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# New Faces to Know on Washington State's Offense
- URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/camp-preview-new-faces-washington-state-cougars-offense-caden-pinnick/
- Published: 2026-08-07T02:19:42.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T05:35:36.000Z
- Author: Jacob Stevenson
- Tags: News, Analysis, Cougars Football, Caden Pinnick, Jack Pedersen, Darrius Clemons

With about a month until Washington State kicks off the 2026 season, it's time to take a look at some of the new faces on the offensive side of the ball. A new coaching staff usually brings plenty of roster turnover in today's college football landscape, but the Cougars did an impressive job retaining most of their offensive core. Washington State returns its top three running backs, its leading returning receiver, and the majority of its offensive line despite the transfer portal. Still, the coaching staff brought in several talented additions who could make an immediate impact this fall.

## **Caden Pinnick**

**Position:** Quarterback  
**Height:** 6'0"  
**Weight:** 186 lbs

A transfer from UC Davis, Caden Pinnick arrives in Pullman as the most accomplished quarterback on Washington State's roster. The reigning Big Sky Freshman of the Year completed 240 of 345 passes for 3,206 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions during an outstanding 2025 season. Pinnick also showcased his ability as a runner, rushing for 437 yards and three touchdowns while consistently extending plays with his legs.

His biggest moments came during the FCS Playoffs, where he accounted for 679 total yards and eight touchdowns over two games while adding another 125 rushing yards. Pinnick ultimately chose Washington State over Colorado and enters fall camp as the favorite to win the starting quarterback job, though he'll have to beat out returning quarterbacks Julian Dugger and Owen Eshelman.

## **Jack Pedersen**

**Position:** Tight End  
**Height:** 6'5"  
**Weight:** 253 lbs

Jack Pedersen gives Washington State another experienced option at a position that should play a much larger role under the new coaching staff, especially with Trey Leckner expected to miss the first half of the season due to injury.

The redshirt senior transferred from UCLA after appearing in 11 games during the 2025 season, catching 11 passes for 72 yards. At 6-foot-5 and more than 250 pounds, Pedersen is a physical blocker who also has the ability to contribute as a pass catcher. His versatility should make him an important piece of the tight end rotation alongside Leckner once he returns and Baker. Pedersen brings valuable experience and leadership to the offense.

## **Darrius Clemons**

**Position:** Wide Receiver  
**Height:** 6'3"  
**Weight:** 220 lbs

Darrius Clemons has the potential to be one of Washington State's biggest additions through the transfer portal. Once rated as the No. 1 prospect in Oregon and a four-star recruit by 247Sports, Clemons began his college career at Michigan before transferring to Oregon State.

During his junior season with the Beavers, he caught 29 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns before missing last season because of injury. Now healthy, Clemons arrives in Pullman looking to make an immediate impact. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he gives the Cougars the size they've been looking for on the outside. If he can put everything together, Clemons has the talent to become one of Washington State's top offensive playmakers this season.

## **Tank Hawkins**

**Position:** Wide Receiver  
**Height:** 5'10"  
**Weight:** 170 lbs

Tank Hawkins brings a different dimension to Washington State's receiving corps with elite speed. The Florida transfer has reportedly been clocked at 4.25 seconds in the 40-yard dash, making him one of the fastest players on the roster.

Hawkins spent two seasons at Florida, recording 12 receptions for 116 yards. Now in Pullman, he'll have an opportunity to compete for a much larger role in the offense. It remains to be seen whether the change of scenery and increased opportunity will help him reach his potential, but his speed alone makes him one of the most intriguing additions on the roster.

## **Conclusion**

Washington State didn't need to completely rebuild its offense this offseason, but it did add several players who could raise the unit's ceiling. Pinnick has the talent to solidify the quarterback position, Pedersen adds experience at tight end, Clemons gives the Cougars another big-bodied outside target, and Hawkins brings game-breaking speed. Combined with a strong returning core, these newcomers could play a major role in helping Washington State compete for bowl eligibility in its first season back in the conference.