Team Information
Ground | CEFCU Stadium |
City | San Jose, California |
Conference | Mountain West, |
Nickname | Spartans |
About San Jose State Spartans Football
The 2024 San Jose State Spartans football team, led by new head coach Ken Niumatalolo, will compete in the NCAA Division I FBS season. They'll play home games at CEFCU Stadium in San Jose, California.
Name of Team | San Jose State Spartans Football Team |
First season | 1893 |
Athletic director | Jeff Konya |
Head coach | Ken Niumatalolo |
Stadium | CEFCU Stadium(capacity: 21,520) |
Location | San Jose, California |
Conference | Mountain West |
Field surface | FieldTurf |
Conference titles | 17 |
Mascot | Sammy the Spartan |
Rivals | Fresno State(Battle for the Valley)Stanford(Bill Walsh Legacy Game)Hawai'i(Dick Tomey Legacy Game)San Diego State(El Camino Real Rivalry)NevadaPacific(Battle for the Victor's Bell) |
San Jose State Spartans Football Team Introduction
The San Jose State Spartans football team, part of NCAA Division I FBS and the Mountain West Conference, has a rich history dating back to 1898. Led by Coach Ken Niumatalolo, they've won 18 conference titles and produced over 90 All-America players. Home games are held at CEFCU Stadium, fostering Fresno State, Stanford, Hawai'i, and San Diego State rivalries.
San Jose State Spartans Football Team History
Since 1893, the San Jose State Spartans football team, led by Coach James E. Addicott, began with matches against local clubs and colleges. They thrived in the 1930s and 1940s, winning eight conference titles, including undefeated seasons in 1932 and 1939. Lloyd Thomas earned the team's first All-America honors in 1939. Spartan Stadium, now CEFCU Stadium, witnessed its inaugural victory in 1933. The team served in Hawaii during World War II, aiding defense efforts. Despite lean years in the 1950s and 1960s, the 1970s marked a resurgence, sparking two decades of success for the Spartans.
San Jose State Spartans Football Team Coaches
Head Coach Profile:
Kenneth Va'a Niumatalolo, born May 8, 1965, is a former American football player turned coach. He's the head coach for San Jose State, previously leading the Naval Academy from 2007 to 2022, boasting the most wins in its history. Niumatalolo played quarterback at the University of Hawaii, guiding them to their first bowl game in 1989. He's the second Polynesian head coach in NCAA Division I FBS and the first Samoan collegiate head coach.
Year | Coach | Pct. |
1893 | James E. Addicott | .000 |
1894 | No Team | n/a |
1895–1896 | James E. Addicott | .500 |
1897 | No Team | n/a |
1898 | James E. Addicott | .750 |
1899 | Jess Woods | .688 |
1900 | James E. Addicott | .417 |
1900 | Fielding H. Yost (Interim) | 1.000 |
1901–1920 | No Team | n/a |
1921–1922 | David Wooster | .250 |
1923 | H.C. McDonald (Interim) | .000 |
1924–1928 | E.R. Knollin | .378 |
1929–1931 | Walter Crawford | .348 |
1932–1939 | Dudley DeGroot | .736 |
1940–1941 | Ben Winkleman | .761 |
1942 | Glenn Hartranft | .778 |
1943–1945 | No Team | n/a |
1946–1949 | Bill Hubbard | .761 |
1950–1956 | Robert T. Bronzan | .515 |
1957–1964 | Bob Titchenal | .424 |
1965–1968 | Harry Anderson | .333 |
1969–1970 | Joe McMullen | .231 |
1970–1972 | Dewey King | .339 |
1973–1975 | Darryl Rogers | .691 |
1976–1978 | Lynn Stiles | .529 |
1979–1983 | Jack Elway | .634 |
1984–1989 | Claude Gilbert | .558 |
1990–1991 | Terry Shea | .696 |
1992 | Ron Turner | .636 |
1993–1996 | John Ralston | .244 |
1997–2000 | Dave Baldwin | .400 |
2001–2004 | Fitz Hill | .298 |
2005–2009 | Dick Tomey | .479 |
2010–2012 | Mike MacIntyre | .432 |
2012 | Kent Baer (Interim) | 1.000 |
2013–2016 | Ron Caragher | .388 |
2017–2023 | Brent Brennan | .413 |
2024-present | Ken Niumatalolo |
San Jose State Spartans Football Team Stadium
CEFCU Stadium, once Spartan Stadium, is an outdoor arena in central San Jose, California, owned by San José State University. Hosting Spartan football since its inception, it also accommodates the university's commencement and occasional high school football. Previously, it was home to various soccer teams like the San Jose Earthquakes and lacrosse teams. Notably, Soccer Bowl '75 took place here. Upgrades include switching to FieldTurf for cost and environmental benefits and improvements to the scoreboard and sound system, including HD screens. Positioned at about 100 feet, it's a prominent sports venue on the west coast.
