What Is 2024 San Diego Toreros football team

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 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2024 San Diego Toreros football team represents the University of San Diego in the NCAA Division I FCS Pioneer Football League. Led by head coach Brandon Moore, the team competes in a 12-game regular season with home games at Torero Stadium.

Key Facts

The 2024 San Diego Toreros play in the NCAA Division I FCS Pioneer Football League
Head coach Brandon Moore is in his first season as head coach
The team plays home games at 6,000-seat Torero Stadium
The regular season consists of 12 games, beginning August 31, 2024
The Toreros finished 4–7 in 2023, returning key offensive players

Overview

The 2024 San Diego Toreros football team represents the University of San Diego (USD) in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), competing in the Pioneer Football League (PFL). This season marks the debut of head coach Brandon Moore, who took over following the departure of previous coach Steve Gilbert after the 2023 season.

The Toreros play their home games at Torero Stadium, a 6,000-seat venue on the USD campus in San Diego, California. As a non-scholarship FCS program, the team emphasizes academic excellence and balanced offensive and defensive play, aiming to improve on a 4–7 record from the prior year.

12-game schedule: The 2024 season includes 12 regular-season games, beginning August 31 against Azusa Pacific, with 6 home games at Torero Stadium.
New head coach:Brandon Moore enters his first season as head coach after serving as defensive coordinator; he played linebacker at USD from 2001 to 2004.
Home venue: Torero Stadium, located on campus, has a capacity of 6,000 and features a natural grass playing surface.
2023 performance: The team finished 4–7 overall and 3–5 in PFL play, failing to qualify for the FCS playoffs.
Returning talent: Quarterback AJ Perry returns after throwing for 1,842 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023, leading the offensive core.

How It Works

The San Diego Toreros operate within the framework of NCAA Division I FCS rules, which differ from FBS in scholarship limits, playoff structure, and scheduling. As a member of the Pioneer Football League, USD competes in a conference that does not offer athletic scholarships for football, emphasizing academic integration and competitive balance.

Pioneer Football League: The PFL is a non-scholarship FCS conference with 10 member schools across the Midwest and West, including Dayton, Davidson, and St. Thomas.
Non-scholarship model: Unlike most FCS programs, PFL schools do not award athletic scholarships for football, relying on academic aid and need-based support for student-athletes.
Recruiting pipeline: The Toreros focus on West Coast talent, particularly from California high schools, with an emphasis on academic preparedness and character.
Game structure: Teams play 12 regular-season games, with 8 conference matchups and 4 non-conference games; the PFL champion earns an automatic FCS playoff bid.
Practice and training: The team follows NCAA-mandated practice limits, with 20 hours per week allowed during the season and strength/conditioning programs year-round.
Academic integration: Student-athletes maintain a team GPA above 3.0 and are supported by USD’s academic advising and tutoring services.

Comparison at a Glance

Compared to other FCS programs, the San Diego Toreros operate under unique constraints and advantages due to their non-scholarship status and geographic location.

Feature	San Diego Toreros	Typical FCS Team	PFL Average	FBS Equivalent
Division	FCS	FCS	FCS	FBS
Scholarships	0 (non-scholarship)	63 max	0	85
Conference	Pioneer Football League	Varies (e.g., CAA, Missouri Valley)	PFL	SEC, Big 12, etc.
Stadium Capacity	6,000	10,000–30,000	5,000–7,000	60,000+
2023 Win %	.364 (4–7)	.500–.700	.450	.600+

This comparison highlights the Toreros’ unique position as a competitive yet academically focused program. While lacking the resources of scholarship teams, USD maintains a strong tradition of player development and conference competitiveness.

Why It Matters

The 2024 season is pivotal for the Toreros as they adapt to new leadership and strive for a winning record in a challenging PFL landscape. Success could elevate the program’s national profile and boost recruiting.

Coaching transition: Brandon Moore’s leadership style emphasizes defensive discipline, potentially shifting team identity from previous offensive schemes.
Recruiting impact: A strong 2024 season could attract higher-profile recruits, especially from Southern California’s talent-rich high school leagues.
Conference standings: The PFL is highly competitive, with St. Thomas and Drake as recent powers; USD aims to finish in the top half.
Player development: The program has produced 10+ NFL tryout players in the past decade, despite no scholarships.
Academic model: The Toreros exemplify how athletic excellence can coexist with rigorous academics in NCAA Division I.
Community engagement: Games at Torero Stadium draw local families and alumni, strengthening USD’s presence in San Diego.

The 2024 San Diego Toreros football season represents a fresh chapter in a long-standing FCS program. With new leadership and returning talent, the team seeks to rebuild and compete for a PFL title in the coming years.