San José State is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of -14.9. San José State enters the season with a power rating of -14.9, placing them below average relative to the FBS midpoint. The San José State head to USC next in Week 0. In 2025, San José State went 3-9 overall, 4-8 against the spread, and 7-5 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the San José State Power Rating of -14.9 is 15.1 points below the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. San José State have logged 608 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 13,681 miles, ranking 11th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | USC | 304 mi | 608 mi |
| Week 1 | Eastern Michigan | 2,045 mi | 4,698 mi |
| Week 2 | Cal Poly | Home | 4,698 mi |
| Week 3 | Fresno State | Home | 4,698 mi |
| Week 4 | — | Bye | |
| Week 5 | Hawai'i | 2,414 mi | 9,527 mi |
| Week 6 | Wyoming | Home | 9,527 mi |
| Week 7 | UTEP | 954 mi | 11,436 mi |
| Week 8 | Nevada | 190 mi | 11,815 mi |
| Week 9 | New Mexico | Home | 11,815 mi |
| Week 10 | Northern Illinois | Home | 11,815 mi |
| Week 11 | Air Force | 933 mi | 13,681 mi |
| Week 12 | UNLV | Home | 13,681 mi |
| Week 13 | North Dakota State | Home | 13,681 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
The Spartans enter the season with a three-way battle at quarterback between Robert McDaniel, Luke Weaver, and Daniel Rolovich. McDaniel was the leader in spring, but none have significant starting experience. The offense was second in the Mountain West in passing last year but threw 17 interceptions, so ball security is a major focus. The winner must protect the football to keep the offense on schedule.
San José State has produced the nation's leading receiver in each of Ken Niumatalolo's first two seasons (Nick Nash in 2024, Danny Scudero in 2025), but both are gone. Malachi Riley returns after missing all of 2025 with a lower-body injury and is expected to be the top target. Penn State transfer Anthony Ivey adds experience. The system has a track record of elevating receivers, but this group is unproven.
The Spartans allowed the second-highest passer rating in the Mountain West and tied for a league-low seven interceptions last season. Key contributors like corner Greco Carrillo and linebacker Zane Carter missed 2025 due to injury but are expected to start. FCS transfers Aizik Mahuka (Weber State) and Brian Dukes Jr. (Cal Poly) are stepping into key roles. The defense has many questions and will need to improve quickly.
The offensive line allowed a league-low 13 sacks last season, but only two starters return. Senior center Joseph Harbert is a potential all-conference player and the anchor of the unit. The line's ability to protect a new quarterback and open holes for running back Jabari Bates (7.1 yards per carry last year) will be critical to the offense's success.
Punter Trent Carrizosa averaged 45.6 yards per kick last season and is an all-league candidate. The placekicking battle between Mathias Brown (4-for-7 on field goals) and Idaho State transfer Trajan Sinatra is unresolved. Reliable kicking could be a difference-maker in close games, especially for a team with an uncertain offense and a rebuilding defense.
San José State is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
San José State holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of -14.9, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
San José State's home field advantage rating is 2.1 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
San José State travels 13,681 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 11th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
San José State: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating -14.9.