San Jose State Spartans Football Team Rivals
The Battle for the Valley: Fresno State
The rivalry between San Jose State and California State University, Fresno, is known as The Battle for the Valley. This rivalry is driven by the two schools' close geographic proximity and long history of competing in the same conferences. Fresno is located in the agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley, while San Jose is in the high-tech Silicon Valley. Separated by approximately 150 driving miles, the two teams first faced each other in 1921. As of 2023, Fresno State leads the series 44–39–3.
Bill Walsh Legacy Game: Stanford
The rivalry between San Jose State and Stanford University is called the Bill Walsh Legacy Game in honor of the legendary coach who had ties to both programs. This rivalry is rooted in the close geographical proximity of the two campuses, which are just 23 driving miles apart. The teams have faced off since 1900, with a significant gap in the series until an agreement in 2022 to renew the rivalry with a six-game home-and-home series starting in 2024. Stanford currently leads the series 52–14–1.
Dick Tomey Legacy Game: Hawai'i
The rivalry between San Jose State and the University of Hawai'i is known as the Dick Tomey Legacy Game. This matchup honors coach Dick Tomey, who had successful coaching tenures at both universities. The teams first met in 1936 and have built a storied rivalry over the years. As of 2023, San Jose State leads the series 23–22–1.
El Camino Real Rivalry: San Diego State
The El Camino Real Rivalry between San Jose State and San Diego State dates back to 1935. The rivalry is named after the historic 600-mile El Camino Real route that connects the 21 Spanish missions in California from San Diego Bay to San Francisco Bay. This rivalry captures the historical and regional competition between the two Cal State schools. As of 2023, San Diego State leads the series 24–22–2.
Nevada
The rivalry between San Jose State and the University of Nevada, Reno, began in 1899. This longstanding rivalry is marked by the competitive spirit between the oldest public institutions of higher education in California and Nevada. The teams have played intermittently, with a long gap in the series from 1901 to 1930 and from 1949 to 1991. As of 2022, Nevada leads the series 23–11–2.
Battle for the Victor's Bell: University of the Pacific
The Battle for Victor's Bell was a historic rivalry between San Jose State and the University of the Pacific. This rivalry began in 1895 and ended in 1995 when Pacific dropped its football program. Due to the close geographical proximity and the public vs. private institutional competitiveness, the matchup was a notable cross-town rivalry. The game was played 72 times, with San Jose State leading the series 43–23–6 at its conclusion.
Trophy: The Victor's Bell
The Victor's Bell unveiled in 1949, was awarded to the winner of this rivalry game. The bell was two feet tall, mounted on a rolling cart, and featured the colors and symbols of both schools.
San Jose State Spartans Football Team Record and Stats
The San Jose State Spartans football team has achieved notable records and stats throughout its history:
Conference Championships: The Spartans have won 18 conference championships.
Year | Conference | Coach | Overall Record | Conference Record |
1932 | Far West Conference | Dudley DeGroot | 7–0–2 | 3–0–2 |
1934 | Far West Conference | Dudley DeGroot | 3–3–4 | 2–0–3 |
1939 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Dudley DeGroot | 13–0 | 3–0 |
1940 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Ben Winkelman | 11–1 | 3–0 |
1941 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Ben Winkelman | 5–3–3 | 2–0–1 |
1946 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Bill Hubbard | 9–1–1 | 4–0 |
1948 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Bill Hubbard | 9–3 | 5–0 |
1949 | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Bill Hubbard | 9–4 | 4–0 |
1975 | Pacific Coast Athletic Association | Darryl Rogers | 9–2 | 5–0 |
1976 | Pacific Coast Athletic Association | Lynn Stiles | 7–4 | 4–0 |
1978 | Pacific Coast Athletic Association | Lynn Stiles | 7–5 | 4–1 |
1981 | Big West Conference | Jack Elway | 9–3 | 5–0 |
1986 | Big West Conference | Claude Gilbert | 10–2 | 7–0 |
1987 | Big West Conference | Claude Gilbert | 10–2 | 7–0 |
1990 | Big West Conference | Terry Shea | 9–2–1 | 7–0 |
1991 | Big West Conference | Terry Shea | 6–4–1 | 6–1 |
2020 | Mountain West Conference | Brent Brennan | 7–1 | 7–0 |
Rivalry Trophies: They compete for trophies like the Valley Trophy, Bill Walsh Legacy Game Trophy, Dick Tomey Legacy Trophy, and Valley of the Heart's Delight Trophy.
