In his initial season as the head coach of San José State football, Ken Niumatalolo delivered. The Spartans secured seven victories to start the Niumatalolo era, matching the team’s highest number of wins in a season over the past 12 years.
Brent Brennan, currently with Arizona, should be recognized for revitalizing the SJSU team. Niumatalolo acknowledged this on Thursday during the Mountain West media days.
“Coach Brennan did an excellent job in bringing in top players, and we’ve simply aimed to carry that forward,” he said.
In their second year under Niumatalolo, the Spartans have high expectations. According to the Mountain West Conference’s 2025 preseason poll, SJSU was ranked third overall, following only Boise State and UNLV, two teams that each secured over 11 wins in the previous season.
It’s not unthinkable that San José State, under Niumatalolo, could become a top 10, perhaps even a top 5 Group of Five program this season. Could it?
What ESPN forecasts for San José State football in 2025
ESPN’s FPIis likely the most recognized season predictor in college football and the statistic favors San José State. Not as much as the media who cast their votes in the MWC preseason poll, but enough for San José State to be seen as one of the stronger teams in the MW.
Before the new season begins, the Spartans are ranked as the third strongest team in the MWC, expected to secure six or seven victories.
The Spartans have a stronger likelihood of winning six games and securing a bowl berth than all but two teams in the MWC — Boise State and UNLV — and are ranked fourth in terms of their chances to win the conference (4.5%), following the Broncos (45.6%), Rebels (37.7%) and the Fresno State Bulldogs (4.8%).
There is a valid explanation for SJSU’s position in FPI.
According to Bill Connelly’s SP+ rating, another prominent preseason predictor, San José State brought back over 50% of its offensive and defensive players from the previous season, ranking second in terms of returning players among MWC teams, behind only Boise State.
Ranked 83rd overall in the SP+ rankings, the Spartans are seen as the third-top team in the MWC.
What is Ken Niumatalolo’s opinion on his San José State football squad?
At the Mountain West media events, Niumatalolo expressed gratitude for the favorable views regarding his team.
Speaking specifically about the MWC preseason poll, he said, “I’m humbled that people think of us that way.”
He quickly emphasized that preseason awards and predictions are not necessarily accurate, nevertheless.
I’ve served as a head coach for 17 years now. I don’t place too much importance on that. Last year, we were ranked 10th in the MWC preseason poll. We’re thankful and modest, but I also understand that in this profession, what truly counts is how you perform on the field.
Niumatalolo still expressed great admiration for his team, despite everything.
Extremely impressed with our team members returning, their leadership, and their commitment,” he said. “And like everyone else in the country, we’re all hopeful at this moment.
Niumatalolo clearly highlighted his appreciation for returning quarterback Walker Eget, who initially served as a backup last season before taking over the starting role later in the campaign.
From the bowl game until now, it’s increased exponentially, especially his understanding of the offense,” Niumatalolo said. “Watching him this offseason and during spring practice… he’s taken on a strong leadership role that wasn’t there last year, because we didn’t announce who the starter was until the first game of the season, and it wasn’t him. He didn’t start until later in the season. So he had to work for that role, but he’s fully committed. You just watch him now, he takes the receivers under his wing, and he goes and runs routes. I’m really, really excited.
His understanding of the offense is one aspect, and it has improved,” Niumatalolo said. “But just observing his leadership and commitment. Your quarterback must always be a leader, but sometimes they lead in different ways. Sometimes they are more vocal and may push people. Walker is more of a unifier. He’s more of a supportive type, bringing people in. And I think in today’s era of the transfer portal, you bring in new players quickly, so you have to be able to grab and integrate them effectively.
It wasn’t only Eget, though.
Niumatalolo also gave high praise to wide receiver Matthew Coleman, along with several new additions to SJSU’s roster at the position such as Leland Smith, Malachi Riley, Danny Scudero, and Mason Starling, among others.
I believe our room is more profound from top to bottom,” Niumatalolo stated. “And we acknowledge that a significant portion of our efforts takes place through the air, and we had to acquire some elements.
Proceed down the list, section by section, and Niumatalolo showed confidence in nearly all of the players SJSU will have on the field this season.
“Feel extremely blessed and lucky to be surrounded by a group of outstanding young men,” he stated.
It remains to be seen if Niumatalolo actually has a top-tier team, but he has a well-established history dating back to his tenure at Navy. During his time coaching the Midshipmen, Niumatalolo achieved eight or more wins in a season on nine occasions, and secured ten or more victories in three separate seasons.
The Spartans’ schedule features a mix of strong and weak opponents. In non-conference games, SJSU will face Texas and Stanford. The Spartans are without Boise State, UNLV, and Colorado State in conference matchups, which makes the conference schedule very advantageous for SJSU, at least on paper.
“I’m thankful we don’t have to face Boise State, UNLV, and Colorado State,” Niumatalolo said with a laugh.
He pointed out that Texas will present a major challenge — the Longhorns, alongside Ohio State, are seen as top contenders for the national championship — but in the end, circumstances favor the Spartans, provided they perform as many anticipate.
Our current focus is on our own team,” Niumatalolo stated. “Our goal is to ensure we are as strong, quick, and adaptable as possible, along with having a high level of football knowledge for the first game. We’ll take it step by step from there. However, our schedule, as it stands in the conference, is better than last year. So we’ll see how things unfold.
