San Jose State Spartans 2026 Season Preview

The most important question on the roster is unsettled. Hawaii transfer Luke Weaver, a senior who threw for 628 yards and six touchdowns a year ago and played under Timmy Chang in a similar scheme, is seen by some as the front-runner and a natural fit for Stutzmann's system. Others had last year's third-string option Robert McDaniel out in front after spring practice, with freshman Daniel Rolovich also in the mix. Whoever emerges inherits a passing game that finished among the most productive in the conference but was sabotaged by 17 interceptions. Ball security, more than raw volume, is the mandate.

The receiver room is starting over after producing the country's receiving yardage leader in back-to-back years. Malachi Riley, who was slated to start in 2025 before a lower-body injury cost him the season in Week 1, projects as the top target. Around him is a portal haul built for the spread-and-shred: Anthony Ivey arrives from Penn State, Jerry McClure from San Diego State, and Jordan Anderson from Sacramento State, where he caught 24 passes for 361 yards and profiles as the most promising newcomer thanks to his big-play ability. Depth and chemistry with a new quarterback are the hurdles.

Jabari Bates is the one holdover skill player with real production, a change-of-pace spark who led the team at 7.1 yards per carry while averaging just under 50 yards a game as a reserve. He steps into the featured role and should see the bulk of the carries. West Virginia transfer Tyler Jacklich adds another option to the rotation.

The front was quietly excellent in pass protection, surrendering a league-low 13 sacks, but only two starters are back. Senior center Joseph Harbert anchors the group and is an all-conference candidate if he keeps developing, and returning guard Tyler Chen provides another established piece. The rest of the line, largely young or new, will determine whether the offense can hold its recent standard.

Justin Stearns, with six career starts, is the most experienced hand up front and will be asked to set the edge. Nate Lewis is an athletic end who flashed during spring, while Etu Finau and freshman Jeremiah Tuiileila add to the end rotation. Inside, Solomone Langi holds down the nose, with Arizona State transfer Ian Shewell and Jayland McGlothen among the newcomers folded into an overhauled group.

This is comparatively steady ground. Ethan Powell returns at outside linebacker, and Zane Carter, who was penciled in as a starter before missing 2025 with injury, should claim the other outside spot. On the inside, FCS Weber State transfer Aizik Mahuka made a strong early impression on the staff and looks like an immediate contributor, with Naseri Danielson also in the picture.

The secondary is a boom-or-bust proposition after allowing the conference's second-highest passer rating, a 65.5 percent completion rate, and tying for a league-low seven interceptions. The fix is almost entirely imported. Cornerback Greco Carrillo would have started last year before injury, and Kejuan Bullard Jr. has worked to the top of the depth chart. Cal Poly transfer safety Brian Dukes Jr., who was a standout in 2024, headlines the additions alongside San Diego State transfer Isaiah Buxton and Nevada transfer Jackson Barton. Converted wideout Tuli Tagovailoa-Amosa is another new face in Norwood's group.

The kicking game is a genuine strength. Punter Trent Carrizosa, who came over from Colorado, averaged 45.6 yards per kick and is an all-league candidate. The placekicking job is a competition between Mathias Brown, who went 4-for-7 on field goals last season, and Idaho State transfer Trajan Sinatra, who earned all-conference honors after hitting 18 of 22 attempts, including a 56-yarder. Bates handles kick returns and Tagovailoa-Amosa fields punts.