdown run by Hope Adebayo.

In the fourth quarter, Olympian alum Isaiah Williams punched in a three-yard rushing touchdown at the 12:55 mark to knot the score at 14-14 for San Diego.

College Football: Toreros Defense Sparks Road Win, SDSU stunned in OT

CLINTON, SC — The University of San Diego Toreros (3-6, 3-3 PFL) utilized a strong defensive effort to earn its third Pioneer Football League win of 2023, taking down the Presbyterian Blue Hose 23-13 at Bailey Memorial Stadium Saturday morning.

The Toreros' defense dominated all game, recording 10 tackles for losses and five sacks while recovering two fumbles and grabbing two interceptions. Cornerback Zamir Wallace had a standout performance, forcing two late turnovers that halted Presbyterian drives, including a fumble recovery and a clutch pick-six to seal the win.

Toreros fall to Marist 30-16 as Turnovers Prove Costly

Poughkeepsie, New York - In a rain-soaked showdown, the University of San Diego Toreros (1-5, 1-2 PFL) clashed with the Marist Red Foxes (3-3, 3-1 PFL) in Pioneer Football League action at Tenney Stadium Saturday morning. Despite an initial lead, the Toreros fell 30-16 to Marist in a game riddled with turnovers, marking their second consecutive loss.

Weekend Recap: Lincoln and Mount Miguel continues to roll, while Aztecs and Toreros suffer losses

Lincoln overcomes slow start, cruises past Mater Dei
Akili Smith Jr. tossed three touchdown passes to three different receivers and ran one in himself as the No. 1 ranked Lincoln Hornets (4-0) rolled to a 54-19 win over the Mater Dei Catholic Crusaders (0-3). Donald Reed III led the Hornets' rushing attack with 125 yards and two scores, while Jerome Roberts made a game-changing impact with a 50-yard fumble return touchdown and a sack to help Lincoln secure its 16th straight win. For the Crusaders, Isaiah Buxton caught a 69-yard touchdown bomb from Kartell Purvis that gave Mater Dei a 13-7 lead early in the second quarter. The Arizona-bound athlete also recorded an interception on defense.

Mount Miguel puts up a team-record 66 points at Grossmont
In a matchup between teams with first-year head coaches, the No. 15 Mount Miguel Matadors (4-0) added another dominant performance to their season with a 66-20 victory over the Grossmont Foothillers (2-2). Senior quarterback Matthew Barton was named the MVP of the game after recording four touchdown passes. Senior Davian Mcgowan rushed for over 150 yards and three end zone trips, while Jeremiah Castillo put up 228 all-purpose yards and scored three times (2 RECs & 1 Punt Return). Freshman Delontay Williams made plays on both sides of the ball, putting up a touchdown catch and a pick-six.
Week 4 Media Poll Results
#1 Lincoln (4-0) - Def. Mater Dei Catholic 54-19#2 Carlsbad (4-0) - Def. Casteel (AZ) 49-9#3 Granite Hills (3-0) - Def. Eastlake 35-7#4 Helix (4-0) - Def. #5 Madison 53-19#5 Madison (2-2) - Loss to #4 Helix 19-53#6 Cathedral Catholic (1-3) - Loss to St. Ignatius (San Francisco) 28-35#7 Mission Hills (3-1) - Def. Orange Vista (Perris) 41-12#8 St. Augustine (2-2) - Loss to Notre Dame Prep (AZ) 14-35#9 La Costa Canyon (3-1) - Def. Mira Mesa 38-7#10 El Camino (2-1) - Bye#11 San Marcos (3-1) - Loss to Torrey Pines 7-27#12 El Capitan (3-1) - Loss to Steele Canyon 6-42#13 Ramona (2-1) - Loss to Poway 34-35#14 Mater Dei Catholic (0-3) - Loss to #1 Lincoln 19-54#15 Mount Miguel (4-0) - Def. Grossmont 66-20

Former USD tight end goes from one year of prep football to NFL prospect

Before becoming one of the top tight end prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft, Dalton Kincaid had only played football as a senior in high school. His main focus was basketball, where he helped his AAU squad win a national championship. Despite this, he was able to earn an all-state selection and showcase his athletic ability on the field which landed him a spot on the University of San Diego football team in 2018. 

The true freshman started three of 12 games for the Toreros and hauled in 11 touchdown grabs. His breakout game came in USD’s playoff loss to Nicholls State, where Kincaid recorded six catches for 87 yards and a career-high four touchdowns.

Kincaid's impressive performance continued in 2019, where he scored eight more times and averaged 19 yards per reception in 12 appearances, earning him a third-team AP FCS All-American selection. 

