Dave Velasquez has spent nearly a quarter-century helping build the Aztecs. Does that make him a potential successor to Brian Dutcher—or simply one compelling candidate whenever the job eventually opens? Before going any further, this needs to be stated clearly: Brian Dutcher is still San Diego State’s head coach nor do I want him to leave any time soon. Dutcher is under contract through the 2027-28 season. He has led the Aztecs to the first national championship game in pro

SDSU is set to take on BYU at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert Dec. 19

The path toward a stronger Aztec identity does not begin with bringing back the Warrior. It begins with building a real relationship with the people connected to the name. San Diego State still calls its teams the Aztecs. The university still places the name across jerseys, merchandise, buildings and marketing campaigns. Fans still yell “Go Aztecs,” wear the spear logo and view the identity as an essential part of SDSU athletics. Yet the human figure who once represented that