What Is 1927 San Diego State Aztecs football

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1927 San Diego State Aztecs football team represented San Diego State Teachers College during the 1927 college football season, compiling a 4–4 record under head coach Walter Herreid, who led the team for its second consecutive year.

Key Facts

The 1927 San Diego State Aztecs football team had a 4–4 overall record
Walter Herreid was head coach for the second consecutive season in 1927
The team played as an independent with no conference affiliation
Home games were held at Balboa Stadium in San Diego
The Aztecs scored 98 points while allowing 86 points in eight games

Overview

The 1927 San Diego State Aztecs football team represented San Diego State Teachers College, now known as San Diego State University, during the 1927 college football season. This was the program's eighth season of intercollegiate football and marked continued growth for the young athletic department.

Competing as an independent with no formal conference affiliation, the Aztecs played a balanced schedule of regional opponents. The team was led by head coach Walter Herreid, who was in his second year at the helm and continued building the foundation for future success.

Record: The 1927 Aztecs finished with a 4–4 overall record, marking a significant improvement from the previous season’s 2–5 mark.
Head Coach:Walter Herreid served as head coach for his second consecutive season, having taken over in 1926 after the departure of the program’s first coach.
Home Field: The team played its home games at Balboa Stadium, a 15,000-seat venue located in San Diego’s Balboa Park, which hosted numerous local teams at the time.
Scoring: The Aztecs scored 98 total points across eight games, averaging 12.3 points per game, while allowing 86 points on defense.
Opponents: The schedule included regional colleges and junior colleges, such as Whittier, Occidental, and San Diego Marines, reflecting the typical competition level for small colleges in that era.

How It Works

The 1927 season operated under the standard college football rules of the time, with teams fielding 11 players and playing four 15-minute quarters. Coaching strategies emphasized power running and defensive discipline, common in the pre-modern era of football.

Term: 1927 Season Structure The season spanned from September to November, consisting of eight scheduled games with no postseason play, as bowl games were rare for non-major programs.
Term: Coaching Staff Walter Herreid managed all aspects of the team, including strategy, player development, and scheduling, with minimal support staff compared to modern programs.
Term: Player Roster The team consisted of approximately 25–30 players, most of whom were student-athletes balancing academics and athletics without athletic scholarships.
Term: Game Strategy The Aztecs relied on a ground-based offense, typical of the era, with limited passing and an emphasis on ball control and field position.
Term: Uniforms and Equipment Players wore leather helmets, wool jerseys, and minimal padding, reflecting the safety standards and equipment technology of the 1920s.
Term: Scheduling As an independent, San Diego State arranged its own matchups, often against nearby schools to reduce travel costs and logistical challenges.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1927 Aztecs with the 1926 and 1928 seasons to illustrate program development.

Season	Record	Head Coach	Home Stadium	Points For	Points Against
1926	2–5	Walter Herreid	Balboa Stadium	63	104
1927	4–4	Walter Herreid	Balboa Stadium	98	86
1928	4–3–1	Walter Herreid	Balboa Stadium	105	78
1925	6–2	Charles E. Peterson	Balboa Stadium	104	57
1924	4–3	Charles E. Peterson	Balboa Stadium	94	72

The table shows a clear upward trend in performance from 1926 to 1928, with the 1927 season serving as a pivotal year of improvement. The team nearly doubled its win total from the previous year and demonstrated stronger offensive and defensive consistency.

Why It Matters

The 1927 season is a key chapter in the early history of San Diego State football, illustrating the program’s resilience and gradual development during its formative years. It helped establish continuity under a single coach and laid the groundwork for future competitiveness.

Institutional Growth: The season reflected San Diego State’s expanding identity beyond a teachers college into a broader educational and athletic institution.
Coach Herreid’s Impact: His leadership in 1927 and beyond helped stabilize the program after early coaching changes and inconsistent records.
Local Rivalries: Games against teams like Occidental and Whittier helped build regional interest and fan engagement in San Diego.
Historical Benchmark: The 4–4 record marked the first .500 season since 1924, signaling progress after two subpar seasons.
Foundation for Future: The 1927 team contributed to a culture of improvement that would lead to greater success in the 1930s and beyond.
Legacy Recognition: Though not widely celebrated today, the season is documented in university archives as part of SDSU’s athletic heritage.

While not a championship season, 1927 was a turning point that demonstrated the potential of San Diego State football during its early decades.