Carson Conklin has officially taken the reins of the Bulldogs’ offense for the rest of the 2025 season, according to Head Coach Matt Entz.

At Monday’s press conference, Entz confirmed Conklin’s status as the starting quarterback moving forward, due to Saturday’s performance.

“He stood in the pocket, he really didn’t flinch,” Entz said. “You could tell he’d been in games before. So, I thought from an operating standpoint, he did a really good job.

Former starter E.J. Warner led the Bulldogs to a 5-2 record. In seven games, he threw for 1,486 yards, 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Warner completed 68.8% of his passes in 2025.

On Aug. 11, Warner was named as the Bulldogs’ starter, but Entz hinted that Warner had a “short leash.” As the turnovers piled up, fans were hungry for a change at the quarterback position. On Saturday, their cries were answered.

Conklin transferred from Sacramento State University. He threw for 2,858 yards in 2024 with the Hornets, with 28 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.

The decision came during the last bye week for the Bulldogs.

“It wasn’t really a competition, it was an evaluation,” Entz said. “I had 500 snaps of football of E.J. playing quarterback.”

The Bulldogs upped the pressure on Conklin throughout the bye week, responding well enough to take the starting job.

The sophomore from Yorba Linda, California, came into Valley Children’s Stadium last season with the Hornets and threw for 219 yards and three touchdowns in a 46-30 loss against the Bulldogs.

Conklin came in for Warner in the Bulldogs’ Week 3 match against the Southern University Jaguars, where he was an efficient 5-for-6 passing for 42 yards. However, Conklin struggled in his first Bulldogs’ start. He completed less than 50% of his passes for 182 yards and threw two interceptions, one that was returned for a touchdown.

Conklin’s second start will be on Nov. 1 as the Bulldogs battle the Boise State Broncos for the Milk Can at 12:30 p.m. on Fox Sports 1.