Red Wave, get ready—Fresno State returns and is ready to roll into a 2025 football season that will bring grit, fireworks, and more Mountain West chaos. Weighed down with a tough blend of road fights and home-field showdowns, the Bulldogs will need all of their grit just to make this season one to remember.
From a season-opening game in Big 12 territory to a series of intense conference battles, the schedule is full of chances for Fresno State to show it belongs at the top of the MWC. Whether you’re a die-hard Bulldog fan or just along for the ride, strap in—because the Bulldogs are barking loud in 2025.
2025 Fresno State Football Schedule
- Aug. 23— at Kansas
- Aug. 30— vs Georgia Southern
- Sep. 6— at Oregon State
- Sep. 13— vs Southern
- Sep. 20— at Hawai’i
- Oct. 4— vs Nevada
- Oct. 11— at Colorado State
- Oct. 25— vs San Diego State
- Nov. 1— at Boise State
- Nov. 15— vs Wyoming
- Nov. 22— vs Utah State
- Nov. 29— at San José State
A Battle-Tested Slate: Can the Bulldogs Bite Back in 2025?
The 2025 campaign will begin with a bang as Fresno State travels to Lawrence to face Kansas (Aug. 23), a Big 12 opponent that has been on the upswing. This season-opening contest provides the Bulldogs with an opportunity to draw national notice and compete against Power Five teams. But the heat doesn’t let up there.
Seven days later, Fresno State is back in the Valley to host Georgia Southern (Aug. 30) at Bulldog Stadium. The Eagles, who feature a high-powered rushing attack, will challenge the front seven of a Bulldogs defense attempting to reassert itself as one of the toughest units in the Mountain West.
The road gauntlet presses on Sept. 6 with a visit to Oregon State, which will continue to play as an independent after the Pac-12 realignment. The Beavers may not be in a league, but they’re no slouch—particularly at Reser Stadium. Fresno State will require its offense to start humming early under head coach Jeff Tedford, particularly with fresh talent filling key spots after veteran QB Mikey Keene left.
The Bulldogs get a little breather when they come back home to entertain Southern (Sep. 13), an FCS foe that will be a warm-up for conference play. Don’t expect Tedford, though, to take anybody lightly, particularly with a high-pressure road game on the horizon.
On Sep. 20, the Bulldogs fly west to the islands for a clash with Hawai’i. A trip to Honolulu may sound like a vacation, but it’s always a trap game. Conference play comes into full effect with the critical stretch beginning Oct. 4 vs. Nevada at home. The Wolf Pack have been rebuilding, but they always play Fresno State close—this is one of those rivalry games where records are irrelevant.
A week later, the Bulldogs travel to face Colorado State (Oct. 11), a team that’s gradually evolving as a conference dark horse due to a gritty, young roster and a defense that’s quickly getting better.
Following a bye, San Diego State visits (Oct. 25), and this one needs to be marked in red. The Aztecs and Bulldogs have a rich history between them, and with SDSU’s new regime under Sean Lewis on offense.
Then there’s the ultimate test—Nov. 1 at Boise State. The Broncos are always the Mountain West standard, and Albertsons Stadium’s blue turf is one of the hardest venues to take down. Fresno State will have to bring its A-game if it hopes to beat the perennial MWC power.
The Bulldogs close out the regular season with three critical games: Wyoming (Nov. 15), Utah State (Nov. 22), and San José State (Nov. 29). All three are capable of performing an upset, and with conference title aspirations quite possibly hanging in the balance, Fresno State’s depth, coaching, and toughness will be pushed to the limit.
Bulldogs’ X-Factors and Storylines to Watch
One of Fresno State’s biggest question marks entering 2025 is who will be under center. With Mikey Keene gone, the Bulldogs might look to sophomore QB Logan Fife or a new signee to run the offense. Whoever gets the gig will have the benefit of returning playmakers such as WR Jaelen Gill and a seasoned offensive line.
On defense, linebacker Levelle Bailey is back for his senior year and will lead a unit that should dramatically improve in 2025. The Bulldogs were up-and-down in 2024 but flashed moments of greatness, particularly late in the year, and there’s optimism they can leap forward.
KEEP READING: Wyoming 2025 Football Schedule: What To Expect From the Cowboys
And don’t forget Jeff Tedford. The grizzled head coach, in his third tenure with the Bulldogs, knows how to get the job done in the Valley. At 84-40 in his career at Fresno State, he’s led the team to two Mountain West titles and may have the pieces in place to do it a third time around this season.
The 2025 slate is no picnic, but nothing different for Fresno State. If their sophomore quarterback comes through and the defense can become consistent, this team has as good a chance as any to be a Mountain West title contender.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
