SDSU Aztecs Rank Third in Pac-12

San Diego State enters the 2026-27 season as the third-ranked team in the Pac-12, trailing only Gonzaga and Utah State. The Aztecs placed ahead of Colorado State, Oregon State, Boise State, Texas State, Washington State, and Fresno State in the conference preseason media poll released Wednesday.

Gonzaga dominated the voting, securing all 17 first-place ballots from media members. The Zags currently hold the only spot in the Associated Press rankings at No. 15, and their preseason computer metrics significantly exceed those of their eight conference rivals. This clear hierarchy at the top contrasts sharply with the tight clustering of teams in the middle of the standings.

According to rankings compiled by Evan Miyakawa, the competitive field is narrow. Colorado State sits at No. 75, San Diego State at No. 77, Oregon State at No. 80, and Boise State at No. 81. These four teams occupy a range of only seven positions, suggesting that small margins could determine their final conference placement.

Aztecs head coach Brian Dutcher acknowledged the team's development following a mixed exhibition schedule. SDSU won 92-65 against Long Beach State on Wednesday, capping a week that included double-digit losses to No. 5 Arizona and No. 21 USC. Dutcher stated that while the team has a high ceiling, there is still a long way to go to reach that potential.

"We're getting better," Dutcher said. "This team has a high ceiling, but we have a long way to go to get to it. We're growing, but it's never fast enough for a coach."

The conference did not select a preseason all-conference team. Instead, coaches designated two players from each squad for an impact list. For San Diego State, returning sophomores Elzie Harrington and Tae Simmons earned the spots. Other selections included Davis Fogle and Braden Huff from Gonzaga, Mason Falslev and Dallin Hall from Utah State, and Jase Butler and Kyle Jorgensen from Colorado State.

The regular season kicks off Monday with seven of the nine Pac-12 teams playing. Gonzaga faces Purdue in Las Vegas, while San Diego State opens its season Tuesday at Viejas Arena against Cal State Fullerton. Boise State begins its campaign Wednesday against NAIA West Coast Baptist.