Aztecs name six captains for 2025 football season

San Diego State has made an effort to be a more connected football team ever since players assembled for winter workouts nearly nine months ago.

That connection was evident Saturday when the Aztecs named six team captains for the 2025 season who represent all three phases on the field.

The offense is represented by junior quarterback Jayden Denegal and senior center Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli, the defense by junor edge Trey White, junior linebacker Tano Letuli and senior cornerback Chris Johnson and special teams by senior DJ Herman, a linebacker who participates on all five special teams units.

The honors, which come from a vote of SDSU players, arrive as the Aztecs prepare to kick off the season Thursday night against Stony Brook at Snapdragon Stadium.

It is the second straight year as team captains for White and Letuli, two of the most accomplished returners on defense. Defensive back J.J. Whittaker was the last captain in back-to-back years during the 2014-15 seasons.

White, who was among the nation’s leaders last season with 12 1/2 sacks, was selected preseason Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in a media poll.

Letuli led the Aztecs last season with 70 tackles. Johnson was second on the team in tackles with 67, along with four passes broken up, three forced fumbles and one interception.

Denegal, a Michigan transfer, was named starting quarterback last week. He is the first quarterback to serve as a captain since Ryan Agnew in 2019.

Ulugalu-Maseuli is a three-year starter who has the versatility to play center or guard.

Herman has starred on special teams the past three seasons, playing in 36 of the team’s 37 games.