Mumps Outbreak Has Hit San Diego State Football Team
The Aztecs confirmed multiple mumps cases ahead of their road game against the Toledo Rockets.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
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San Diego State University confirmed three mumps cases and two probable cases among the football team on September 18. Additional infections were confirmed throughout the team during the following week.
Why it matters
The health situation has disrupted the Aztecs roster as the team travels to Ohio for their matchup at the Glass Bowl. The outbreak poses challenges for the squad as they prepare to face Toledo.
Javion Kinnard enters the game with 181 rushing yards, while the team's punter maintains an average of 47.9 yards per punt. SDSU currently sits as a 2 1/2-point underdog against Toledo.
The players
San Diego State University
This public research university in California serves as the home base for the Aztecs athletic program.
Lucky Sutton
He is a running back for the Aztecs who is expected to be sidelined for the upcoming game against Toledo.
Javion Kinnard
He is an Aztecs player expected to handle the majority of the team's running workload this week.
Kalan Ellis
He is a football player for San Diego State who is expected to return to the lineup this Saturday.
Donovan Brown
He is an Aztecs football player who is expected to return to the field for the game.
The details
Mumps spreads through close contact and heavy respiratory droplets, necessitating medical monitoring for the affected team members. While San Diego State requires mumps immunization for enrollment, the team is managing the roster impact by relying on players like Javion Kinnard for the running workload.
Timeline
In 2017, a chickenpox outbreak affected nearly a dozen players during training camp.
Twenty players missed the 2021 Mountain West championship game due to COVID-19.
San Diego State University confirmed the initial mumps cases on September 18, 2026.
The football team travels to play Toledo on September 26, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This health crisis complicates the Aztecs' roster depth and impacts their standing as they head into a road matchup in Toledo. The outbreak mirrors past disruptions that hindered the program during critical stretches of the season.
The absence of key personnel like Lucky Sutton shifts the offensive load toward Javion Kinnard for Saturday's game. Bettors should note the team enters the contest as a 2 1/2-point underdog given the current roster uncertainty.
The takeaway
Maintaining strict health protocols is essential for collegiate sports programs to avoid mid-season roster instability. Athletes should continue to monitor symptoms closely to prevent further transmission within locker room environments.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's status, visit San Diego Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Diego Union-Tribune.
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