Fresno State Players Stay Put as Transfer Portal Opens

The transfer portal opened Friday, Jan. 2, and Fresno State reported a mix of returns and departures that will shape roster construction through the Jan. 16 portal window. Left tackle Brayden Walton and defensive lineman Deijon Laffitte were among the notable players who announced they will stay with the Bulldogs, providing continuity at two positions that can anchor both the offense and the defensive front.

At the same time, tight end Richie Anderson III entered the portal, and freshman quarterback Brayden Turner also pursued transfer opportunities. The program faces turnover driven by graduation: center Jacob Spomer, right guard Julian Polendo and right tackle Rolan Fullwood count among starters who have exhausted their eligibility. Quarterback E.J. Warner finished his eligibility as well, leaving three quarterbacks on the current roster, Carson Conklin, Jayden Mandal and Jonathan Craft, as coaches evaluate depth for 2026.

The portal remains open through Jan. 16, and players who enter can still return to their original team before that deadline. That rule gives Fresno State a short runway to convince borderline departures to remain while also pursuing inbound transfers and finalizing recruiting classes. Incoming freshmen and other portal entries are under review by the coaching staff as the Bulldogs prepare for an elevated level of competition after the move to the Pac-12 this fall.

From a team-building perspective, the most immediate need is the offensive line. With Spomer, Polendo and Fullwood gone, the Bulldogs must replace three starters who anchored line play, a critical task given the correlation between offensive-line continuity and quarterback protection, rushing success and overall offensive efficiency. Defensive staff will also balance the retention of contributors like Laffitte with potential losses from the portal.

For Fresno County, the roster decisions have implications beyond the field. Stability among recognizable starters can reassure season-ticket holders and local businesses that rely on home-game economic activity, while significant turnover raises questions about short-term competitiveness in a tougher conference. Athletic department priorities over the next two weeks will include retaining key pieces, targeting transfers to fill immediate gaps and converting recruiting commitments.

Coaches and administrators face a compressed timeline to finalize depth charts and recruiting plans before spring practices begin. The decisions made during the portal window will shape not only the Bulldogs’ 2026 roster but also how Fresno State transitions into the Pac-12 era and how quickly the program can compete at its new conference level.