By Vincent Rupena – Senior Staff Writer
Redshirt senior wide receiver Nick Nash scoring a touchdown against Fresno State. I Photo by Titus Wilkinson – The Spear
Redshirt senior wide receiver Nick Nash is returning to SJSU for the 2024 season.
On Jan. 23 senior writer for The Athletic’s Max Olson announced on X that Nash entered the transfer portal. Olson later posted that Nash withdrew from the transfer portal less than 24 hours later.
There is a large uncertainty surrounding Spartan football heading into the 2024 season. The exit of former head coach Brent Brennan has left the future of the team unclear.
Following a coach’s departure, it is common for players to flood into the transfer portal. SJSU lost multiple key offensive players to the transfer portal. Offensive lineman Fernando Carmona Jr. is on his way to Arkansas and wide receiver Charles Ross has committed to Ohio.
SJSU has since brought in Ken Niumatalolo, the former director of leadership at UCLA, to replace Brennan as the next head coach.
Niumatalolo also previously served as the head coach at Navy where he ran the triple-option offense. Many people questioned the style of offense that Niumatalolo intended to implement at SJSU.
The questions surrounding the Spartans’ offense were a major factor in Nash’s decision to enter the portal. SJSU offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Craig Stutzmann was the one who convinced him to stay.
“Coach Stutz had a couple of good talks with me and he assured me that this offense was exactly what I need to be in,” Nash said.
Despite his initial doubts, Nash is excited heading into the season.
“Honestly, I love it.” Nash said. “I mean, I’m here for football. So that’s what I love.”
Nash was the Spartans’ leading receiver last season and the coaching staff is excited to bring him back. “A lot of production that we would have lost without Nick,” SJSU wide receiver coach Kevin McGiven said. Nash received All-Mountain West Second Team honors in 2023. He put up 728 yards on 48 receptions and scored 8 touchdowns.
Not only is Nash’s on the field production crucial for the Spartans but also his presence in the locker room. “He has really grown into a leader. Both his work ethic and being a lot more of a vocal leader. Not just with the receiver core but with the offense and team” McGiven said.