He transferred to Utah in 2020, but it was in 2021 that he really stood out, leading the Utes with eight touchdown receptions and starting 13 of 14 games played, earning an All-Pac-12 honorable mention. In his senior year, Kincaid continued to impress NFL scouts, catching 70 passes for 890 yards and eight scores, and earning another third-team All-American honor from the Associated Press.

Kincaid is projected to be a first-round pick, which would be a first for a former USD player.

Dale Lindsey retires as USD head coach

Dale Lindsey, the head coach of the University of San Diego football team, will be retiring from coaching as the winningest coach in program history. Lindsey's departure marks an end of an era and his contribution to the program has been monumental.

During his ten-year tenure, Lindsey achieved a record of 80-30, earning the fourth-best win percentage (72.7%) in FCS history. He also won seven Pioneer Football League titles, made five FCS Playoff appearances, and was named the PFL Coach of the Year three times, as well as being a four-time national coach of the year finalist. Under his leadership, the Toreros put up a 68-9 record in Pioneer Football League contests and tied the FCS record with 39 consecutive conference wins from 2015 to 2021.

In 2016, he led San Diego to its first playoff victory in team history following a 35-21 victory over Cal Poly. A year later he earned his second playoff win after the Toreros knocked off Northern Arizona 41-10.

Lindsey was a former NFL player and had worked with seven different NFL teams including the San Diego Chargers before coaching the Toreros. He was the defensive coordinator at USD before becoming the head coach.

Under Lindsey, several USD student-athletes went on to play in the NFL, including Jamal Agnew, Ross Dwelley, Michael Bandy, and Reid Sinnett.

Lindsey has built a winning tradition at San Diego, not only producing excellent athletes but also instilling valuable life lessons that will last a lifetime. We appreciate the time he took to speak to us after practices and game days. We will miss his humor, honesty, and knowledge of the game as we wish him and his family nothing but the very best during his retirement.

Update: According to a report by the San Diego Union Tribune, Lindsey claims he was relieved from his duties without an explanation and still has a desire to coach.

San Diego College Football Saturday Recap

Toreros earn revenge win over Davidson

The University of San Diego Toreros (4-5, 3-3 PFL) knocked off defending PFL champion Davidson (7-3, 5-2 PFL) 31-14 in their final home game of the 2022 season, avenging two straight losses in the previous meetings. Graduate quarterback Judd Erickson completed 22-of-30 passes for 258 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. All-purpose threat Re-al Mitchell rushed for 127 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, including a 75-yard scramble in the first quarter. Mitchell also added five catches for 60 yards, totaling 187 yards on the day. The Torero defense forced four turnover on downs in the red zone, while fifth-year senior safety Hunter Nichols led the team with 12 total tackles, including 3.5 for a loss and a key interception near the goal line to prevent a touchdown. Next weekend, San Diego will travel to Morehead State looking to close out the 2022 season on a positive note. The Toreros lead the all-time series 14-0, including a 10-3 victory last year.

Aztecs overcome a slow start and knock off San Jose State

After defeating San José State (6-3, 4-2 MWC) 43-27 at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego State (6-4, 4-2 MWC) earned bowl eligibility for the 13th straight season. Jordan Bryd ignited a 38-0 run by returning a kickoff 95 yards to the endzone after the Spartans had taken a 14-0 lead. Senior receiver Tyrell Shavers caught a 66-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Mayden to put the Aztecs ahead 17-14 with 12:15 remaining in the first half. Mayden connected with sophomore Mekhi Shaw (Scripps Ranch) and senior Jesse Matthews (Patrick Henry) on touchdown passes that put SDSU further ahead 31-14 with 9:40 remaining in the third quarter. In the end, Mayden completed 17 of his 22 passes for 268 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Shavers had four catches for 111 yards and a score.

San Diego Mesa blowout Southwestern 68-23 to end the regular season

In the junior college ranks, the San Diego Mesa Olympians (6-4) celebrated Sophomore Day by dropping 68 points on county rival Southwestern (1-9) to end their regular season schedule. Daniel Latanca sparked an offensive explosion for Mesa by rushing for 148 yards and two scores, while University City alum Gunnar Gray completed 19 of 29 passes for 296 yards and 4 touchdowns. Palomar lost to El Camino 52-24 at Escondido High, dropping their record to 5-5. Bowl Game bids will be announced on November 20th.

2022 All-NFL San Diego Team

With the 2022 National Football League Regular Season kicking off next Thursday, we compiled a list of players with prep football and/or collegiate ties to San Diego County who are currently featured on an NFL roster.

