Fresno State football was back under the stadium lights this weekend after hosting its annual Spring Showcase at Valley Children’s Stadium.
With the departure of quarterbacks E.J. Warner and Carson Conklin, the Bulldogs entered spring with an open competition under center and multiple signal-callers battling to take full control of the offense.
Saturday’s showcase served as a proving ground, as quarterbacks Deagan Rose, Jayden Mandal, Jonathan Craft, Jacob Chambers and Khristian Martin all battled to separate themselves in the live-game environment, looking to showcase their arm strength, command of the playbook and decision-making abilities.
The spring showcase did not just highlight the quarterback battle but also gave fans their first glimpse at new playmakers on both sides of the ball of the 2026-27 season. But make no mistake, the heated race for the starting quarterback position was the storyline to watch.
Deagan Rose, the 6-foot-2-inch quarterback from Clovis High School, arrived at Fresno State with plenty of intrigue to his name, known as one of the top four-star recruits out of California. During the showcase, Rose flashed his arm talent, which carried impressive velocity across the field.
Additionally, he demonstrated his comfort level with quick releases without needing a big wind-up. However, his opportunities were limited, as he saw the field less frequently than the other quarterbacks, with only Jacob Chambers receiving fewer reps. In a competition this crowded, every snap matters; Rose simply did not receive enough work to firmly establish himself as a possible starting quarterback.
While Rose possesses the physicality and the tools coaches covet, his lack of extensive collegiate game experience may work against him.
Former three-star recruit out of Clovis, Jayden Mandal, joined Fresno State as a developmental prospect and has climbed the depth chart through his time playing at the collegiate level, while also having spent valuable time learning the system.
Mandal looked poised and confident throughout the showcase and continually delivered powerful and dominating throws. He effectively displayed his ability to have the necessary arm strength needed to stretch the field vertically.
Mandal was aggressive when attacking downfield and showed a willingness to trust the receivers in making plays. His command of the offense was powerful, thus awarding him with the second-most reps of any quarterback — a strong indicator of his standing in the competition. His combination of arm confidence, system knowledge and arm talent makes him a top contender.
At this point, Mandal projects as a likely second-string option entering the 2026 season, much like how Conklin served behind Warner last year; ready to step in if called upon. If the Bulldogs value experience and long-term upside within the system, Mandal could be just one snap away from seeing meaningful action this fall.
Next up is Jonathan Craft, who made the most out of his opportunities during Saturday’s showcase. Craft displayed a solid command of the offense and operated efficiently, making smart and sly decisions with the ball.
He continually showed good touch on intermediate routes and appeared comfortable working through his progressions. Craft appears as an obvious developing quarterback who is still working to carve out his role. His agile and quick footwork, domination of the offense and his ability to throw for big gains keep him firmly in the conversation heading into fall camp.
However, Craft appears to be more of a depth option at this stage. He is unlikely to open the season as Fresno State’s starting quarterback.
Freshman Jacob Chambers from Rancho Cucamonga High School saw limited action during Saturday’s showcase, receiving the fewest reps of any quarterback who took meaningful snaps and making Chambers one of the least-featured signal-callers in the crowded Bulldog quarterback competition.
Chambers made the most out of his limited opportunities when called upon. He appeared composed and delivered the ball accurately. At this point, Chambers appears unlikely to open the 2026 season as Fresno State’s starting quarterback. He has unique versatility, which makes him a depth piece to the team. Unless he makes a substantial push during summer camp, Chambers projects as a reserve rather than the Bulldogs’ first option.
Last, but certainly not least, is the 6-foot-4-inch transfer from the University of Maryland, Khristian Martin.
He looked every bit the part of a future starter the moment he stepped onto the field. Martin was the most heavily utilized quarterback (following Mandal) during Saturday’s showcase, a telling sign of Head Coach Matt Entz’s trust in him. With his powerful and intimidating frame, Martin is a true big body under center. He carried himself with both the poise and confidence of a veteran and consistently displayed why he is considered a top quarterback prospect.
Martin fired accurate passes with impressive velocity and showed the crowd his arm strength that could attack every level of the field. His size gives him the ability to shrug off pressure that might rattle smaller quarterbacks. His stature and physical appearance also set him apart, allowing him to literally stand tall in the pocket and extend plays when defenders close in. He delivered the ball with authority and made quick and effective reads that had the offense readily at his command.
More than any other quarterback used on Saturday, Martin appeared to separate himself from the pack. The combination of thundering physicality and his natural sense of command of the offense made him the clear frontrunner entering fall camp.
If Saturday was any indication, Entz may already have his answer. Martin has all the makings of Fresno State’s next starting quarterback, and barring an unexpected twist, he looks poised to open the 2026-27 season as the starting quarterback.
