Postgame Notes Fresno State-USC

Captains: Josiah Freeman, Simeon Harris, Rolan Fullwood, Rayshon Luke
Coin Toss: Fresno State wins, defers

Team Notes:

Fresno State opens the season 0-1 for the third season in a row
Fresno State has suffered a season opening loss to a Power 5 opponent for the third season in a row
Fresno State was shutout by the Trojans for the first time in the series history
It was Fresno State’s first shutout loss since Oct. 25, 2025 vs San Diego State.
It was Fresno State’s first shutout loss on the road since 2016.
It was Fresno State’s first shutout loss in a season opener since 1944.
Fresno State gave up a safety to an opponent for the first time since Sept. 20, 2025 at Hawai’i
Fresno State surrendered two safeties to USC. It was the first time since 1999 that an opponent scored on two safeties against the Bulldogs.
Fresno State gave up 552 yards of offense to USC. It was the most by a Bulldog opponent since allowing 568 to Utah State in 2023.

Offense Notes:

OL Jonah Leaupepetele got his first career start
OL Marquise Thorpe-Taylor got his first career start
TE Gavin Correia got his first career start
Correia also caught his first career pass, for a gain of 12 yards
TE Dallas Gaius-Anygeabu got his first career start.
Gaius-Anygeabu was the only true freshman to start for the Bulldogs in week one.
WR Harold Duvall led the Bulldogs in receiving yards for the first time in his career
WR Josiah Freeman did not have a catch (4 targets) on the night, ending his 15-game streak with a reception dating back to 2024.

Defense Notes:

DL Dylan Hampsten got his first start as a Bulldog
Hampsten also forced a fumble in the season opener
DB Loyall Mouzon got his first career start
DB Kiontre Harris got his first career start
DB Taylor Powell got his first career start
DL Deijon Laffitte forced a fumble in the third quarter. It was his first career forced fumble.
DB RJ Regan recovered the fumble forced by Laffitte. It was his first career fumble recovery
LB K’vion Thunderbird had a career-high nine tackles, leading the Bulldogs.
DL Martin Owusu had a career-high seven tackles
DL Jahzon Jacks had a career-high seven tackles
Freshman DB Truly Bell III saw his first bit of collegiate action in the season opener
DB Ryan Wilson left the game mid-way through the second quarter with injury, and did not return.

Special Teams Notes:

P Clay Lawrence saw his first bits of game action since the 2024 season, making his return after injury had him sidelined in 2025.
K Ryan Kobzeff played in his first games as a Bulldog, handling kickoffs for Fresno State on Friday.

Fresno State Athletics