Former Michigan QB now in pole position to start at his new school

Coming out of high school, quarterback Jayden Denegal was a three-star prospect who committed to the Michigan Wolverines over programs like Auburn, Arkansas, and Michigan State.

Then, he appeared in just four games during the 2023 season, playing second chair to J.J. McCarthy, who led the Wolverines to their national title, and then he rode the bench for the entirety of the 2024 season as Michigan struggled to find its footing.

Denegal entered the transfer portal in December 2024, committing to the San Diego State Aztecs just a few days later.

Now, Denegal is leading the way in the Aztecs' quarterback room, reportedly outperforming fellow transfer Bert Emanuel Jr., redshirt junior Kyle Crum, and true freshman JP Mialovski.

Now, it shouldn't be all that surprising that Denegal is standing out amongst his peers; he had two years of playing for one of the best college football programs in the country. Meanwhile, Emanuel transferred from Central Michigan, where he played in just 13 games over three years, and Crum has been with the Aztecs for a few years but hasn't appeared in a game since 2022.

Was Jayden Denegal good at Michigan?

Denegal never really received a chance to be good for the Wolverines. McCarthy was then-head coach Jim Harbaugh's guy on offense. Then, new head coach Sherrone Moore opted to play Davis Warren, Jack Tuttle, and Alex Orji instead of Denegal.

During the 2023 season, Denegal came in for four games, appearing against the Michigan State Spartans, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and UNLV Rebels.

Denegal had just five pass attempts, completing four of them (80 percent), for 50 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He also ran for an additional 10 yards, which includes any yards lost on sacks.

The Aztecs, led by Denegal or one of the other quarterbacks, will kick off their 2025 season with a home game against the Stony Brook Seawolves on Thursday, Aug. 28.