Kevin Vance has been single-minded in his two weeks as San Diego State’s baseball coach.
“It’s been pretty much rebuilding the roster,” Vance said. “That’s been the only focus, getting transfer guys in here.”
Roster turnover has accelerated in the NCAA transfer portal era. A coaching change only adds to the churn. Add to that roster limits — it’s 34 players for baseball — required as part of the House settlement, and things get even more topsy-turvy.
SDSU had 39 players on its 2025 roster. Five of them were seniors. There were 17 players who entered the transfer portal.
Most notable among those departing was right-hander Mark Sipila (4-3, 3.91 ERA, 74 SO), SDSU’s top starting pitcher, who is headed to the SEC after committing to Mississippi State. Infielder Nevan Noonan (.356, 9 HR, 52 RBIs), a Francis Parker High School grad, has committed to Utah after leading the Aztecs in homers and RBIs.
Two Aztecs outfielders entered the portal only to decide to stay. Jake Jackson (.249, 4 HR, 31 RBIs), a Madison High School graduate, and Zane Kelly (.285, 23 RBIs) should again be big pieces of SDSU’s roster.
The 2026 roster is expected to include more than two dozen new players.
“It’s going to be a bunch of new faces, which is exciting, actually, for me,” Vance said. “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind trying to add so many guys in such a short time period, but I feel good about the pieces that we’re going for.”
A dozen players have announced commitments to SDSU on social media, although Vance can’t comment on portal additions until players have officially signed.
Included among the commitments are five Oregon State transfers — infielders Dawson Santana, Jabin Trosky, Levi Jones and Reeve Boyd and catcher Anthony Marnell. The group was pictured together last week in the SDSU clubhouse.
A sixth former Beaver, right-handed pitcher Drew Talavs, has also committed to SDSU.
SDSU also has a commitment from former Oregon catcher Zach Justice.
In addition, the Aztecs have received commitments from two right-handers — Carson Johnson and Bryce McKnight — who pitched at the University of Arizona, where Vance served as pitching coach the past two seasons. Both players pitched in relief. Johnson made 12 appearances while McKnight made six.
Three other right-handers also announced SDSU commitments — Arizona State’s Alec Belardes, Golden West College’s David Ladjevic and Central Arizona College’s Colton LaFave.
Players are expected to officially sign within the next week.
Vance also is in the process of completing his coaching staff. He has identified the assistants he wants, but they are still going through the hiring process.
Originally Published: July 4, 2025 at 2:35 PM PDT