San Diego State Aztecs face uncertain future as seniors honored

Coach Brian Dutcher hints at major roster changes ahead as Aztecs look to salvage conference title in season finale

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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San Diego State will honor five seniors before Friday night's home finale against UNLV, but the future of the program remains uncertain. Coach Brian Dutcher hinted that even players who want to return might not be afforded the opportunity, as the Aztecs deal with the 'new normal' of college athletics and roster turnover. Despite losing four of their last five games, the Aztecs still have a chance to tie for the Mountain West Conference title if they win their final game and get help from other teams.

Why it matters

The Aztecs have largely been immune from the disruptive forces of college athletics, but that appears to be changing. Dutcher's comments about having to make 'GM-like decisions' on who to bring back suggest a major roster overhaul is coming, which could significantly impact the program's future. The uncertain future adds extra meaning to the senior night festivities.

The details

San Diego State will honor five seniors - Reese Dixon-Waters, Miles Byrd, Jeremiah Oden, Sean Newman Jr. and walk-on Cam Lawin - before Friday's home finale against UNLV. However, Dutcher hinted that several other players could also be playing their final game at Viejas Arena, as the Aztecs deal with the 'new normal' of college athletics that includes heavy roster turnover. Dutcher said the team is evaluating 'who wants to come back' and 'who do we want back,' noting they now have a 'budget' and 'payroll' to manage like a professional sports team. The annual postseason banquet has even been canceled, as 'half your team is gone into the portal at the end of the year.'

  • The Aztecs will honor their seniors before the game on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • The transfer portal opens on April 7, 2026, which could lead to significant roster changes for the Aztecs.

The players

Brian Dutcher

The head coach of the San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team.

Reese Dixon-Waters

A senior on the San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team.

Miles Byrd

A senior on the San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team who has one season of eligibility remaining.

Jeremiah Oden

A senior on the San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team.

Sean Newman Jr.

A senior on the San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team.

Cam Lawin

A walk-on senior on the San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We talk about it every day. Who wants to come back? Who do we want back? That's part of it. You have a budget now, you have a payroll, and you're making decisions like GMs make. Who can help us win and at what price are we willing to pay for that player to come back?”

— Brian Dutcher, Head Coach (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“People have stopped having basketball banquets. You look up, and half your team is gone into the portal at the end of the year. ... We've always had one. I don't think we're having one this year. They've kind of run their course.”

— Brian Dutcher, Head Coach (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“I don't really like the idea that we have to tie. But I'd rather take that over second or third. … I still think we're the best team in the Mountain West. Our record may not say so, but I believe that.”

— Reese Dixon-Waters (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“Whenever we talk about San Diego State, we don't just say defense. We say defense and rebounding. It's hard when you get a stop and give up an offensive rebound, and now they have more time on the clock and you've got to get another stop.”

— Miles Byrd (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“Any bettor would be an idiot to bet on the Mountain West. You never know what's going to happen in this league.”

— Miles Byrd (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

If the Aztecs win on Friday and New Mexico wins at Utah State on Saturday, the Mountain West Conference will finish in a three-way tie for first place, potentially leading to another banner being hung in Viejas Arena.

The takeaway

The uncertainty surrounding the San Diego State Aztecs' basketball program highlights the 'new normal' of college athletics, where roster turnover and the transfer portal have become the norm. Despite the team's struggles this season, they still have a chance to salvage a conference title, but the future of the program remains unclear as Dutcher and the Aztecs face difficult decisions about who to bring back next year.