Matt Entz is optimistic about his Fresno State football recruiting class.

“We’re seeing the kind of evolution of what we wanted this to be when we talk about being a premier development program,” Entz said Wednesday at a news conference discussing the 2026 signing class.

Fresno State is adding 43 new players:  25 high school recruits and 18 portal transfers.

Entz said that among players transferring out, the Bulldogs lost the third-fewest snaps in the nation.

“That says a lot about the relationships that our coaches are building with our players, but it also says a lot about the support we’re getting internally from our administration,” Entz said.

After a 9-4 year capped by a Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl victory, Fresno State moves to the Pac-12 for the 2026 season.

The Quarterback Room

Khristian Martin, a transfer from Maryland, has the most experience.

Martin was among 12 of the 17 transfers with whom the Bulldogs’ staff had a pre-existing relationship. Tight ends coach Brian Ferentz was the senior offensive assistant at Maryland in 2024.

“Having seen firsthand his ability to throw, his ability to process the game, probably gave him a huge advantage. Again, when it comes down to this, I’m going to call it speed dating. With transfer recruiting, the more knowledge you have and the more pre-existing relationships you have, you better take advantage,” Entz said.

Entz called Martin “a great leader already.”

“He has grabbed the bull by the horns the minute he got on campus,” Entz said.

Entz wants the quarterbacks to be “uber competitive.”

Jayden Mandal is back from injury, Entz said. He did not play in 2025 but did start the 2024 Potato Bowl. Entz also praised backup Jonathan Craft for having a good winter camp.

Two freshmen — Deagan Rose from Clovis High School and Jacob Chambers from Fontana — round out the group.

Entz said Rose has the physical abilities but will face a learning curve.

A New Tight End Corp

Fresno State lost one starter in the portal — tight end Richie Anderson III — to Texas A&M.

Six new tight ends will join a relatively untested position group, led by Northern Illinois transfer Joseph Appleget.

Entz called tight ends “linemen with wings.”

“We’re trying to get a little bigger. I think having tight ends can create some mismatches in themselves. (Appleget) brings a plethora of experience, having been a starter at NIU,” Entz said.

The Nebraska Connection

Six of the new players — three high school recruits and three transfers — are from Nebraska.

Entz said some of his coaches are from the Cornhusker State, and several — including himself while coaching at North Dakota State — recruited there.

Offensive coordinator Josh Davis and edge coach Marcus Hall-Oliver are both from Omaha.

The closest Group of 5 school is Northern Illinois.

“Why wouldn’t we take advantage of our relationships, our connections, and get in there and take advantage?” Entz said.

He highlighted the better weather and a one-stop flight on Southwest Airlines.

The full list of recruits can be read here.

Bulldog Bites

Spring ball starts March 20, with the showcase scheduled for April 25.

Defensive coordinator Nick Benedetto will add associate head coach to his title. Tucker Meyer was promoted from analyst to full-time nickels coach. Jordan Gigli will add defensive run game coordinator to his defensive line coaching duties. Brian Ferentz will add offensive line coaching duties to his tight ends role. He replaces Zach Crabtree, who left for Purdue.

Defensive back Ryan Wilson and offensive lineman Rolan Fullwood were granted another year of eligibility, Entz said.

Entz said he is pleased with the depth of the Bulldogs’ defensive backs, including transfer Croix Stewart from UCLA, a high school teammate of 2025 standout Simeon Harris.

Clovis High running back Maddox Merrill, a teammate of Rose, is joining the Bulldogs. Entz called him a “tough, hard-nosed kid that runs downhill.”

All of the portal transfers and 10 of the high school recruits are on campus and enrolled in school.

Entz is optimistic about kicker Manaki Watanabe, a transfer from Division II Ashland. “When you recruit specialists, it doesn’t matter what level they’re at, especially transfers. Because last time I checked, the field doesn’t change,” Entz said. Watanabe also has family in San Jose.

Entz said he is still in the dark about the 12th game on the 2026 schedule. It could be another Pac-12 game or a nonconference opponent. Even though the move becomes official July 1, Entz said he has already been excluded from Mountain West meetings.

The Bulldogs open the season Sept. 5 at USC, followed by three other nonconference games against Sacramento State (Sept. 12), at San Jose State (Sept. 19), and Rice (Sept. 26). There are seven other Pac-12 teams, leaving one game open.