SDSU wide receiver Jordan Napier among players returning for Aztecs

San Diego State coaches spent the past week watching a couple dozen players — including five defensive starters — head to the transfer portal.

Amid the departures, SDSU received some welcome news: a handful of players have announced their return for the 2026 season.

Most notable among them is wide receiver/kick returner Jordan Napier, whose social media post Friday included the team slogan “Finish the climb” as well as “We ain’t done yet.”

Napier, a rising junior from Fontana, is perhaps SDSU’s top playmaker. He led the Aztecs with 48 receptions and 629 yards with two touchdowns before suffering a season-ending knee injury Nov. 15 against Boise State. He also was the team’s kick returner before the injury.

Napier had surgery in late December, and he optimistically could return in time for the start of the 2026 season.

SDSU retained two other potential starters as well, with edge Brady Nassar and tight end Jackson Ford announcing on social media that they will return.

Also, starting tackle Joe Borjon reaffirmed his return after considering his options when offensive line coach Mike Schmidt left this week for Kansas State. Borjon’s confirmation came after meeting with new offensive line coach Bill O’Boyle.

Backup cornerback Isaiah Buxton (Mater Dei High School) is the latest player to enter the portal, making the announcement Saturday on X (formerly Twitter).

Other defensive losses include edges Trey White and Ryan Henderson, linebacker Owen Chambliss and safeties Dalesean Staley and Dwayne McDougle.

White is rumored to be headed to Texas Tech, where he is expected to receive in excess of $1.5 million to join the Red Raiders. Staley and McDougle reportedly are visiting Nebraska, where SDSU defensive coordinator Rob Aurich was hired last month.

The Aztecs are in the process of replacing those who are leaving, hosting a dozen potential transfers this weekend.