Trey White is a Hometown Hero. This afternoon, he reaffirmed that status by committing to SDSU for the 2025 season.

“I’m a guy that’s a man of my word,” White explained to EVT. “If I say something, I’m going to do it. I feel that’s a big part. I committed to SDSU. I’m always going to be committed. I’m always going to be an Aztec. My goal ever since coming here was to win a championship and have a big role in winning a championship here. That’s always been my goal, so I want to back my plan up and make that happen.”

The EDGE burst onto the national scene this year with a four-game stretch as good as any pass rusher can have. In contests against Cal, Central Michigan, Wyoming, and Hawai’i, White recorded 10.5 sacks. More important to the Eastlake High alum, the Aztecs won two of those games and were in position for a third victory.

White finished the year with 12.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. He also recorded 60 tackles. He entered the year with 16 career tackles and zero sacks. That leap in development was key to his decision to remain at SDSU under head coach Sean Lewis and position coach Rob Aurich.

“(The staff) just showed how much they valued me here and how much I meant to the program, which I really appreciated,” White said. “That was another big part in why I stayed. Coach Aurich is a great coach. He’s developed me to what I am right now and I know he can grow me beyond what I know I can achieve. I’m excited to be under his wing and learning from him again next year.”

Pursuing money was not key for the rising junior. He said SDSU increased their NIL offer but did not match what was offered elsewhere. White’s perspective is a breath of fresh air in a society where money is valued above all else.

Personal integrity was the main reason he gave for remaining in America’s Finest City. He committed to bringing his hometown a championship and has worked to achieve that goal. After putting in years of effort in that pursuit, he couldn’t leave.

“I had long talks with my family, and we just felt like it was best to bring a championship here and stay true to my roots,” White said. “It wasn’t all about the money for me. I wasn’t worried about all that stuff. I just wanted to stay true to who I was and what I saw in coach Lewis’ vision, and I wanted to back it with my decision.”

White’s choice is a tremendous vote of approval for Lewis. Following a 3-9 season, questions about SDSU’s head coach’s ability have been voiced on social media and message boards. White provided a powerful response to those voices. He said it was easy for people outside of the locker room to get the wrong idea of what went on in 2024, but he is confident the team will earn the fanbase’s approval when they bring a title to America’s Finest City.

White was not the only San Diegan to recommit to Lewis and SDSU. Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli will also return to The Mesa. The duo’s decision to stay speaks volumes.

“It means a lot because Ross is a key piece in our o-line,” White explained. “The fact that he’s from San Diego as well. He came here under Hoke. It shows that he believes in Coach Lewis’ vision as well. He’s willing to double down on all of the work that he’s put in through the years, and he believes in what we have, so I’m excited to see what we can do throughout this season.”

2025 is SDSU’s last in the Mountain West. With White’s decision, hope for an immediate turnaround improved tremendously. In choosing to spend his final years in college at San Diego State, Trey White proved to be a Hometown Hero.

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.