Aztecs Add Playmaker with QB's Move to Wide Receiver

Backup quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr. switches positions to wide receiver for San Diego State football team.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:51am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college football player in motion, with their body and equipment fractured into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conceptually representing the transition from quarterback to wide receiver.A creative visual interpretation of a college football player embracing a new challenge by switching positions, reflecting the flexibility and adaptability of the sport.San Diego Today

San Diego State backup quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr. met with offensive coordinator Matt Johnson at the end of last season, and the two discussed ways to help Emanuel become a better quarterback. However, Emanuel had a different idea - he wanted to switch positions and become a wide receiver for the Aztecs football team.

Why it matters

This position change gives the Aztecs another dynamic playmaker on offense, as Emanuel has the athleticism and skill set to excel as a wide receiver. The move also provides more depth and competition at the quarterback position, where the Aztecs have a talented starter but need to develop more talent behind him.

The details

During his exit interview, Emanuel told Johnson he wanted to transition from quarterback to wide receiver. The coaching staff was receptive to the idea, recognizing Emanuel's potential to be a difference-maker in the passing game. As a backup QB, Emanuel had limited opportunities, but the coaches believe he can thrive in a new role as a receiver.

  • In December 2025, Emanuel met with offensive coordinator Matt Johnson for his end-of-season exit interview.
  • Following that meeting, Emanuel informed the coaching staff of his desire to switch from quarterback to wide receiver for the 2026 season.

The players

Bert Emanuel Jr.

A backup quarterback for the San Diego State Aztecs football team who has decided to transition to wide receiver for the 2026 season.

Matt Johnson

The offensive coordinator for the San Diego State Aztecs football team, who met with Bert Emanuel Jr. at the end of the 2025 season.

San Diego State Aztecs

The college football team that plays in the Mountain West Conference and is based in San Diego, California.

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What they’re saying

“How can I help you be a better quarterback?”

— Matt Johnson, Offensive Coordinator

“I'm going to be completely”

— Bert Emanuel Jr., Backup Quarterback

What’s next

Emanuel will begin practicing with the wide receivers during spring football workouts as he transitions to his new position. The coaching staff is excited to see how he adapts to the change and what he can bring to the Aztecs' passing attack in 2026.

The takeaway

This position switch for Bert Emanuel Jr. demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of college football players, as well as the open-mindedness of the Aztecs' coaching staff to put players in the best position to succeed. The move could pay dividends for San Diego State's offense in the upcoming season.