SAN DIEGO — San Diego State's football program is officially preparing for a new chapter in its history. Head coach Sean Lewis has announced that the Aztecs' spring game will take place on May 2 at SDSU's practice field, marking a key step in the team's preparation for its inaugural Pac-12 Conference season this fall.
In a notable departure from last year's skills-based competition format, Lewis has promised a traditional full-contact scrimmage. The head coach made clear that the spring game would feature blocking and tackling — not a fan festival or a casual exhibition, but a real football scrimmage designed to evaluate the roster under game-like conditions.
A Historic Transition
SDSU officially joins the Pac-12 Conference on July 1, 2026, alongside Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, and Texas State. The reconfigured conference, anchored by Oregon State and Washington State, will feature an eight-game round-robin football schedule plus a flexible Week 13 matchup.
The Aztecs' first Pac-12 football game is scheduled for October 3 against Texas State at Snapdragon Stadium. The non-conference schedule includes a season opener against Portland State on September 5 and a road trip to UCLA on September 12.
Building on Momentum
Lewis engineered a dramatic turnaround in his second season at the helm, leading the Aztecs from a 3-9 record in 2024 to a 9-4 finish in 2025. The six-win improvement tied for the largest single-season turnaround in program history. SDSU finished 6-2 in Mountain West play and earned its first bowl appearance since 2022.
The 2026 recruiting class features 23 signees from the December early signing period, with 16 coming from California. Quarterback Jayden Denegal, who played through a shoulder injury throughout the 2025 season, is expected to be ready for spring practice, which begins March 23.
Media Rights and Revenue
The Pac-12 has secured media deals with CBS Sports, USA Network, and CW Sports for the 2026-2031 period. SDSU football games will appear on national television as part of the conference's package, providing exposure and recruiting advantages that the program has not previously enjoyed.
For North County fans who have followed SDSU through the Mountain West era, the Pac-12 move represents a significant elevation in competition and visibility. The Aztecs' first season in the new conference will be one of the most closely watched chapters in program history.