Fresno State Quarterback Trying To Prove He Is More Than Kurt Warner’s Son

Warner’s debut immediately drew attention back to his family’s decorated history in the sport. His father, Kurt, went from stocking grocery store shelves to becoming a Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer, cementing one of the most remarkable stories in NFL history.

His mother, Brenda, is a former United States Marine Corps corporal who has stood alongside Kurt through every step of his journey. Now, their son has stepped into his own chapter on the gridiron.

Fresno State Hopes EJ Warner Can Carve His Own Path

Before arriving at Fresno State, Warner spent time at Temple and Rice, where he proved he could deliver even in tough circumstances. Playing behind shaky offensive lines and without much help at the skill positions, Warner still showed poise, sharp decision-making, and the toughness to stand tall in the pocket.

Those traits didn’t go unnoticed—and they’re exactly what Fresno State believes can elevate its program back into Mountain West title contention.

The Bulldogs offer Warner something he rarely had at his previous stops: a balanced offense with playmakers around him and a coordinator in Josh Davis who knows how to put quarterbacks in position to thrive.

Davis South Dakota offenses averaged nearly 36 points per game last season, and Warner’s cerebral style fits perfectly into the Bulldogs rhythm-and-timing system.

Against Kansas, Warner wasn’t asked to be a superhero. Instead, he was tasked with being efficient, spreading the ball, and letting the system work. That’s where Warner’s football IQ—passed down but earned through his own experience—can shine brightest.

Fair or not, the comparisons to his father will always follow. But EJ Warner has already proven he’s more than just a famous name. At Temple and Rice, he earned respect for his maturity and toughness.

At Fresno State, he now has the chance to prove he can win—and maybe even bring the Bulldogs back into the national conversation.

For Warner, Saturday’s debut was about more than just a game. It was about carrying a family legacy while carving his own path forward.