The Fresno State football team made use of the transfer portal this offseason acquiring big-time playmakers as well as adding depth to the roster.

The Bulldogs have the unique opportunity to play the defending national champions on opening day. This is just the third time in school history that the Bulldogs will face the defending national champions at the University of Michigan, serving as the first opportunity for transfers to showcases their skills.

“Opening day is always exciting. You love it but to go into that atmosphere, that stadium. It’s one of the most iconic stadiums in the world,” said Kevin Coyle, defensive coordinator.

The offseason saw departures from key starters like linebacker Levelle Bailey and receivers Erik Brooks and Jaelen Gill. Their absence leaves room for returning players to step into a new role and transfer players to compete in a new system.

One receiver looking to make an impact is transfer Raylen Sharpe. Sharpe is coming off of a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) All-American season last year at Missouri State. He brought in a school record of 73 receptions while being third in yards per game in the FCS.

Another experienced transfer joining the Bulldogs is receiver Chedon James. Last year at Idaho State, James was selected to the First Team All-Big Sky and led the FCS in receptions per game.

Having lost wideouts like Gill and Brooks, who are playing at the professional level now, offensive coordinator Pat McCann was looking for guys to fill that role. 

“A lot of where those guys fit in the system is kind of the natural skill set that Raylen and Chedon bring,” McCann said during Monday’s press conference.

The two transfers are coming into a place known for developing receivers to compete at the highest level, most notably six-time Pro Bowler in the National Football League (NFL), Davante Adams.

These transfers give quarterback Mikey Keene more options that come with their own experience in college football. 

“Even the guys that we’ve replaced with some of the receiver transfers, they’re all experienced college football players,” McCann said. “They’re prepared and they know what to expect.”

Since allowing players the opportunity to transfer without having to sit out a year, players have been able to immediately make an impact on their new team. 

The transfer portal has made it easier for teams to fix gaps within their roster.

“We use the portal like free agency. It’s a tool we’re gonna use that’s available,” said Interim Head Coach Tim Skipper.

The team took advantage this year as the Bulldogs have brought in their highest-ranked transfer in school history.

Korey Foreman is a defensive end who played 26 games over three seasons at the University of Southern California. In 2023, he used a redshirt year giving him two years of eligibility coming into Fresno State.

“He gives us an outstanding talent and playmaker,” Coyle said. “He’s still learning but he’s working at it real hard.” 

Fresno State is set to face off against ninth-ranked Michigan in the “Big House” on Saturday, Aug. 31 in a nationally televised game. Kickoff starts at 7:30 p.m. EST, 4:30 p.m. PST, on NBC.