Fresno State Eyes Playoff Spot as Coach Entz Leverages Experience and New NCAA Rules
Coach Matt Entz is reshaping the Fresno State Bulldogs into a potential Group of Six College Football Playoff contender, banking on a roster that returns 14–15 starters.
The depth of experience on the field is unprecedented for a program of this caliber, giving the Bulldogs a rare continuity as they prepare for a demanding schedule.
Entz is also tapping into recent NCAA eligibility reforms, including the ‘five‑for‑five’ model, to fast‑track player development and give freshmen a chance to enroll early and gain meaningful snapshots of college play.
A Pipeline to the Pros and the Retention Challenge
The program has already placed more than 20 former players in the NFL, and transfer standouts such as running back Marty Brown are expected to bolster the attack. Yet the coach acknowledges that lucrative offers from Power Five conferences like the SEC and Big Ten pose a constant threat to retention.
To counteract this, Entz is emphasizing the Bulldogs’ tradition and the unique opportunity to be the “biggest show in town in the Valley,” hoping that a strong local product will keep talent at home.
Garrett Klassy’s Fundraising Vision
Athletic director Garrett Klassy is driving a massive fundraising push, aiming to quadruple the program’s investment and grow the Valley Co‑Op from 4,300 to 7,000 members within a year.
The target includes an additional $2–$3 million in jersey sponsorships, part of a broader goal to increase annual funding by $5 million through corporate partnerships and philanthropy.
Klassy envisions a future where the Bulldogs can compete regionally with the resources of larger programs, leveraging the community’s passion and the school’s historic brand.