Can San Diego State Turn Preseason Optimism Into a Legitimate March Madness Run?
The San Diego Aztecs are one of the most intriguing teams to watch during the 2025-2026 college basketball season. Brian Dutcher has done an unbelievable job recently. Although the Aztecs were defeated by R.J. Davis, Seth Trimble, and Eliot Cadeau in the March Madness tournament, the majority of their core is returning. The San Diego State Aztecs enter the 2025-26 season with both high expectations and a reloaded roster. Ranked 25th in the preseason poll, they have the right mix of returning stars, impact transfers, and defensive toughness to once again be in the national conversation and return to the National Championship.
A Strong Core Returns
The Aztecs’ biggest offseason win came when Magoon Gwath, the Mountain West Freshman of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and budding NBA prospect, announced he was coming back after briefly entering the transfer portal and NBA Draft. Pharaoh Compton provides interior muscle. At the same time, BJ Davis brings steady backcourt scoring. Miles Byrd, who broke out last season and earned All-Mountain West second-team honors, remains in the NBA Draft process but could return to give SDSU a true go-to scorer. With Byrd back, this core instantly becomes one of the most dangerous in mid-major basketball. Similar to how Will Wade has built up McNeese and now NC State, Dutcher has put together a roster that is ready to compete.
Impact Transfers Fill Key Gaps
Head coach Brian Dutcher wasted no time reshaping the roster through the transfer portal. Latrell Davis, a transfer from San José State, is a proven shooter who lit up SDSU for 20 points last season, and he’s expected to bring consistent perimeter scoring. Jeremiah Oden, a Charlotte transfer and a 6th-year senior with stops at Wyoming and DePaul, brings size, experience, and defensive versatility. Nick Boyd from Florida Atlantic is a steady, veteran guard with NCAA Tournament experience and ready to contribute in multiple facets. Wayne McKinney III, a transfer from San Diego, is a crafty guard who can create his shot and add depth to a veteran backcourt. Jared Coleman-Jones from Middle Tennessee is a strong, physical post presence who can bang inside and rebound. These additions directly address last season’s concerns about perimeter shooting, depth, and interior toughness.
Why They’re Built for March
SDSU already has the DNA of a tournament team—elite defense, veteran leadership, and rebounding toughness. Adding more offensive firepower around Gwath and Byrd makes them more balanced than last year’s squad. The Mountain West is again expected to be one of the top mid-major leagues, but the Aztecs enter as the early favorite. Navigating a challenging non-conference slate will be crucial for building their tournament résumé and securing a favorable seed.
Conclusion: A Legitimate Threat
With Magoon Gwath back, a retooled lineup via the transfer portal, and a culture of defensive dominance, San Diego State has every reason to believe it can make another deep March Madness run. With Miles Byrd joining the mix, the Aztecs could be more than just a Mountain West powerhouse—they could be a bracket-busting force come March. San Diego State has the talent on its roster to compete with anyone in the country. If everyone can stay healthy and live up to expectations, don’t be surprised if the Aztecs make a deep run in March.
