Fresno State Receiver Josiah Freeman Granted 2026 Medical Extension

Fresno State confirmed on Jan. 5, 2026 that senior wide receiver Josiah Freeman was granted a medical extension by the NCAA, clearing him to play through the 2026 season. Freeman finished the 2025 campaign as Fresno State's top pass-catcher with 52 receptions for 642 yards and six touchdowns, and he piled up 143 yards in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl against Miami.

The decision preserves a proven weapon for head coach Jake Spavital's offense as the program navigates a busy offseason. Freeman’s statistical production made him the Bulldogs' primary receiving threat in 2025; his availability next season reduces uncertainty for the passing game and gives the coaching staff a veteran target to build around during spring practices and fall camp.

The extension also arrives amid notable roster turnover. Several Fresno State players entered the NCAA transfer portal in the weeks following the season, while other contributors announced they would stay with the program. Among those who confirmed they will remain is linebacker Harold Duvall, a product of Clovis East High who was weighing his options before electing to return. The mix of departures and returns will shape position battles and depth charts leading into spring drills.

For local fans and the broader Fresno County economy, Freeman's return matters beyond on-field statistics. A recognizable returning star helps sustain ticket demand, supports season-ticket renewals, and preserves the appeal of home games for local businesses that benefit from college football weekends. It also stabilizes recruiting conversations in the Central Valley, where high-school prospects and their families weigh continuity and opportunities for early playing time.

Strategically, keeping Freeman on the roster gives Fresno State more flexibility in the transfer market. Coaching staff can prioritize addressing positions of greater need rather than replacing top receiving production. In the longer term, Freeman’s extra season will factor into evaluation for pro scouts and could alter the team’s offensive scheme depending on how younger receivers develop in his presence.

As the Bulldogs transition through the transfer period and into offseason preparation, Freeman’s medical extension is a clear retention success and a signal that Fresno State’s established playmakers can continue to anchor the program during a fluid roster environment. Coaches will have several months to integrate returning players and newcomers ahead of spring practices and the 2026 campaign.