San Diego State lost their top two quarterbacks to the transfer portal.

SDSU is not alone. One of the remarkable signs of the time is the frequency with which signal-callers leave their schools. 

Of the 11 FBS quarterbacks who started against the Aztecs in 2024, three exhausted their eligibility, three remain with their teams, and five entered the portal. Of the trio without an option to return, only Hawaii’s Brayden Schager arrived at their school without transferring.

Even before Javance Tupou’ata-Johnson and Danny O’Neil’s defections, SDSU had planned to bring in a transfer. Below, the quarterbacks the Aztecs faced last year are ranked according to their fit to lead the Red and Black.

The possibility of any of them joining the program is unknown, but the list puts what is occurring at SDSU into context. The Red and Black losing their 2024 two-deep is the norm and not anything to panic about. 

John Mateer (Washington State)

Stats vs SDSU:  19/27, 257 yards, 2 TDs

John Mateer would be a dream fit for nearly every program in America. Reports suggest Mateer informed Washington State of his intention to leave after the Cougars made their best pitch to keep him over the weekend. The Aztecs are not linked to Mateer, but his choice impacts them. Washington State hosts the Aztecs on September 6. The nature of that contest changes appreciably if Mateer is playing elsewhere.

Gevani McCoy (Oregon State)

Stats vs SDSU: 16/26 181 yards, 1 TD

McCoy played only one season in Corvallis. He transferred to OSU from the University of Idaho, where he led the Vandals’ amazing turnaround. Current defensive coordinator Rob Aurich was the DC when McCoy played at U of I. Perhaps SDSU’s new DC can convince McCoy to come to America’s Finest City. The rising senior would be an ideal candidate for Sean Lewis’ offense. 

Fernando Mendoza (CAL)

Stats vs SDSU: 21/29 198 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Mendoza has a higher ceiling than McCoy, but he took too many sacks last year. CAL runs a similar offense to SDSU but couldn’t play with tempo. Lewis likely wants to play faster next season than O’Neil was ready for in 2024. That places McCoy above Mendoza in terms of fit with the Aztecs. 

Devon Dampier (New Mexico)

Stats vs SDSU: 16/24, 175 yards, 1 TD

Dampier belongs higher on this list but has already committed to following his offensive coordinator to the University of Utah. The signal-caller’s moxie and athleticism are terrific. However, his ability to throw the deep ball would be a question mark if he suited up for the Aztecs.

Joe Labas (Central Michigan)

Stats vs SDSU: 24/43 275 yards, 1TD, I INT

Joe Labas started his career at Iowa. With the retirement of Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain, Labas is back in the portal. He is the only signal caller on this list who isn’t an obvious upgrade to what O’Neil gave the Aztecs in 2024. He displays a veteran presence that could make all the new pieces in SDSU’s offense better. 

Bonus: 

Bert Emanuel (Central Michigan)

Stats vs SDSU: 6 rushes, 32 yards

A bonus player worth mentioning is Bert Emanuel. To date, he is the only signal caller who has publicly mentioned an offer from SDSU. More of a runner to this point in his career, Emanuel would be lethal in the read/option game. The signal caller’s ability as a passer is unknown. He is 27/51 for 439 yards and 5 TDs in the air. 

Keeping O’Neil and Tupou’ata-Johnson would have been great for the program. While their transfers, especially O’Neil’s, surprised the fan base, the quarterback position has become the most volatile in college football. 

For those looking ahead to 2025, nine of SDSU’s 12 opponents are looking for a new signal caller to lead their program. Whichever teams recruit the best quarterback will have an advantage next year. In this game of musical chairs, the key for the Aztecs is to find the best players before the music stops.

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.