Spartans’ 2026 spring scrimmage: Even with a healthy reload, year three is like year one again in the Niumatalolo era

In offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann’s spread-and-shred system, the question is always the same: who’s next to shine?

Receiver Nick Nash was the breakout star in year one of the Niumatalolo era, followed by Danny Scudero’s standout one-and-done season. Nash is now on the Washington Commanders’ practice squad, while Scudero has transferred to Colorado and was spotted on the sideline Saturday in street clothes.

There’s speed, depth, and versatility across the unit, with early consensus pointing to Jerry McClure and Carson Clark as potential standouts from the spring session, alongside veterans Cooper Hoch and Malachi Riley, who was a starter last year returning from injury.

“If there’s a symbol of a turnaround, it’s receiver Jerry McClure,” said Stutzmann. “He arrived quietly. His confidence was shaken a bit after stops at UCLA and San Diego State, but by the end of spring, his light was back.”

McClure also earned a spot on the newly formed Spartan leadership council. Niumatalolo called him the most consistent player from day one through day fifteen of spring camp.

And there’s more emerging talent behind them.

Underclassmen Devin Omonde, Trace Hernandez, Jace Nix, and Dominique McKenzie (returning from medical leave) add to the group’s young depth.

Meanwhile, former quarterback Tama Amisone has transitioned to receiver, showing the hands and speed to fit right into Stutzmann’s system.

The bigger picture

“Although it’s year three, it’s year one again,” Stutzmann said, emphasizing the team’s overall inexperience. “Daniel Rolovich, Carson Clark, and Devin Omonde should still be in high school.”

Still, all that speed is undeniable.

Niumatalolo insists the roster is deeper from top to bottom than it was a year ago, where in 102 days, the quarterback battle will take center stage heading into fall camp.

Luke Weaver brings familiarity with the system and live-game reps from his time at Hawaii. Robert McDaniels offers experience and a strong, talented arm and Rolovich may have the highest ceiling.

“It’ll rotate day-to-day,” Niumatalolo said. “That’s how close they are right now.”

Weaver added, “Coach Stutzmann has made it really easy for me to develop in this offense. Learning it on paper during winter workouts, then getting reps in PRPs, and jumping into spring ball. It all helped make the transition smoother.”

Defensive identity taking shape

New defensive coordinator Bojay Filimoeatu has already left his mark.

Filimoeatu’s theme and mantra: dominate the details. It was evident in a majority of the 24 five-minute periods of Saturday’s spring showing.

“If you can’t walk through something, you can’t do it full speed,” Filimoeatu said, while quickly crediting assistants Norwood, Dale, and Irwin. “It truly takes a village.”

Veteran defensive lineman Justin Stearns sees it taking hold.

“Coach Bojay and the defensive staff do a great job cleaning everything up in this transition,” Stearns said. “It’s about doing things right, together, at the same time, all the time. That’s how you finish a season.”

While full contact in the trenches was limited, the defense, particularly the coverage unit, stood out in Saturday’s scrimmage.

In seven-on-seven drills, quarterbacks were often forced to throw the ball away, where Pierce Walker and Isaiah Buxton recorded back-to-back interceptions. BYU transfer Naser Danielsen disrupted plays with leaping deflections in the flat and veterans Runye Norton and Kejuan Bullard Jr. consistently won their one-on-one matchups.

Rounding out the group is fan and media favorite Tuli Tagovailoa-Amosa, now a converted safety after playing wide receiver last season.

“I have a special place in my heart for Tuli,” Filimoeatu said. “He’s a tough kid, comes from a similar culture to how I was raised. ‘Yes, sir,’ ‘No, sir.’ He’ll do whatever you ask and more.”

Stearn didn’t hold back either: “Tuli is a mini Troy Polamalu; an absolute dog. He shows up every day and his transition has been awesome.”

About 100 days from now, we’ll find out just how far that work and that edge can carry this team into a much-anticipated 2026 season.