Stony Brook at San Diego State 2025: Game Preview, Time, Location, Streaming & Odds
The 2025 college football season gets underway with a compelling Week 1 non-conference matchup on Thursday, August 28, when the Stony Brook Seawolves travel west to take on the San Diego State Aztecs. This cross-country clash at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, marks a rare meeting between a CAA FCS program and a Group of Five Mountain West powerhouse.
Scheduled in the early kickoff slot, 🏈 Stony Brook at San Diego State will serve as one of the first contests of the new season. It’s an opportunity for both programs to showcase new talent, build early-season momentum, and begin their respective journeys toward postseason goals.
While San Diego State is heavily favored on paper, Week 1 matchups are known for surprises—especially when the underdog enters with nothing to lose. With fans across the country eager for football’s return, all eyes will be on Snapdragon Stadium as the Aztecs look to protect their home turf against the hungry Seawolves.
🗓️ Game Information: 🏈 Stony Brook at San Diego State
- Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Time: TBD (Likely 7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET)
- Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
- TV Coverage: Expected on CBS Sports Network or FS1
- Streaming Options: CBS Sports App, FuboTV, ESPN+, or Mountain West Network
Fans should monitor the official San Diego State and Stony Brook athletics websites for confirmed kickoff time and media information closer to game day.
🏟️ Venue Spotlight: Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego
Opened in 2022, Snapdragon Stadium offers a state-of-the-art setting for the Aztecs’ home games. With seating for over 35,000 fans, modern amenities, and proximity to downtown San Diego, the venue gives SDSU a significant home-field advantage.
Expect a strong local turnout, with the student section and alumni ready to kick off the season in style. For visiting Stony Brook, the West Coast trip and unfamiliar environment present challenges that could factor into the game’s momentum early on.
🔍 Team Previews: 🏈 Stony Brook at San Diego State
San Diego State Aztecs: A New Era Under Sean Lewis
After parting ways with Brady Hoke in 2024, SDSU tapped former Kent State head coach and Colorado offensive coordinator Sean Lewis to take over the reins. Known for his “Flash Fast” uptempo offense, Lewis brings a much-needed jolt to a program that has traditionally relied on defense and ball control.
2025 marks the beginning of this transformation, and 🏈 Stony Brook at San Diego State offers the Aztecs a perfect opportunity to test their new system in a live game setting.
- QB Watch: Redshirt junior Kyle Crum is expected to start at quarterback. After flashes of promise in 2024, Crum must now lead a spread-style offense tailored to get playmakers in space.
- Backfield & Skill Positions: Sophomore running back Lucky Sutton and wide receivers Brionne Penny (younger brother of Rashaad Penny) and Baylin Brooks will play critical roles.
- Defense: The Aztecs are still anchored by a hard-nosed defense. Linebacker Cooper McDonald and safety Cedarious Barfield return as leaders in a unit known for physicality.
Stony Brook Seawolves: Embracing the Underdog Role
The Stony Brook Seawolves may come from the FCS level, but they enter this game with belief, grit, and a chip on their shoulder. Under head coach Chuck Priore, now in his 19th season, Stony Brook has long been a scrappy and physical team out of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).
Though the Seawolves struggled in 2024, finishing near the bottom of their conference, they return several key pieces and boast a defensive unit capable of generating pressure.
- QB Watch: Junior quarterback Casey Case, a transfer from Buffalo, is expected to start and brings arm talent and toughness.
- Key Weapons: Wide receiver Zion Edmead and running back Ty Son Lawton, a former 1,000-yard rusher, provide explosive potential.
- Defense: The defensive line, led by Gavin Hoyte and Chris Campbell, will try to collapse the pocket and disrupt SDSU’s timing.
⚔️ Key Matchups to Watch in 🏈 Stony Brook at San Diego State
Kyle Crum vs. Stony Brook Secondary
Crum will be the focal point in Sean Lewis’s new-look offense. His ability to stretch the field vertically will test a Stony Brook secondary that lacks depth.
Ty Son Lawton vs. SDSU Front Seven
If Stony Brook can establish Lawton early, they can control tempo and keep SDSU’s offense off the field. However, SDSU’s interior line is typically stout against the run.
Speed vs. Structure
SDSU’s transition to a fast-paced system under Lewis will be in direct contrast to Stony Brook’s grind-it-out style. The clash of tempos will dictate momentum and time of possession.
Special Teams Impact
San Diego State has historically dominated on special teams. If Stony Brook allows long returns or botches field position, it could lead to quick Aztec scores.
