San Jose State Faces Injury Challenges Ahead of Key Game at Utah State

San Jose State University is gearing up for a crucial matchup against Utah State on October 13, 2025, but the team is concerned about the availability of key players. Quarterback Walker Eget and star receiver Danny Scudero are both dealing with injuries following a tough 35-28 loss to Wyoming, where the Spartans squandered a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter.

Scudero showcased remarkable talent against Wyoming, setting a school record with four touchdown receptions. Despite his performance, he played through an injury, raising doubts about his participation in the upcoming game. Head coach Ken Niumatalolo stated that it remains uncertain whether Scudero will be at full strength for the match against the Aggies.

Eget, who leads the Mountain West Conference in both passing yards and touchdowns, also faced challenges during the game against Wyoming. He sustained an injury to his throwing arm, which temporarily sidelined him in the third quarter. Offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann noted that Eget expressed a willingness to play if the situation became critical, saying, “If I can throw, I can play.”

The Spartans, currently holding a record of 2-4 overall and 1-1 in the Mountain West, will face Utah State, which has a 3-3 record and is also 1-1 in conference play. The game is scheduled for 18:00 local time and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

With six regular-season games remaining, San Jose State needs to secure at least four victories to qualify for a bowl appearance for the fourth consecutive year. This season, the Spartans benefit from a favorable schedule that does not include matchups against two of the conference’s leading teams, Boise State and UNLV.

As the status of Eget and Scudero remains uncertain, the Spartans will submit their roster availability report by Wednesday evening. This week’s short preparation time follows a disappointing performance, where the team was outscored 21-0 in the fourth quarter against Wyoming.

“I’ve been doing this for 36 years and that’s probably one of the toughest losses I’ve been involved in,” Niumatalolo reflected on the game. “We had total control of the game, and I’m used to finding ways to close games out.”

In Eget’s absence against Wyoming, senior Xavier Ward and freshman Tama Amisone split quarterback duties, completing a combined 8-of-18 passes for 45 yards and one interception. Without Eget, the Spartans were unable to score.

If Eget is unable to go, Niumatalolo indicated that the quarterback who performs better in practice this week will earn the starting role against Utah State. The head coach is also contemplating changes at kicker, as Mathias Brown missed his first two career field-goal attempts during the loss to Wyoming. Brown stepped in for Denis Lynch, who had struggled earlier in the season, including missing a potential game-winning kick in a previous loss.

Defensively, San Jose State will need to prepare for Utah State’s Bryson Barnes, who has thrown for 1,318 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. Niumatalolo praised Barnes, noting, “He’s a really good player,” and emphasized the challenge he poses, particularly with his dual-threat capability as both a passer and a runner.

The upcoming game will also feature familiar faces, as several current and former San Jose State coaches have ties to Utah State. Notably, Kevin McGiven, the Aggies’ offensive coordinator, previously held the same position at San Jose State from 2018 to 2023. Additionally, Niumatalolo’s son, Ali’i Niumatalolo, serves as the tight ends coach for Utah State.

This matchup not only carries significant implications for both teams but also adds a personal layer for Niumatalolo, who has faced off against his sons in coaching roles before. As anticipation builds for the game, the Spartans remain focused on overcoming their recent challenges and securing a much-needed victory on the road.