San Diego State football Faces major Roster Overhaul as Players Enter Transfer Portal
A wave of departures is set to reshape the San Diego State Aztecs football team, as the NCAA transfer portal officially opens on Friday, January 2. The Aztecs, boasting one of the nation’s top defenses, are bracing for notable personnel losses, potentially impacting their competitive edge in the upcoming season.
The exodus is headlined by star edge rusher Trey White, a local product from Eastlake High School, who intends to enter the portal. White, a two-time All-Mountain West Conference selection, has established himself as a dominant force, recording 12.5 sacks in 2024 and seven more in 2025. According to coaches, his impact extended beyond statistics, consistently drawing double and even triple teams, creating opportunities for his teammates to excel.
“He might have been even better,” a senior coach stated, highlighting White’s disruptive influence on opposing offenses. White retains one year of eligibility and is widely expected to continue his career at a Power 4 school,with aspirations of reaching the national Football League. He represents the most prominent departure, but he won’t be alone.
Fellow defensive standouts are also planning to explore other options. Edge rushers Ryan Henderson and August Salvati, linebacker Owen Chambliss, and safeties Dwayne McDougle and Dalesean Staley have all signaled their intent to enter the transfer portal. This wave of departures is compounded by the anticipated departure of cornerback Chris Johnson, projected to be a top-50 pick in the NFL Draft.
The cumulative affect of these moves will force san Diego State to replace more than half of it’s defensive starters.In 2025, the Aztecs’ defense ranked sixth nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 15.4 points per game. Replicating that success will be a formidable challenge.
The team now faces a critical period of recruitment and progress as they navigate the complexities of the transfer portal and prepare for the future. The Aztecs’ ability to quickly address these defensive vacancies will be a key determinant of their success in the seasons to come.
Why is this happening? The departures stem from a combination of factors, including players seeking increased playing time, more prominent roles, or opportunities to compete at a higher level of competition. The allure of Power 4 conferences and potential NFL careers are significant motivators. The changing landscape of college football, with increased player mobility through the transfer portal, also contributes to the trend.
Who is leaving? the most notable player entering the portal is edge rusher trey White, a dominant force on the aztecs’ defense. He is joined by fellow defensive players Ryan Henderson, August Salvati, Owen Chambliss, Dwayne McDougle, Dalesean Staley, and the anticipated departure of NFL-bound cornerback Chris Johnson. This represents a considerable loss of talent and experience across multiple defensive positions.
what is the impact? san Diego State will need to replace over half of its defensive starters, a daunting task given the unit’s recent success. The team ranked sixth nationally in scoring defense in 2025, and maintaining that level of performance will be a major challenge. The Aztecs’ competitive edge in the Mountain West Conference could be significantly diminished if they fail to adequately address these defensive vacancies.
How will the Aztecs respond? The coaching staff will focus on recruiting both high school prospects and players from the transfer portal. Developing younger players already on the roster will also be crucial. The team will likely emphasize a collaborative defensive scheme that maximizes the strengths of its available personnel. The outcome of these efforts will determine the Aztecs’ trajectory in the coming
