Fresno State adds 18 transfers, 25 high school signees for 2026

Fresno State bolstered its 2026 roster with 43 additions, announcing 18 transfers and a class of 25 high school signees as the February signing period opened. The haul represents head coach Matt Entz’s second signing class at Fresno State and alters depth charts across offense, defense and special teams heading into spring work.

By the numbers, the class breaks down to 23 offensive players, 18 defensive players and two specialists. Nineteen high school student-athletes signed in December while six high school additions joined in February. The program also welcomed 10 high school early enrollees who began workouts in January, the most mid-year enrollees the program has seen. Fresno State’s transfer class includes players from five Power 5 programs and all 18 transfers will join the Bulldogs for spring practices.

The February high school additions explicitly named in the release include running back Maddox Merrill (5-8, 195; Clovis High), tight ends Sylas Austin (6-4, 225; Atwater), Brayden Ford (6-6, 240; Elk Grove), and Zane Gerbo (6-4, 230; Modesto - Grace M. Davis), linebacker Bo Ausmus (6-0, 205; Redondo Union) and athlete Robert Lucero. The December signings listed in the roster excerpts include quarterbacks Jacob Chambers (6-1, 170; Rancho Cucamonga) and Deagan Rose (6-2, 210; Clovis), running back Jhadis Luckey (5-9, 180; Clayton Valley Charter), tight ends Bryce McDaniel (6-3, 205; Hughson) and Dallas Gaius-Anyaegbu (6-5, 220; Millard South), defensive linemen Solomon Baker (6-3, 260; Millard South), Brendan Huddleston (6-3, 255; Ladue Horton Watkins), Jake Plummer-First (6-6, 220; Christian Brothers) and Cooper Willoughby (6-2, 245; Viewmont), linebackers Zephaniah Sesay (6-1, 220; Redwood) and Jaydon Sutko (6-1, 220; Elkhorn South), and defensive back Truly Bell (6-0, 180; Pittsburg).

The Bulldogs also announced a UCLA transfer defensive back identified in the materials as Croix Stewart (6-2, 205; Vallejo) and elsewhere spelled Criox Stewart; both references connect the player to Benicia High School and note a shared background with current Bulldog nickelback Simeon Harris. Fresno State signed a pair of brothers in defensive back Isaiah Lucero and athlete Robert Lucero. Wide receiver signee Xavier Owens is noted as having grown up in Los Angeles and played his senior season at Edna Karr in New Orleans.

Positionally, Fresno State emphasized defensive line and defensive back depth with seven additions apiece and added six tight ends to join five returning players at that position. The quarterback room returns just two players from the 2025 roster and added three this spring - one transfer and two freshmen - signaling competition for snaps heading into spring drills.

For Fresno County, the class keeps local pipelines active, with signees from Clovis, Hughson, Hanford and other nearby schools boosting regional representation. The influx of transfers from Power 5 programs also reflects Fresno State’s strategy to blend experienced collegiate players with local high school talent.

What comes next are spring practices and position battles that will sort playing time and special teams roles, while coaches and fans watch how quickly transfers and early enrollees adapt to Entz’s system.