San Diego State opens its 2025 season at Snapdragon Stadium on Thursday, August 28, welcoming the Stony Brook Seawolves for a 7:00 p.m. PT kickoff. The game will be carried nationally on the Mountain West Network, with streaming available through the Mountain West Network, and local radio coverage provided by San Diego Sports 760.
Aztecs aiming for a fast start with a revamped offense
Under second-year head coach Sean Lewis, San Diego State is rolling out its new “AztecFAST” attack, led by quarterback Jayden Denegal with help from transfer Bert Emanuel Jr. The defense appears poised to remain sturdy, returning ten starters and featuring standout edge rusher Trey White as a core disruptor.
Seawolves bring momentum from a strong 2024
Stony Brook, ranked No. 24 in the FCS preseason poll, arrives with momentum after finishing 8–4 last season. The Seawolves are leaning on All-American running back Roland Dempster and a solid offensive line, but they enter the game with questions at quarterback following the departure of the previous starter. Veterans Casey Case and Chris Zellous provide depth as the lineup charts a path into its FBS opener.
Betting lines imply a SDSU favorite
Point spread: San Diego State favored by 16 points
Over/Under: 53.5 points
Moneyline: SDSU around -1000; Stony Brook around +650
Implied win probabilities place SDSU at roughly 93% and Stony Brook at about 7%.
Predictions and what to watch
Analysts anticipate a methodical victory for the Aztecs, with scores forecasting around 31–10, though some projections widen toward the mid-to-upper 30s for SDSU and the high teens for Stony Brook. Key questions to watch include how quickly SDSU’s offense jells under the new system, how Stony Brook’s offense adapts to quarterback depth, and how much advantage home field at Snapdragon Stadium provides in an early-season test.
Why this game matters
This opener sets the tone for SDSU’s 2025 campaign, testing the new offense against a proven FCS program that has shown it can win on the big stage. It also offers Stony Brook a chance to prove last year’s success wasn’t a fluke and that its run-oriented approach can compete against FBS competition.
Summary and outlook
San Diego State enters 2025 with optimism about a faster, more dynamic offense and a defense built for pressure. Stony Brook brings a confident 8–4 résumé and a plan to challenge in unfamiliar territory. If SDSU finds cohesion quickly, the Aztecs could ramp up early-season momentum and set the tone for a strong title push, while Stony Brook can use the matchup to showcase its resilience and growth. A hopeful note for fans is that an effective transition to AztecFAST and a seasoned defensive unit could translate into a high-energy, competitive season start.