The Fresno State football team will lose nine players — and just one starter — as the NCAA transfer portal opens on Jan 2. Players will have until Jan. 11 to commit to another school.

With the NCAA changing the transfer portal rules on Sept. 17, it is unknown if players will enter after the portal opens.

Some Bulldog players have announced their return through the Valley Co-Op fund. Notable players who have not announced their return include running backs Bryson Donelson and Rayshon Luke, as well as quarterback Carson Conklin.

Jayden Davis

Defensive back Jayden Davis announced on his social media accounts that he would enter the portal on Dec. 16. The senior has one year of eligibility left.

In 2025, Davis tallied 34 total tackles, one sack and one interception for the Bulldogs’ defense.

Davis is the only starter from every game this season who intends to transfer.

Tim Thomas

Linebacker Tim Thomas entered the transfer portal on Dec. 2. Thomas was removed from the team after the Bulldogs’ 23-21 victory over the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors for undisclosed reasons.

The junior from Stockton, California, had six total tackles in three games in 2025. Thomas was ejected from the Bulldogs’ 42-14 victory over the Georgia Southern Eagles for targeting.

RL Miller

RL Miller, another defensive back from the ‘Dogs, intends to enter the portal.

He saw action in parts of six games in 2025, tallying seven total tackles and one pass breakup. Miller also got into six games in 2024 with the ‘Dogs, recording 16 total tackles.

Miller will have two years of eligibility left.

Devon Rivers

Running back Devon Rivers announced on Dec. 29 that he would enter the transfer portal on his social media accounts.

Rivers saw limited action in two seasons with the Bulldogs. In 2023, Rivers made his debut against the Purdue Boilermakers in a 39-35 victory. He got just two carries in a deep running back room in 2025.

Other players the Bulldogs are losing are: defensive ends Damarrion White, Isaiah Chala Jr. and Jack Metzler, wide receiver Josiah Ayon and quarterback Brayden Turner.