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A First Look at Fresno State's Quarterback Battle
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 1 month ago on
July 25, 2025
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(GV Wire Video/David Taub and Jahz Tello)

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Fresno State first-year football coach Matt Entz says the quarterback competition is “wide open” as the Bulldogs begin fall camp.

However, he hopes to make a decision on the starter by the 15th practice on Aug. 11.

Three QBs in the Hunt

E.J. Warner has the most experience — a transfer from Rice, and Temple before that. He says he’s gained weight in “a good way,” and speed. While his teammates walked from the locker room to the practice field, Warner dashed in.

“We’re just trying to compete, trying to do our best. It’s not about who else is out there, just trying to focus on ourselves, making sure that we’re making the right plays, putting our teammates in positions,” Warner said.

Warner threw for 2,710 yards last season, with 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions at Rice.

Entz said Warner will compete with Sacramento State transfer Carson Conklin, and returning backup Jayden Mandal. Having Warner transfer in the spring was significant, Entz said.

“It’s huge. Carson knows that, but Carson’s not afraid of competition. And he’s approaching every day really good. And Jayden’s done a great job, too,” Entz said. “Let’s make it real exciting.”

“The quarterback room has been good, we have a lot of fun in there,” Warner said. “You wouldn’t even know we’re competing against each other.”

Warner Dons the No. 13 Made Famous by His Dad

Warner will wear No. 13, like his Pro Football Hall of Fame father, Kurt Warner.

“My mom wanted me to, but I’m not a huge number guy. Obviously my dad wore that number, and it’s cool to wear the same as him, but I’m just trying to play a ball, not too focused on it,” Warner said.

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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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