By Niles Hall (@n23hall) – Content Editor | Former Spartan Wide Receivers Danny Scudero, Kyri Sholes and Leland Smith celebrate in the endzone against the University of Idaho Vandals on Sept. 20
With the college football season ending and the transfer portal slowing down, 12 San Jose State Spartans from the 2025 season found new homes.
This window of the transfer portal proves that, despite coming off a disappointing 3-9 season, the Spartans have the tools to develop talent.
SJSU will say farewell to some of the program’s cornerstone players. Some of whom are aiming for bigger opportunities under brighter lights.
Departures
Danny Scudero, wide receiver – University of Colorado
Scudero looks onto the field as Central Michigan University defenders surround him. on Aug. 29 (Photo by Alexis Corona-Aguilar – Spear Photographer)
Kyri Shoels, wide receiver – University of Utah
Sholes lines up against an Air Force Academy defensive back on Nov. 8 (Photo by Denim Bragg – Spear Photographer)
Shoels spent two seasons as a Spartan after SJSU recruited him from Palomar Community College. He made his mark this past season, being second on the team with 768 receiving yards and sixth in the Mountain West.
During his second season at SJSU, he showcased his ability to make clutch plays. An example is seen in the Spartans’ 45-38 victory against the University of Hawaii on Nov.1. He will now look to continue this reputation in the Big 12.
Sholes will reunite with former SJSU defensive coordinator Derrick Odum and former SJSU offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven, who are both on Utah’s coaching staff.
Nate Hale, offensive line – University of Arizona
Hale gets set at offensive tackle against Central Michigan University on Aug. 29 (Photo by Alexis Corona-Aguilar – Spear Photographer)
Hale spent three seasons in San Jose, redshirting his freshman year and serving as a special teams contributor as a redshirt freshman season.
Hale proved to be a development success story last season, starting at offensive tackle in 10 games for the Spartans. Hale was a key member of the Spartans’ offensive line, which ranked first in the Mountain West in sacks allowed.
Leland Smith, wide receiver – University of California, Los Angeles
Smith tries to avoid a defender against the University of Idaho Vandals on Sept. 20
Smith’s lone season as a Spartan was key to his development as a wide receiver. Smith transferred to SJSU from Purdue University.
At Purdue, he had limited opportunities. He transferred in hopes of showcasing his talent.
Smith had 668 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He would make alien-like athletic plays look routine. At UCLA, he will reattempt to showcase his abilities in a power conference.
Steve Chavez-Soto, running back – University of Utah
Chavez-Soto lines up in the back field against Air Force Academy on Nov. 8 (Photo by Denim Bragg – Spear Photographer)
Chavez-Soto started his freshman season at the bottom of the team’s depth chart. Due to a couple of injuries, he was quickly thrust into action.
In his first opportunity against the University of New Mexico, he rushed for 71 yards and scored two touchdowns.
He would go on to play in the final eight games of the season, accounting for 448 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. In Utah, Chavez-Soto will look to help a struggling run game that ranked last in the Big 12 in rushing yards.
Vili Taufatofua, defensive line – University of Colorado
Taufatofua celebrates in-game against Air Force Academy on Nov. 8. (Photo courtesy of SJSU Athletics)
Taufatofua’s lone redshirt junior season at SJSU was the most productive of his Division 1 career. In 11 starts, he led the Spartans with three sacks and tied for first in the Mountain West, having two forced fumbles.
He is a defensive end who will bring his physical traits and explosive speed off the edge. In Colorado, he will look to bolster a stout defensive line that led the Big 12 in sacks last season.
Jaylen Thomas, defensive back – Washington State
Thomas celebrates with teammates in a game against the University of New Mexico on Oct. 3. (Photo by Alexis Corona-Aguilar – The Spear)
Thomas started 12 games at cornerback for the Spartans. After redshirting his true freshman year, Thomas became a key member of SJSU’s secondary.
He was second on the team in pass breakups and fourth in tackles. After a couple of Washington State secondary members from last season graduated, he will look to be in the mix for the team’s starting position.
Matthew Coleman, Wide receiver – Sacramento State
Coleman celebrates a touchdown on Oct. 3 against the New Mexico Lobos. (Photo by Alexis Corona-Aguilar – The Spear)
Coleman has shown his potential throughout his three-year playing stint at SJSU. But became limited by the lack of a steady opportunity. Coleman’s peak at SJSU was in the 2024 Hawai’i Bowl, having 119 receiving yards and one touchdown.
He went into the 2025 season looking to be one of SJSU’s top receivers. Due to an injury early in the season, he was never able to assert himself. Coleman will head to Sac State looking to unleash his full potential.
Players to Watch
Former SJSU starting quarterback Walker Eget stiff-arms Stanford University defender on Sept. 27.
Former SJSU starting quarterback Walker Eget has entered the transfer portal and took a visit to Duke University on Jan. 21. Eget is hoping for an extension of eligibility pending approval from the NCAA.
Duke’s student newspaper, the Duke Chronicle, has announced the commitment of Eget. Citing a source close to the team. Duke and Eget have yet to officially announce the commitment.
Former SJSU seniors defensive tackle Gafa Faga, defensive back Isiah Revis and linebacker Noah McNeal-Franklin have all entered the portal. Looking to get an extension of eligibility pending acceptance from the NCAA.
