Fresno State’s football program is confronting a pivotal challenge as it prepares for the upcoming season. The Bulldogs, traditionally known for a power‑run offense, have been dealt a double blow with the loss of senior guard Edward Fonua and running back Brandon Ramirez, both sidelined for the year by separate lower‑leg injuries.
Injuries to key linemen
Fonua, who logged 858 offensive snaps last year and ranked among the team’s top pass‑blockers per Pro Football Focus, was ruled out after an off‑field injury sustained between finals and summer camp. His absence leaves a void at a position that had been a cornerstone of the line, which also included returning starters Brayden Walton and Rolan Fullwood and transfer Oscar Weigel.
In the wake of those losses, younger players such as Braylan Henderson, Bode Stoddard and Alex Rivera are being thrust into starting roles. Though they bring limited experience, coaches see their athleticism as a foundation for maintaining the Bulldogs’ aggressive rushing identity.
A run‑heavy tradition under pressure
Last season the Bulldogs amassed 2,216 rushing yards, the most since 2014, and posted a conference‑leading 4.5 yards per play against FBS opponents. Yet their short‑yardage efficiency lagged, gaining just 39 yards on 38 attempts and converting only half of those plays, the lowest rate in the Mountain West.
Short‑yardage woes
The numbers tell a stark story: in a loss at Kansas the team managed only 1.3 yards per carry on 29 rushes, while a defeat to San Diego State saw a 2.0‑yard average on 23 plays. Even a win at Hawaii was built on a modest 2.3‑yard gain on 32 attempts, underscoring the difficulty of converting critical moments.
Coaching outlook
Head coach Brian Ferentz is expected to devise schemes that can harness the remaining talent, but the onus will be on the offensive line to adapt quickly. The program’s recent history, including two FCS national championships under Matt Entz, provides a blueprint for resilience, and Ferentz hopes to translate that success to the Pac‑12 stage.
Despite the setbacks, Fresno State remains a contender for a conference title. The team’s legacy of strong rushing attacks and its ability to rally around adversity suggest that, if the line can gel, the Bulldogs could still mount a serious push for a Pac‑12 championship.