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Haener is Staying, Apologizes for Trying to Leave
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 2 years ago on
December 9, 2021

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Jake Haener, Fresno State’s star quarterback, is returning to the Bulldogs for 2022. He had entered the NCAA transfer portal which would allow him to transfer to another school, but withdrew his name on Wednesday.

“Fresno is my home. It’s made me who I am. I can’t wait to play with Coach Tedford in 2022 and take on the Mountain West for the rest of my teammates and pursue a championship.”

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do here and just play one more season as a Bulldog. I can’t imagine myself anywhere else and this is where I want to be. So Red Wave, I’ll see you in 2022. Go Dogs!” Haener said in a social media video.

Bulldogs Football 2022: Haener and Tedford

The news comes one day after the Bulldogs officially brought back head coach Jeff Tedford — who sat out two seasons for health reasons. Tedford replaced Kalen DeBoer, who left for the University of Washington, where Haener wanted to follow.

“I didn’t know what direction Fresno State was going to go with their coaching staff, their offense, terminology and system, and everything was up in the air. And I knew exactly what I had with Coach DeBoer and Coach Grubb,” Haener said.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb followed DeBoer to Washington.

“Jake Haener will be available for the bowl game,” the athletics department told GV Wire.

Fresno State plays UTEP in the New Mexico Bowl on Dec. 18.

Haener — a fifth-year senior in 2021 — and all NCAA players, were granted an extra year of eligibility because of the pandemic.

Haener Apologizes

In a video posted through the Fresno State football’s twitter account, Haener explained the timing of entering the portal, apologizing for his decision.

“I want to sincerely apologize for the actions I took and the actions I thought that were at the time best for me and my future. Everything I had in my mind and everything at the time was a mix of emotions and true confusion with me and my family,” Haener said.

Because of the uncertainty of the Bulldogs bowl game date, and that Washington starts its winter quarter on Jan. 3, Haener felt last week was the best time to transfer.

“There was a lot of things that needed to be straightened out in my life, in my academic life that needed to be looked at and instructed and entering the transfer portal at that time gave us the best opportunity to weigh all my options out,” Haener said.

When he entered the portal last week, fans on social media were not pleased. Someone hung bedsheets on campus saying “Haener is a Traitor.”

Haener addressed those upset fans in an Instagram post, saying he was doing what was best for his future.

[Update: the athletics department confirmed Haener is eligible to play in the bowl game. This was previously unclear.]

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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