SDSU Quarterback Jayden Denegal Undergoes Shoulder surgery; Bert Emanuel jr. Set to Start in New Mexico Bowl
San Diego State confirmed Wednesday that starting quarterback Jayden Denegal underwent surgery on his left non-throwing shoulder.The Aztecs will play in the New Mexico Bowl on December 27 against No. 23 North texas, with Bert Emanuel Jr. tapped to start in Denegal’s absence.
Denegal, who suffered the left-shoulder injury in the season opener with Stony Brook, wore a protective harness throughout the year and started all 12 regular-season games while deferring surgery. The team had planned bowl practices before deciding to proceed with surgery within the past week.
Head coach Sean Lewis said the decision was made after careful discussion, stressing that it was essential for Denegal to have ample time to recover. He added that the plan aims to have the junior transfer from michigan fully ready for spring practice in March, while Napier’s recovery timeline remains to be decided.
Along with Denegal’s move, starting wide receiver Jordan Napier underwent knee surgery on Thursday to repair a season-ending injury suffered last month against Boise State. The program hopes both players will be ready to contribute by 2026 as SDSU competes in the Pac-12 era, Lewis said.
SDSU will also be without two other starting receivers. Jacob Bostick sustained a season-ending knee injury in midseason and is not expected back until summer. Despite the quarterback change, Lewis indicated Denegal will still travel with the team to the bowl game and that staff and players have embraced a “next man up” mentality.
Emanuel has been a secondary option at quarterback,threading in with limited passing attempts this season-5 completions on 9 attempts for 37 yards-while contributing 102 rushing yards on 22 carries in select packages. The 2024 transfer from Central Michigan previously started four games for the Chippewas and had a broader role as a runner in SDSU’s offense after arriving in January.
Lewis emphasized that the opportunity is a chance for Emanuel to showcase his abilities, adding that the staff plans to tailor the game plan to fit his strengths while still requiring offensive players to step up. Emanuel was seen with the first-team offense in practice, and the coach described a positive response from the squad as they prepared for the postseason.
On the North Texas side, questions surround quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who leads the nation with more than 4,100 passing yards. Reports indicate Mestemaker could enter the transfer portal when it opens January 2, as coach Eric Morris has recently moved to Oklahoma State. Some see mestemaker as a portal target for Power Five programs, though a North Texas spokesman said he remains slated to play in the New Mexico Bowl.
lewis acknowledged the reality of the portal era, noting that quarterback moves are common as teams reshuffle rosters.He added that SDSU will remain vigilant against whatever signal-caller North Texas deploys, emphasizing the Aztecs’ duty to prepare for any opponent.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Team | Current Status | Upcoming Game | Opponent | Notable Injuries | Backup QB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego State | Denegal out for bowl; Emanuel to start | New Mexico Bowl | No. 23 North Texas | Denegal left shoulder; Napier knee; Bostick knee | Bert Emanuel jr. |
| North Texas | Mestemaker’s status uncertain; portal rumors | New Mexico Bowl | San Diego State | None disclosed publicly; Mestemaker could play | Unknown until game day |
what This Means For SDSU
denegal’s absence shifts the post-season plan to Emanuel,who has limited game reps but offers mobility and rushing ability that can complement SDSU’s adjustments. The move also underscores SDSU’s resilience and adaptability-traits the program has highlighted throughout the season as it navigated a series of injuries and lineup changes.
North Texas arrives with strong passing numbers and a potential quarterback shift in the air as the portal window looms. SDSU’s defense will face a ready-made challenge, nonetheless of the opponent’s quarterback status, and the aztecs are tasked with maintaining offensive balance while integrating Emanuel’s skill set into the game plan.
Evergreen Takeaways
As college football heads deeper into the transfer era, coaching staffs increasingly balance short-term bowl objectives with long-term roster-building. Denegal’s surgery illustrates the careful timing programs exercise when prioritizing long-term health over a single game. Emanuel’s opportunity reflects a broader trend: seasoned backups can seize chances and redefine a team’s ceiling in the span of a few weeks.
Beyond this bowl, teams will monitor how quickly players recover from injuries and how new transfer entrants affect team chemistry. Expect more strategic plays designed to maximize quarterback talents during postseason appearances,followed by spring evaluations that shape next season’s starters.
What are your thoughts on how SDSU should deploy Emanuel in his first high‑stakes starting role? do you expect North Texas to lean on its passing attack or adjust around portal-driven quarterback questions?
Share your predictions and reactions in the comments below.