📈 Betting Odds & Prediction for 🏈 Stony Brook at San Diego State
Point Spread: San Diego State -24.5 (Projected)
Over/Under: 51.0 (Projected)
As an FBS vs. FCS game, sportsbooks often don’t list lines until closer to kickoff, but early projections heavily favor the Aztecs.
ATS Pick: San Diego State -24.5
With a new offense to showcase and depth on both sides of the ball, SDSU will likely open up a big second-half lead. Expect the Aztecs to cover.
Total Pick: Over 51
Despite FCS opposition, both offenses should move the ball effectively. SDSU’s up-tempo style could inflate the score, and Stony Brook may contribute a couple of touchdowns.
⭐ Players to Watch in 🏈 Stony Brook at San Diego State
Kyle Crum – QB, San Diego State
A dual-threat passer with upside, Crum is entering a critical year in his development. All eyes will be on how he performs in a newly designed offense.
Ty Son Lawton – RB, Stony Brook
The transfer from Stony Brook’s 2021 squad returns after a brief stint elsewhere. He’s the Seawolves’ best chance to control clock and field position.
Brionne Penny – WR, SDSU
Speedster and big-play threat who could be the breakout star of 2025. Watch for him to stretch the defense deep.
Zion Edmead – WR, Stony Brook
Reliable hands and a knack for finding open space. If the Seawolves find rhythm, Edmead will be a favorite target.
Cedarious Barfield – DB, SDSU
An NFL prospect in the secondary, Barfield is a ball hawk and emotional leader for the Aztecs.
🧠 Coaching Battle: Sean Lewis vs. Chuck Priore
The coaching matchup between the innovative Sean Lewis and the old-school toughness of Chuck Priore offers a fascinating contrast.
- Sean Lewis (SDSU): First-year Aztec coach, former OC at Colorado, known for speed-based offensive systems.
- Chuck Priore (Stony Brook): One of the longest-tenured FCS coaches, bringing toughness, development, and discipline.
While the talent gap favors SDSU, Priore’s teams have made a habit of hanging around when underestimated.
📉 Recent Trends and Team Form
San Diego State Aztecs
- 2024 Record: 5–7
- Missed bowl eligibility but had 3 close losses
- Return 7 offensive and 6 defensive starters
- Top 5 in Mountain West recruiting for 2025
Stony Brook Seawolves
- 2024 Record: 2–9
- Rebuilding after a tough stretch in CAA
- Offseason focused on transfer portal and OL depth
- Open season vs. FBS team for third straight year
🔢 Series History
- First Meeting: This will be the first-ever game between Stony Brook and San Diego State.
- SDSU vs. FCS Teams: The Aztecs are 9–0 over the past decade when facing FCS opponents.
- Stony Brook vs. FBS: The Seawolves are 0–5 all-time vs. FBS schools but nearly upset USF in 2017.
❓ FAQs for 🏈 Stony Brook at San Diego State
When is the game?
Thursday, August 28, 2025.
Where is it played?
Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California.
What time does it start?
Exact time TBD, expected around 7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET.
How can I watch?
Streaming via CBS Sports App or live broadcast on CBS Sports Network (TBD).
Who is favored?
San Diego State is projected to be favored by 20+ points.
Has Stony Brook ever beaten an FBS team?
No, but they have come close, including a one-score game against South Florida.
Is this a conference game?
No, it’s a non-conference game (FBS vs. FCS matchup).
🧾 Final Score Prediction: San Diego State 41, Stony Brook 13
While the Seawolves will show flashes of fight, the depth, athleticism, and home-field advantage of San Diego State should prove too much. Look for the Aztecs to start slowly as they adjust to the new system, then pile on the points in the second half as Stony Brook wears down.
If Crum clicks early, the scoreboard could get out of hand. However, expect Stony Brook to scrap for every yard and possibly break off a few big plays of their own.
📌 Why You Should Watch 🏈 Stony Brook at San Diego State
- Debut of Sean Lewis’s Offense: How will SDSU look with a modernized playbook and new quarterback direction?
- FBS vs. FCS Storyline: Always fun to watch how smaller programs stack up against bigger schools.
- Player Development Watch: See future NFL hopefuls like Barfield, Penny, and Lawton in action.
- Season-Opening Energy: One of the first games of the college football season — pure excitement under the lights in San Diego.
Don’t overlook this Thursday night matchup. 🏈 Stony Brook at San Diego State might be an early season tune-up for SDSU, but it could also provide plenty of fireworks as both programs aim to kick off 2025 on the right foot.