These achievements highlight the Spartans' rich football legacy and impact on the sport.
San Jose State Spartans Football Team Roster
Current Players:
Following is the player's list
Quarterbacks:
Walker Eget
Anthony Garcia
Tyler Voss
Running Backs:
Jabari Bates
Kayden Collins
Quali Conley
Jakob Galloway
Kairee Robinson
Viliami Teu
Wide Receivers:
Assani Berkeley
Cooper Hoch
Isaac Jernagin
Justin Lockhart
Sebastian Macaluso
Malikhi Miller
Nick Nash
Charles Ross
Trevor Voss
Tight Ends:
Jackson Canaan
Kamaehu Kopa-Kaawalauole
Nate Lewis
Skylar Loving-Black
Sam Olson
Joshua Scott
Offensive Linemen:
Nathan Balestrieri
Kai Davison
Denaris DeRosa Jr.
Luke Griskey
Nate Hale
Joseph Harbert
Laakea Kapoi
James McNorton
Hudson Mesa
Tyler Ostrom
Anthony Pardue
Jake Steele
Ryan Stewart
Marist Talavou
Uluakinofo Taliauli
Malik Williams
Defensive Players:
Gafa Faga
Dylan Hampsten
Vaka Hansen
Mata Hola
Jay Kakiva
Noah Lavulo
Quincy Likio
Akio Martinson
John Norwood
Kaleb Peleki
Tavarius Pitts
Dejon Roney
Jairus Satele
Tre Smith
Justin Stearns
Soane Toia
Tangata Tuitupou
Natano Woods
Jordan Allen
Alexander Cobbs
Jordan Cobbs
Justin Eklund
Taniela Latu
Jaylan Lawson
Dylan Lee
Noah McNeal-Franklin
Bryun Parham
Jordan Pollard
Ethan Powell
Charles Rogers
Matthew Tago
Brady Van Bennekum
Jalen Bainer
Jay'Vion Cole
Kenyon Reed
Caleb Womack
Jalen Apalit-Williams
Imari Conley
Michael Dansby
Elisha Guidry
DJ Harvey
Hunter Nowell
Zavion Reese
Isiah Revis
Chase Williams
Jeremiah Zamora
Special Teams:
Dino Beslagic
Kyler Halvorsen
Captains and Leaders:
Captain: Matthew Tago (LB)
Offensive Leader: Chevan Cordeiro (QB)
Defensive Leader: Quincy Likio (DL)
Special Teams Leader: Kyler Halvorsen (K)
San Jose State Spartans Football Team Schedule
Here is the schedule of San Jose State Spartans Football Team
Thursday, August 29
Opponent: Sacramento State
Location: Home
Time: TBD
Tickets: As low as $22
Saturday, September 7
Opponent: Air Force
Location: Away
Time: TBD
Tickets: As low as $50
Saturday, September 14
Opponent: Kennesaw State
Location: Home
Time: TBD
Tickets: As low as $20
Saturday, September 21
Opponent: Washington State
Location: Away
Time: 7:30 AM
Tickets: As low as $48
Saturday, October 5
Opponent: Nevada
Location: Home
Time: TBD
Tickets: As low as $27
Saturday, October 12
Opponent: Colorado State
Location: Away
Time: TBD
Tickets: As low as $36
Saturday, October 19
Opponent: Wyoming
Location: Home
Time: TBD
Tickets: As low as $30
Saturday, October 26
Opponent: Fresno State
Location: Away
Time: TBD
Tickets: As low as $35
Saturday, November 9
Opponent: Oregon State
Location: Away
Time: TBD
Tickets: As low as $21
Saturday, November 16
Opponent: Boise State
Location: Home
Time: TBD
Tickets: As low as $38
Saturday, November 23
Opponent: UNLV
Location: Home
Time: TBD
Tickets: As low as $30
Saturday, November 30
Opponent: Stanford
Location: Home
Time: TBD
Tickets: As low as $31
FAQ's On San Jose State Spartans Football
A. The season begins on August 29th against Sacramento State.
A. Tickets are available for purchase online through various ticketing platforms.
A. Key rivals this season include Fresno State, Boise State, and Stanford.
A. Game times vary, so check the schedule for each match's start time.
A. Many games are televised, and streaming options may be available through official broadcasters or online platforms.