San Diego State Hires Top Michigan Recruiting Exec

Sam Popper to join Aztecs as Associate General Manager under Sean Lewis

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Sam Popper, a veteran college personnel executive who most recently spent the last three years at the University of Michigan, is leaving the Wolverines to join Sean Lewis' San Diego State Aztecs program in a top personnel position. Sources say Popper has agreed to become the Aztecs' associate general manager, working closely with both Lewis and well-regarded San Diego State General Manager Caleb Davis.

Why it matters

Popper's hire represents a major coup for the Aztecs as they transition to the revamped Pac-12 conference. His extensive experience in player personnel and recruiting at high-profile programs like Michigan and Oregon will be invaluable as San Diego State looks to build on its recent success under head coach Sean Lewis.

The details

Popper had served as Michigan's director of recruiting in recent years after first arriving as the program's assistant director of recruiting under former head coach Jim Harbaugh. He was pursued by multiple other schools during this coaching cycle, as Michigan transitioned into the Kyle Whittingham era following the school's firing of ex-head coach Sherrone Moore. In addition to his time with the Wolverines, Popper also worked in a key personnel role at Oregon under then-Ducks head coach Mario Cristobal.

  • Popper spent the last three years at the University of Michigan.
  • Popper is expected to join San Diego State's staff ahead of the 2026 season.

The players

Sam Popper

A veteran college personnel executive who most recently spent the last three years at the University of Michigan, where he served as the program's director of recruiting.

Sean Lewis

The head coach of the San Diego State Aztecs football program.

Caleb Davis

The well-regarded general manager of the San Diego State Aztecs football program.

Jim Harbaugh

The former head coach of the University of Michigan football program.

Kyle Whittingham

The current head coach of the University of Michigan football program, taking over after the school's firing of ex-head coach Sherrone Moore.

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What’s next

Popper is expected to officially join the San Diego State staff in the coming weeks as the Aztecs prepare for the 2026 season, their first in the revamped Pac-12 conference.

The takeaway

Popper's hire is a major win for San Diego State as they look to build on their recent success and compete at the highest levels of college football. His extensive experience in player personnel and recruiting will be invaluable as the Aztecs transition to the Pac-12.