PRIYA COOPER / SPORTS EDITOR

USD men’s football has hope for a strong fall season. The team just concluded the preseason and competes at home next on Saturday Sept. 27    in  Torero  Stadium versus St. Thomas. The Toreros opened their season on a tough note, falling 41–17 to Cal Poly in their home opener during the  final  week of  August. The   following   week,   the  Toreros  faced  off   against  No. 24 in the country Southern Utah University and were able to turn the tide both setting a school record and beating a ranked opponent in overtime.

     USD senior Isabella Sabarasse talked about her reaction to the Toreros beating a ranked team. 

“Honestly, I didn’t think we had a chance,” Sabaresse said. “But I’m so glad I ended up going to the game. I was shocked when we actually pulled it off in overtime.”

The game against Southern Utah University marked the Toreros first-ranked win at home. The last time USD won against a nationally ranked opponent was when they defeated No. 25 Northern Arizona, 41-10 on Nov. 25,  2017  during  the first-round   of  the NCAA  FCS  playoffs. 

USD sophomore and defensive back Thomas Nunes commented on what the win meant for the Toreros and to the team as a whole. 

 “The win against Southern Utah was monumental for a program because we made history beating a ranked opponent,” Nunes said. “It also gave us the confidence to continue our preseason and go into league play.” 

Throughout the game, USD graduate    student  Matt  Colombo  had two touchdowns and a three-yard rush to bring the Toreros to victory at the end of overtime.  USD junior and quarterback Dom Nankil had the other two rushing touchdowns which led to the late victory. Colombo had the game winning  play and  was named Pioneer Football  League  Offensive  Player of the Week  Sunday after the game. 

Toreros celebrating after their win on Sept. 6th. Photo courtesy of @usdfootball/Instagram

USD senior and defensive back Ezekiel Swayne discussed how the Toreros intend on keeping the energy up and playing off the momentum from the last victory. 

“We plan on  continuing to build  off  of  that win from Southern Utah where we took a big step,” Swayne said. “There  is  a  lot of  young talent on the roster and we want to continue to build the chemistry and bond which will help us perform on the field.”

The  Toreros   took  on the Montana   State    Bobcats   on   Saturday Sept. 13th at Bobcat Stadium and fell to a final score of 41-7. Despite the loss this past Saturday, the game in Montana  marked the first time USD faced nationally ranked opponents consecutively since the 2021 season. Montana State University is ranked at No. 4 in their  division right now and is ranked 6 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll. 

USD football pictured playing away vs. No. 4 Montana State University. Photo courtesy of @usdfootball/Instagram

San Diego was able to break  through and get points on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter, as junior quarterback Dom Nankil guided a  10-play,  65-yard  drive  that ended with a  strike  to USD graduate  and  receiver  Josh  Heverly in the end zone.  The  Toreros  have  already shown resilience and the ability to rise to  the occasion against tough competition. With league   play   just  beginning,  USD    will look to  channel  the   confidence   gained from  its   historic   win  over  Southern Utah University into consistent performances throughout the season. If the team can continue developing its talent, the Toreros have every reason to believe that a strong fall campaign lies ahead.

USD football at Torero Stadium on Sept. 6th vs. Southern Utah State University. Photo courtesy of @usdfootball/Instagram