Welcome to the fourth post in our twelve-part series reviewing each team’s signing class to date. These articles aim to provide a snapshot look at each team and lay out possible next steps once the transfer portal opens. Teams will be examined in alphabetical order. Today will look at the Bulldogs.
The Road So Far:
Number who signed in December: 20
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Number who will enroll early: 11
Number of states represented: 6
247 Composite Rankings (subject to change): 75
MWCConnection December Ranking: 5
Positional Strengths: Quarterback, Linebacker
Notable signees: Xavier Owens, Deagan Rose
Overall thoughts:
Fresno State’s recruiting class mirrors its 2025 football season. It’s nothing flashy, but they put the work in and consistently kept building it and ended up with a pretty good class, as far as the conference goes anyway. It was clear this season, that despite the success FSU had, they lacked some of the personnel needed to run their systems effectively. The hope now is that this recruiting class is made up of players who fit the schemes Coach Entz wants to run.
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The Bulldogs did most of their recruiting work in California, as usual, but it stands out that they expanded to other states more than in previous years and previous coaches. The Entz staff appeared to be intentional about recruiting Midwest states like Missouri and Nebraska, which traditionally have only been given looks by Wyoming. If this continues, FSU may not have much conference competition when it comes to recruiting these areas, which may end up giving them an advantage.
Fresno State secured somewhat of an average-sized class, but injected youth, talent, and numbers into their ranks. In terms of quality, it’s more or less what they have done rankings-wise the past few seasons. That can be seen as a positive, meaning there wasn’t much of a drop off with a new coach who had little connection to the Bulldogs previously. It’s worth keeping an eye on future classes to see if this ends up being the start of a recruiting climb for them.
The Road Ahead:
Expected Level of Transfer Additions: High
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Top Position Targets Remaining: Quarterback, Offensive Line, Defensive Line.
Overall thoughts:
Watching the Bulldogs this season, one thing was abundantly clear: they desperately need an upgrade at the quarterback position. Expect this to be the top priority on their transfer board, even if it’s not the first transfer splash they end up making. If they can end up with even an above-average quarterback at the helm of their offense, it could take off next season.
In addition to that, this class is a bit light in the trenches. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them bolster both the offensive and defensive lines with some fresh players who are ready to contribute right away. It’s just as likely that Fresno State will target other positions as well, seeking to improve any area that they can in hopes of building off their initial success and taking another step forward.
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Coach Entz and Co have already shown the ability to navigate roster churn and bring in new players who buy into what they are doing. This time around, they won’t have to scramble to complete a roster and can now be more calculated about where the roster needs improvement and who the right additions are to make those improvements.
Previous Posts: Air Force, Boise State, Colorado State
Coming Tuesday: Hawaii