CFB-FBS: Fresno State Bulldogs (0-0) vs. Kansas Jayhawks (0-0)

Game Details

• Matchup: Fresno State vs. Kansas
• Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
• Time: 6:30 PM ET
• Location: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium
• TV: FOX

Team Breakdown

Fresno State Bulldogs

• 2024 Record: 6–6 (Mountain West)
• Head Coach: Matt Entz (1st year; 2x FCS national champion at NDSU)
• Key Players:
  • QB E.J. Warner: Transfer from Rice; son of NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner
  • RB Malik Sherrod: Versatile back expected to carry the load
  • LB Jadon Pearson & DB Al-Zillion Hamilton: Defensive captains anchoring a solid secondary
• Strengths:
  • Veteran leadership and transfer experience
  • Strong secondary capable of limiting explosive plays
• Concerns:

• Offensive line depth and run game consistency
• Warner’s career INT rate (37 picks in 3 seasons)

Kansas Jayhawks

• 2024 Record: 5–7 (Big 12)
• Head Coach: Lance Leipold
• Key Players:
  • QB Jalon Daniels: Sixth-year senior; 2,454 yards, 14 TDs in 2024
  • RB Daniel Hishaw Jr.: Breakout candidate
  • DE Justice Finkley: Pass rush anchor
• Strengths:
  • Veteran QB and revamped receiving corps
  • Upgraded stadium and home-field energy
• Concerns:

• Secondary still recovering from a rough 2024
• Defensive line missing key pieces

Matchup Analysis

• Storylines:
  • Fresno State enters its final Mountain West season before joining the Pac-12
  • Kansas unveils a $450M stadium renovation, adding extra buzz to the opener
  • Both teams feature QBs with famous fathers: Warner (Kurt Warner) and backup Cole Ballard (Chris Ballard)
• X-Factor:
  Warner’s poise vs. Kansas’ shaky secondary. If Fresno State protects him, they can move the ball and keep it close.
• Wild Card:
  Kansas’ ability to finish drives. They led in the fourth quarter of four losses last season—can they close the door this time?

Betting Angle

Why: Kansas has the edge in talent and depth, but Fresno State’s experience and defensive discipline could keep it competitive. Expect Daniels to take over late, but Warner’s steady arm and Fresno’s secondary should help cover the spread.