If you were looking for a calm, defensive grind to end the year, the most recent san diego aztec football score probably gave you a minor heart attack. It was absolute chaos.
Down in Albuquerque for the New Mexico Bowl on December 27, 2025, the Aztecs and the North Texas Mean Green decided that "defense" was merely a suggestion. The final? 49-47 in favor of North Texas. It was the kind of game that reminds you why college football is both the best and most frustrating thing on television. One second left on the clock. A touchdown to bring it within two. A failed conversion.
Hearts broken.
Breaking Down That Wild New Mexico Bowl
Let’s be honest, the 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster for Sean Lewis in his second year. The Aztecs finished 9-4, which is solid, but that bowl game was a microcosm of the "Veer and Shoot" era—explosive, unpredictable, and occasionally leaky.
The first half felt like a track meet. Bert Emanuel Jr., the Central Michigan transfer who has been a spark plug for this offense, was absolutely carving them up. He ripped off a 72-yard touchdown run that made the North Texas secondary look like they were running in sand.
Then, disaster struck.
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Emanuel went down with a wrist injury late in the second quarter and didn't come back. You could feel the air leave the stadium. Suddenly, the san diego aztec football score started leaning heavily toward the Mean Green. North Texas outscored SDSU 21-7 in a third quarter that was, frankly, painful to watch if you’re a fan of the Red and Black.
The Kyle Crum Comeback That Almost Was
With the starter out, Kyle Crum had to step into a 42-20 hole in the fourth quarter. Most teams would have packed it in. SDSU didn't.
- Nathan Acevedo sparked the life back into the sideline with a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown. It set a New Mexico Bowl record.
- Crum used his legs to find the end zone twice in the final frame.
- Christian Washington punched in an 11-yard score with about four and a half minutes left.
The Aztecs actually scored with one second remaining to make it 49-47. They needed a two-point conversion to force overtime, but the execution just wasn't there. It’s the kind of loss that stings because you can see the "what ifs" piled up like a freeway pileup. What if Emanuel doesn't get hurt? What if the defense stops Caleb Hawkins just one time? Hawkins, by the way, was a nightmare, racking up nearly 200 yards on the ground for the Mean Green.
A Look Back at the 2025 Results
Before that heartbreaker in Albuquerque, the Aztecs actually had a really impressive run. They went undefeated at Snapdragon Stadium, going 6-0 at home for the first time since 1996. If you only looked at the san diego aztec football score from home games, you'd think this was a Top 15 team. They outscored people 187-41 in San Diego.
Check out how the middle of the season went:
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The Winning Streak
After a weird 6-3 defensive slog against Northern Illinois, the offense found its rhythm. They blew the doors off Colorado State (45-24) and Nevada (44-10). The defense, led by Owen Chambliss and Trey White, looked elite during a three-game stretch where they shut out Fresno State 23-0 and held a high-powered Boise State team to just 7 points.
The Hawaii Hiccup
Every SDSU fan wants to forget the trip to Honolulu. A 38-6 loss to the Rainbow Warriors was the ultimate "trap game." It's hard to explain how a team that shuts out Fresno State gives up nearly 40 to Hawaii, but that's the Mountain West for you.
The Regular Season Finale
The 23-17 double-overtime loss to New Mexico on November 28 was the first sign that the momentum was stalling. Playing in Albuquerque twice in a month—once for the finale and once for the bowl—turned out to be bad luck for the Aztecs.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Team
There’s a narrative that the "Veer and Shoot" offense means the Aztecs have abandoned their identity as a "Punter U" or a defensive powerhouse. That's not entirely true.
Sure, the san diego aztec football score is higher on both sides now, but Trey White finished the season as one of the most feared edge rushers in the country. And look at the kicker, Gabriel Plascencia. He was reliable all year. The identity is shifting, not disappearing. They aren't just trying to win 13-10 anymore; they're okay with winning 45-38.
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The real issue in 2025 wasn't the scheme—it was depth. When Emanuel went down, the drop-off was noticeable. When Jordan Napier, the star wideout, suffered a season-ending knee injury against Boise State, the passing game lost its vertical threat.
Looking Toward 2026: What’s Next?
The off-season is already moving fast. Sean Lewis has been busy on the recruiting trail and the transfer portal. The 2026 early signing class looks promising, with local talent like Carson Diehl (La Jolla High) and Cameron Purnell (Lincoln High) staying home.
But the big question for the next san diego aztec football score is the quarterback room. With Bert Emanuel Jr. entering his senior year, can he stay healthy? He’s the engine. Without him, the car doesn't quite reach top speed. Also, keep an eye on the defense. They are losing Chris Johnson, who might be a first-round NFL pick. Replacing that kind of lockdown corner is never easy.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Watch the Spring Game: Usually held in April, this will be your first look at how the quarterback competition is shaping up and if any of the early enrollees like Josiah Lucas can contribute immediately.
- Monitor the Portal: The "transfer window" is a chaotic time. SDSU needs to find another veteran wide receiver to help take the pressure off the younger guys while Napier recovers.
- Check the 2026 Schedule: While the full dates aren't always set this early, the non-conference slate is where the Aztecs can prove they belong on the national stage.
The 9-4 record in 2025 was a massive step forward from the 4-8 disaster of 2023. Even though that 49-47 bowl score feels like a punch in the gut, the trajectory in San Diego is finally pointing up. Just maybe buy some antacids before the 2026 kickoff.