Simeon Harris and Croix Stewart, childhood friends and former high school teammates, are reunited at Fresno State to lead the defense. After separating for college鈥擧arris at Colorado and Stewart at UCLA鈥攖hey found their way back together at Fresno State five years later. Harris expressed that it feels like a "full circle moment," emphasizing their shared history and love for the game. Stewart credits his decision to take football seriously to Harris's encouragement and feels a renewed perspective on the sport after recovering from injuries at UCLA.

By the Numbers
  • Simeon Harris led Fresno State with five interceptions last season.
  • The Bulldogs ranked as one of the top defenses in the Mountain West Conference.
State of Play
  • The Bulldogs are experiencing a strong retention of talent ahead of the 2026 season.
  • The supportive team culture has positively influenced players' decisions to stay with the program.
What's Next

This fall, Harris and Stewart will play together again in front of supportive families and excited fans, highlighting the rekindled friendships and solid team dynamic. The Bulldogs aim to build on their defensive success, leveraging their strong interpersonal connections.

Bottom Line

The reunion of Harris and Stewart signifies the importance of friendship and culture in sports, as they both chose to stay at Fresno State for the familial atmosphere and community support. Their journey highlights how connections both on and off the field can shape a team鈥檚 success.