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Fresno State has waited a long time for this opportunity. Now that it’s finally here, expectations in the Valley are high.
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to sit down with Al Scott of Fresno State Sports Magazine and TJ Nijjar of Sidelines – Fresno State to break down how the Valley feels about the relaunched Pac-12.
The overall consensus was about what you would expect: this isn’t the Pac-12 of old, but there’s genuine excitement about finally getting started. Fresno State was among the group of teams (just behind Boise State and San Diego State) vying to join the Pac-12 long before the conference fell apart. When the Bulldogs accepted an invitation to the Mountain West, school leadership made it clear the move was about positioning Fresno State for long-term growth rather than serving as a permanent destination. The Bulldogs publicly campaigned to join the Pac-12 in 2010, but their academic profile, particularly their research status, ultimately kept them on the outside looking in.
Fresno State has consistently been one of Boise State’s biggest challengers in the Mountain West and is coming off a nine-win season under first-year head coach Matt Entz.
Like any good fans, both TJ and Al believe Fresno State is a legitimate contender for the conference title, and given the amount of returning production, they have good reason to feel that way.
How Good Were the Bulldogs Last Season?
Fresno State boasted a top-20 defense last season, although much of that success came against weaker competition. Six of the Bulldogs’ victories came against FCS Southern, Oregon State, Nevada, Wyoming, and San Jose State, teams that combined to go 14-46. Meanwhile, losses to Colorado State (49-21), Utah State (28-17), and San Diego State (23-0) raise some questions, especially considering Washington State handled each of those opponents convincingly last season.
That said, it would be unfair not to mention Fresno State’s impressive 30-7 win at Boise State, which highlighted a strong finish to the season as the Bulldogs won four of their final five games.
Why Fresno State Believes
The Bulldogs return the majority of their defensive starters, along with nearly all of their offensive skill-position talent. Continuity is a luxury in modern college football, and few teams in the conference can match what Fresno State brings back. That experience could prove to be one of the Bulldogs’ biggest advantages in the race for a Pac-12 championship.
Led by nickelback Simeon Harris and linebacker K’vion Thunderbird, the Bulldogs figure to field one of the conference’s better defenses. Despite not having a first-team All-Mountain West selection last season, they played disciplined, physical team defense.
Offensively, Fresno State returns its top three running backs, including standout Rayshon “Speedy” Luke, an Arizona transfer who appeared in all 13 games last season. Luke rushed for 702 yards and eight touchdowns while adding another 341 yards as a kickoff returner. His versatility makes him one of the Bulldogs’ most dangerous playmakers. Fresno State also returns its top three wide receivers, giving whoever wins the quarterback job plenty of experienced weapons.
The Biggest Question Mark
Interestingly, both TJ and Al pointed to San Diego State, as the game they’re circling. Niether mentioned Washington State. Many players have openly talked about wanting revenge after last season’s home loss to the Aztecs.
However, the biggest storyline both guests kept coming back to was quarterback.
They believe the Bulldogs have a championship-caliber roster everywhere else, but the quarterback position remains the one major unknown. Returner Jayden Mandal and Maryland transfer Khristian Martin are the frontrunners, with Martin appearing to have the inside track entering fall camp. Both quarterbacks offer mobility, but neither has significant FBS experience.
Why It Matters for Washington State
In many ways, Fresno State profiles similarly to Washington State. According to DraftKings, both teams currently sit at +800 to win the Pac-12, trailing Boise State, San Diego State, and Texas State.
Kirby Moore, who coached at Fresno State from 2017-22, certainly won’t overlook this matchup. In my opinion, this will be one of Washington State’s most important games of the season, but it also illustrates just how competitive the new Pac-12 could be.
The Cougars benefit from hosting both Boise State and Fresno State, while a trip to San Diego State has historically not been one of the conference’s most intimidating road environments. Those scheduling breaks could prove significant in the race for a conference championship berth.
Looking Ahead
Fresno State will travel to Pullman on October 3 for its first Pac-12 game in the relaunched conference. The Bulldogs are 1-3 all-time in Pullman and 2-4 overall against Washington State. Their lone victory at Martin Stadium came in 1991, when they defeated the Cougars 34-30. More recently, Fresno State defeated Washington State in the LA Bowl before the Cougars returned the favor in the 24’ season behind Ethan O’Connor’s dramatic pick-six.
As the conference enters a new era, games like this will define the league. No, the schedule won’t feature USC, Oregon, Utah, or Washington. But there’s a strong argument that these matchups will carry more week-to-week intrigue than many of the old Pac-12 games involving Cal, Stanford or Arizona State in their weaker seasons. Every team in this conference will will believe they can compete every season.
In my opinion, teams like Fresno State should see a “Pac-12 Bump” as we get deeper into the relaunched conference. Al and Tj mentioned there has been a signigant recruiting bump, with the Bulldogs being able to keep top prospects in the Valley that might have perviously gone else where. The success of the conference will hinge on the new members to take advantage of the Pac-12’s legacy to grow their programs.
If Fresno State gets consistent quarterback play, the Bulldogs have the roster, continuity, and defensive foundation to contend for a Pac-12 championship. Entering their second full season together under Matt Entz, they may have one of the conference’s biggest built-in advantages. Whether they capitalize on it will likely determine if they’re simply a contender, or the team to beat.
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