SDSU Football Players Tested Positive for Mumps

Four additional team members have contracted the virus amid a challenging start to the San Diego State football season.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Football

Expressive sports illustration featuring rows of football helmets on a rack, depicting the health challenges facing the collegiate athletic team. — San Diego State University has reported four additional cases of mumps among its football team, compounding existing personnel difficulties for the program. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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San Diego State University confirmed that four more football players tested positive for mumps. This follows the school's report of three cases and two probable cases on September 18.

Why it matters

The outbreak creates significant personnel challenges for the program as it looks to improve upon a 1-3 start. Managing team health is now a critical priority alongside on-field performance for the remainder of the season.

The program has confirmed four additional mumps cases among team members. SDSU currently holds a 1-3 record as they prepare to host Texas State.

The players

San Diego State University

The public research university in San Diego operates the football program affected by the recent mumps outbreak.

Lucky Sutton

The SDSU running back is listed as questionable for the upcoming game after sustaining an injury against Toledo.

Javion Kinnard

The running back is managing an injury sustained during the September 26 game against Toledo.

Bert Emanuel Jr.

The wide receiver did not participate in the game against Toledo due to undisclosed reasons.

Christian Washington

The football player officially left the San Diego State team one week ago.

The details

The virus spread coincides with a difficult stretch for the Aztecs, who are coming off a 41-16 loss to Toledo where running backs Lucky Sutton and Javion Kinnard were injured. Additionally, wide receiver Bert Emanuel Jr. sat out that game, and Christian Washington departed the team last week.

September 18, 2026: SDSU confirmed three mumps cases and two probable cases.
September 26, 2026: Sutton and Kinnard were injured in the loss to Toledo.
September 28, 2026: Four additional football players tested positive for mumps.
September 30, 2026: The first Pac-12 availability report of the year was released.
October 3, 2026: SDSU is scheduled to play Texas State at Snapdragon Stadium.

Season Trajectory

The mumps outbreak complicates roster stability for a team already navigating a 1-3 start. With eight games remaining in the regular season, these personnel losses impact the program's ability to climb back into contention within the conference.

The availability of running backs Lucky Sutton and Javion Kinnard remains questionable for the upcoming game. Fantasy players and bettors should monitor the Pac-12 availability report for final confirmation on the active roster.

The takeaway

Maintaining team health is as vital to a successful season as offensive or defensive strategy. Keeping players available on the roster remains the primary hurdle for the coaching staff moving into October.