Link the 619 turns fans into partners
Can SDSU convince its most loyal fans to partner with them in building the roster through NIL? (Credit Don De Mars/EVT)
Staying competitive in college athletics is more challenging than ever due to the evolution of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).
In the past, programs only needed to produce great game day experiences to fill the seats and attract sponsors to balance their budgets. Now, they are in the business of convincing legions of their most dedicated supporters to help them build rosters through NIL collectives.
SDSU, like every school around the country, doesn’t need fans. The Aztecs need partners.
Earlier this month, the football program announced the Link the 619 Campaign. Its goal is to raise a thousand $619 donations to further the work of Aztec Link, an official NIL partner of the program.
“We are entering a new era of recruiting where NIL opportunities are indispensable for attracting and retaining elite players,” said San Diego State Athletic Director John David Wicker in the school’s announcement of Link the 619. “Supporting collectives like Aztec Link is vital to remaining competitive and ensuring sustained excellence.”
Krish Coughran – UCSD and USD Alum
Marshall Faulk popularized the phrase “Aztec for Life” during his induction speech into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The short allegiance moniker, typically reserved for SDSU graduates, fits those who have adopted the Aztecs as their team.
Krish Coughran came to San Diego in the 1990s to attend UCSD. After earning a B.A., he picked up a law degree at USD. Though not an alum, Aztec for Life fits Coughran’s dedication to SDSU.
A sports fanatic, Coughran’s time in America’s Finest City coincided with the arrival of famed Fab Five head coach Steve Fisher. The basketball program’s rise hooked Coughran. His Fisher fanaticism grew into a love for the football program.
When given the opportunity to support Link the 619, he made a double contribution. He explained that while some might not be able to give, he imagines many could enter the NIL space at the low threshold of $52 a month.
“As a season ticket holder and supporter of Aztec football and basketball, I believe it is essential for the community to do its part to help build and sustain successful football and basketball programs,” Coughran told EVT. “A $619 donation alone may not move the needle, but a collective donation of $619 by thousands of us is powerful. There are certainly opportunities for the Aztec Link collective to pursue the whales in the greater San Diego area with deep pockets, but the community can also do its part to build the NIL coffers so the coaching staff can acquire, grow, and retain talent.”
During the interview process for this article, the Jordan Napier saga played out at SDSU. The talented wide receiver, who had a breakout 2024 campaign, declared his intention to leave The Mesa before changing his mind. Coughran’s description of Napier’s situation vacillated from dismay to excitement, from a rallying cry to more proof that with support, the Aztecs can retain their best athletes.
Coughran counts Napier among his favorite players, along with Trey White, Tano Letuli, Dalesean Staley, and Chris Johnson. Watching this group at Snapdragon Stadium next year excites him. He said he understands others’ reluctance to donate to the program after a challenging 2024 but believes last year’s results communicate an important message.
“This difficult season only highlighted the importance of NIL and the need to recruit and retain talent,” Coughran explained. “The results on the field could have been better, but I believe in (head) coach (Sean) Lewis’ leadership and vision. I believe in what he is trying to do with the program.”
“The college football landscape moves fast. We have no time to waste. To elevate the program, coach Lewis will need the resources to build a winning roster. It’s the same for every coach in the nation. The staff must have the resources they need to be effective. Contributing to NIL is how we can all make a difference. No matter the scheme and play calling, talent will win out.”
Jeff Symington – SDSU Alum
Jeff Symington joined Aztec Nation by the traditional path of graduating from San Diego State. Like Coughran, he partnered with the football program through the Link the 619 Campaign. Cheering for Hometown Heroes is what excites him. He specifically mentioned watching Lucky Sutton carry the ball in 2025.
“Whether we like it or not, the landscape of college athletics has drastically changed,” Symington explained. “Link the 619 makes it easy and reasonably affordable to help SDSU football adapt to this new era. We can hire the best coach in the country, but if we don’t give him the minimum tools to succeed, we don’t stand a chance.”
Like everyone connected to the program, Symington’s enjoyment of the 2024 season was limited by the results on the field, but he has a level-headed perspective on what took place. He said he understands the challenges of rebuilding a roster to fit Lewis’ style after inheriting a group recruited to implement a different system.
“As fans, we can speed up the transition by contributing to Link the 619 so that we can acquire the right talent now,” Symington said. “The way I see it, I view my $619 contribution as part of my season tickets, as it improves the product on the field. Imagine what we could accomplish if all 10,000 season ticket holders contributed.”
Turning Fans into Partners
Symington and Coughran are just two of the thousand SDSU hopes will contribute to the Link the 619 Campaign. Instead of waiting to see if the Red and Black could earn their allegiance, they partnered with the Aztecs.
Anyone interested in following their lead can do so here.
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.