Fresno State is already earning recognition across its new conference as the Bulldogs prepare for their first football season as a member of the Pac-12.
College football analyst Phil Steele has released his 2026 Preseason All-Pac-12 teams this week, with Fresno State placing 18 across the four-team list, including five first-team selections.
The honors provide an early indication of the talent the Red Wave will see this season, as the roster enters a new era in the Pac-12 under second-year head coach Matt Entz. The Bulldogs’ strong representation reflects the veteran leadership returning from last season, along with the expectations that surround the team as they make the giant leap into one of the nation’s most recognizable conferences.
Steele, whose annual college football preview magazine has become one of the sport’s most respected preseason publications, is widely known for his detailed statistical analysis, rankings and preseason honors. His preseason all-conference teams are often used as an early gauge of which players and programs are expected to be contenders during the upcoming season.
Five Bulldogs Earn First-Team Recognition
Leading Fresno State’s selections were five players named to Steele’s First-Team All Pac-12 squad.
On offense, senior offensive linemen Edward Fonua and Brayden Walton have been recognized after helping anchor their unit, which is expected to be one of the team’s strengths come Fall.
Defensively, senior defensive lineman Deijon Laffitte and nickelback Simeon Harris both earned first-team honors. Harris will enter the season as one of Fresno State’s most accomplished returning defenders after appearing as a key playmaker in the secondary last year. The Vallejo native recorded 54 total tackles, five interceptions, six pass breakups, six tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 2025, tying for the Mountain West lead in interceptions and helping anchor one of the Bulldogs’ strongest defensive units.
Rounding out the first-team selections was explosive kick returner and running back Rayshon Luke, who was recognized as the conference’s first-team kickoff returner.
Second-Team Honors
Additionally, two key offensive weapons landed on Steele’s secondary team.
Running back Bryson Donelson and returning wide receiver Josiah Freeman were both selected after making significant contributions to the Bulldogs’ offense. Freeman will enter the season as one of Fresno State’s top returning threats after emerging as a reliable target in 2025. Freeman emerged as the team’s leading receiver in 2025, hauling in 52 receptions for 642 yards and six touchdowns, leading the Bulldogs in all three categories and establishing himself as one of the conference’s most reliable pass catchers.
Long snapper Ethan Rosetti, one of Fresno State’s offseason additions, has also earned second-team honors.
Third-Team Honors
Fresno State also added four more selections on Steele’s third team.
Offensive lineman Rolan Fullwood joined the list, which gives the Bulldogs three offensive linemen who have been honored across the preseason teams. Linebacker K’vion Thunderbird and safety Ryan Wilson represented the defense, while the transfer kicker from Michigan, Manaki Watanabe, earned recognition for special teams. Last year, Thunderbird recorded 32 total tackles, two interceptions, including a 59-yard pick-six against Hawai’i, and three pass breakups in his first season as a Bulldog. Wilson emerged as one of Fresno State’s most reliable defensive backs, helping anchor a secondary that was among the strengths of the team’s defense last season.
Fourth-Team Selections
Lastly, five Bulldogs rounded out Fresno State’s preseason honors with fourth-team selections.
Luke earned a second nod as a running back, while University of San Diego transfer lineman Oscar Wiegel also received recognition. Defensive lineman Merhauti Xepera and cornerback Kiontre Harris represented the defense, and Jordan Malau’ulu was selected as a punt returner.
These preseason honors arrive as optimism and hope continue to build around Fresno State’s 2026 campaign.
The Bulldogs return 14 starters from last season and bring back all but one full-time assistant coach from Entz’s first year leading the program. Fresno State has bolstered its roster overall during the offseason through the transfer portal and high school recruiting, adding 48 additions and 25 high school recruits.
The Bulldogs will begin their inaugural Pac-12 season on Sept. 4 when they travel to face the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
