With seven starters and its defensive coordinator returning, expectations remain high for one of the best defenses in the nation.

Fresno State is in the middle of 13 spring practices leading up to the April 25 spring preview game.

The Bulldogs finished 9-4 in 2025, capped by a Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl victory. The Bulldogs played five of their seven Pac-12 opponents last year, posting a 2-3 record. The 2026 season starts Sept. 5 at USC.

Fresno State ranked 10th in the nation in 2025 in yards allowed per game (285.7) and 16th in fewest points allowed per game (18.8). Defensive coordinator Nick Benedetto can take credit. He is returning for his second year under head coach Matt Entz and has added associate head coach to his title. All of his defensive assistants are back as well.

“A lot of us have coached together for a lot of years. Linebackers coach Adam Breske and I have been together — it’s our fifth school together. We have a unique tie, and it’s great to be able to come out here and help the players learn first-step football, 1% better every day,” Benedetto said.

Asked if he was recruited by other schools in the offseason, Benedetto gave a coy response.

“I want to be here. We love working for Coach Entz. We love these players, and my family loves it here. This is a great family culture. It’s a program with great tradition that is bigger than any one person. It’s bigger than me, it’s bigger than all of us. We get to uphold that standard every day,” Benedetto said. “All these players came back. Why would you not want to be here?”

There is no doubt that with a repeat performance, he will be in demand by other programs.

‘No Panic’ Harris is Back

Nickelback Simeon Harris is “Mr. No Panic,” his social media message of affirmation after every win or loss. He was second on the team with 54 tackles and is expected to continue to be a leader on the defensive side.

He has added 15 pounds of muscle entering his second season. His 2026 goals are to get faster, maintain his weight, and improve his defensive IQ.

As for improving his game?

“Winning first-step football, not being hesitant,” Harris said. “If the tight end steps out, I need to step out. If my tool goes in, I need to go in. Just not being hesitant — getting the call, seeing the key and executing it at eye level.”

Harris, a senior who transferred last year from Utah State, understands his role as a leader.

“I really can’t slack — there’s no room for little errors here and there. I’m not going to be perfect, but I have to be a leader on and off the field, not just in the weight room but outside of it, in the classroom, whatever. Just being there for my teammates, letting them know they can trust me and that I can trust them,” Harris said.

Laffitte Slims Down

Defensive lineman Deijon Laffitte emerged as a starter last season. Laffitte exhibited speed, recording three sacks and even nabbed an interception.

In the transfer portal era, Laffitte decided to stay at Fresno State.

“I know how it feels to go to a new program and have to start over. I feel like I’m at home and I’m with the people I’m supposed to be with,” Laffitte said.

Laffitte is training to improve his pass rush. He’s dropped 10 pounds to improve his speed.

“I’m at 295 pounds, feeling really explosive and physical. I’ve been taking care of my body, getting in the training room and making sure I don’t have any nicks and nags so I can be fully healthy for the season,” Laffitte said.

During practice, Laffitte and the defensive line worked on staying low, crouching under a set of bars to prepare.

“My mentality is to go through somebody’s face, if I’m being honest. I want to manhandle whoever’s in front of me and get to the quarterback any way I can — whether it’s going vertical, doing stunts or whatever,” Laffitte said.

Benedetto plans to keep the same defensive line strategy as last year.

“The closer you are to the football or the farther you are from it, you have the most impact in one-on-one situations. They will be vertical at times, and they’re going to move at times. There has to be variety. You’re not going to play it the same every time,” Benedetto said.

Laffitte also changed his number from 44 to 0. It is the number fellow lineman Korey Foreman, who graduated, wore last year.

“It’s time for a new era. I wore 44 my whole life in high school and my first few years in college. So I feel like it is time for something new,” Laffitte said.

The era of “Agent Zero” begins in the fall.