An interview with Isaiah Lucero, a recent 2026 football commit to San Diego State University. 

The San Diego State Aztecs football program keeps bringing on commitments from the 2026 graduating class.

Quarterback Derek Garcia, running back Brandon Smith, and offensive lineman Malik White committed to the Aztecs out of the 2026 high school class. Each Californian player spoke with EVT, and all are excited to get to The Mesa and show what they bring to the table.

The latest 2026 graduate to commit to SDSU is Isaiah Lucero.

The 6-foot-2, 189 lb wide receiver/defensive back was offered 13 different Division 1 scholarships but chose SDSU this week. The three-star athlete is out of Northview High School in West Covina and is a pure athlete. In his junior year, Lucero caught 60 passes for 1,001 yards and earned 1,375 all-purpose yards while scoring 14 times. He also recorded five interceptions and allowed zero touchdowns on defense.

Playing both ways is not easy, even at the high school level.

Next season, he plans on improving those numbers. He wants to get better. The Aztecs admire that fact, as Lucero has goals beyond collegiate athletics.

Lucero is aware that a path to the NFL certainly goes through San Diego State for those who are worthy. There is a long way to go for this high school junior, but he dreams of those days. SDSU has produced dozens of players in the league over the last decade. The coaching staff will get the most out of their talent, and Lucero knows this to be true.

With 13 different offers, why did Lucero choose SDSU over schools like Michigan State, Cal, Washington State, Colorado State, and others? His immediate response was to laugh. “Come on now, it’s San Diego. Who doesn’t want to live out there?” Lucero said with a giggle. However, admits he did not want to remain close to home, but in all seriousness, SDSU just felt right from the beginning.

Lucero bonded with Coach Lewis immediately as the two discussed life and football. “It was a blessing to me (talking to him)… He really showed me that SDSU was the place to be,” Lucero told East Village Times. The second-year coach is recruiting well for the future as he speaks to these young men from the heart. “They are building a super program there (SDSU). The coaching staff made it feel like family. We created a bond,” Lucero said.

Though Isaiah Lucero can play on both sides of the ball, his future is a bit cloudy. “I am an athlete. I can do it all,” Lucero proclaims. But with that, he admits that he will do whatever the coaches ask. If they want him to focus on receiver or defensive back only, he will do that. He speaks with respect and answers all questions with yes sir or no sir. This young player is all about the team and made it known that he will do whatever the coaching staff asks.

Early indications are that San Diego State would like to utilize him as a wide receiver. “I will play wherever they need me to… They said they could turn me into a great receiver, but overall, they were looking for an athlete,” Lucero said. The program will decide where he plays when the time is right. After all, he has one more full year of high school left and could emerge next season at either position.

The ability to play both sides is a gift. Lucero takes his blessing in stride when talking about it. “I think playing both sides is really special because there aren’t many players who can do it,” Lucero states. At the same time, he understands that anything can happen in the future. He just wants to play.

The young player is excited for his last season in high school, but he really wants to play for the Aztecs. He is anxious to show up and produce. “I am ready for it. I am ready for the big stages and show everyone what I am all about,” Lucero said. He is proud of his game, and rightfully so, as he works hard.

The Aztecs will need playmakers, and Lucero is just that. You need to have an edge to your game to be a receiver at the collegiate level. He certainly has it. “Every time the ball is in my hands, something special is going to happen,” Lucero proclaims proudly. This young football player will put on a show no matter where he lines up. In the video below, you see several examples of his speed and ability to score. It is very impressive to see.

Isaiah Lucero spoke about his family and their importance to him. Without them, he wouldn’t be in the position he is in right now. There are opportunities for the football star, and that is a great thing. “It is a blessing for my family because they have always been there through thick and thin. They have been a great support system. They help me and study with me every single day to be better,” Lucero said with sincerity.

SDSU is getting a great person and an athletic receiver who may play defensive back as well. Lucero can also run back kicks as he does well in traffic. In asking for a message to the SDSU fans, Lucero gave me this: “The Aztec family is getting a special player, and I am about to show out when I get there,” Lucero said.

Here is an example of the show: This video of Isaiah Lucero in action is exciting.

Isaiah Lucero loves football. It is what motivates him. When the going gets tough, the young player bares down. “It is an internal grind. Waking up at six in the morning. It is all about that grind,” Lucero said. He always wants to improve and speaks about the fact he wants to get faster. To get more “twitch” in his game. He understands that the collegiate level is a step up, and he must improve on all facets of his game to survive. Again, his dreams go beyond playing at SDSU.

There is no doubt that San Diego State is a pipeline of sorts to the NFL. Lucero speaks candidly about his desires in the field. “I think they can get me NFL-ready there,” the young football player said proudly. “That is my dream, and I am going to make my dream come true.”

The first step is succeeding at The Mesa. We will see him in 2027, and hopefully, Isaiah Lucero will become a known commodity.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.