One quarterback transferred from Rice. The other transferred down Highway 99 from Sacramento State. One will start at quarterback on Aug. 23 for Fresno State.

Offensive coordinator Josh Davis said Tuesday he wants 10 more practices before deciding whether E.J. Warner or Carson Conklin will be the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback for the season opener at Kansas. There were some mental mistakes attributed to the “physical wear,” he said.

“After five days, we’re recognizing that we have a championship-level football team, we’re facing a really good defense every day, they’re challenging us and it’s gonna make us better come August,” Davis said.

Davis — in his first year at Fresno State and first year at an FBS school — said they will have “a plan for what kind of packages each quarterback might have” by game week.

He called both quarterbacks poised, understanding the game at a high level.

“Carson is a little bit more wiry, a gunslinger. E.J. is a bit more polished with his fundamentals, but as long as the ball shows up on time and where it needs to, we’re pleased with both those guys,” Davis said.

Carson Conklin Confident When Things Break Down

Conklin, 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, from Yorba Linda, discussed what makes him a contender for the starting role.

“I think my confidence and my ability to make plays when things break down, extend the play, and make something happen out of nothing is really my biggest strength — along with my accuracy. Everyone here has their own thing that they can bring. We try to build off of each other and make each other’s games better,” Conklin said.

Conklin transferred from Sacramento State, where he started as a redshirt freshman in 2024.

“The main thing for me was just making sure I felt like I was at home, making sure I was going somewhere where I was wanted and really appreciated,” Conklin said of transfer. “I have a lot of love for Sac in my heart. I always will from my time there. But I think it was time to move on and I found a great place to be.”

Conklin was aware of the Red Wave support of Fresno State football. He looks forward to performing for the fans.

In his time as a Hornet, Conklin set several freshman passing records.

“(Conklin is a) quarterback who is savvy, who could make plays off-schedule,” Davis said. “He’s been a breath of fresh air. He’s humble, he carries himself really well, and he is ready to work. He’s  playing good football.”

Warner Drawn to QB Development

Warner, 6-feet and 203 pounds from Phoenix, has three years as a starter — two with Temple before transferring to Rice in 2024.

While he knew about Fresno State from its development of quarterbacks like the Carr brothers, he never visited the town until transferring.

“(The QB development) definitely drew me to this place and somewhere I always wanted to go. When I entered the portal this last time and became an opportunity, there was no doubt. I knew I wanted to be here and knew I want to put the Bulldog on my chest and come represent,” Warner said.

He has felt comfortable in practice so far, wanting to build energy throughout the game.

“Our goal is not to just start fast, but to continue it throughout,” Warner said.

While he doesn’t go out much, Warner enjoys pickleball, spike ball, and playing trivia at a local restaurant.

“We’re always trying to find ways to compete, go to that camaraderie between teammates, so that’s kind of what I stick to,” Warner said.

One day, he wants to visit the local national parks.

Both QBs Speak of a Positive Relationship

Conklin and Warner said they have grown closer during camp.

“We really try to make each other better and just improve each other and learn from where we can,” Conklin said.

Warner said it’s a fun QB room. It’s a misconception the competition breeds contempt, he said.

“That’s who you spend the most time with, right? So every single second of every day, we got inside jokes, we were laughing, we were playing ping pong, played golf against each other and talking trash. So it’s been fun. He’s a good kid and everyone in there is just having fun together,” Warner said.