San Jose, CA — Just weeks before their highly anticipated appearance in the Hawai’i Bowl, the San Jose State Spartans football team has been rocked by a wave of unexpected departures, with two of their key offensive starters entering the transfer portal. Sophomore left tackle Fernando Carmona Jr. and junior tight end Dominick Mazotti, both instrumental in SJSU’s late-season resurgence, have decided to leave the program in a move that has left fans and teammates stunned.
Adding to the turbulence, four additional Spartans have entered the portal, including wide receiver Branden Alvarez, linebackers Elijah Wood and Anthony Madrigal, and defensive lineman Charlie Leota—raising serious questions about the team’s stability heading into their December 23 showdown against Coastal Carolina.
Carmona’s Departure: A Devastating Blow
Carmona, a 6-foot-5, 315-pound anchor on the offensive line, has been a dominant force in the Mountain West, earning All-Conference Honorable Mention honors in 2023. His decision to leave—despite having an NIL deal with a local Mexican restaurant—stems from the desire to increase his NFL exposure by playing in a bigger conference. Already, powerhouse programs like Ole Miss, Michigan State, Arkansas, and Auburn have extended offers.
His exit leaves a massive gap in pass protection, particularly for SJSU’s next quarterback, expected to be Oregon transfer Jay Butterfield. With a struggling O-line already being one of the team’s weaknesses, losing its best blocker could spell disaster.
Mazotti Leaves, Tight End Room Shaken
Mazotti, a locker-room leader and the team’s second-leading receiver with 322 yards, was expected to play a major role in the Spartans’ future. However, with starter Sam Olson returning and younger talent emerging, he opted for a fresh start, receiving offers from Connecticut, Temple, San Diego State, and UNLV. His exit raises concerns about depth at the position and the team’s ability to maintain offensive consistency.
Transfer Exodus: A Sign of Bigger Problems?
The loss of six players in one week—especially with the possibility of more departures before the Jan. 2 transfer deadline—has sparked concerns that San Jose State may be losing its grip on retaining top talent. This comes after last season’s exodus of receiver Isaiah Hamilton, who left for Washington State immediately after a breakout bowl game.
A Crucial Hawai’i Bowl Looms
As the Spartans prepare for their bowl game against Coastal Carolina, the focus shifts to whether this team can still compete at a high level despite major roster instability. A strong performance could convince remaining players to stay, but a disappointing showing could open the floodgates for even more departures.
With NIL deals, transfer portal chaos, and Power 5 programs poaching top talent, San Jose State’s football program faces a critical turning point. Can they recover from these shocking losses, or is this the beginning of a major rebuild?