After bowl streak snapped, San Jose State looks to rebuild for another run in 2026

"After falling far short of expectations in 2025, the San Jose State football program will have a very different look next fall. The Spartans, picked to finish third in the Mountain West preseason media poll, went 3-9 and finished in a three-way tie for ninth place, finishing ahead of only Colorado State. San Jose State's unprecedented run of three straight bowl appearances was snapped, and head coach Ken Niumatalolo, who just completed his second season with the Spartans,"

"Niumatalolo's coaching staff is undergoing an overhaul. Derrick Odum, the longest tenured defensive coordinator in program history, and special teams coordinator Joe Palcic were fired with two games remaining. Offensive line coach John Estes and cornerbacks coach Greg Burns were let go after the season-ending loss to Fresno State. None of us liked how we finished, Niumatalolo said. It's just my job to make sure I get this right and we feel good about some of the guys we are talking to."

"San Jose State finished the season last in the Mountain West in scoring defense (32 points allowed per game) and ninth in total passing defense (245.25 yards allowed per game). After Odum was let go, inside linebackers coach Bojay Filimoeatu took over as the interim defensive coordinator for the games against Fresno State and San Diego State. The Spartans held SDSU to 248 total yards and 25 points."

San Jose State finished 3-9 in 2025, tying for ninth in the Mountain West and ending a run of three straight bowl appearances. Ken Niumatalolo will oversee major staff turnover for 2026 after firing defensive coordinator Derrick Odum and special-teams coordinator Joe Palcic with two games remaining and dismissing offensive line coach John Estes and cornerbacks coach Greg Burns after the season. Inside linebackers coach Bojay Filimoeatu served as interim defensive coordinator for the final games. The defense ranked last in scoring (32 points allowed per game) and ninth in passing (245.25 yards). Roster changes include replacing QB Walker Eget, losing Jordan Pollard, a possible transfer by Danny Scudero, and signing a new kicker.

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