Year 2 of the Ken Niumatalolo era began on Wednesday as the San Jose State football team opened training camp in preparation for its season opener on Aug. 29 against Central Michigan at CEFCU Stadium.
Expectations are much higher in the coach’s second season.
The Spartans were picked to finish third in the Mountain West preseason polls, seven spots higher than a year ago.
San Jose tied for fifth in the conference and finished 7-6 overall in Niumatalolo’s first season, which culminated with a 41-39 loss to South Florida in the Hawaii Bowl.
“I feel like a lot of our culture is installed already, the way we do things, the way we practice, the tempo of the practice, philosophy wise, what we expect,” Niumatalolo said about the upcoming season. “Last year I feel like I spent a lot of time doing that sort of stuff, not as much this year.”
Quarterback Walker Eget, linebacker Taniela Latu and defensive back Jalen Apalit-Williams – the team’s captains – have been instrumental in instilling culture to the newcomers.
“It’s a huge difference from last year,” Niumatalolo said. “I just think we’re way more mature. I felt a little chaotic this time last year.”
That said, nothing stood out to Niumatalolo on the first day of practice.
“There’s nothing for anybody to put on Instagram,” the coach said. “It was just Day One.”
What to watch during camp:
Wide receiver room’s new additions
The Spartans led the Mountain West last season in passing attempts (552), completions (316), passing yards (4,183), passing yards per game (321.8) and passing touchdowns (31).
Senior wide receivers Nick Nash and Justin Lockhart led the wide receiver room with over 2,000 combined yards.
Their departures became a point of emphasis in recruiting.
Notable additions for the 2025 season include Purdue transfer Leland Smith, whom Niumatalolo compared to Lockhart, and Sacramento State transfer Danny Scudero, a San Jose native.
“We felt good about the guys that we brought in,” Niumatalolo said. “We like what both of them bring, they’ve had a great spring, great off season and I’m excited to see what they can do this year.”
Niumatalolo said Scudero fits the slot position in Craig Stutzmann’s offense, adding that he is comparable to previous slot receivers the coordinator has used – that being shorter and twitchier.
Niumatalolo expects Smith to bring speed to the outside receiver position.
Eget said Malachi Riley, Jahari Johnson and Kyri Shoels are other speedsters who add to the team’s depth.
“These guys can move,” Eget said. “It definitely gets the arm sore.”
Niumatalolo said that the influx of wide receiver transfers was due to the offense’s 2024 season.
“We throw the ball enough that everybody is gonna have the chance to eat,” Niumatalolo said. “That’s why a lot of these guys came here.”
Leaders emerge on the offensive line
Tackle Peseti Lapuaho, guards Sione Nomani and Tyler Chen and center Joseph Harbert are four offensive linemen who have become leaders in the huddle after getting an abundance of playing time last season, according to Niumatalolo.
Notable departures from last season include guard Marist Talavoa, who graduated, and tackle Malik Williams, who transferred to New Mexico State.
Nate Hale, who mainly played on special teams last season, is expected to be the right tackle, Niumatalolo noted.
“Two-deep wise, we like where we are at,” Niumatalolo said.
Hudson Mesa, who played in 11 games last season, is also back.
Defensive linemen Gafa Faga, who goes against the offensive line at practice, believes they all have unique playstyles.
He said Harbert is strong and knows how to use leverage against defensive linemen, Nomani is more explosive and moves well laterally and Lapuaho is best at pass blocking.
Quarterback room
Eget, who is entering his final season, remains the starting quarterback and there is no competition for the role.
“Knowing that he has all that experience from last year is comforting,” Latu said.
The list of notable freshmen to join the Spartans includes Robert McDaniel, who was originally committed to UCLA and enrolled early before entering the transfer portal in late April.
“He’s a super talented kid, he’s got all the tools, he can spin it, he can make every throw,” Niumatalolo said.
Another notable freshman, Tama Amisone, practiced with the team this spring and impressed Eget.
“He has been really trying to ask a lot of questions, trying to take in as much information as possible, just like a sponge,” Eget said. “McDaniel has been the same way.”
Eget highlighted Amisone’s running ability and McDaniel’s strong arm.
“It’s going to be cool to see them continue to rise because they’re true freshmen,” Eget said.
The position group also consists of senior Xavier Ward and sophomore CJ Lee.
“I feel like we have one of the deeper quarterback rooms,” Niumatalolo said.
Secondary
Besides Apalit-Williams being a captain, another leader in the secondary has been Isiah Revis, according to Eget.
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“He’s always making plays, being a ballhawk,” Eget said of Revis.
Another player of note is Jalen Bainer, who has stepped in as a leader in the cornerback spot after losing Michael Dansby and DJ Harvey to the transfer portal.
“Bainer has a lot of experience and he’s just been on all the younger guys,” Latu said.
Latu noted Maliki Crawford, a USC transfer who stands at 6-foot-4, and Caleb Presley, a Washington transfer, as two cornerbacks who have stood out in practice. Neither player saw game action at their previous schools.
“We have a lot of newcomers, too, from other schools,” Latu said. “They’ve been performing well, so I’m excited for that room and to see what they can do in the secondary.”
