Four Mustangs Land on Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Sky Team
8/3/2026 12:03:00 PM | Football
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — With preseason training camp underway and the regular season just around the corner, the Cal Poly football team saw four of its players earn a spot on college football writer Phil Steele’s Preseason All-Big Sky Team.
Mustang linebackers Mikey D’Amato and Kenny Olson continue to both rack up their preseason honors as both were named to the first team. On offense, transfer running back Jaden Green and offensive lineman Leif Magnuson were each named to the second team.
D’Amato and Olson have both previously been named Preseason All-Americans and Preseason All-Big Sky this offseason.
D’Amato was one of the best linebackers in the country at the FCS level last season. He earned First Team All-Big Sky honors and was named to three different FCS All-American teams. He led the Big Sky and was tied for fourth in the nation in tackles with 137. That number is the third most in a season in Cal Poly history. He had seven games with double digit tackles, including a season-high 19 against Sac State. He was also eighth in the Big Sky in sacks with six. He also had 8.5 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, a pass breakup, and an interception.
Olson also had an outstanding season in 2025. He earned First Team All-Big Sky honors while forming one of the best linebacker duos in all of college football alongside D’Amato. He was second in the Big Sky and tied for 13th in the nation in tackles with 117 which ranks seventh most in program history. He also added six tackles for loss, two sacks, seven quarterback hurries, and two pass breakups. He had seven games of double digit tackles, including a season-high 13 against UC Davis.
Green is a transfer from Lehigh University where he spent the last two seasons. There, he had much success. He was a two-time All-Patriot League selection. As a freshman in 2024, he was an FCS Freshman All-American. As a sophomore last season, he rushed for 854 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Magnuson is going into his sixth season of college football and second at Cal Poly after transferring to San Luis Obispo following a four year career at Arizona. Last season, Magnuson started all nine games he was healthy for on the offensive line, primarily at the guard position.
Cal Poly will open its 2026 season Friday, Aug. 28 at home against Big Sky foe Idaho under the lights at Mustang Memorial Field for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The game will be televised on ESPN.
