Fresno State Defeated Rice 38-24
Jayden Mandal threw three touchdown passes to lead Fresno State past Rice in a non-conference matchup.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you feel proud of how your local college football team performs this season?
Fresno State defeated Rice 38-24 on September 26, 2026, behind a strong performance from quarterback Jayden Mandal and running back Rayshon Luke. The victory improves Fresno State to a 3-1 record, while Rice falls to 1-3.
Why it matters
The game was defined by dynamic individual offensive contributions, with both teams relying heavily on their rushing attacks to maintain momentum. This win keeps Fresno State on a positive trajectory as they move deeper into their season schedule.
Rayshon Luke recorded 167 rushing yards on 11 carries, highlighted by a 52-yard touchdown run. Rice quarterback Jacurri Brown added 141 rushing yards and one touchdown, while Ben Grice contributed a notable 88-yard touchdown run for the visitors.
The players
Jayden Mandal
He is the starting quarterback for Fresno State who threw three touchdown passes during the game.
Rayshon Luke
He is a Fresno State running back who rushed for 167 yards and one touchdown.
Jacurri Brown
He is the starting quarterback for Rice who accounted for 141 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Ben Grice
He is a running back for Rice who recorded 109 rushing yards and an 88-yard touchdown run.
The details
Jayden Mandal completed 22 of 34 passes for 210 yards, delivering three touchdown passes for the Fresno State offense. Rice struggled to match this output despite Jacurri Brown completing 8 of 17 passes for 119 yards and contributing significantly on the ground.
Timeline
The game took place on September 26, 2026.
Rice is scheduled to host UTSA on October 3, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This win positions Fresno State to climb in the rankings as they head into a road matchup against Washington State. Conversely, Rice must refine its defensive strategy to improve its standing before their upcoming conference play.
Fresno State improved to a 3-1 record, keeping them in contention for higher-tier bowl consideration. Rice dropped to 1-3, placing increased pressure on their coaching staff to stabilize the rushing defense before next week's kickoff.
The takeaway
The game demonstrated the impact of explosive rushing plays on final scores, as both teams relied on breakaway runs to maintain offensive production. Teams looking to improve their records must focus on limiting these big-play opportunities to stay competitive in future matchups.
What happens next
Rice will host UTSA on October 3, 2026, while Fresno State will travel to play Washington State on the same Saturday.
Further reading
For more on the current standing of the team, read the latest updates at Football.
Live Poll
Do you feel proud of how your local college football team performs this season?
