Duquesne Gets Commitment from San Diego St Transfer

Head coach Jerry Schmitt and the Duquesne Dukes football program have picked up an interesting commitment.

Former San Diego State DT/DE Ryan Gaea has made the decision to transfer to Duquesne. Gaea is 6’5″, 280-pounds and will have 4 seasons of athletic eligibility remaining. The native of Stockton, California entered the portal in April and recently announced his commitment to Duquesne.

100% Committed to @DuqFB @Duq_CoachMack pic.twitter.com/d57LQ2RpBv

— ryan gaea (@GaeaRyan) June 27, 2025

Coming out of St. Mary’s High School, Gaea was a 3-star recruit and held offers from San Diego St, Nevada, Portland State, Sacramento State and Air Force.

Pittsburgh Sports Now had the chance to catch up with Gaea and asked him about his decision to join Duquesne.

“When I hit the portal, I was looking for a school that made me feel like family and would help develop my skills,” Gaea told PSN. “Coach Mak was first to reach out and recruit me and we built a relationship over the summer. What led me to Duquesne was the connection I had with Coach Mac and historically, how great the school is. It also helps having family just a drive away in Pennsylvania.”

“The Duquesne program just got a team player who is an agile and quick player that is able to play anywhere on the defensive line, whether it be at defensive tackle or defensive end will do anything to help the team win.”

Duquesne opens its 2025 campaign at Acrisure Stadium against Pitt on August 30.

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