Former Fresno State and Las Vegas Raiders star Derek Carr likes what he has seen from Bulldogs quarterback Jayden Mandal, who has continued to improve after a difficult season opener against USC.
Mandal delivered his best performance as Fresno State’s starting quarterback against Oregon State on Oct. 31, throwing for 202 yards and two touchdowns while adding 34 yards and two scores on the ground in the Bulldogs’ 38-22 victory at Valley Children’s Stadium.
“I just think it’s awesome that the kid from the Valley is playing quarterback for our home team,” Carr said. “We all want, in this day and age, greatness to happen immediately. He had a tough game against USC, and (people) think the world’s over. The world’s not over. That’s a good football team, and in his first start, he’s shown improvement since.”
Fresno State coach Matt Entz has continued to show confidence in Mandal, a former Buchanan High standout, sticking with him through the challenges of his first season as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback.
Mandal has responded by putting together increasingly productive performances.
He has thrown for 1,595 yards and 10 touchdowns with just two interceptions.
Entz also appreciates Mandal’s ability to make plays with his legs, something the quarterback demonstrated against Oregon State.
Mandal has four rushing touchdowns on the season.
Carr, meanwhile, has kept an eye on his alma mater while serving as a volunteer special adviser to UCLA’s quarterbacks.
The former NFL quarterback has expressed an interest in becoming a coach someday, but he remains invested in what’s happening at Fresno State.
Carr believes Mandal’s response to adversity has been encouraging for his teammates, coaches, and Fresno State fans.
“He showed his teammates, he showed his coaches, and he showed our Red Wave that he has the opportunity to grow from adversity and do those things,” Carr said.
“I’m really excited about it. He shows the arm talent and is able to stretch the ball to all different parts of the field. He shows the athleticism and the toughness. It’s really fun to watch.”
This story was originally published November 7, 2026 at 6:00 AM.
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Anthony Galaviz writes about breaking news/sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
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