No starter, no problem. Why Fresno State embraces wide-open QB competition
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Entz delays naming 2026 starter, wants spring practice evaluation starting March 20.
- Quarterback room includes Mandal, Craft, Martin, Deagan Rose, Jacob Chambers.
- Spring aims to narrow options and build clarity at quarterback, not a final pick.
Don’t expect Fresno State football coach Matt Entz to announce the Bulldogs’ 2026 starting quarterback anytime soon.
Entz wants to see the competition unfold when spring practice begins March 20, and the quarterback room shaping up for spring ball may be deeper than last season’s group.
In 2025, E.J. Warner and Carson Conklin split time after early struggles that lingered for much of the season, despite Fresno State finishing 9-4 and winning the Arizona Bowl. Warner has since moved on, and Conklin transferred back to Sacramento State.
Returning is former Buchanan High standout Jayden Mandal, who is back after surgery. He’ll be joined by Jonathan Craft, Maryland transfer Khristian Martin, former Clovis High standout Deagan Rose, and former Rancho Cucamonga standout Jacob Chambers.
Is it a wide-open race?
“I think it has to be right now,” Entz said. “Again, all we can go off is film of Khristian, who’s come in, but I think we have to see it with our own eyes. We do have two players that have experience being in the system (Mandal and Craft). I think there’s going to be a lot of learning, a lot of growth for all of our players during spring ball, especially at the quarterback position.”
Martin, listed at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, appeared in five games for the Terrapins and threw his first collegiate touchdown against Michigan last season. Fresno State also has a pre-existing connection with Martin, as offensive line coach Brian Ferentz previously coached at Maryland.
Entz said Martin has wasted no time making an impression, already throwing to Fresno State’s skill players.
“Having seen firsthand his ability to throw, his ability to process the game, probably gave him a huge advantage,” Entz said. “Khristian is a great leader already. He has grabbed the bull by the horns the minute he got on campus.”
Mandal is back from a torn labrum suffered in September and is throwing again. He has game experience, more than Craft, who redshirted last season.
Rose arrives after setting records at Clovis High. While it remains to be seen where he’ll stand by August, the fan base is energized about his future in a Bulldogs uniform.
Chambers posted similar production in high school, throwing for 2,400 yards and 27 touchdowns while adding 325 rushing yards and six scores.
“There’s a lot of excitement, a lot of new too,” Entz said. “Coach (Josh) Davis and Coach (Jared) Taylor are doing a really good job with those guys. Every morning at 7 a.m., they’re having quarterback-driven meetings. They’re up in the offensive staff room, making sure they’re at the top of their game, familiarizing themselves with the playbook, and getting ready for that March date.”
Spring practice may not produce a starter, but it should narrow the field.
For Fresno State, clarity at quarterback — not a decision — is the immediate objective.
