Kansas’ Week 0 Opponent Just Settled Its QB Competition

Kansas’ season opener now has a clear opposing quarterback.

Fresno State has named E.J. Warner its starter for Week 0 in Lawrence, emerging from a three-man competition during fall camp. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was first to report the decision.

Warner, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, transferred to Fresno State after two productive seasons at Temple.

In 2023, he threw for 3,076 yards and 23 touchdowns despite battling through an offense that struggled to protect him. Known for his accuracy and football IQ, Warner brings immediate experience and poise to a Bulldogs team looking to contend in the Mountain West.

The quarterback battle in Fresno featured Warner, Mikey Keene, and Logan Fife, but Warner’s command of the offense and decision-making ultimately won the job. Head coach Jeff Tedford praised his quick release and ability to process defenses, traits that will be tested against a Kansas defense returning several key starters.

For the Jayhawks, Warner’s starting nod provides clarity in scouting Fresno State’s passing attack. At Temple, he excelled at spreading the ball to multiple receivers and working the short-to-intermediate game, often taking what defenses gave him. He’s not considered a high-end rushing threat, but his pocket awareness allows him to extend plays and avoid negative yardage.

Fresno State enters 2025 coming off a 6-7 season and have been one of the more consistent Group of Five programs over the last decade. Kansas will face the Bulldogs on August 23 in a rare Week 0 matchup, a game that could set the tone for both teams’ seasons.

With Warner now locked in as the starter, the Jayhawks know exactly who they’ll be game-planning for when they kick off the year at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.