It’s all good news for Fresno State football fans for the Bulldogs’ opener Friday evening at No. 14 ranked USC.

For starters, the game will air on FOX and can be viewed on KMPH 26 and local cable, satellite, and streaming services.

Meanwhile, those fans heading to Los Angeles to see the matchup against the Trojans and the Bulldogs’ Pac-12 debut don’t have to worry about dehydration or heat stroke.

Unlike on Saturday, when the heat index exceeded 100 degrees and baked fans in a stadium with virtually no shade, Friday’s 6 p.m. kickoff and predicted 80 degree temperature should produce enjoyable conditions.

Mandal Will Start at QB

Fresno State coach Matt Entz announced Monday that fourth-year quarterback Jayden Mandal will start for the Bulldogs. Mandal, out of Buchanan High School, beat out Maryland transfer Khristan Martin for the job.

“When I break it down, timing and accuracy were probably the two biggest things that stood out, and then ball security was another one,” Entz said at his weekly news conference.

Entz’s Return to USC

USC opened the season with a 42-26 victory against San Jose State after building a 35-3 lead and letting their reserves finish out the game.

The Bulldogs return to the Coliseum for the fifth time in series history.

Entz served as assistant head coach for defense and linebackers at USC under Lincoln Riley in 2024 before taking over the Bulldogs last season. The Fresno State staff also includes former USC special teams coordinator John Baxter.

The Trojans’ starting quarterback is redshirt senior Jayden Maiava, who led the Big Ten with 3,711 passing yards in 2025 and threw for  286 yards and two touchdowns vs. San Jose State.

Series History

The teams last met in 2022, with the Trojans prevailing, 42-17.

USC has won the last five games against the Bulldogs after Fresno State upset the Trojans, 24-7, in the 1992 Freedom Bowl.