Linebacker Brady Anderson was among the first Aztecs to announce his intention to enter the transfer portal. Technically, a graduate, he did not have to wait until the first transfer period opened on Monday.

Even before the season ended, Anderson was leaning toward leaving. He had a positive exit interview with his position coach, Eric Schmidt, and head coach Sean Lewis.

It centered on Anderson expressing gratitude for his time on The Mesa. He let SDSU’s staff  know about his decision. They offered any help and support they could provide in his next step.

Shortly after that meeting, he declared his emancipation from SDSU. Anderson then went public with offers from Portland State and UT-Martin. He followed those social media posts with an opportunity from an interesting new school, his old one. 

“My special teams coach (Zac Barton) ended up calling me a few days after (I transferred) when Schmidt went to North Dakota,” Anderson told EVT on Tuesday, describing the re-offer. “He called me up and said, ‘I talked to coach Lewis. We want to give you an opportunity to come back. We’re going to give you your scholarship spot back. We’re going to offer you again.’” 

“I thought it was awesome. It’s definitely nice to know they obviously want me back and to be back with all the guys. I was kind of surprised by it, too. Especially, you see everything that’s happened in the past with guys. … most of the time, if you leave, coaches don’t talk to you again. They don’t care for you, but I felt like coach Barton had my back there.”

Intrigue surrounded the announcement’s timing because it coincided with Schmidt’s departure. Anderson emphasized that his initial reasons for entering the portal had little to do with his former position coach. 

A rising season on the field, Anderson is already a senior academically. He is scheduled to earn a degree in Health Communication in May. The competition for his services extends past the gridiron. Anderson intends to be at his next school by January and will graduate from whichever institution he chooses. 

Anyone who has followed or been around the team knows Anderson’s value to the Aztecs. He is a locker room leader who does his work the right way. Whatever team he selects will get an athlete who is an example of how to work and compete at the collegiate level. 

“Where it came from for me was my dad, for sure,” Anderson replied when asked where his mentality originated. “He always taught me the number one rule: work hard, no matter what you’re doing. Just work hard at anything you do, and things will come sooner or later. He told me that from day one. I’m always appreciative that I grew up with that.”  

Across four seasons on The Mesa, Anderson has competed in 38 contests but only started one. It remains a mystery why Anderson did not receive more playing time on defense in 2024. The linebackers needed a physical, downhill presence. Anderson possesses these qualities.  

An opportunity to showcase his ability is what he desires most. The Aztecs need someone to take advantage of the double teams Trey White frequently draws. Anderson is a terrific blitzer. Tano Letuli’s 1.5 sacks paced the linebackers in 2024. Turned loose in 2025, Anderson could double or triple that total. 

“My biggest role here has been special teams,” Anderson said. “I like playing special teams, but I want to play linebacker. No one wants to just play special teams. I want to be someone’s guy. … I’m open to moving out of state, anywhere. It really doesn’t matter what conference to me. I want a chance to get my school paid for and finish out. Get the opportunity to compete for a starting job and to hopefully be somebody’s guy that they can trust.”

Anderson’s challenge is discerning whether that will be present for him next year with SDSU. He pointed to the departures of Cody Moon and Kyle Morretti as opening up a spot on the field. Anderson praised the talent of Letuli, DJ Herman, and Owen Chambliss while noting he expected the program to add another veteran to the room.

“I feel like any player you ask, they’ll say the same thing that I truly put the team before myself,” Anderson explained. “I try to be a leader best that I can, especially to the younger guys. Try to set a good example.”

Last year, Lewis’ policy prevented a player from returning once he entered the portal. That decision, understandable at the time, cost the program the chance of reuniting with at least one athlete who ended up in a power conference. 

Anderson was grateful Lewis took a different approach this offseason. He started his career as a Brady Hoke recruit but is open to ending it as a Lewis guy.

Anderson wants to see who the program brings in as the new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. That process should wrap up shortly, allowing Anderson to decide in the next few weeks.   

Paul Garrison

My earliest sport’s memory involve tailgating at the Murph, running down the circular exit ramps, and seeing the Padres, Chargers and Aztecs play. As a second generation Aztec, I am passionate about all things SDSU. Other interests include raising my four children, being a great husband and teaching high school.