With the news of Jeff Tedford returning to Fresno State to become head coach (after being in the same role there in 2017-19), the Bulldogs’ star quarterback has decided to stay with the Mountain West program.
Jake Haener has withdrawn from the transfer portal, just days after entering it.
BREAKING: Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener has withdrawn his name from the NCAA Transfer Portal, sources tell @247SportsPortal.
Reporting from @JacksonMoore247, @Chris_Hummer.
Story to come at https://t.co/rhoKCwchnY#FresnoState #GoDogs pic.twitter.com/KGrmKbMNfJ— BarkBoard.com (@BarkBoard) December 9, 2021
As Chris Vannini of The Athletic explains, Haener originally transferred from Washington to Fresno State after the 2018 season to play for Tedford. After Tedford resigned following the 2019 season, he convinced Haener to stay at Fresno State and play for Kalen DeBoer.
Big news for Fresno State here.
Jake Haener transferred to Fresno to play for Tedford. When Tedford stepped down, Haener wanted to transfer again, but Tedford told him to give DeBoer a chance. https://t.co/gsZoiZ7uGi
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) December 9, 2021
And after DeBoer took the Washington head coaching job last week, it was expected that Haener would return to Washington.
Haener put together huge numbers for Fresno State this season, throwing for 32 touchdowns (he also ran for three touchdowns), nine interceptions, and 3,180 yards for the 9-3 Bulldogs.
But his initial decision to transfer led to somebody(s) placing “Haener is a traitor” banners on the Fresno State campus.
https://twitter.com/alexwarneke/status/1468749083825164292
A very not cool move by whoever did this, and now it’s particularly awkward with Traitor choosing to come back.
Haener posted a classy response on Instagram to the “traitor” banners last week:
“Wish you guys nothing but the best. Only if y’all understood. Have a little perspective that’s all. I love this town and love this valley.”
Well, the fans will all go back to loving Haener now. He’ll likely put up video game numbers with the quarterback-whispering Tedford back at Fresno.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at Awful Announcing and The Comeback.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@awfulannouncing.com.