San Diego State Adapts to NIL Era with Link the 619 Campaign

In the increasingly competitive landscape of college football, the San Diego State Aztecs are exemplifying adaptability. They’re navigating the 2025 transfer portal cycle with nearly two dozen players entering the portal, including standout wide receiver Jordan Napier. The Aztecs face the challenge of balancing roster retention, recruitment, and financial realities.

Head coach Sean Lewis has significantly evolved his approach to the transfer portal. He emphasizes the need for flexibility and community support to stay competitive. The “Link the 619” campaign aims to raise $619,000 to bolster their NIL collective, Aztec Link. This showcases how smaller programs can leverage local support to compete with national powerhouses.

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The Challenges of the NIL Era

The landscape of college football has been dramatically altered by the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. Smaller programs like San Diego State University (SDSU) are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with wealthier Power Four schools that have deeper NIL pockets. Programs such as the Oregon Ducks, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Ohio State Buckeyes set the standard for NIL offerings. This makes it challenging for teams like SDSU to match dollar-for-dollar in recruiting battles.

Adapting to New Realities

Head coach Sean Lewis embodies the adaptability required in this new era. Initially, Lewis maintained that players entering the transfer portal would not be welcomed back. However, the rapidly changing landscape of college football has forced a shift in perspective.

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“What was pertinent a year ago, so much has changed in the landscape of college football,” Lewis said. “I guess maybe it’s having the humility or the maturity to say I can change my mind. We can grow.”

This flexibility is crucial for smaller programs like SDSU, which must constantly adapt to remain competitive. The Aztecs have launched the “Link the 619” campaign, aiming to raise $619,000 to bolster their NIL collective, Aztec Link.

“If you do not have the NIL packages, if you do not have the community support, if you do not have the cash to do that, you don’t stand a chance,” Lewis said.

Leveraging Community Support

The “Link the 619” campaign reflects SDSU’s broader strategy of leveraging its community ties and emphasizing the unique identity of the program.

“It’s a great campaign to galvanize the whole community and to rally around the pro football team that is San Diego,” Lewis explained. The initiative underscores how smaller programs can maximize local support to compete with national powerhouses.

Challenges in the Quarterback Room

SDSU’s quarterback room highlights the challenges of the NIL era. With only two returning quarterbacks and a single freshman signee, Lewis has prioritized finding two quarterbacks in the portal.

“That’s not a healthy position for the organization to be in,” he admitted, acknowledging the difficulty of addressing such gaps amidst fierce competition for talent.

Yet, the Aztecs have found ways to retain key players like Trey White and Tano Letuli through enhanced NIL commitments, signaling that adaptability can yield success.

“Sometimes your guys think the grass might be greener somewhere else… I don’t think the grass is always greener,” Lewis noted.

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Strategies for Success

In a world where financial incentives increasingly overshadow loyalty and tradition, San Diego State’s efforts exemplify the resilience required to thrive. Smaller programs must constantly adapt, finding creative ways to support their athletes while staying competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. This adaptability is not just a strategy for the Aztecs—it is a lifeline.

Key Strategies

Community Engagement: Leveraging local support through campaigns like “Link the 619” to raise funds and bolster the NIL collective.
Flexibility: Adapting to the ever-changing landscape of college football by evolving strategies and approaches.
Retention: Enhancing NIL commitments to retain key players and maintain a competitive roster.
Recruitment: Prioritizing recruitment through the transfer portal to fill critical gaps, such as in the quarterback room.

By focusing on these strategies, SDSU aims to build a resilient program that can compete with the financial might of larger schools.

The “Link the 619” campaign is a testament to the power of community support in the NIL era. It showcases how smaller programs can thrive through adaptability and local engagement.

For more information, you can read the full article on how San Diego State navigates the NIL era with Link the 619 and adaptability.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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