San Diego State RB Lucky Sutton, OT Joe Borjon, DT Malachi Finau returning in 2026 to ‘finish the climb’

San Diego State running back Lucky Sutton, offensive tackle Joe Borjon and defensive tackle Malachi Finau want to “Finish the climb,” announcing Monday on social media that they will be back for the 2026 season with the Aztecs.

Sutton, Borjon and Finau are the first of several SDSU starters expected to confirm they will return rather than search for greener pastures when the NCAA transfer portal opens Jan. 2.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sutton said, “Aztec Nation, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the love and support I have received from all of you over the years. I am truly grateful for the energy and commitment you have put into this porgram and into me personally.

“Thank you to the entire coaching staff and everyone within the building for continuing to trust and believe in me. This program has changed my life, especially for believing in me when no one else did. As a San Diego kid, being here has always been a dream.”

Sutton earned first-team Mountain West honors this season after leading trhe conference in rushing. He has 1,237 yards heading into Saturday’s New Mexico Bowl against No. 23 North Texas.

The junior from Cathedral Catholic High School had a breakout season after emerging as the starter last spring.

“Knowing the legacy that was set in the past and the legacy I can continue, I intend on taking the next steps in this climb,” said Sutton, adding, “I love San Diego and everyone here. This decision feels right and is final. I look forward to closing out this season strongly and getting back to work to continue the climb next year.”

Borjon, a 6-foot-8 senior from La Puente, started at right tackle this year in his return from a season-ending knee injury in the 2024 opener against Texas A&M-Commerce. With the graduation of left tackle Christian Jones, Borjon is expected to move to the left side next season.

Additonal motivation for Borjon’s return is the opportunity to play with his “little” brother, 6-6 offensive lineman Brian Borjon, who was part of SDSU’s 2026 early signing class.

“I’m here to stay,” Borjon said in his X post. “I believe in the vision and trust the process. There’s unfinished business, and I’m all in to keep building and chasing something special.”

“Last chapter,” Finau wrote on his Instagram page. He started nine games this season at defensive tackle for the Aztecs after transferring following three seasons at the University of Hawaii.

The concern in this era of the portal and NIL is that standouts will be lured away by lucrative offers from Power Four schools. SDSU was able to retain nearly a dozen key players last season who helped the Aztecs go from 3-9 last year to 9-3 this year.

Freshman QB to portal

SDSU freshman quarterback JP Mialovski announced Monday afternoon on X that he will be entering the transfer portal.

“Onto the next chapter,” Mialovski tweeted. “Thank you to everyone who’s helped me along the way.”

Mialovski was part of SDSU’s 2025 recruiting class out of Long Beach Millikin High School.

He was listed fourth on SDSU’s depth chart. He did not play a snap while redshirting this season.

It is the second straight year that SDSU’s freshman QB recruit hit the portal.

Last year, Danny O’Neil transferred to Wisconsin after starting 11 games for the Aztecs.

SDSU’s 2026 early signing class included one quarterback, Brady Campbell from Bakersfield Frontier High School.

The Aztecs can be expected to look for at least one quarterback in the transfer portal, depending on what happens with the others in the QB room.

Juniors Jayden Denegal, who will miss the New Mexico Bowl following shoulder surgery, and Bert Emanuel Jr., can return. Also on the roster are junior Kyle Crum and freshman walk-on Draiden Trudeau.