Quarterbacks

Reid Sinnett - Philadelphia Eagles (USD) PS

Josh Johnson - Denver Broncos (USD) PS

Running Backs

Nick Bawden - New York Jets (SDSU) IR

Royce Freeman - Houston Texans (Imperial)

Rashaad Penny - Seattle Seahawks (SDSU)

Damien Williams - Atlanta Falcons (Mira Mesa)

Wide Receivers

Jamal Agnew - Jacksonville Jaguars (Point Loma/USD)

Michael Bandy - Los Angeles Chargers (USD) PS

Chris Olave - New Orlean Saints (Mission Hills)

Dezmon Patmon - Indianapolis Colts (Patrick Henry)

Tim Patrick - Denver Broncos (University City/Grossmont College)

Kyle Philips - Tennesee Titans (San Marcos)

Rashid Shaheed - New Orleans Saints (Mt. Carmel)

Tight Ends

Daniel Bellinger - New York Giants (SDSU)

Ross Dwelley - San Francisco 49ers (USD)

David Wells - Tennessee Titans (SDSU) PS

Paul Quessenberry - Houston Texans (La Costa Canyon) PS

Offensive Linemen

Daniel Brunskill - San Francisco 49ers (SDSU)

William Dunkle - Pittsburgh Steelers (Eastlake/SDSU)

Keith Ismael - Washington Commanders (SDSU) IR

Jeremiah Kolone - Los Angeles Rams (Fallbrook) PS

David Quessenberry - Buffalo Bills (La Costa Canyon)

Scott Quessenberry - Houston Texans (La Costa Canyon)

Defensive Linemen

Alex Barrett - San Francisco 49ers (SDSU) PS

David Moa - New York Giants (Kearny) PS

Casey Toohill - Washington Commanders (Cathedral Catholic)

Linebackers

Caleb Johnson - Jacksonville Jaguars (Point Loma)

Corey Littleton - Carolina Panthers (Mount Miguel)

Devin Lloyd - Jacksonville Jaguars (Otay Ranch)

Calvin Munson - Miami Dolphins (SDSU)

Segun Olubi - Indianapolis Colts (SDSU)

Cameron Thomas - Arizona Cardinals (Carlsbad/SDSU)

Fred Warner - San Francisco 49ers (Mission Hills)

Cornerbacks

Jalen Davis - Cincinnati Bengals (Helix)

Darren Hall - Atlanta Falcons (SDSU)

Jace Whittaker - Arizona Cardinals (Oceanside) PS

Safeties

Terrell Burgess - Los Angeles Rams (San Marcos)

Tayler Hawkins - San Francisco 49ers (SDSU) PS

Tony Jefferson - New York Giants (Eastlake) PS

Dwayne Johnson Jr. - Atlanta Falcons (SDSU)

Damontae Kazee - Pittsburgh Steelers (SDSU)

Trenton Thompson - New York Giants (SDSU) PS

Kickers

Jason Myers - Seattle Seahawks (Mater Dei Catholic)

Punters

Jake Bailey - New England Patriots (Santa Fe Christian)

Long Snappers

Aaron Brewer - Arizona Cardinals (SDSU)

Joe Cardona - New England Patriots (Granite Hills)

Updated Sept. 1st

PS = Practice Squad

IR = Injured Reserve

PFL Announces 2022 Preseason Poll and All-PFL Team

The 2022 Preseason Poll & All-PFL Team have been released by the Pioneer Football League. 

The University of San Diego Toreros received three first-place votes and 91 total points, placing them at number 2 in the poll behind defending PFL Co-Champion Davidson, who received 98 points and eight first-place votes.

USD players featured on the All-PFL Team are sophomore wide receiver Vance Jefferson (Poway), junior offensive lineman Finley Lecky, junior defensive lineman Will Buck, graduate defensive lineman Muhindo Kapapa, senior linebacker David Ambagtsheer (St. Augustine), and senior defensive back Amir Wallace.

Last season, the Toreros finished 7-4 and won a record-tying 12th PFL championship, winning seven straight games to finish the season. San Diego will look to extend their streak when they open the 2022 campaign against La Verne on September 3 at Torero Stadium.

Early San Diego College Football Preview according to Lindy's Sports

We obtained a copy of Lindy Sport's annual College Football Preview magazine to gain an early understanding of how the national media will perceive collegiate teams and players from San Diego County in 2022. Even though the season begins in less than three months, there is plenty to be excited about and concerned about this Fall.

Rating the Teams: San Diego State

Fresh off a school-record 12 wins in 2021, Lindy's Sports has San Diego State going into its 100th season of football ranked 69th out of 131 FBS teams, and fourth in the Mountian West Conference. The Aztecs' 3-3-5 defense is expected to remain one of the best in the country, but the quarterback position continues to be a question mark.