San Diego State is still in the midst of roster construction for its 2025 football team. On Friday, the Aztecs received the program’s first commitment for the Class of 2026. Ventura High School quarterback Derek Garcia, rated the No. 31 quarterback prospect in the nation by 247sports.com, announced his commitment on social media. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Garcia threw for 2,593 yards and 27 touchdowns while leading the Cougars to a Channel League championship last season. “San Diego State has made me feel at home since the first time being there,” Garcia said. “They are going to be a steady program for me to be at and they are going to build it up to be a great school. “They also are going to a great conference (the Pac-12 in 2026) when I am going to be a freshman that I am super excited about. The staff has always made me feel confident and made me feel wanted.” Greg Biggins, national recruiting analyst for 247Sports.com, regards Garcia among the “top pure passers” on the West Coast in his recruiting class. “He has a smooth, easy delivery and the ability to get the ball down the field,” Biggins wrote, adding, “He’s comfortable throwing out of the shotgun, rolling to his right or left and can make the off-balance, off-platform throws look easy. … “He doesn’t run a ton but shows good mobility in and out of the pocket. He can escape pressure when he needs to and is able to extend plays and does a nice job keeping his eyes down the field and doesn’t panic under stress.” It Is the second straight year that SDSU’s recruiting class has opened with a quarterback commitment. Long Beach Millikan High School’s JP Miialovski — who is graduating early to be present in March for spring practice — got things started for the Class of 2025. Mialovski’s commitment did not come until the end of April during his signing year, however. Garcia’s commitment is the earliest in the recruiting cycle anyone can remember. Everything about college football seems to be sped up these days, not the least of which is recruiting. Garcia said he was compelled to act given that nearly two dozen of the top 50 QBs for 2026 already have made commitments. “The recruiting pattern has become crazy with QBs in my class,” Garcia said. “Everyone has been committing so early and there are already so many commits. “I didn’t want to put myself in a spot where I didn’t have a home because I waited too long. It has felt like home for a while now, and I was just ready to pull the trigger and commit.” Garcia, who had more than a dozen scholarship offers, also considered Arkansas, Cal, Kansas and Minnesota. Asked what sets him apart on the field, Garcia said: “My biggest asset is having a really good football IQ. Understanding the game is what sets you apart. from all the other good QBs who can sling it. Obviously, you have to be able to throw it, but if you aren’t smart when making decisions, you won’t succeed.” SDSU coaches are precluded from commenting about recruits until they have officially signed. The three-day early signing period for the Class of 2026 is in December. Notable • SDSU confirmed staff promotions on Friday for cornerbacks coach Demetrius Sumler and quarterbacks coach Matt Johnson. Sumler has been promoted to pass game coordinator and Johnson to offensive coordinator. In addition, director of football operations Ruben Pena has been promoted to assistant AD, football chief of staff. • SDSU coach Sean Lewis is still in the process of hiring a new edge rushers coach. The position opened when edges coach Rob Aurich became defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. • SDSU’s new defensive analyst is Tyler Sutton, who replaces Steve Huber. Sutton was tight ends/special teams coordinator the past two years at Idaho. Sutton coached for a decade at the University of San Diego, where he was offensive coordinator and running backs coach for two seasons before leaving for Idaho. • The Aztecs’ winter conditioning program has begun, two weeks ahead of the Jan. 21 start of spring classes. SDSU added 19 players over the past month from the transfer portal, though their presence in the program is not official until attending their first class.