Photo Credit: Wikipedia Open Source Kenneth C. Zirkel
For decades, the argument could easily be made that Fresno State belonged in the Pac-12 even back when all the West Coast’s traditional heavyweights were still around. Now, amidst the seismic shifts of college football realignment, the Bulldogs finally get to step up into the modernized Pac-12. It is a long-overdue upgrade, but more importantly, it provides the program with a legitimate platform to make a real push into the national spotlight and become a regular fixture in the College Football Playoff hunt. Let’s take a look at how their dominant defense will fare in the new conference.
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High Stakes
Head coach Matt Entz is no stranger to playing for high-stakes titles. During his tenure at North Dakota State, Entz hoisted two FCS national championship trophies and finished in the FCS top three in four of his five seasons. Bringing that championship DNA to the Central Valley, Entz stepped in at Fresno State and made an instant impact, steering the program to a strong 9-4 campaign in his debut season. Fresno State has now won nine or more games in four of the last five years. As they cross the threshold into the Pac-12, the Bulldogs have a golden opportunity to take the next step and claim Boise State territory—becoming the benchmark team everyone in the new-look league is chasing.
Leading the Charge
If Fresno State is to conquer its new home, the defense will be leading the charge. Operating out of a 4-2-5 base scheme, the Fresno State defense returns seven key starters and coordinator Nick Benedetto, who has overseen the unit since taking the reins in 2024. Under Benedetto’s guidance, this group has earned a reputation for suffocating, disciplined football. The defense finished in the national top 10 for fewest yards allowed, yielding a stingy 298.2 yards per game, and ranked 16th in scoring defense by surrendering just 19.8 points per contest.
Raising Standards
The standard was raised even higher in 2025. The Bulldogs surrendered an eye-popping 285.7 yards per game and held opponents to 18.8 points per game, maintaining their #16 national ranking in scoring defense. That level of consistency put Benedetto in elite company. He was one of only four FBS defensive coordinators to rank in the top 20 of both total and scoring defense in each of the last two seasons.
Statistically and stylistically, this stands as Fresno State's best defense since the legendary 1992 squad.
Blueprint For Success
The blueprint for success under Benedetto was crystal clear: shut down the run game at all costs. When this bunch stopped the run, it was over. The Bulldogs compiled a perfect 9-0 record when allowing 140 rushing yards or fewer. Conversely, when opposing offensive lines managed to break through and push past 190 rushing yards, Fresno State went 0-4.
Despite the continuity, key roster questions loom as the Bulldogs transition to a tougher weekly schedule. The main focuses will be on their defensive line and secondary early on.
Despite the continuity, key roster questions loom as the Bulldogs transition to a tougher weekly schedule. The main focuses will be on their defensive line and secondary early on.
Where Are They?
First off: Where are the pass rushers? While defensive production will certainly come from several rotation spots, the returning big ends lack obvious flash on the stat sheet. The veterans will comfortably bulldoze their way behind the line of scrimmage to set the edge, but generating genuine pass-rush juice off the edge might require new blood. The Bulldogs will need at least one of their transfer portal additions, Micah Mosley and Dylan Hampsten from Sacramento State, or Maverick Noonan from Nebraska, to quickly emerge as a disruptive, game-changing force.
The Back End
The second area of concern lies in the back end, where both starting cornerbacks must be replaced. Al’zillion Hamilton was an All-Mountain West playmaker on one side, while Jakari Embry led the entire team with nine pass breakups on the other. Losing two established perimeter defenders leaves a noticeable void, and with no guaranteed, turn-key starters arriving through the portal to plug the gaps, the secondary will face trial by fire early in the year.
The ultimate question facing Nick Benedetto's defense is straightforward: Can this group keep up its elite standard against the upgraded offenses of the Pac-12?
The ultimate question facing Nick Benedetto's defense is straightforward: Can this group keep up its elite standard against the upgraded offenses of the Pac-12?
Photo Credit: Jackson Moore 247Sports
There won't be any warm-up period to find out. The Bulldogs face a grueling opening matchup against USC. The Trojans return skilled quarterback Jayden Maiava to command a dangerous Big Ten offense that won nine games last year and picked up a marquee victory over Michigan.
If Fresno State’s defensive front can control the line of scrimmage, erase the run, and hide the youth in the secondary, Matt Entz and the Bulldogs won't just belong in the new Pac-12, they'll be poised to rule it.