Back for more. Here is why wideout Josiah Freeman is returning to Fresno State
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Fresno State gained eligibility extension for Josiah Freeman to play 2026.
- Freeman finished 2025 with 642 yards, six TDs and career 986 receiving yards.
- His return adds veteran leadership to a receiver group with several returners.
Fresno State’s offense got a major lift with the announcement that wide receiver Josiah Freeman will return to the Bulldogs for another season.
The program confirmed that Freeman has been granted an extension of eligibility by the NCAA, allowing him to suit up in 2026.
“Having a veteran player like Josiah back is great,” wide receivers coach DelVon Hardaway said in a news release. “He is a great leader and mentor for the younger receivers in the room. He is committed to the process and development it takes to be a great player, and his ceiling will only continue to elevate.”
Freeman capped the recent season with a standout performance in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, recording a career-best seven catches and 143 yards in the Bulldogs’ 18-3 win over Miami (Ohio).
He finished with 642 yards and six touchdowns, earning All-Mountain West honorable mention honors.
Over his college career, Freeman has tallied 986 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
His 2024 season was cut short after just four games due to a season-ending injury in mid-October, but with his extension, he regains that year of eligibility.
Freeman’s return adds more experience and leadership to a receiving corps that will also feature Ezeiel Avit, who recently announced his own return. Other receivers expected back include Harold Duvall, Jordan Malau’ulu, Jahlil McClain, and Jayon Farrar, along with incoming three-star freshmen Xavier Owens and Maxwell Young.
The transfer portal could add further additions to the receiver room as well.
Freeman will be a steadying presence on a Bulldogs roster that went 9-4 under first-year head coach Matt Entz. His leadership will be especially valuable as Fresno State prepares for the 2026 campaign.
Additional returns have been announced across the roster, with former Buchanan High standout Brayden Walton (who started 12 games as a true freshman), guard Edward Fonua, and defensive tackle Deijon Laffitte all committing to another season with the Bulldogs.
This story was originally published January 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
